tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50662602058767638342024-03-13T03:25:09.556-04:00NikonRunnerScott Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14617744652952122169noreply@blogger.comBlogger96125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5066260205876763834.post-42043724787129138202014-01-01T16:01:00.000-05:002014-01-01T16:01:03.761-05:00Happy New Year !!<div style="text-align: center;">
So....i haven't posted here in 14 months, i think it is time to start it up again.</div>
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Happy New Year!!</div>
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New posts coming shortly.</div>
Scott Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14617744652952122169noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5066260205876763834.post-41786797715499282012-10-11T21:00:00.002-04:002012-10-11T21:00:22.256-04:00Columbus Day Weekend Photos<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivEmfi_hgYdQ-OxhV8qFs5cw-JLFMvdiatDoHnU8Y1QLsWdM9lufOk_0OunifNw3UvzZxOeVjBP7y-8Ck-84zHsE_EU54pTdcxbqU81HgXJoKAW3xZ0548L5Hgwg_lGEFTjokwE_IwMdRR/s1600/SDM_0262-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivEmfi_hgYdQ-OxhV8qFs5cw-JLFMvdiatDoHnU8Y1QLsWdM9lufOk_0OunifNw3UvzZxOeVjBP7y-8Ck-84zHsE_EU54pTdcxbqU81HgXJoKAW3xZ0548L5Hgwg_lGEFTjokwE_IwMdRR/s640/SDM_0262-Edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I shot a lot of photos this past weekend, all for pleasure, not business. That lets me have more fun with it, be creative, maybe see the more artsy side of it all.</div>
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Saturday was the Providence Cyclo Cross Fest at Roger Williams Park and Sunday was the Grog and Dog Jog at the Wild Colonial Tavern in Providence.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Helen Wyman</td></tr>
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Here are the links if you would like to check it out.</div>
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<a href="http://scottmasonphotography.smugmug.com/CYCLING/Providence-Cyclo-Cross-Fest/">http://scottmasonphotography.smugmug.com/CYCLING/Providence-Cyclo-Cross-Fest/</a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Z2m9ufbxZL_YmBFbu1TE6_T1b9xdfns6nEbluT6A165bCrpBPp1xOdtp10XQQGg6tLPUL7iGRNN7o535hyphenhyphencePfHrj95hXFRLGHz04eg6V1XPpmwJtcYG3ofLsPBlqKNGqeN22nEqoY9n/s1600/grog+2012+-+115.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Z2m9ufbxZL_YmBFbu1TE6_T1b9xdfns6nEbluT6A165bCrpBPp1xOdtp10XQQGg6tLPUL7iGRNN7o535hyphenhyphencePfHrj95hXFRLGHz04eg6V1XPpmwJtcYG3ofLsPBlqKNGqeN22nEqoY9n/s640/grog+2012+-+115.jpg" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scary...huh? Zak Kudlac</td></tr>
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<a href="http://scottmasonphotography.smugmug.com/Running2012/Grog-and-Dog-Jog-2012/">http://scottmasonphotography.smugmug.com/Running2012/Grog-and-Dog-Jog-2012/</a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoO19BtwuZE7LcC5maiCMcF1Pa7wLhajwmB2mbh0OYwIP273rmJoDHRb3LwAaAyFGm4K2rChIjejrqy5_SMTY3lDJjfhxHrloObwOcPF9DeUF_cODtS8u2sV5lyHnf0g4LA0_WogYF3tA8/s1600/grog+2012+-+087.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoO19BtwuZE7LcC5maiCMcF1Pa7wLhajwmB2mbh0OYwIP273rmJoDHRb3LwAaAyFGm4K2rChIjejrqy5_SMTY3lDJjfhxHrloObwOcPF9DeUF_cODtS8u2sV5lyHnf0g4LA0_WogYF3tA8/s640/grog+2012+-+087.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There's a new sheriff in town. Not enough to take first place though.<br />Pat Tarpy</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_M2UryAh5U6_PrlxvNo8aPH-5f3oO4INwNeUbybo-g9WodtwM3mpb8TqqErQrSEO3hM_tDVzOIY2qaN9mHBfDNmMj9CDYcOT6xps8P5RjEIpQTpcZTZnW4VNoPa4pXQpHXikQ0YAIXkft/s1600/grog+2012+-+004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_M2UryAh5U6_PrlxvNo8aPH-5f3oO4INwNeUbybo-g9WodtwM3mpb8TqqErQrSEO3hM_tDVzOIY2qaN9mHBfDNmMj9CDYcOT6xps8P5RjEIpQTpcZTZnW4VNoPa4pXQpHXikQ0YAIXkft/s640/grog+2012+-+004.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First Place Team Again, Tuesday Nite Turtles<br />Dave Principe, Alan Bernier, Zak Kudlak, Bob Jackman</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jay Curry<br /><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfot3I2t26948RrNDhcNsF8cn9mWNLGwTLG74YDCXi7o9GhWu1r8wJgSRGXl-5xhEss_g1UKkVqyJRwSLEE_MM2vv35-tJkn0pUoLlVGYnvRfb_Aq9Z0OzFLJ_zgHMuHzyax9vJHbhz12N/s1600/grog+2012+-+129.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfot3I2t26948RrNDhcNsF8cn9mWNLGwTLG74YDCXi7o9GhWu1r8wJgSRGXl-5xhEss_g1UKkVqyJRwSLEE_MM2vv35-tJkn0pUoLlVGYnvRfb_Aq9Z0OzFLJ_zgHMuHzyax9vJHbhz12N/s640/grog+2012+-+129.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jerks in Skirts<br />Ben, Keith, Brendan and Brien</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ryan Trebon</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIQPIX3aBYlfHq_BHYlq-TA5otl7yAuvvafLK8_Y2oDup1FlH0uIGiYgowOCTZXjPHAibltI_M7iy5U7CU0dVL6wwPRJYDeXCuc2rDAfzISU04RlLK-qLYaShzNeijFpGe3klAjp52pmbi/s1600/grog+2012+-+107.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIQPIX3aBYlfHq_BHYlq-TA5otl7yAuvvafLK8_Y2oDup1FlH0uIGiYgowOCTZXjPHAibltI_M7iy5U7CU0dVL6wwPRJYDeXCuc2rDAfzISU04RlLK-qLYaShzNeijFpGe3klAjp52pmbi/s640/grog+2012+-+107.jpg" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Martin Tighe</td></tr>
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Scott Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14617744652952122169noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5066260205876763834.post-35300326363240216382012-08-13T19:34:00.001-04:002012-08-13T20:50:46.297-04:0024 Hours of Great Glen Mudfest<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnSAA16D2cXcjTbfIb1lYhkGbCd76gI68B7dp7VGUwgJbwfH324MQWKa6KghPERfK6O2vWMixUSSCAmyYg4AmXrcqfOwRC978kP1ih1GBTk-iHR7-5erv4BB1NpelLZIznoGhf-gBtdAbU/s1600/SDM_0875.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnSAA16D2cXcjTbfIb1lYhkGbCd76gI68B7dp7VGUwgJbwfH324MQWKa6KghPERfK6O2vWMixUSSCAmyYg4AmXrcqfOwRC978kP1ih1GBTk-iHR7-5erv4BB1NpelLZIznoGhf-gBtdAbU/s640/SDM_0875.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">It wasn't supposed to be a mudfest.</span></b></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Team aR Black, Me, Steve Wolfe, Kevin Tilton & Brayden Dunn</td></tr>
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Back in January/February, Chris Dunn of Acidotic Racing asked me if i would like to ride the 24 Hours of Great Glen for his team, I said i would since the Turtles had discussed it the year before but never went through with it. I don't ride a real lot, i do some road and some trail riding to compliment my running, but i figured i could log enough miles to be comfortable doing this. In the end, i could have logged more miles, i really don't know if that would have helped, but a dry course would have made it 100% better.<br />
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Friday after work, i headed up to NH in the pouring rain, the original plan was to camp out at Great Glen Trails, do a pre race ride, hang out with the Acidotic team and have a few beers. I ended up with a hotel room in Rochester, NH, figuring that a good nights sleep would be important and i wont get that sleeping in a tent. The next morning, i pulled into Great Glen by 8 am, it was wet, but not raining. The sun had been out until i got about 5 miles from Mt Washington and that was all i would see of it for the day. I walked a bit of the course, some single track near the near the Acidotic campsite. The downhill there was a called the Boneyard, it is steep, not too long and has logs across it to form steps, there was a bypass around it that you could walk your bike down if you wanted to be safer. I checked out the switchbacks leading up to it too, they seemed in decent shape, not to muddy, i would hang my opinion on that later on after riding it in the race.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mud. Everywhere.</td></tr>
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I was racing on the aR Black squad made up of Steve Wolfe, Brayden Dunn, Kevin Tilton and myself, i would ride 3rd. At noontime, they line up all the leadoff riders for a running lap of the pond and then they are off on their bikes. Steve led off for us, he handed off to Brayden and then, about 2pm, to me. I never checked out the whole course, so lap 1 would be an adventure. I had some butterflies waiting for the handoff, i'm not a bike racer, i wasn't sure what i was in for. I started quick, passed one rider and gained on a few more, under Rte 16 and over to the climb of Blueberry Hill, saw Giannina Lindsey taking some photos and hit the first uphill, that's when reality hit me. It was a muddy switchback, i pushed the bike a bit and was on my way until i hit a bridge at the top of the hill that i slid off of and my big ring chewed into it like a buzz saw. Another climb and then the real mud started it was sloppy, deep at spots, i couldn't get going in it and had to push the bike along with a few others through this crap. Finally past it, back under Rte 16 and finally onto the fire roads, time for some speed, i made time here, passed some riders, i love riding fast! The miles went by quickly until about 5, the you hit the Strava king of the hill climb, the first half isn't too bad, the second half was horrible for me. It was muddy, rocky and there were good size puddles, who knows how deep, i didn't want to test them. Next 2 miles was amid of unrideable single track (for me anyway) and fire roads, then onto the last single track section, up the switchbacks and to the Boneyard. My mistake coming down the boneyard was too far forward on the bike and taking the wrong line. I got halfway down and then performed a really nice digger, i knew it was coming and i was over the handlebars and landing pretty softly in the brush next to the trail, no harm done. A girl sitting there with a camera asked me if i was ok, i smiled and said i was fine and did she get the photo, when she said no, i scolded for it, told her to always be prepared. From there, i finished up the lap in 1:10 for the 8.7 miles. I handed off to Kevin Tilton and headed to the bike wash area, they were very busy, hit a hot shower and waited 3 hours to do it all again.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The site of my 2:30am digger.</td></tr>
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Second lap, a little after 6pm. The rain had started. I felt good about this lap now that i knew the course. I slid off another bridge at the top of Blueberry Hill, did a beautiful header into the brush, got stuck in more mud, cranked out some fast dirt road miles and collected so much mud in my pedals and derailleurs that i had trouble clipping in and shifting gears. If i do this race next year, i'll get different pedals, probably Crank Bros. Egg Beaters. The mud was everywhere by now, picking up speed on single track was tough to do. They rerouted around one treacherous section of trail and were doing maintenance at other sections. Second time to the Boneyard, i walked the bike down, i had just got a nice chainring tattoo on my shin and didn't think i needed to give any more blood on that lap. Done with lap 2, i had 6 hours to my next stint which was to be a double so the riders could get some sleep.<br />
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I rested a little, now i know i can actually sleep in the back of my GTI, fold down the back seat, fold the passenger seat forward and i fit pretty good and it was comfortable enough.<br />
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Lap 3. 2 am. Light Rain. Back to back. I am not looking forward to this. Headlights on my helmet and handlebars, more than enough light. Waiting for Brayden at the handoff point under the main tent, chatting with Geoff Cunningham, he was riding great and would take his handoff shortly after me. Started good, walked a lot on the other side of Rte 16. coming down one steep hill to the parking lot before the tunnel, i took a wicked digger, don't know what i hit, handled this one perfectly the last 2 laps. I hit hard, knocked my back rim loose, once fixed, i was off. Geoff came by shortly after that, i tried to stay close on the dirt roads, but he was flying. Now another issue...fog. 50 feet visibility at times. Lights almost made it worse. Full speed on a twisty dirt road in fog can be nerve wracking. More mud, more problems shifting, but only in the small chainring, oh yeah, that's the one i need the most! Run into riders here and there, short conversations and we are separated. Most riders you come up on or get passed by are friendly and will ask if everything is ok. We all know it is a grind, no sense in being an asshole. Walked the Boneyard again, lap finished, one to go. Headed to the bike wash before taking off for lap 4. Felt pretty good, or so i thought.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Boneyard</td></tr>
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1 mile into my double stint, about 3:45am, my quad is cramping, i have been drinking lots of water with NUUN tablets and some Hammer Gels. Up the Blueberry Hill again, both legs cramping, stop to stretch, go again, more cramping. I wanted to drop out so bad here. Keep climbing, pushing bike, can't pedal because of leg cramps. Now the mud, can it get worse? Back downhill toward the tunnel. Hit the dirt roads, can't pedal top speed, inner quad cramping on both legs. Finally gone after a mile or so. Zip through short section of single track, feeling better, still some fog, eerie feeling out there. Bike still not shifting good, lots of mud build up. Back tire wobble, broke a spoke earlier in the day. Long slow walk up the Strava climb, cycling shoes are not made for this. Now i am overdue at the finish, Kevin is probably wondering what the hell happened to me. I look up at one point and see the sky getting brighter, all right!! It is morning. Meet up with a solo rider near the end of my fourth lap, he is leading his age group, probably 12+ laps in. HOLY SHIT! Finally....into the tent, scan my card, where is Kevin? He comes running over and is on his way. Tim Lindsey isn't too far behind me followed by Chris Dunn. We all meet up at the bike wash area.<br />
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I get back to Camp Acidotic and Steve asks if i am done, yes, i'm toast, or to quote Roberto Duran..No Mas, No Mas!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Homebase</td></tr>
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Time for breakfast.<br />
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I want to thank Chris Dunn for asking to be part of this event. We had a great bunch of riders and support crew from Acidotic Racing. My performance was kind of lackluster, but i had a great time anyway. Maybe i'll even try it again, just hope it is dry that time.<br />
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Scott Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14617744652952122169noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5066260205876763834.post-83605334299595394092012-02-12T19:51:00.000-05:002012-02-12T20:44:03.697-05:00Race #4 and #5<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">42 days into the new year and i have 5 races in so far, not too bad, but would be higher if there was snow on the ground.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">My fourth race of the year was the Super 5k in Narragansett, RI, an out an back course along the ocean. It was a last minute decision to run this year, like 3 hours before the race. I ran the course as a warmup with Martin Tighe and Chris Jasparro, felt pretty good. I lined up on the front row to start even though i knew i would not get out fast. I haven't been doing any speed work, so there is no zip in my legs and i find i have to build up to pace instead of just blasting out. Something to work on in the spring.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The mile did go by in 6.08, the fastest i have done that in years. Middle mile was slow, 6.34. At the turnaround, i had teammate and fellow Death Race entrant, Issy Neilson come up on my heels, she was right there for close to a mile before i pulled away by a few seconds in the last mile, a 6.18. In the end, i finished in 19.41, my fastest 5k in 6 years. In 2006 i ran this race in 17.16, that was before all my knee problems. Now the knees feel fine and i will be getting faster, thing is, i have no real interest in running 5k's. Maybe i will do another one this year just to see the improvement, maybe.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The next race, #5, was more to my liking, a 15k trail race in Burlingame State Park, Charlestown, RI. The race was appropriately called the Brrr-lingame 15k trail race and it was chilly out, about 23 degrees and windy at the start. It is a two loop course, mostly single track with a lot of small ups and downs.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">For some reason, i went out fast here, coming into the woods, i was running 5th, that ended real quickly. I was passed by 15 runners in the next mile, i only got one of those places back. That is what i get for the too quick start. I settled in and ran a pretty good first lap, averaging 7.12's, the second lap was slower. I started feeling the pace with about 2 miles to go, i looked behind and did not see anyone, so i backed off a bit and ran 1.08 slower than the first. As i crossed the finish, i was surprised to see three runners battling just 15-20 seconds behind me, i never saw them, one was Bob Sharkey, newly turned 60 and killer mountain runner. It is good anytime i can finish in front of Bob. I ended up 19th in 68.03 @ 7.19 pace, 1st in the 50-59 age group. The race was won by Greg Hammett with my only teammate today, Alan Bernier in second. The Westerly Track Club put 5 in the top 10 to easily win the team honors. Congratulations to them.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">A big shout out to Mike Galoob for putting on this trail series this winter, the South County 4th Season Race Series. It is great to have more trail races on the schedule without driving to another state. I do miss the snowshoe racing, but this series is a good alternative.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Next up? I don't really know, i'll take it week to week. I'll be at Amherst for the DH Jones 10 miler, but behind a camera, not racing. </span></div>Scott Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14617744652952122169noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5066260205876763834.post-36434987317362890322012-02-01T19:53:00.002-05:002012-02-01T19:53:42.939-05:00Canadian Death Race. I'm in!<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>I'm entered!! Crazy as it sounds, i just entered the Canadian Death Race in Grande Cache, Alberta, Canada. The race is in the Canadian Rockies, west of Edmonton. In a nutshell, it is 125 kilometers (77.6713 miles) in less than 24 hours, 3 peaks to run over, 17,000 feet of climb and descent. Sound crazy? Yes it is! </b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Course Profile: <a href="http://www.canadiandeathrace.com/sites/default/files/pictures/elevation-2011_final_140711.pdf">Click here</a>. </b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>It is not so much a race as an adventure.</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>This will be a group run, i will be running with Thor Kirleis, Issy Nielson and Henry Sacco. Thor and Issy have run ultras before, not sure about Henry. Me? I have never run beyond 27 miles and that was done in 1982, i never knew how to run slow enough to run farther, that 27 was in all likelihood done in way under 3 hours. I am banking on the experience of Issy and Thor to get me through this event.</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>I have 6 months to get ready for this, i'll need most of that.</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>How to train for this. Not really sure. 20-25 mile runs, repeats up Wachusett Mountain, a few runs up in North Conway with Kevin Tilton as a guide. Maybe some tough trails races like Soapstone Mountain or Seven Sisters. I'm already in Mt Washington, that will help. It will be interesting to say the least.</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>One thing is for certain, i WILL finish. And have fun doing it.</b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Stay tuned for training updates.</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>I hope they have good beer in Grande Cache!! </b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>Scott Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14617744652952122169noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5066260205876763834.post-24158842156724464542012-01-23T19:21:00.000-05:002012-01-23T21:10:44.233-05:00First Snowshoe Race of the Year<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A few hundred meters from the finish ( photo by Gianina Lindsey)</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Finally, there is enough snow on the ground to race on. Very early Saturday morning, i headed up to North Conway, NH with teammate Chris Jasparro to the Whitaker Woods Snowshoe Scramble. It is a 4 mile race on groomed trails and some single track in the middle of North Conway. This was the first race of the Granite State Snowshoe Series since the first two races had been postponed due to lack of snow. Snow was falling lightly and it was a bit cold, maybe 10-12 degrees, but did not feel that cold. After registering and saying hello to many of my trail/snowshoe friends, Chris and i did a mile or so warmup on the trails. This was the first time on the shoes since last February, but i felt great on them, smooth and strong. </b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>As the race went off, i fell into a pace i thought would be good for me, the lead group separated quickly and i found myself entering the woods leading the second group while watching the guys out front disappear. Chris J was at the tail end of the lead group and seemed to be running very well, Chris, like me, is in much better shape this year and should place well in some of these races. This course is basically uphill for the first half and downhill for the rest. As i came into the start of the hills, i was catching up to Dan Hayden of Acidotic Racing. Dan was running bare armed out there, too cold for me, but as Dan said before the race, as long as he had gloves on, he would be fine. I was gaining good ground on Dan on the uphills and did catch and pass him about the time we hit the high point of the course. On the start of the downhills, it was different story, Dan ran with a bit more reckless abandon than i did, a few times i pulled up on his heels only to have him pull away again. In the last mile, i was maybe 10-15 seconds behind as we came out onto the last part of the course, what looks like a groomed 400 meter track, i closed a little, but was 9 seconds behind at the finish. I had too much left at the end, i need to learn to push harder at the end of snowshoe races, it is not quite the same as the end of a road 5k. I finished with a time of 33.53, last year i ran 38.50. I am running lighter and stronger this year and it showed, this was my best SS race in the 4 years that i have been running these things. Now if we can just get some more snow in NH so i can run more of the series, i will be very happy. Chris J ran a great race to finish 5th, this is his 3rd year doing these races and a huge jump from last year.</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Big shout out to Jess and Kevin Tilton for putting on a great race...Thank You!</b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Post race? What else but a visit to a brewpub. In this case Moat Mountain Smokehouse and Brewpub. Chris and i met up with Don Fredrickson at the bar. Had an imperial stout that was very good and a rye ale that was just so-so. Food here is always good and i love their "yam fries".</b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Next week is the Sidehiller in Center Sandwich, NH. Lack of snow has already altered the course, it should be fast, just hope the snow lasts til the weekend. There should be a better Turtle showing at this race. Post race at Milly's Tavern in Manchester.</b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>I started this week with the Epic Trail Run, Bradford to Salisbury, Ma. This was a Dave Dunham/Dan Verrington production. It was cold!! No it was f*****g cold, 6 degrees at the start and i had 20 miles to run. I should note that i had not run 20 miles since November of 2004, the Philadelphia Marathon. Pace was easy and the miles went by quickly, the company helped too. I only started to fade in the last mile, letting the pack go with 1/2 mile to go. Finished in 2:42, not a bad start to some longer runs that will be upcoming.</b></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the finish, Dan Verrington, Me, Todd Callaghan, Jim Pawlicki, Joe Shairs<br />
Bob Jackman,Joe O'Leary, Dave Principe, Dave Lapierre, Ken Tripp<br />
Thor Kirleis and Dave Dunham</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Of course, we hit a brewpub on the way home, this one was Watch City Brewing in Waltham, MA. Bob Jackman, Dave Principe, Thor Kirlies and myself enjoyed a few brew and a bite to eat. One thing i will say about this place, they never seem to have anything i would call earth shattering on tap. The cask stout was ok, there wasn't an IPA on tap. I should have tried the barley wine, but after running 20, that would have put me in a coma.</b></span>Scott Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14617744652952122169noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5066260205876763834.post-6136371853258503842011-12-24T20:07:00.000-05:002011-12-31T18:06:34.218-05:00Comeback in Progress<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7i-J6MbD1zo/Tv-Q7Nb1A7I/AAAAAAAABU0/U8NZRzmiDQw/s1600/IMG0336.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7i-J6MbD1zo/Tv-Q7Nb1A7I/AAAAAAAABU0/U8NZRzmiDQw/s640/IMG0336.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flagging the course at Loon Mountain this year. l-r, Sam, Paul Kirsch, me, Tim Van Orden<br />Tim Mahoney and Bear. Photo by Paul Bazanchuk.<br /><br />By the way, the sign say "mountain runners - we're not that bright". I beg to differ.</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>2011</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>Miles - 1669</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>Jan. to June 641m</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>July to Dec. 1028m</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>Races - 18</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>Snowshoe - 6</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>Trail - 3</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>Mountain - 3</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>Road - 3</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>It was a slow start to the year, but once July hit, i was starting to find a stride. Steady miles and dropping some weight finally got me to where i was enjoying my runs more. Longer runs were getting easier and seeing that most of those were on trails, i was really starting to feel good. I ran Mt Washington in June, totally bombed there. Ran Mt Ascutney a few weeks later and was faster than at half way at the Rockpile. Things were already turning around. I ran sub 6.30 pace for 5k at the infamous Ross Handicap, things were really falling into place. September was a down month, a lot of photography duties got in the way. October brought a big breakthrough at Vulcans Fury in NH, i ran strong for most of the 11+ mile race on tough trails. Check this race out next year if you want a good trail run. I ended the year with the Mill Cities Relay on my birthday, a very good run, 6.39 pace at 8 mile and then i dropped my wristband and backtracked to get it, losing all my momentum. I think the wristband was cursed, as it had dropped off the wrist of our lovely leadoff runner earlier in the day. Ran the Nooseneck 18k the day after Christmas and was strong until the last hill. I think 2012 will be a good one for me!</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>On to 2012</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>Blog more :)</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>Average over 200 miles a month. 2400+ for the year.</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>Drop weight under 150, that will come with the miles.</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>Take at least 20 minutes off last years time at Mt Washington. Bad race in 2011, lots of room for improvement.</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>Break 18 minutes for 5k. Should not be a problem.</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>Run more trails and avoid the roads as much as possible.</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>Run an epic trail race somewhere in Canada. Hmmm, where could that be?</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>Make more homebrew. And share it of course.</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>Stay Healthy!!!!</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>Take more photos at races, i ONLY shot about 70 thousand last year.</b></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PibwMj6Kwf8/Tv-VDrSPbpI/AAAAAAAABVA/FBvjbK4xraE/s1600/ri+6+full+-+193.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PibwMj6Kwf8/Tv-VDrSPbpI/AAAAAAAABVA/FBvjbK4xraE/s640/ri+6+full+-+193.jpg" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Favorite shot of the year? Could be this one.<br />Ben Nephew at the Rhode Island 6 Hour Race</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>Scott Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14617744652952122169noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5066260205876763834.post-41792485067348810502011-12-05T11:12:00.001-05:002011-12-05T18:57:36.438-05:00Fall Wrapup<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>It has been a long time since my last post here, but since we are at the end of the fall and my running has improved, i should post something. Since my last post in mid-July, i have been pretty steady with the mileage, running 45-50 most weeks or about 200 miles per month. There have been aches and pains, but no injuries to speak of. Half of those miles were done on trails up until the clocks changed in November, now i'm mostly on the roads except for my weekly night trail run with John Peabody. Headlamps, water crossings, single track, roots, rocks, train tracks (look out for the Acela train) and lots of deer, it is fun, but not for the faint of heart. I just picked up a Concept2 Indoor Rowing Machine too, looking forward to some good cross training this winter.</b></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">8 miles in (Steve Wolfe Photo)</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>That brings us to racing. I have run 5 races this fall, 2 on trails and 3 road relays. The most recent was the Mill Cities Relay, run from Nashua, NH to Lawrence, Ma covering 27 miles and 5 legs. I was running this one for my secondary club, The Goon Squad. We were set up as a mixed masters team. Leading off was my excellent friend Sarah Prescott (Goon name:Goatie), Sarah has been a P.R. machine this year. Next up was very fast senior Linda Jennings (Goon name: Sonic Boom), Linda has been running some of the National USATF Grand Prix Circuit and is wicked fast in her age group. Running third was Jack Mulligan, Jack was filling in for late scratch Fernando Braz. I was next up (Goon name: Flash), i was running the long leg which was 9.5 miles. Our anchor runner was John Murphy (Goon name: Pusher). We knew we weren't running for the win in our division, but that doesn't mean we weren't going run fast anyway. When i took the handoff from Jack, i really did not know what to expect. I figured i would be happy if i ran just under 7's, my first mile was 6.24 after which i backed off a bit and tried to fall into a good rhythm. I locked on at 6.35-6.40 and held pretty steady for 5 miles or so then fell off a bit to 6.45's. It might have been better if not for unknowingly dropping my relay wristband and then backtracking a couple hundred yards to pick it up, that destroyed my momentum. After that, i just figured i would jog in, spirit broken, but i dug down and got back into high gear for the last mile. I may have cost us bout two minutes which was only one lost place in division. All in all, our team ran great despite my mess up. Once done, we all headed into the post race party at the Claddagh Pub, had some food, drank some Guinness and hung with friends and fellow runners. It was a great time! I can't wait for next years race! This was also my birthday and i treated my self by running faster than i thought i could right now, i was a good 15-20 seconds a mile better than i thought i could do for a longer distance. It is fun getting fast again, but i do have a ways to go before i will be satisfied. The goal is sub 6's. I'll get there.</b></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Bx5_DnbXjjyQQR3URdwuAIHk17QGIWdfFbtAKcs6KYbEFhZs9oSoXvZcipY1elqqaVLZoSy2qg0iSwcGQfYAQjXA-A4WnqB-wAAkb-ho4AsAvNW7gMEdFannm3huBtbQRv8UtCCBeU51/s1600/grog+face+-+019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Bx5_DnbXjjyQQR3URdwuAIHk17QGIWdfFbtAKcs6KYbEFhZs9oSoXvZcipY1elqqaVLZoSy2qg0iSwcGQfYAQjXA-A4WnqB-wAAkb-ho4AsAvNW7gMEdFannm3huBtbQRv8UtCCBeU51/s400/grog+face+-+019.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grog and Dog Jog</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>Other races i have done this fall include the Rhode Island 6 Hour Relay. Our team the Tuesday Night Turtles finished second overall after a number mishap by the then second place Fuel Belt team. There were timing chips on the numbers and one of their runners forgot his number and had to backtrack to get it. It is a tough way to lose a place. We went from a 3 minute deficit to an 8 minute lead in a lap and finally won by about 12 minutes, but way behind the lead Acidotic Racing team. I also was on the "B" team at the Grog and Dog Jog at the Wild Colonial Tavern in Providence. Run 1 and a quarter miles, eat a hot dog, drink a beer and hand off to your next runner. Dressing up for this race is not a requirement, but most teams do and that is the most of the reason this race is so much fun. Our team dressed up as Larry the Cable Guy, good thing he wears flannel shirts with cut off sleeves, it was 80 degrees plus at race time. Race time is basically thrown out the window hear, first over the line is all that counts. We were top 15, good enough for us.</b></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">TNT second place team at the RI 6 Hour Relay</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>My other two races this fall were both trail runs, but that is where the similarity ended. One race, the Lil'Rhody RunAround is flat, fast 8ish mile race with some roots and plank bridges to cross and a mile of pavement at the end. The other was the Vulcan's Fury Trail Race in Nottingham, NH, 12 miles? with about 1600 ft of climbing. Single track, steep ups and downs, stream crossings, running water down the middle of some double wide trails, climbing up rocks, a lot of twists and turns, basically what makes for a fun race. I had one tough fall here, sliding across a very wide rock while on a decent from the peak, a good amount of rock-rash that i did not even notice until the race was over. It was great fun, looking forward to next year's version. I will get more of my Turtle teammates to this one.</b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>So, now that the fall is over and i am rounding into halfway decent shape, we look towards snowshoe season. This should be good, i have been racing on snow for the last 3 years, but never in very good condition. All we need right now is snow, bring it on! Hopefully i can keep up on my blog updates too.</b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>Scott Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14617744652952122169noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5066260205876763834.post-42233242842400231392011-07-12T15:13:00.001-04:002011-07-12T22:23:25.177-04:00Ascutney<div>Finally, i get to run a race that i also ran last year, this gives me a time to aim at. So up to Windsor, Vermont i went to run the Mt Ascutney Road Race up the mountain. It is a 3.75 mile paved road that rises 2300 ft, finishing just below the summit. Two years ago, this was my first ever mountain race. That year, after running 2 miles on the road, the course veered off onto single track trail to the actual peak. I did not care for that route to the top and thankfully, they changed back to the traditional road course last year.</div><div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLjHuR3npQo7yNX6VM4kb8jhAuzWTcS-gtPqRLtaMXIeQj4WjTemNXt0zDelcS1TLCLkhxE3x9eBXXmippaq2wbhbhWl4Kjbj03CIRe_8vbi3z5ElOU7A9f868xdSI_qbGuZi-FIZUX2cW/s1600/SDM_6489.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLjHuR3npQo7yNX6VM4kb8jhAuzWTcS-gtPqRLtaMXIeQj4WjTemNXt0zDelcS1TLCLkhxE3x9eBXXmippaq2wbhbhWl4Kjbj03CIRe_8vbi3z5ElOU7A9f868xdSI_qbGuZi-FIZUX2cW/s320/SDM_6489.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div>Last year i really suffered going up this mountain, this year i knew would be better, just a matter of how much. For the last 10 weeks, my running has been pretty steady, usually around low 40's to 50 mile per week. I have been running a lot of trails and recently, a decent amount of mountains. Training runs up Wachusett, Cranmore, Black Cap, Loon and Middle Mountain along with the Mt Washington Road Race had me feeling pretty good.</div><div></div><div>Time to run. After a short warmup run, i lined up back in the pack at the start line. At the gun, you start climbing. I started off cautiously, call it slow if you like. The plan was to run to the mile and then take short walking breaks the rest of the way. I locked on to what i thought was a comfortable pace in the first mile, right behind Rich Miller and Goon teammate Hank "Spanky" Wilder. Just before the mile, i took my first walk break, maybe 50 meters and ran again. I caught up to Spanky and we went back and forth a few times until i pulled away. I figured to have him with me or in front for the race, so i was a bit surprised to leave Spanky behind. From then on, i would walk some of the corners where it was steeper and try running the staight sections. It was hard to tell if i was running better than last year, it seemed like i was running more but it still is so tiring. Towards the top, there are some sections that flatten out and i could stretch out the stride a little. I checked the watch a few times in the last mile and figured it would be close, but i would be faster than last year. Coming around the last uphill bend, i was surprised to see that i was way under last year as i ended up 3 minutes and 56 seconds to the better. Needless to say, i was happy with that. Can i knock off another 4 minutes next year? Why not.</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQVHOSlNBFzVuHS_kh5EKQMtiXA8l6POd9POxtA5eeabn1T7fg41H56NETIBlOuzuPQQp68MRy6B4XUCI65bImQ39giZhkU8OlGq2nns3KuteKgijb4zJ_2jmgdWTQH9_0zTSEl9SWfGEk/s1600/IMG_0781.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQVHOSlNBFzVuHS_kh5EKQMtiXA8l6POd9POxtA5eeabn1T7fg41H56NETIBlOuzuPQQp68MRy6B4XUCI65bImQ39giZhkU8OlGq2nns3KuteKgijb4zJ_2jmgdWTQH9_0zTSEl9SWfGEk/s400/IMG_0781.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Goon Squad - Spanky, Flash, Thunder God and Taz</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div></div><div>Happy to be done with it, i was asked almost right away if i was running to the top where the lookout tower was. Of course, i said sure, lets do it. I jogged to the tower with Paul Bazanchuk. The rest of the gang was way up in front, i had no desire to push that fast. The view from the tower was great (see photo at right). After the awards, we ran back down the mountain, it is a nice way to wreck your legs for the next days run.</div><div></div><div>One last stop, we all headed over to the local river to soak in the cold water and enjoy a few adult beverages. It is a nice way to finish off the mountain running series.<br />
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Want to read a race report by the winner and series champion? Go here: <a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_979877410">DoubleJRunning.blogspot.com</a></div><div></div><div>I guess i have to find some trail races to do now, or i could always try a road race (yuk).</div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0XOUVqFM0BHvnYXlpXCjpR11QeWNoYc4u1rzQa0_cN8aPdYB4nepWE4iNZdHsUuwzWKqPP6Hn36bZpuSGyUAgeOjg3yeg0n39AnZeZ6FfDLSjDgvNlJzPi8izU4Ae765EfY7DFu_c8Krv/s1600/SDM_6461.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0XOUVqFM0BHvnYXlpXCjpR11QeWNoYc4u1rzQa0_cN8aPdYB4nepWE4iNZdHsUuwzWKqPP6Hn36bZpuSGyUAgeOjg3yeg0n39AnZeZ6FfDLSjDgvNlJzPi8izU4Ae765EfY7DFu_c8Krv/s640/SDM_6461.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br />
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</div>Scott Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14617744652952122169noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5066260205876763834.post-61993008838052317152011-07-04T20:12:00.000-04:002011-07-04T20:12:14.023-04:00Loon Mountain<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXE8oMGxoHUIc0CDEXsXfOl6KxBC4Jq018moHrH6qKFpOJUFKYkcULQj4n6z4WnU82StirDTY6t8PlxJi4PkOOwPx732FukVAFh_iFHEi54zrhrj8YcqhmR1LPXJCKfntTYLtwe1I8bnzV/s1600/SDM_5624.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXE8oMGxoHUIc0CDEXsXfOl6KxBC4Jq018moHrH6qKFpOJUFKYkcULQj4n6z4WnU82StirDTY6t8PlxJi4PkOOwPx732FukVAFh_iFHEi54zrhrj8YcqhmR1LPXJCKfntTYLtwe1I8bnzV/s640/SDM_5624.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>I spent the weekend up in Lincoln, NH for the 5th round of the USATF-NE Mountain Series race at Loon Mountain. Once checked into the motel, i headed over to Loon to run the course, but upon arriving, i ran into race RD Paul Kirsch, who was about to go out and flag the course. I decided to go along with Paul, as well as Tim VanOrden, Tim Mahoney and Paul Bazanchuk to help out. It sounded like fun and was, and one hell of a workout to boot! We headed up the mountain with 2 dogs in tow (Sam and Bear), marking the course and enjoying nice conversation. It was pretty warm out and that took a toll on the dogs, so Tim M and Paul brought them down in the gondola and left Paul B, Tivo and myself to hike Upper Walking Boss with the flags. I learned two things, Upper Walking Boss really sucks to go up and the mosquitos were about as bad as the ascent of the mountain. My quads were burning at the top and i wasn't even racing. I think i lost a pint of blood too. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1qEZHery-l8pEpN56ORE2w9UD9gm3IHA8vbmoOflIZbDy6YYXo6Uy5XhQLTU03jxI1mW_J41qcU5GOLWt8NepkQpxuVP2GjpcHd8QP_vYfGnCADuYMVGBn1bm4UaYbfAhS3qGnkVr7z5P/s1600/SDM_5627.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1qEZHery-l8pEpN56ORE2w9UD9gm3IHA8vbmoOflIZbDy6YYXo6Uy5XhQLTU03jxI1mW_J41qcU5GOLWt8NepkQpxuVP2GjpcHd8QP_vYfGnCADuYMVGBn1bm4UaYbfAhS3qGnkVr7z5P/s400/SDM_5627.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The easy way up the mountain</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKSOpkACgHHQA-Qd9z8dqhmv2o4dB8diIy2UsozY9LqBXfO1wRCq-q1_pFVke8nPSP8xuADDemuKoD5QaHXL6pnS6s3cmeRp1u_pMGkfxXuqkYofD4TFYLQkUWuWPou5EmlFgEpCIM1G9H/s1600/SDM_6379.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKSOpkACgHHQA-Qd9z8dqhmv2o4dB8diIy2UsozY9LqBXfO1wRCq-q1_pFVke8nPSP8xuADDemuKoD5QaHXL6pnS6s3cmeRp1u_pMGkfxXuqkYofD4TFYLQkUWuWPou5EmlFgEpCIM1G9H/s320/SDM_6379.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tim Mahoney, Rich Miller, Paul Bazanchuk and Tim VanOrden<br />
soaking in the ice cold Pemi</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The next morning, it was overcast and cooler. Just after the start, the rain came in. I took the easy way up the mountain in a gondola with my camera equipment. Once at the top, i had to hike up to the north peak, top of Upper Walking Boss. Last year, i ran into a bear at the top and Eric Blake ran into the same bear a little later on course. No bears this year, although we did se one the day before while flagging to course. I took a bath in Deep Woods Off, no bug problems today. I parked my butt down the slope a bit and shot away. The rain would come and go, then eventually, the clouds moved in and visibility at the top was about 100 feet. By then i had shot about 2000 images, time to go.<br />
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You can see my Loon photos here: <a href="http://scottmasonphoto.com/USATF-NEMountainSeries/Loon-Mountain-Race-2011">scottmasonphoto.com</a><br />
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For a good race write up, go here:<br />
<a href="http://raceacidotic2.blogspot.com/">Dare Mighty Things</a><br />
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After the race, we headed to the river out front, the Pemi, and soaked in the ice cold water while enjoying a beer. A very nice way to wrap up the race.<br />
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Next week is the last race of the series at Mt Ascutney, Windsor, Vermont. I will be running, not shooting. I look forward to hanging at the river afterwards. I know it will be a good time.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKpGZYweai9mixDaGd6jZppF3vwu_chi84zw3v5cmXf6C_iLR4g63wwtkRIIG1c67gp3b_4Tuw_wAKv1wGWYy888OhRpcAerq7AfzUvqUDGVMHtaNrB91u2uOP2zCaEVu3U9EZVOFhJC_0/s1600/SDM_5668.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="395" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKpGZYweai9mixDaGd6jZppF3vwu_chi84zw3v5cmXf6C_iLR4g63wwtkRIIG1c67gp3b_4Tuw_wAKv1wGWYy888OhRpcAerq7AfzUvqUDGVMHtaNrB91u2uOP2zCaEVu3U9EZVOFhJC_0/s640/SDM_5668.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ross Krause at the top of Upper Walking Boss in 2nd place</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Scott Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14617744652952122169noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5066260205876763834.post-41703930252979840572011-06-20T19:05:00.000-04:002011-06-20T19:05:08.350-04:00Tough Run at Mt Washington<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For the last 5 or 6 years, i have been wanting to run the Mt Washington Road Race but every year something came up.......yes....injuries. I have had balky knees for that long. First it was a kneecap tracking problem in the left leg, then the right knee started up, probably from favoring it over the other. I had been to orthopedics, podiatrists, chiropractors and physical therapists, they were all kind of useless to my problem. My savior is Nicole, my massage therapist. It took a while, but she got everything straightened out and now i have been running pain free for over a year. So with that being said, i really wanted to run the Rockpile this year. Of course, our team missed the lottery, but through the kindness of Paul Kirsch of the White Mountain Milers, i got a number along with TNT teammate Martin Tighe. </span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now that i was in, i had to start training for it. Easier said than done. I had about three months to get ready for this, i had been running a bit over the winter, mostly 25-30 mile weeks with some snowshoe racing thrown in too. But when it has been 5 + years of injuries and no real competition you get lazy and out of shape. Getting back after a long layoff, especially after 50 was not going to be easy. I kept getting sidetracked, sometimes it was the weather, sometimes it was lack of motivation. I seemed to be falling behind on my training timetable. Finally, in early May, things started looking up. I had a few 40-50 mile weeks, lots of trail running, but no hills (Rhode Island isn't know as a hilly state). I knew that all i could do is just get in steady distance and hope for the best. I did run the Wachusett Mountain trail race and sucked on the uphills, but flew the downs, at least i know i had leg turnover. This would be no help at Mt Washington though.</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If only i could find Mr Peabody and Sherman and hop in the wayback machine. I would have loved to run this race when i was 30 and a road rocket. I think it would have been good, i had a 1.07 half marathon and 23.58 5 mile pr. I loved running hill repeats. If only.........</span></b><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-weight: bold;">On to race day. I arrived an hour and a half before race time and parked next to Tim Van Orden and Dave Quintal. After some small talk, headed out to find Bill Riley, who we were bringing back down the mountain. Right about then, the rain started and it was coming down pretty good for a while. It stopped with 25 minutes to spare so could get a warmup in with Martin. The legs felt ok, not great. Off to the start line, i lined up about halfway through the pack, too far back i would find out shortly. The cannon went off and so did we. With the first mile having some down and flat running, my mile was a bit faster at 10.45. I was concentrating on getting past slower runners, not my pace. It probably did not matter anyway. Second mile was 13 minutes, that was my last good mile split. It was about here that my lack of preparation was showing, third and fourth miles were around 14 minutes, halfway at about 48 and i was thinking that a 1.36 finish wouldn't be that bad. Then it got ugly. My back tightened up on me, i was walking too much, but i did feel best going up the dirt section and actually got my stride going just before going back to pavement, then around a sharp bend the legs just did not want to cooperate anymore today. I walked a lot of the last two miles, there was nothing in the tank. Almost to the top, i made sure i ran past Joe Viger, who was shooting pictures, then rounded the corner to the "wall" and i really wanted to run up it. I walked most instead, then watched the clock tick over to 1:45 as i crossed. Boy, was i glad that was over. I ran into Amber & Danny Ferriera and Rich Lavers right after that a vowed to never run this again, well maybe i will, maybe i won't. We will see what next year brings and decide in March. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-weight: bold;">One consolation was scoring on the winning seniors team for the White Mountain Milers. I was happy about contributing.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-weight: bold;">Once back to the bottom of the mountain and it was time for fun. I broke open some homebrew, Bob Fitzgerald had a growler of Moat Mountain IPA. Time to hydrate. It is always great to hang with friends after race like this. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-weight: bold;">Funny thing i found about this race. It does not trash your legs like a marathon would. I was talking to Craig Fram afterwards and he was saying that your legs will be fine in an hour. It is like eating chinese food, you will be hungry in an hour. It only makes sense as there is no pounding unless you are one of those crazy guys who run back down the mountain.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-weight: bold;">Next race is Mt Ascutney, more torture but for less time.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-weight: bold;">Next week is Cranmore, i will be behind the lens for that one. See you there.</span><br />
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</span>Scott Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14617744652952122169noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5066260205876763834.post-89272220408368918742011-03-06T18:55:00.000-05:002011-03-06T18:55:47.365-05:00Ultrarunning Cover ShotI like taking cover shots. Ultrarunning has a great one this month. No clutter on the cover, almost like a piece of art, Karen Benway running at the USATF-NE Ultra Championship @ the Rhode Island 6 Hour Race. Karen took first woman AND first overall. Great to see my friend and teammate get the recognition she deserves.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipMFpWfNTBQxDGq2AljlC3Kb5klFSm9RmTgiTcet3w8d75QFNUnUwB3H1AzykX4LiEu8NzptPyKpKmrvucZGldrxFcWY3dvAKZu79Lg4KjNjSfkzewRKVeObb3BndMEQa0qhBvOzQwEbEr/s1600/img009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipMFpWfNTBQxDGq2AljlC3Kb5klFSm9RmTgiTcet3w8d75QFNUnUwB3H1AzykX4LiEu8NzptPyKpKmrvucZGldrxFcWY3dvAKZu79Lg4KjNjSfkzewRKVeObb3BndMEQa0qhBvOzQwEbEr/s640/img009.jpg" width="483" /></a></div>Scott Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14617744652952122169noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5066260205876763834.post-3486364619866630492011-02-13T17:46:00.000-05:002011-02-13T17:46:17.267-05:00Horsehill Snowshoe<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE6hc8uIWdjruP9SchzHKfGCnsWeL5FQtYj2-JfPht2FEijfDuY4bfIemjBfSDJAXLYkXyfVUdwAmvPhS9xDZW__vUdevdVsCzYSPAdOWctneyttcz9WLuxJnwu8AHJ0nhl6hoMfkSraap/s1600/SDM_1723.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE6hc8uIWdjruP9SchzHKfGCnsWeL5FQtYj2-JfPht2FEijfDuY4bfIemjBfSDJAXLYkXyfVUdwAmvPhS9xDZW__vUdevdVsCzYSPAdOWctneyttcz9WLuxJnwu8AHJ0nhl6hoMfkSraap/s400/SDM_1723.jpg" width="265" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Another weekend, another snowshoe race and finally, I felt like i ran pretty good although my time does not show it. The race, Horsehill 7k Snowshoe in Merrimack, NH is the 5th race in the Granite State Snowshoe Series. It is mostly single track with some wider snowmobile trails for easier passing, which i should have taken more advantage of. The snow was packed down from traffic on the trails, so it would be fast and after last week, very welcome by me. This week, i had also picked up a set of secure fit binding for my Dion 121's, lets just call it a bit of piece of mind knowing there is no way in hell that my shoes fall off. I want to say that i have not lost faith in the quick fit binding and will use them again, but right now, i felt better in the secure fit.</b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Race time brought all the usual</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b> suspects, hotshot shoer DoubleJ was there as well as Dunham, Cake, Cox, Kelly and Welts. The Turtles were well represented with Dave & DJ Principe, Matt & Ben Keefe, Tara Cardi, Warren Angell, Tony Wild and yours truly. Bob Jackman sat this one out with a cold, but he did take a few photos at the race. </b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>The race, starting on a narrow, packed snow path, went out fast. After a quarter mile that helps sort out the field, you make a left hand turn onto the single track. This also starts you up the first hill, i had fallen into line behind Ben and DJ, right in front of Tony.</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Just short of the mile, i figured i was out just a little too quick and let a group pass and then felt better just falling into my own pace. I ran steady through halfway, passed a few runners and fell in behind another runner who seemed to keeping good pace. I should have passed him. One thing to never assume in a twisty single track with good climbs in front of you, is that the runner in front will handle the hills the same as you. You would also hope that the runner in front is aware of who is behind and maybe ask if you would like to pass. I sat there on the climbs and i know i lost time, finally passing at the top in time for the nice downhill to the finish. A lesson learned for me, next time i will be more aggressive if i need to pass. I finished strong, finally having a good race.</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br />
</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Jim Johnson won the race in just over 7 minute pace. Turtle wise, Dave Principe took top master honors and 7th overall. Warren, Matt, Ben and DJ were our top 5 scorers for a second place in the team race.</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br />
</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Post race stop today was at the always good Martha's Exchange in Nashua. I started with their IPA which was nicely hopped and tasty. I also had the Belgian Tripel which was ok for an american version of this style, but no where near as good as Ommegang or Allagash Tripels. Food is always good here, i went with the veggie panini w/ sweet potato fries.</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br />
</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Next week is a double, Beaver Brook is in the morning and Kingman Farm at night. Racing at night in the snowshoes will be fun and will probably be more of a training run anyway. I know the morning race will destroy my legs and there is only 6 hours between races. So lets have some fun out there!</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br />
</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br />
</b></span>Scott Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14617744652952122169noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5066260205876763834.post-24621360267461142972011-02-06T20:49:00.000-05:002011-02-06T20:49:36.371-05:00Exeter Hullabaloo- Good Race, Bad Run<div style="text-align: left;"></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3WLUkknf5V1BIfAhmBaYh8_YKcljvL3CWWC23aVTJhGUZsnbKSuOWPMcXDP5S1I-nn57D26cbitiMWBU15w5cQURvuJELfoE5YPK4IJGLXBuWEAapkAXIRPlhqOrm86VHCctD4jd8lEOM/s1600/SDM_1585.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3WLUkknf5V1BIfAhmBaYh8_YKcljvL3CWWC23aVTJhGUZsnbKSuOWPMcXDP5S1I-nn57D26cbitiMWBU15w5cQURvuJELfoE5YPK4IJGLXBuWEAapkAXIRPlhqOrm86VHCctD4jd8lEOM/s400/SDM_1585.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chris Jasparro, Tony Wild, Dave principe, Bob & Jackie Jackman,<br />
Scott Mason, DJ Principe and John Peabody<br />
Thanks to Danny Ferriera for taking the photo.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Race #4 of the Granite State Snowshoe Series is at Exeter, NH. The Turtles had 8 shoers on the line, I was one of them. This past week, I was finally able to get some running in after getting over a pesky chest cold and was feeling decent. I figured that i could make it through this race while feeling pretty good. Well, I did feel good, but.......<br />
<br />
The race was held at the back of a commercial park and headed into the Fort Rock Woods. The course was totally narrow single track, passing was difficult and if you got off the narrow path, you fell into deep snow, i found this out the hard way. At the start, you had to narrow down to single track almost instantly, of course, there was a pile up. After dodging a few downed runners, I settled into a line of shoers. Directly in front was teammate Tony Wild, behind was Lisa Ransom and we were running along at decent pace for the conditions. Then it happened, my foot slid off to the side of the track and i was down, i got up right away but with everyone running so closely, i had to wait to jump back in line, losing 6 places. About 200 meters later, i fell again, giving up a few more spots, one being to teammate John Peabody. One more fall came in the first mile and now it was getting even worse. Seems the velcro straps on my snowshoes had come apart with a combination of falling too much and having the wrong shoes attached to the snowshoes. Once the velcro comes apart and then collects the snow, you can no longer attach the straps. So basically, i was screwed. Loose snowshoes on a track like this just does not work, i made it through, i walked a bit, tried to clean the velcro and i finished. Now this could have been avoided if i had worn the shoes that i always do with the snowshoes, but no, i tried something different and payed for it. I have my snowshoes adjusted for a specific pair of running shoes and did not take in to account that the new pair was narrower with a thin outsole, i needed to switch straps along with shoes and did not do this. Lesson learned!! Too bad, it was a great course.<br />
<br />
On the way home, we stopped be The Tap brewpub in Haverhill, Ma. Nice looking place, it reminds you of a library. There are books on the wall, a few murals, dark wood and brick. Very nice. I started off with a barleywine served in a 10 oz glass a bit too cold. No real flavor or hoppiness came out as should on a good barleywine. Even on warming up, the beer did not improve much. Next up, cask schwarzbier, dark, supposably hoppy beer. It was ok, not great. Ended with the english strong ale called Snobound. It was the best of the three. Food here was nothing special. I had a turkey burger since they were out of veggie burgers. Onion rings were good. Can't say i would go out of my way to come back, i need beers with more character.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoa61ebYd2jvSJU6zMdoGKXNP6gHzmWxrUDEKan2t94rn4a_wSafr2HsrGhgqvmvW87KuPwZhI9p_RjaLQ-9GuWBz2Nv6Q1UyiejMSFVCJhME7Xzua9GUpH1k4XDnx25FbQuddOfc4sEzL/s1600/norwich+rose+arts-9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoa61ebYd2jvSJU6zMdoGKXNP6gHzmWxrUDEKan2t94rn4a_wSafr2HsrGhgqvmvW87KuPwZhI9p_RjaLQ-9GuWBz2Nv6Q1UyiejMSFVCJhME7Xzua9GUpH1k4XDnx25FbQuddOfc4sEzL/s400/norwich+rose+arts-9.JPG" width="272" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tim Smith @ Norwich Rose Arts 10.6 mile 1981</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Sunday morning i was sitting around watching a live video feed of a cyclocross race from Belgium when i decided to run the Super 5k down in Narragansett. Seems they name it after some over hyped football game played later in the day. I needed a reason to get out on the roads and get some miles in and this would to do the trick. My knees were sore from the snowshoe race and the legs were a bit dead, but what the hell, lets see what happens anyway. I went through the first mile in 6.56 and averaged 6.57 for the race, slow and steady by the sea. With a warmup and warm down, i got in 7 miles, i'll take it right now. Nice post race with buffet and cash bar. I get to see runners that i do not see that often here. All in all, a fun time. I have to note that i got to see Connecticut legend Tim Smith at the race, Tim won the 60 year age group, we hadn't met up in quite a few years. He is a guy that could tell you some stories of the good old days. 6.30 pace at 62 years old isn't too bad, I am glad to consider him a friend of mine.<br />
<br />
Next week is another double, back to back snowshoe races. Saturday is Horsehill in Merrimack and Sunday is Bear Paw in Northwood. Hope i survive it all.Scott Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14617744652952122169noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5066260205876763834.post-89830326027649740552011-01-29T21:42:00.000-05:002011-01-29T21:42:22.337-05:00Sidehiller Stuff<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDCDHVVZxsk5afhjpKH1Tcto7QWkybmd39zz5dfxZ4tlPrgtG0VvQMFsoPG4gCw07MpDMGB-M3cFYk_X_kEHhXPqOfpnG8V-HY2yrnFF8mklrFRyf6Xoyup4ejuQRWQCUfoGgVKCp4fzGY/s1600/1171361823_Ginbv-O.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDCDHVVZxsk5afhjpKH1Tcto7QWkybmd39zz5dfxZ4tlPrgtG0VvQMFsoPG4gCw07MpDMGB-M3cFYk_X_kEHhXPqOfpnG8V-HY2yrnFF8mklrFRyf6Xoyup4ejuQRWQCUfoGgVKCp4fzGY/s400/1171361823_Ginbv-O.jpg" width="283" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Krissy K</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The Turtles made the long ride up to the Sidehiller snowshoe race in Center Sandwich, NH today. Here are a few highlights:<br />
<br />
> Left the house at 6:35am with Jackie and Bob Jackman, made great time heading up to Center Sandwich. Pulled over for speeding in Holderness, 50 in a 30. Cop let me off with a warning, it pays to be polite. Still only took 2:45 to get there.<br />
<br />
>Sign in for race, then hang out talking with fellow competitors for a while. Best part of the race is hanging out before and after the race. Nice chat with Bob Dion, Laurel Shortell, Steve Wolfe, Chris Dunn, Jim Pawlicki and Krissy Kosloski.<br />
<br />
>50 minutes to go, time for a warm-up with the Turtles, a mile out and back, cut it short and ran back with Ryan Triffit. Can't say i felt good because i didn't. Almost race time.<br />
<br />
>Race time. Lined up in mid pack, passed a lot of people in the first half mile or so. I guess i should have started closer to the front.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0AcN2uxBgGwbIwrMQsTZXj8X5tqR8rfPGCceczTOv84inTR-8FoIAoiquj5iXai_8B-HZCNSjfIAZVlhmXUM-7yK5jjF_8U5p_zT2AUXJpqXWSgFuFunVVglT_BQpC-G7r5xblkjRSseK/s1600/1171375071_LCMHo-O.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0AcN2uxBgGwbIwrMQsTZXj8X5tqR8rfPGCceczTOv84inTR-8FoIAoiquj5iXai_8B-HZCNSjfIAZVlhmXUM-7yK5jjF_8U5p_zT2AUXJpqXWSgFuFunVVglT_BQpC-G7r5xblkjRSseK/s400/1171375071_LCMHo-O.jpg" width="267" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chris Tessier and Me. (krissy k photo)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>>Went back and forth with Don Fredrickson for the first half of the race. He would stop on a hill to let me by and then i would stop to let him by and we would repeat this a few times before i pulled away, but not by much.<br />
<br />
>John Peabody came by like a freight train just after the half, bellowing "passing on the left" as he flew past. JP beat me and was 5th scorer for the Turtles today, great run!<br />
<br />
>Legs had nothing left in the last mile or so. Probably the result of being sick for a week or so. Time to get back into a training mode.<br />
<br />
>Race over, finally! Wiped out and my knees ache.<br />
<br />
>Watch my old friend Chris Tessier finish up the race and hang out with him for a while. Chris and i go back to 1982 when we worked for the Athletic Attic in Warwick, RI.<br />
<br />
>Finally meet Jeff Dengate.<br />
<br />
>Get interviewed for NH Chronicle with a few of the Turtles, hopefully we make the final cut.<br />
<br />
>Hit the road for the trip to Milly's Tavern in Manchester.<br />
<br />
>Manch-Vegas IPA on Cask. Very Good! Scotch Ale was good too.<br />
<br />
>Uneventful ride home to RI.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRiyHwuzaC5AkBa-iAhq37y5wkhx8ZzHxLmfMmtV9QiqVF7_XCnBd6A9TaCzhlCeEUe_rxh5sNyDnxzfOcc5MsYTF-hpZFnD4E8JKPh2E6qvDC1OJr_IhcbJ0Lf7RIGASxPmAgEAOTw4mQ/s1600/SDM_1561.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRiyHwuzaC5AkBa-iAhq37y5wkhx8ZzHxLmfMmtV9QiqVF7_XCnBd6A9TaCzhlCeEUe_rxh5sNyDnxzfOcc5MsYTF-hpZFnD4E8JKPh2E6qvDC1OJr_IhcbJ0Lf7RIGASxPmAgEAOTw4mQ/s320/SDM_1561.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mmmmm...Chicken Sandwich w/Jalapenos and a Scotch Ale</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
>Sitting here typing this while sipping a Dogfish 60 Minute IPA and watching classic Spencer Tracy movie, Bad Day at Black Rock.<br />
<br />
>Congrats to Paul Kirsch and crew for putting on a great race at Sidehiller.<br />
<br />
>Next week, Exeter Hullaballoo. See you there.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjelUMGMBiVBSr-PLk6pX7CIdCTX89uRMaBMu9Wh8MQjWfL-czMN4Rof-1DKTquD1QlI_5Yw7xKlYq48RtJb1VGUbdVbnpVvdSbXyuocQEQfwjnPEbQRo0vXmH0oNtcw6mQQ20qwf4QvMnl/s1600/SDM_1566.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjelUMGMBiVBSr-PLk6pX7CIdCTX89uRMaBMu9Wh8MQjWfL-czMN4Rof-1DKTquD1QlI_5Yw7xKlYq48RtJb1VGUbdVbnpVvdSbXyuocQEQfwjnPEbQRo0vXmH0oNtcw6mQQ20qwf4QvMnl/s400/SDM_1566.JPG" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Growler Time.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Scott Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14617744652952122169noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5066260205876763834.post-80433481234364349152011-01-23T18:20:00.001-05:002011-01-23T18:32:50.965-05:00Whitaker Woods Snowshoe ScrambleDrive 3 and a half hours, run 4 mile race and drive 3 and a half hours back. Why, because i want to. I guess it also helps when you are joining a bunch of your teammates and other friends from the north to run a snowshoe race.<br />
<br />
<br />
Saturday was the second race of the Granite State Snowshoe Series and my first one. I had been sick for most of the week and had not run in 8 days, so i was coming into the race with only one goal....finish comfortably. The race was at Whitaker Woods, right in the middle of North Conway. It is a nice park, with groomed XC trails and some great views of Mt Washington. The race uses both groomed and single track trails on some nice rolling terrain. We had 11 Turtles up here for the race, funny how we can't organize that many to run a race in RI as a team, but we drive 3+ hours here.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjznsTeWHC8n7dfnL5JVAXLKRB9oZfCJX7l9uM-ApOhZ0LCeoo7o2Tzvd-Z4Vr79riLAL-JeP21G0GG8KAU8joIvgRk6nYMb1_uPsZ_czMngtSX_7VReBM8zIObfueDQYYGHfJYsfROos3r/s1600/46.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjznsTeWHC8n7dfnL5JVAXLKRB9oZfCJX7l9uM-ApOhZ0LCeoo7o2Tzvd-Z4Vr79riLAL-JeP21G0GG8KAU8joIvgRk6nYMb1_uPsZ_czMngtSX_7VReBM8zIObfueDQYYGHfJYsfROos3r/s400/46.jpg" width="267" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Gianina Lindsey</td></tr>
</tbody></table>At the race start, i lined up way over to the side to stay out of the way of most of the runners. Race Director, Kevin Tilton said a few words and then we were off. We headed off across the groomed trails, there was already separation as the front half of the field was pulling away. I hear it was a very fast start. I stuck with my plan of running comfortably, moving up and down the first hill easily. Footing was great, but i did feel that my snowshoes weren't adjusted to my liking, i had loaned them out last week and the straps were definitely off. On the second uphill, Jackie Jackman went cruising on by, i just kept my pace. All the climbing in the race was done in the first 2 miles, about 400 feet worth. Just after the mile, we came out onto one trail where you had a great view of Mt Washington totally covered in snow. Five months from now, i hope to be running up that hill. Once past the 2 mile mark, things started feeling better, downhills will do that. I seemed to pick up the pace a little, coming into 3 miles, i caught up to and passed Don Fredrickson. Don and i go way back to the 80's and racing in RI. He had mentioned later that this was his chance to finally beat me. Sorry Don, maybe next time. It will be the battle of running has beens. I finished up right behind Tim Lindsey, Tim was in my sights for a while, but i just could not and really did not feel like trying to catch him. Over the finish line and then the effects of the race and my week long cold hit, i had a 3+ minute coughing fit, then i was fine. I ran better than i thought i would.<br />
<br />
Up front, the Turtles had a good day. Bob Jackman was 9th, Dave Principe, Martin Tighe and Matt Keefe all made the top 20. Jim Johnson/CMS won the race in 26.53.<br />
<br />
Next week is Sidehiller in Center Sandwich, NH. I have run this race the past 2 years. Lack of snow last year caused them to change the course, with a lot more snow this year, we should be back on the original course. That is a good thing!<br />
<br />
After a short awards ceremony, most of the Turtles headed over to the <a href="http://moatmountain.com/">Moat Mountain Smokehouse </a> and Brewing Co. Joining us there were Don Fredrickson and Jess & Kevin Tilton for some food and excellent beer. My beer of choice was the Double Bock, the menu said you could only have 2 of these, usually they say this when it is a real strong beer, i did not find it strong but it was very tasty. In the number of times i have been to the Moat, i have yet to see an IPA on tap. I'll have to contact them a month before i show up there again and beg them to brew a big, hopped up IPA, maybe for the Mt Washington Road Race. We had a great time there, Don and myself got to talk about the old running scene here in RI, i could have stayed for hours, but we had to get back so John Peabody could get out on his lobster boat for 8pm.<br />
<br />
One nice thing about going up to Sidehiller is that we get to hit <a href="http://millystavern.com/">Milly's Tavern</a> in Manchester afterwards.<br />
<br />
See ya next week.<br />
<br />
Race Reports:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://doublejrunning.blogspot.com/">DoubleJ Running</a><br />
<a href="http://raceacidotic2.blogspot.com/">Acidotic Racing</a>Scott Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14617744652952122169noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5066260205876763834.post-52555288744190187242011-01-16T20:40:00.001-05:002011-01-16T20:44:30.183-05:00Feel Good Farm Snowshoe Race<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKAc0tFyF32GoX8MHaKIRk8pZb6MSXxWc_-AjsmE1t6NIYaKI7CoYE0bRCq6DVKvkghu3VUj8I-bRmSxr6F61afAXobSfS0oJRewZzooOYZELR8sd0oC9osSxW9WoeNLi6iIShByFbzKNu/s1600/SDM_5644.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKAc0tFyF32GoX8MHaKIRk8pZb6MSXxWc_-AjsmE1t6NIYaKI7CoYE0bRCq6DVKvkghu3VUj8I-bRmSxr6F61afAXobSfS0oJRewZzooOYZELR8sd0oC9osSxW9WoeNLi6iIShByFbzKNu/s400/SDM_5644.jpg" width="265" /></a>Finally, enough snow on the ground to start the Granite State Snowshoe Series. After postponing the first two races to February, I was really looking forward to running at Feel Good Farm in Lyndeborough. Of course, i was not planning on catching a nasty cold the day before the race so this race was a no go for me. I could have probably been able to run most of the races, but seeing as this is the tuffest course on the circuit, there just was no way. It wasn't really a problem though, i seem to be a better photographer than a runner these days.<br />
<br />
For the Tuesday Night Turtles, this was a big day. We had a bunch of newbies coming up for their first taste of snowshoe racing. This was supposed to happen at Beaver Brook a few weeks ago, but with the postponements, this was the one. A few of us "veteran" snowshoers in the Turtles have been talking up the GSSS series since last winter and we have quite a bit of interest this year, not bad for a bunch of flatlanders here in RI. Today, our rookie list was long, Jake Scheiffelin, Jackie Jackman, Martin Tighe, Warren Angell, Tara Cardi, Tony Wild and George Ross. We also had Bob Jackman, Dave and DJ Principe, Chris Jasparro with his wife, Vicki and myself on the DL list for the day. It should also be noted that Ben and Matt Keefe ran, but got to the race a half hour late and only did one lap.<br />
<br />
I shot the start of the race and then hiked up Moose Mountain to get some good downhill running shots. First time by, Josh Ferenc and Kevin Tilton had a sizable lead on Ben Nephew, they were all moving pretty quickly out there. Bob Jackman was first Turtle by, followed by Dave Principe and surprisingly, his son DJ on his tail. DJ is 12 years old and he was hanging with the big boys on the first loop. As the rest of the Turtles made their way by, they looked pretty comfortable, well, all but one. George Ross was complaining his calf was cramping up, so he ended up bailing at the end of the first lap. George was listed in the Coolrunning results as finishing the 2.7 mile Wimp Run, as race director Mike Amorello calls it. At the brewpub later, George summed it up by saying it " Was the fucking hardest thing i ever did"<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEC5B18hO9elVU4Zs3Hu6BwOMlK90Ux_Ih42RI7we5hmrCK7v36d6YedcJ3Rnffs-Zo00lSiWgl68ee2HnqBgOhpSqDhkiAf2N8mZYpqGzkSKw3FX35xCUdHhL_McKvNYlvlOoniy3T_I3/s1600/SDM_6201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEC5B18hO9elVU4Zs3Hu6BwOMlK90Ux_Ih42RI7we5hmrCK7v36d6YedcJ3Rnffs-Zo00lSiWgl68ee2HnqBgOhpSqDhkiAf2N8mZYpqGzkSKw3FX35xCUdHhL_McKvNYlvlOoniy3T_I3/s400/SDM_6201.jpg" width="265" /></a>On the second time around, most of the TNT gang held their spot. DJ dropped of a bit. Martin and Warren were running a few seconds apart as were Jake and Jackie. Tara was enjoying her run, i think. She did yell to me to put that camera away, that ain't gonna happen. :) As a team, i would say we had a good day with ten Turtles finishing the two loops. It was a great start to the season. The next two races are a much longer drive for us, so i don't expect to see too many Turtles racing until February when the series gets back to southern NH. We will have some runners at Whittaker Woods and Sidehiller though.<br />
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Post race, we did the usual thing and went the local brewpub. This time it was a favorite, Martha's Exchange in Nashua. With a cold, my taste buds were a bit off, but the cask IPA was very tasty and would have been even better if they had filled the glasses up to a proper level. A good time was had by all.<br />
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See the photographs i took at the race here: <a href="http://www.scottmasonphoto.com/SnowshoeRacing2011/Feel-Good-Farm-Snowshoe-2011">scottmasonphoto.com </a><br />
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Read Chris Dunn's race report <a href="http://www.raceacidotic2.blogspot.com/">HERE</a> .Scott Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14617744652952122169noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5066260205876763834.post-17510330704874946762011-01-02T18:15:00.000-05:002011-01-02T18:15:10.349-05:00Beaver Brook Non-Snowshoe RaceHi everyone, Happy New Year!! I know, i haven't updated my blog in 3 months, but with the new year and all, it is time to get it going again.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio0n4WY-edTCLcxSCheyWerTEOGJAAqIZPX9uB_L8NF7wlyFUik3zdtk7DYo_g-G_ANShHEzqdAq2oLmip9HyuhdEnoyXXRmdenCnLQLrKoZyAUckCADTWpbhP9yoLVXH3ORopGdd1nt30/s1600/IMG_0644.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio0n4WY-edTCLcxSCheyWerTEOGJAAqIZPX9uB_L8NF7wlyFUik3zdtk7DYo_g-G_ANShHEzqdAq2oLmip9HyuhdEnoyXXRmdenCnLQLrKoZyAUckCADTWpbhP9yoLVXH3ORopGdd1nt30/s400/IMG_0644.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Today was to be the start of the Granite State Snowshoe Series at Beaver Brook in Hollis NH. With last weekends storm dumping 12-16 inches of snow over the area we shoers were excited for a start to the race season. I had managed to get in 3 SS runs during the week, including our first Tuesday Night Turtle Snowshoe Team group run on a frigid Monday night and a shorter run with Martin Tighe on Thursday. Getting in some snowshoe runs was great, but looking at the extended forecast was really depressing knowing that the snow might be gone before Sunday. Sure enough, word came out on Saturday that the race was postponed until February 19th as a day/night double header with the Kingman Farm night race.<br />
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Even with the postponement, RD Mike Amarello was still going to hold a trail run and include entry to the rescheduled SS run. With nothing better to do, some of us Turtles decided to go anyway.We pulled into the lot about an hour and a half before race time, we being Jackie and Bob Jackman, Dave Principe and me, greeted by Mike A, who was a bit surprised to see us there. I think the only others there were a couple from Huntsville, Al. that were up on vacation and wanted to do a snowshoe race. We ran a few mile warmup on the local trails and then were joined by other Turtle snowshoers, Vicki and Chris Jasparro and Warren Angell.<br />
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At race time, there were 17 of us taking the line, 7 Turtles, 2 from Alabama, Richie Blake and 7 others. As Mike said GO! We took off down the muddy then snow, slush covered dirt road. The race is about 2.5-2.6 miles, downhill, then flat, then uphill. Footing sucked, i was a bit better off than most wearing INOV8 X-Talon 212's that are almost like wearing spikes, still, it was tough going on the uphill to the finish. I felt ok out there, but backed off on the final stretch of the hill as i had no one close to me and really just wanted mileage today. Finishing first was Bob Jackman, followed by Dave Principe, Warren Angell, Chris Jasparro and me. For the women, it was Vicki Jasparro taking first followed by Jackie Jackman. So Turtle men took top 5 and women the top 2. Not that it really means anything seeing the field was very sparse, still it was a good hard workout. We warmed down with a few more trail miles around Beaver Brook followed by some kale soup that Mike had made for the race. He had enough for an army, needless to say, he took a lot home.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Ve4GYBGpG9hV42QIUHeYqYtqGQzuUnJwRFBzxsZxN4UijsS6fXT7xBgpawRbK-2nUK-KQ8RmIYKEEgJmywkzTRhp8-BCAOMzvK_X0RTS-nFxB0F6Pg_iTao2oV0ZBI4RGe5mzRneiNpu/s1600/IMG_0648.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Ve4GYBGpG9hV42QIUHeYqYtqGQzuUnJwRFBzxsZxN4UijsS6fXT7xBgpawRbK-2nUK-KQ8RmIYKEEgJmywkzTRhp8-BCAOMzvK_X0RTS-nFxB0F6Pg_iTao2oV0ZBI4RGe5mzRneiNpu/s320/IMG_0648.JPG" width="320" /></a>Time for the ride home, but first a stop at Watch City Brewing for lunch and a beer. In the last 2 years of snowshoe racing, it has become a Turtle tradition that we hit a brewpub after the race. There were many to choose from, but with Watch City being right off the highway in Waltham Ma., it was perfect. I started with a Hops Explosion IPA as did Dave and Chris. Funny, i did not taste any hops exploding. They say it has a "powerful conflagration of hop flavor", could be if you were a Bud drinker, I did not notice it. I'll call it a good pale ale. I ordered the pesto provolone chicken sandwich, it was tasty and we had a bucket of sweet potato fries. Yes, they bring them out in a bucket. As sweet potato fries go, these were quite good, crisp and meaty. Second beer was Titan Ale, a brown ale that was good for the style. We also sampled an IPA that had spearmint added to it, very subtle taste, but i don't think i would want a pint of it. All in all, this a good brewpub, i return when i get the chance.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqhUNROKrlovhzXn_8fosVG5bvrQaNu5zjaR7h0yZ-2-oa-1lg_v91rO5rSUdYTHMU9RM_SWWjGCP0hVf-07iIw2YQurnIjUH_6DjzQgl_qF8VI4MGcy9Q5OXefcDNZAvNH8ei5plt0xuK/s1600/IMG_0647.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqhUNROKrlovhzXn_8fosVG5bvrQaNu5zjaR7h0yZ-2-oa-1lg_v91rO5rSUdYTHMU9RM_SWWjGCP0hVf-07iIw2YQurnIjUH_6DjzQgl_qF8VI4MGcy9Q5OXefcDNZAvNH8ei5plt0xuK/s320/IMG_0647.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
Next weeks snowshoe race is the Bear Paw Classic in Northwood, NH. I hope there is snow on the ground, but the extended forecast isn't great at this point. They are calling for snow on Friday and Saturday, how much? Who knows?Scott Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14617744652952122169noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5066260205876763834.post-18402843953597071702010-10-14T20:55:00.001-04:002010-10-14T20:56:54.555-04:00Grog and Dog Jog<div style="text-align: center;">If it is Columbus Day weekend, it is also time for another Grog and Dog Jog.<br />
The Grog and Dog, Put on by the Wild Colonial Tavern in Providence is a relay with a twist. You run one and a quarter miles, eat a hot dog, drink a beer and hand off to your next runner, this happens four times. This getting to be a very popular event with 70 teams entered, up from 50 a year ago. Many teams dress in some sort of costume, though not mandatory, it does make for a lot of fun. For the average person out for a Sunday afternoon drive in Providence, they probably don't, believe their eyes at what is running down the side of the road. </div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijQWEFCFxeMzy4hEQirwgyj_KdrYwpO_saKA966n1N23e0O24TkqGYg_mm0q1vnq_orzArfLpuaxPWCdwvp2XJnyrLlCJC9JC06glhI9acVlygBeyrIutw7uUmVbGr1n2cqZYgeirIgYbp/s1600/SDM_0266.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijQWEFCFxeMzy4hEQirwgyj_KdrYwpO_saKA966n1N23e0O24TkqGYg_mm0q1vnq_orzArfLpuaxPWCdwvp2XJnyrLlCJC9JC06glhI9acVlygBeyrIutw7uUmVbGr1n2cqZYgeirIgYbp/s640/SDM_0266.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me, Peiter, Mark and Pali...the Droogs<br />
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</div>We had two teams entered in this years event. The "A" team, who are the two time<br />
defending champs consisted of Bob Jackman, Dave Principe, Zak Kudlak and Alan Bernier. They were in costume, but we really don't know what they were supposed to be. Our team, the "B" team was Mark Howard, Peiter Snoeren, Pali Frazier and myself. We were dressed as the Droogs of Clockwork Orange fame. We were there to have fun, unlike the "A" squad that had the target on their backs..<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dave P. (with the orange hair) keeping an eye on the competition</td></tr>
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<blockquote style="text-align: center;">As we lined up at the start, the final instructions were given out by race director, Brien Lang, who was running with his team of Merry Maids. The race started at the sound of a tuba. The race went out fast as a pack of 8 or so gapped the field almost quickly. I dropped in with the second pack as we made our way across the Point Street bridge and then up the other side of the Providence River. It is great for spectators and competitors alike because you watch your runner across the river and cheer them on. I was concentrating on staying with one of the maids. I haven't the slightest idea of what pace i was running, but does it really matter in something like this? Coming on to the final stretch on South Water Street, i had planned top back off a bit to make it easier to eat and drink while not gasping for air. So much for that plan. I came blasting into the table where you grab a beer, Narragansett Lager to be exact and your choice of tofu dog or saugy. I went for the tofu dog because i am not a red meat eater. First, i dipped the dog into the beer to make the bun go down quicker, one big bite, swallow, down the beer and shove the rest of the dog in my mouth. Sounds easy, doesn't it. It isn't. It is not easy to chug a beer after running a hard mile and a half. I handed off to Peiter Snoeren, giving him the mug and our Droog cane to carry on his leg. </blockquote><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alan Bernier finishing up for the win with some very fast onlookers</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Up front the TNT A team was locked in a battle with the Providence Cobra team. At the end of the second leg, they were neck and neck, but Bob J was much quicker eating than the Cobra runner and handed off a 30 second lead to Zak Kudlak. Essentially, the race was over with their quickest runner, Alan Bernier anchoring the race and there was no way in hell they would lose unless Alan fell in the river. As for us Droogs, Peiter, Pali and Mark ran well. Mark did suffer a bit after the race, maybe a little indegestion. We finished somewhere in the top third, and enjoyed every minute of it.<br />
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</div>This is a great event for a good cause, the Rhode Island Community Food Bank, and on top of that, what else are you going to do on a beautiful Sunday afternoon.<br />
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</div>Scott Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14617744652952122169noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5066260205876763834.post-49721801182392076852010-09-21T09:47:00.111-04:002010-09-21T14:12:10.661-04:00CVS Downtown 5K<span style="font-family: Georgia;">This past Sunday i headed over to Providence to watch some of the USA's top runners compete at the CVS Caremark Downtown 5k. The race is the 5k National Championship.It was a beautiful day to spectate. See my photos of the race here: <a href="http://scottmasonphoto.com/RUNNING-2010-1/13834661_pLeei#1013829944_UVr6X">scottmasonphoto.com. </a> </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Molly Huddle</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">In the past 20 years that this race has been held, i have only managed to run it once in 1998 when i was first a master. The race was not a national championship then, but it did have plenty of prize money that brought in a very competitive field. The course was flat as a pancake then, not like now with the hill to launch you at the start and climb to finish. I don'y remember too many details from the race itself, it was too short and fast. I do remember have the top three Kenyan women led by Catherine Ndereba come buy me with a quarter to go and not being able to do a thing about it. I think i was more concerned with trying to beat the guys around me that i thought might be masters. Turns out there were 4 of us within 11 seconds, i ran 15.25, good for 5th in age group, 7th master ran 15.32, like i said, it was a good field.</span><br />
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<h2><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=5066260205876763834&postID=4972180118239207685" name="top">Harvard Pilgrim 5K</a></h2><h3><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=5066260205876763834&postID=4972180118239207685" name="top">Providence, RI</a></h3><h3><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=5066260205876763834&postID=4972180118239207685" name="top">September 20, 1998</a></h3><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=5066260205876763834&postID=4972180118239207685" name="top"><b>Results by <i>AB-MAC Finish Systems</i> (800-745-5152)</b> </a><br />
<hr noshade="noshade" /><a href="http://www.coolrunning.com/results/98/ri/har0920b.htm">#'s 1001- 2000</a> - - <a href="http://www.coolrunning.com/results/98/ri/har0920c.htm">#'s 2001 - 2245</a> - - <a href="http://www.coolrunning.com/results/98/ri/hpk0920.html">Kids Races</a> - - <a href="http://users.hey.net/%7Egoodrow/feature/fea0920prov.shtml">Kids Photos</a> - - <a href="http://www.coolrunning.com/results/98/ri/har0920t.html">Team Results</a>- - <a href="http://www.coolrunning.com/newscol98/newsr921.htm#title1">Story</a> - - <a href="http://www.coolrunning.com/hp5k/photos/downt981.htm">Photos</a> <br />
<pre>PLACE FIRST NAME LAST S AG DIV/TOT DIV CITY ST PACE time
===== ================= = == ======== ===== ========== == ===== =======
1 KHALID KHANNOUCHI M 27 1/658 M0139 MOROCCO 4:20 13:27
2 STEPHEN KIOGORA M 26 2/658 M0139 KENYA 4:22 13:32
3 JOSHUA CHELANGA M 23 3/658 M0139 KENYA 4:22 13:32
4 PETER GITHUKA M 29 4/658 M0139 KENYA 4:22 13:33
5 JAMES KARIUKI M 27 5/658 M0139 KENYA 4:22 13:33
6 HEZRON OTWORI M 25 6/658 M0139 KENYA 4:24 13:40
7 JAMES BUNGEL M 26 7/658 M0139 KENYA 4:25 13:42
8 PAUL MBUGUA M 32 8/658 M0139 NEW PALTZ NY 4:26 13:45
9 ISSIAH KUREISHA M 23 9/658 M0139 KENYA 4:26 13:46
10 GODFREY KIPROTICH M 27 10/658 M0139 KENYA 4:26 13:46
11 ANDREW LETHERBY M 22 11/658 M0139 AUSTRALIA 4:26 13:46
12 PAUL MWANGI M 25 12/658 M0139 KENYA 4:29 13:54
13 SAMMY NYAMONGO M 28 13/658 M0139 KENYA 4:31 14:01
14 PLILMOM HENNEK M 28 14/658 M0139 ZIMBAWAE 4:32 14:03
15 JOHN KAGWE M 28 15/658 M0139 KENYA 4:32 14:05
16 CHARLES MULINGA M 26 16/658 M0139 ZAMBIA 4:33 14:07
17 JOESEPH KARIUKI M 27 17/658 M0139 KENYA 4:36 14:16
18 JULIUS RANDICH M 31 18/658 M0139 DALLAS TX 4:37 14:18
19 DONAL O'SULLIVAN M 25 19/658 M0139 USA 4:41 14:32
20 CASEY O'SHEA M 24 20/658 M0139 USA 4:42 14:34
21 PETER KOECH M 42 1/391 M4049 ALBERQUQUE NM 4:42 14:36
22 RISTO ULMALA M 31 21/658 M0139 FINLAND 4:43 14:37
23 JIM DANDENEAY M TAUNTON MA 4:48 14:54
24 ANDREA WITCZAK M 42 2/391 M4049 POLAND 4:50 15:01
25 CHRIS MAGILL M 25 22/658 M0139 CUMBERLAND RI 4:52 15:06
26 KEVIN O'NEIL M 28 23/658 M0139 N KINGSTON RI 4:52 15:07
27 AMIT NEEMAN M 42 3/391 M4049 ISRAEL 4:52 15:07
28 CHRIS VOLANTE M 24 24/658 M0139 PAWTUCKET RI 4:53 15:09
29 DAN JOHNSON M 26 25/658 M0139 USA 4:55 15:14
30 CHRISTIAN LYNCH M 23 26/658 M0139 USA 4:55 15:14
31 CATHERINE NDEREBA F 27 1/640 F0139 KENYA 4:55 15:15
32 DELILAH ASIAGO F 27 2/640 F0139 KENYA 4:56 15:18
33 TERESA WANJIKU F 25 3/640 F0139 KENYA 4:56 15:19
34 JIM HAGE M 42 4/391 M4049 USA 4:57 15:21
35 ANTHONY ANDERSON M 22 27/658 M0139 USA 4:58 15:25
36 SCOTT MASON M 40 5/391 M4049 WARWICK RI 4:58 15:25
37 KEVIN MCCAFFREY M 41 6/391 M4049 4:59 15:28
38 ANDY WEDLAKE M 26 28/658 M0139 WALTHAM MA 5:00 15:30
39 LIBBY HICKMAN F 28 4/640 F0139 USA 5:00 15:31
40 BARRY HARTWICK M 43 7/391 M4049 USA 5:00 15:32
41 MATTHEW RUANE M 22 29/658 M0139 BOSTON MA 5:02 15:37
42 EDGAR GONZALES M 35 30/658 M0139 FRAMINGHAM MA 5:02 15:37
43 ROBERT JOHNSON M 23 31/658 M0139 USA 5:03 15:40
44 DON SIKORSKI M 32 32/658 M0139 NORWICH CT 5:03 15:40
45 AMY RUDOLPH F 25 5/640 F0139 USA 5:04 15:43
46 JANE OMORO F 27 6/640 F0139 KENYA 5:05 15:45
47 CHARLES STOCK M 23 33/658 M0139 USA 5:08 15:54
48 JON LAWSON M 26 34/658 M0139 BRISTOL RI 5:08 15:55
49 JANE NGOTHO F 24 7/640 F0139 KENYA 5:09 15:57
50 CHRIS LAWRENCE M 32 35/658 M0139 PROVIDENCE RI 5:09 16:00
51 MICHAEL GRAZIOSI M 36 36/658 M0139 GLASTONBUR CT 5:10 16:02
52 JOHN ANTHONY M 23 37/658 M0139 NORWICH CT 5:11 16:06
53 LESLEY LEHANE F 35 8/640 F0139 CHESTNUT H MA 5:12 16:07
54 LUDMILA PETROVA F 29 9/640 F0139 RUSSIA 5:13 16:11
55 CHRIS BIANCHI M 29 38/658 M0139 PROVIDENCE RI 5:13 16:11
56 GEARY DANIELS M 44 8/391 M4049 DUDLEY MA 5:13 16:12
57 MARGARET KAGIRI F 26 10/640 F0139 KENYA 5:13 16:12
58 ED ZUBRITSKY M 38 39/658 M0139 GROTON CT 5:14 16:13
59 JOE SULLIVAN M 42 9/391 M4049 USA 5:14 16:14
60 LYNN DENIRRO F 36 11/640 F0139 5:14 16:14
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</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11px; white-space: normal;"></span></pre>Scott Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14617744652952122169noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5066260205876763834.post-81334555451332057892010-09-06T21:13:00.000-04:002010-09-06T21:13:57.425-04:00Guest Blogger - Ray Nelson<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Hi all, I have decided to include a guest blogger to the site. He is longtime runner and friend, Ray Nelson who is a USATF certified course measurer. I thought it would be interesting to get a little insight into the measurement of race courses.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">Take it away Ray:</span><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm8a6VfqN8IisJoGizK05o8LpS_iWjY3Q-AQzQWay3jPvEXLwilV6DJkVOgDjIn9kEgiTFvkVNNSTzCEABitXDHIgaegKqxyxyjIYcV4ghyphenhyphen4TBmyuRRl8p-QS1kRSTi5BCPHYnL2UlOtGW/s1600/SDM_5716.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm8a6VfqN8IisJoGizK05o8LpS_iWjY3Q-AQzQWay3jPvEXLwilV6DJkVOgDjIn9kEgiTFvkVNNSTzCEABitXDHIgaegKqxyxyjIYcV4ghyphenhyphen4TBmyuRRl8p-QS1kRSTi5BCPHYnL2UlOtGW/s320/SDM_5716.JPG" /></a>I have been measuring course for over 30 years, starting out in 1978 with a measuring / surveyor’s wheel, and walking courses. As a competitive runner back then, I wanted to know the ‘actual’ distance of race courses, rather than the ‘stated’ distance which was usually not accurate. I wanted to be able to compare and assess my race performances and check my performance level and progress. And if a 5 miler was short, say 4.8 miles, I couldn’t get a decent reading on how I was doing. So it was kind of for selfish reasons that I first got into course measurement, wanting to know the actual distance so I could then calculate my real per mile average, and compares races, etc.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">In 1978, I recall flying from westerly, RI to block island with Pat McNulty, friend and Johnson & Wales AC teammate, to “wheel walk’ the Run Around the Block 15K. It took us a long time to walk the course, compared to using a bicycle, but we marked the course which as far as I know is still being used today, and has not changed !!!<o:p></o:p><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">In the early 80’s I learned that there was a road running “technical council” founded by Ted Corbitt, and got hold of a Procedures Manual, bought a Jones counter, and basically taught myself how to measure a course according to TAC standards (The Athletics Congress), the name for the sports governing body at the time, since changed to USATF.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">In 1986, I was invited by John McGrath, former publisher of NER magazine, to measure the Boston Marathon, along with David Katz, an expert certifier from NY. We rode our bikes together but did independent measurements. When we got to 10 miles we compared notes, and discovered that we were within 1 foot apart – an extremely close correlation!! From that point on, I had gained considerable respect and personal validation that I was going the job right !<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">After serving a year-long apprenticeship, I was appointed NATIONAL CERTIFIER in 1992 by Wayne Nicoll – the Eastern Chairman of RRTC at the time. Wayne and I had done some measurements together, and he was my mentor, who showed me the fine points of course measurement. So I have been a USATF certifier for 18 years, and have measured 100’s of courses, probably close to 1000, mostly in RI and MA.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Accuracy is important to standardize performances so they can be graded and count legitimately as PR’s, and for records in general, including world / American, and age group records. In 1993 Elana Meyer set a world record for 5k on the roads at the downtown 5k in Providence. In order for her record to count, the course had to be accurate, and not less than 5000 meters. The following week Pete Riegel from OH, national chairman of RRTC at the time, come to Providence to perform a ‘validation’ measurement of the course to make sure it was at least 5000 meters, so that Meyer’s record could be ratified. So my work, her performance, and the race reputation were all on the line. Bottom line was that the course passed !!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Anyone is eligible to measure a course by following the procedures, and submitting an application and course map to the certifier for that particular state. You need a Jones counter which attaches to the front wheel of the bike, and a calibration course of at least 1000 feet or 300 meters. The calibration course is tape measured, usually 100 feet at a time, and the endpoints are marked with nails. There is a separate section in the procedures manual for measuring a calibration course. Prior to measuring a course, the bike must by ‘calibrated’ on the ‘cal’ course. This takes 4 straight, wobble-free rides and recording the number of “counts” for each ride from end to end. From the average number of counts of the four rides, the number of counts is figured for each mile or kilometer, and for the total course distance. Now you are ready to do the actual course measurement. For USATF certification, you must measure according to SPR (shortest possible route) that the runner can take, i.e. measuring by tangents. This can be challenging without police escort with traffic coming at you both ways!! This is why early Sunday mornings are generally best for measuring when there is the least amount of traffic, but it can still be tricky. The course must be measured at least twice, and the difference between measurements cannot be greater than 0.08% of the race distance (4 meter for a 5k). After the course measurements, the bike must be post-calibrated to again figure the number of counts for each mile, etc. The details of these procedures can be found at <a href="http://www.rrtc.net/" style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline;">www.rrtc.net</a> .<o:p></o:p><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I think the most dangerous course I measured was a 10 miler in Worcester, MA in heavy traffic without a police escort. The race director did follow me in his car with flashers on, but it was quite a harrowing experience with more than a few close calls, and getting called every name in the book!! I definitely used up 1or 2 of my ‘cat lives’ on that measurement, and looking back on it, I probably should not have done it.<o:p></o:p><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFYwJTWege970J6-LFsSl1_h1xWUPpG5e3SzoPhOSpPQoGvYU_cbhQN_mX7hoJsz0e5vIzYm5W1016oYvymIbTQxpHAvvsmlSEEwmTi2e5cbvcnx_qX-S8xzLLW5bzzw-F2ekYt40itKNW/s1600/block+island+15k+1980-30.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFYwJTWege970J6-LFsSl1_h1xWUPpG5e3SzoPhOSpPQoGvYU_cbhQN_mX7hoJsz0e5vIzYm5W1016oYvymIbTQxpHAvvsmlSEEwmTi2e5cbvcnx_qX-S8xzLLW5bzzw-F2ekYt40itKNW/s320/block+island+15k+1980-30.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ray @ Block Island in 1980<br />
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</tbody></table>I measured the Boston Run to Remember Half Marathon in South Boston a half dozen years or so ago, and then found out the day before the race that the course had to be changed, as part of it went through private property and the owner said NO to using his land !!! So I was called upon to adjust and re-measure the course with the race a day away. Driving up to Boston on that Saturday in early March, it was snowing hard in blizzard-like conditions. I was wondering how I would be able to do the measurement in this horrible weather, and thought how bizarre it was. Fortunately the snow shifted over to slush, and rain, and the temperature did not drop below freezing, so I was able to ride my bike and get it done, but now without incident. On Day Blvd. I biked through a large puddle, as that was the ‘shortest line’ to take, and for accuracy sake did not want to go around it. Unbeknownst to me, I hit a pot hole, and lost control of the bike and went head over heels into the puddle. I was wearing several layers of clothes and a gortex outer layer, so I did not get chilled to the bone. I shook it off and went back the previous mile mark and continued on the remaining few miles to the finish. After a hot shower and dry clothes I was fine, and the course was done!!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Don’t get the wrong idea, most course measurements during peaceable weather, and minimal or no traffic , are not catastrophic, and are quite enjoyable. I get to go to places I would not ordinarily go to, and some are like mini-vacations in a sense. The best one was the Mt. Desert Marathon in Maine, starting at Bar Harbor and going by Arcadia National Park. It is by far the most scenic course I have ever measured. I was awestruck by the majesty of this course.<o:p></o:p><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">In 2007 I helped design, measure and certify the Women’s Olympic Trials course in Boston. After a short opening loop, the course repeated an exact 6 mile loop four times. I designed it so that the mile marks on the 6-mile loops overlapped at the same points, making for easier splits and course management. That was a difficult assignment and one in which I take considerable pride.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I recently measured the B.A.A. Half Marathon in Boston, a major race that just last week (mid-july) sold out in just two hours !!!!!!!!!!!!<o:p></o:p><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I take pride in the maps I produce, doing my best to make sure they are clear, neat, and accurately depict the course. I look back on some of the maps I made 25 years ago and note the poor quality, as with most jobs, it takes time to develop one’s skills and get better and better at what one does. That is what I strive for……….. to find ways to improve, there is always room for that.<o:p></o:p><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Course maps for all states at all distances by different measurers and certifiers can be accessed from the rrtc.net website.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br />
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</div>Scott Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14617744652952122169noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5066260205876763834.post-76405639442561061012010-08-30T21:40:00.000-04:002010-08-30T21:40:35.558-04:00Run to the Top of Vermont Weekend<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlz39ypayDsvQXSapSromkRlkYDvGR3RkcguYpTMQrQyFizuPmO8TBx6f8J8hqRqxuPI57aVfxLiQFcdbgWej8yLzcsdDIsI2L_S0ck18hPJLWb3LZnC2B1H3HOEolSLiMYQLv0HIVRAUb/s1600/SDM_6298.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlz39ypayDsvQXSapSromkRlkYDvGR3RkcguYpTMQrQyFizuPmO8TBx6f8J8hqRqxuPI57aVfxLiQFcdbgWej8yLzcsdDIsI2L_S0ck18hPJLWb3LZnC2B1H3HOEolSLiMYQLv0HIVRAUb/s640/SDM_6298.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>OK, So i know i haven't blogged in a while, as i was reminded over the weekend by another fellow blogger. So here goes....<br />
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Over the weekend the Turtles headed up to Stowe, Vt for the 3rd Race to the Top of Vermont up Mt Mansfield, the highest point in Vermont. Heading up on Saturday were Bob Jackman, Larry Walker, John Peabody, Vicki & Chris Jasparro and myself. We all made this trip last year only Vicki did not run, this was to be her first mountain run. We arrived at the Golden Eagle Resort on Saturday afternoon, we had rented the "White House" out on the main road in front of the resort. It was too early to go pick up numbers so Ken Skier of <a href="http://www.runwithken.com/">RunwithKen</a> fame came over with a growler of Berkshire Beer and we all chilled out for a while, then it was up to the ski resort for number pickup and then dinner.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGPn2fMM3aPlqoltAzC0L6SnJ-hzBVA0i2Kj1Liips_PXNbw1bYKCI_6YaMWsCsFovUzLYKgeGe1rzPBF5oGrGDOnddudvIDhEm8JRJSGOOfxIkK7xIoaTm5Jyb_S7TJxynopUhLzm9YbM/s1600/SDM_6250.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGPn2fMM3aPlqoltAzC0L6SnJ-hzBVA0i2Kj1Liips_PXNbw1bYKCI_6YaMWsCsFovUzLYKgeGe1rzPBF5oGrGDOnddudvIDhEm8JRJSGOOfxIkK7xIoaTm5Jyb_S7TJxynopUhLzm9YbM/s200/SDM_6250.JPG" width="188" /></a>One thing we love to do is hit up brewpubs wherever we go and this was no different. Heading back from the ski resort, we stopped at The Shed Brewpub where we had eaten last year also. Sorry to say, the beer was just mediocre at best and the food was overpriced. Fifteen dollars for a quesidilla? Of course the real reason we went was for the beer, too bad all the beers i sampled tasted like the main ingredient was a handful of caramels. Now i've hit enough brewpubs and i also homebrew, so i know what a beer should taste like. I know...I am a beer snob. I just don't know how a brewer can not taste the off flavors in a beer. Maybe they like this "flavor". The IPA did not taste of hops. The DunkelWeizen did not have that wheat taste i like. The stout just tasted wrong. I could get more taste out of PBR's. I suggest they try a different yeast, it could make a huge difference. Of course, if you only want to sell so- so beer to tourists, keep doing what your doing. Looking for a beer in Stowe, don't go here. Funny thing is we went here last year and the beer wasn't bad otherwise i would not have returned this year. I should have stopped at Millie's in Manchester, NH on the way home just to say i had some great beer on this trip. So much for my beer rant, on to the race.<br />
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Race morning dawns and everyone is up early for the 9am start, it is nice to be 10 minutes down the road from the race. Last years winner, <a href="http://www.doublej.blogspot.com/">Jim "DoubleJ" Johnson</a> stayed with us Turtles and payed the price as the TV was on til 2:35 in the morning which doesn't help with sleep. You should have had a few beers with us JJ, that would have helped knock you out. My back was killing me in the morning, I popped a handful of Motrin and hoped for the best. Once at the race lot, i went for a warmup (do you need a so called warmup when it is 70 degrees at 8am?) with Bob and JP. The back really wasn't any better. We were at the start area with a half hour to go, i was getting hot and i could use more water.....water, at a race...nowhere to be seen. Why in hell was there no water before the race, i know we runners should always be prepared and there was more water in the car, but the cars were at least a 1/4 mile down the road, and i mean down! It is hot out, try supplying some water for the runners before the race next time!!<br />
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The race goes off on time at 9am. You start on an uphill so the pace goes out slow for me and John Peabody, who i started next to. I went through the mile in under 12 minutes and i knew today would suck. I got to the 1 1/2 mile point of the course just as a car! was coming up the road through the crowded dirt road which begs the question, WHY is there a car being let up the road right after the race starts? At this point i realized that my race was over, why should i suffer for 3 more miles when my back is stiff as a board. I turn around, remove my number and jog down the mountain. Now i know how Kevin Tilton felt at Mt Washington, only i am a slow middle of the pack runner, not a favorite. It was nice how many runners asked if i was ok as i ran past them on the way down, we really are a caring lot.<br />
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Up the mountain, Vicki was running good, taking 3rd place overall for the women. Bob, Chris and John were off last years times and Larry ran faster than the previous year. I heard the was a big lack of water at the top of the mountain too. Maybe one of next years sponsors should be a water company. Maybe they can import some from Maine.<br />
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I really want to like this race, but there are too many little things that seem to be overlooked. Oh well, it doesn't matter now, i won't be coming back again. I would like to do the 100 on 100 relay that starts in Stowe the day before and runs 100 miles down Rte 100 to the Okemo Ski area. Long relay races can be a lot of fun.Scott Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14617744652952122169noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5066260205876763834.post-13728368938822668922010-07-12T21:57:00.001-04:002010-07-14T21:00:06.479-04:00I'm A Goon!<div style="text-align: center;">First let me say that i am still a Tuesday Night Turtle and will always be one. I was there at the beginning of the Turtles, 21 years ago in 1989 and would not think of leaving this great group of runners.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">That being said, yesterday after the Mt Ascutney Mountain Race in Windsor, Vt, I was inducted into the Goon Squad Runners. I consider it an honor to be a Goon. I love the name of the club, much like the Turtle's, it is unconventional which gets noticed. I like the way you race in numbers, your turnout at Grand Prix races is admiral. The race shirt is great too, the lone "G" in a collegiate style that shows up for miles, trust me on that as a photographer. I have met some of the Goons at various races and know some of you through cyberspace and know most of you through a lens. I hope to meet more of you in the near future. Thanks to Doctor Death (Chris C.) for presenting the coveted "G" shirt at the river after Mt Ascutney with assist from Thunder God (Thor K.) and Taz (JJ). It was a great setting to find out you are a Goon. Doc...Good thing you did this after the race because it might have been incentive for me to grab back that 9 second lead you had on me at the finish and beat you!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-CB7v5X8ED-iv2f3Cz0SbrydqL9skkZBQ3nixD19nxwznPYVW6WEQKVDxJ_N2PkYUjM0Xs_8xQTGZtHxY6pYoqYPuV7bGJGy30Zr4hQRunrI_zfzdDLTW2000bwOg80vyWdzxtuRfmkli/s1600/photo+(3).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="419" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-CB7v5X8ED-iv2f3Cz0SbrydqL9skkZBQ3nixD19nxwznPYVW6WEQKVDxJ_N2PkYUjM0Xs_8xQTGZtHxY6pYoqYPuV7bGJGy30Zr4hQRunrI_zfzdDLTW2000bwOg80vyWdzxtuRfmkli/s640/photo+(3).jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Oh Yeah, My official Goon Name -"Flash". Here with Thunder God, Doctor Death and Taz.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">As for the race.........</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">This was my fourth race of the year, the first one not on snowshoes. I ran here last year as my first mountain race ever. It was brutal, half pavement, half muddy trails probably not the best choice to get into mountain running. This year it was back to the road for the whole run. I was liking it already. I arrived at the race real early, making much better time from RI than planned. Drive time was 2:40 for the 185 miles to Windsor, VT, slightly over the speed limit. The drive went by fast, some Motown and Bob Marley helped. One thing i notice with mountain/trail runners is that they like to show up early to races and when you are in nice settings like this, why not! I had no sooner parked when Dave Dunham pulled in next to me with Little Dave. After that it was just a steady stream of cars and still a hour and a half to race time. I started my warmup with some of the CMS and INOV8 crew but cut back early as i wanted to keep some energy for the run up.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">The race started a minute or two after 10am, just as the sun seemed to blast out from behind the overcast sky. I started out slow, real slow, knowing i have only been running steady for two weeks. The hill slams you right away and it is a good steady climb. I probably started too far back as i passed a number of runners in the first quarter and then settled in with a lot of runners i would be with all the way to the top. I pulled up with Doctor Death, No not the grim reaper but Chris Chetsas of the Goon Squad and we chatted for a second or two and i pulled away. Shortly after, he came back by me and we went back and forth to the top. I slowed to a walk at about 3/4 miles and then alternated run/power walk to the top. Everyone around me was doing the same. My first mile was about 12.05, second was 13 change and not sure of the rest. In the end, i ran 13.04 pace for 48.18 and 98th place, about mid pack. Not bad for where i am right now, I do hope to improve by the time of the Race for the Top at Mt Mansfield at the end of August. After the race, i ran back down the mountain with Doc D, it was a slow but enjoyable run. He had mentioned walking down the mountain earlier, but he beat me so i figured the hell with that, we are running down. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Post race, a huge group headed over to the river a few miles from the race. The water was cool but not cold, it felt great anyway. The beers flowed and the conversation was great. When does a group this big meet in a setting like this after a race....uh...never, well, almost never. What a fun time.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">It is always kind of sad to see the USATF-NE Mountain Series come to an end. I went to 5 races this year, 4 as photographer and one to run. Now i look at next weekend and say to myself, what am i going to do? Yard needs some work...ugh! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Time to get me into shape too. Snowshoe season will be here before you know it and i would really like to be competitive this year.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Congratulations to Eric Blake and Gina Lucrezi on their 1st place finish in the series.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Congratulations to everyone else out there who competed in this great mountain series. I look forward to next year already.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Later</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Scott (Flash)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Scott Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14617744652952122169noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5066260205876763834.post-87937026066175911342010-06-28T19:07:00.000-04:002010-06-28T19:07:17.569-04:00Cranmore Hill Climb Photos<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDrzDW6JHuslgF44wmmloeHZ09Pgk-lszYvWBzjsJf3zd1QyKiRpU3gm5MGrinCBh8jBJJ-plo5s4AouOpGNIK513WnJB-cVYMJfMDF9rWXXFSZAYagOgE4rpnTqw7JDc2-gXx3zob04lW/s1600/SDM_8399.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDrzDW6JHuslgF44wmmloeHZ09Pgk-lszYvWBzjsJf3zd1QyKiRpU3gm5MGrinCBh8jBJJ-plo5s4AouOpGNIK513WnJB-cVYMJfMDF9rWXXFSZAYagOgE4rpnTqw7JDc2-gXx3zob04lW/s640/SDM_8399.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #003399; font-family: Arial; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #003399; font-family: Arial; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold;">Cranmore mountain 11.4 km USATF NE championship</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #003399; font-family: Arial; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.coolrunning.com/results/10/nh/Jun27_Cranmo_set1.shtm"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #003399; font-family: Arial; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold;">Results</span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #003399; font-family: Arial; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.scottmasonphoto.com/USATF-NE-Mountain-Series-2010/Cranmore-Hill-Climb-2010/Cranmore-Hill-Climb-2010-Lap-1/12720526_uNfVW#915644740_WSjwT"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #003399; font-family: Arial; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold;">1st Lap Photos</span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #003399; font-family: Arial; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.scottmasonphoto.com/USATF-NE-Mountain-Series-2010/Cranmore-Hill-Climb-2010/Cranmore-Hill-Climb-2010-Lap-2/12721771_XfybX#915760689_3jifd"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #003399; font-family: Arial; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold;">2nd Lap Photos</span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #003399; font-family: Arial; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv5rhlr20paSAlAYRIhiRLJeWAnpgJWFGyWZXDqbc0-jURiGhM1TR9zie9iXj-Wj-LWn06nv46K7K0cSF0fcWuaPNjsidWMBj5q8T47JVvk9jvlCYuTxPE5BiNYz9KiXK-2jtsurq-9iJn/s1600/SDM_8572.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv5rhlr20paSAlAYRIhiRLJeWAnpgJWFGyWZXDqbc0-jURiGhM1TR9zie9iXj-Wj-LWn06nv46K7K0cSF0fcWuaPNjsidWMBj5q8T47JVvk9jvlCYuTxPE5BiNYz9KiXK-2jtsurq-9iJn/s400/SDM_8572.JPG" width="276" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #003399; font-family: Arial; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #003399; font-family: Arial; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold;">See You Next Week at <a href="http://www.whitemountainmilers.com/loon/">Loon Mt.</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #003399; font-family: Arial; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #003399; font-family: Arial; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold;"><br />
</span></div>Scott Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14617744652952122169noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5066260205876763834.post-51182438888808518192010-06-21T22:36:00.001-04:002010-06-21T22:48:48.437-04:00Mt Washington Weekend MusingsFirst off, let me say that i did not run the 50th version of the Mt Washington Road Race. I was entered, but i am in no shape to this kind of thing right now. The way i see it is that even in shape you are going to suffer so why multiply that pain by ten. I don't want a <a href="http://www.scottmasonphoto.com/RUNNING-2009/Mt-Washington-Road-Race-2009/8630550_UdQTV#569394901_55vqK-A-LB">Scott Graham-ish look</a> on my face at two miles, at least Scott's was at 7+. So instead of running, i was there with cameras to shoot and then on to the partying.<br />
<br />
A few thoughts and observances from the weekend.<br />
<br />
---We stayed over at Attitash Mountain Resort. What a great place, the condo slept up to 14. There are <br />
special rates for MW runners and they have bears wandering around to keep you on your toes. There<br />
were three MW runners staying here, Bob Jackman, Carl Pecchia and Martin Tighe. CMS had taken a <br />
condo on the other side of the tracks from us which prompts the question of who was coming from the<br />
wrong side of the track? Lets see....they were faster than us but we probably drink more, i guess it IS<br />
the Turtles.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-oDKW8GYEm5qMeY9VWpgQkVQag8WAvwSPxgJzUmq2dTkc3_f2KLe7uHrNvWnDBHHRV-cdL3LZF23FIgzSmQfDOi7q9zArFq4G5CQYku3H4SppkZgMmrb7ahctTFEXOhGj4xn86skMu3ZZ/s1600/SDM_8180.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-oDKW8GYEm5qMeY9VWpgQkVQag8WAvwSPxgJzUmq2dTkc3_f2KLe7uHrNvWnDBHHRV-cdL3LZF23FIgzSmQfDOi7q9zArFq4G5CQYku3H4SppkZgMmrb7ahctTFEXOhGj4xn86skMu3ZZ/s320/SDM_8180.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
---I brought 20 bottles of my homebrew up for post<br />
race at the base of the mountain, an Imperial IPA<br />
code named MW 50-50. It seemed to go over<br />
pretty well for the lucky one's to sample the<br />
brew. Chris Dunn was the lucky first recipient,<br />
the benefit of being parked next to the GTI. I<br />
wish i had more to go around, maybe next year.<br />
Fitz finally got his hands on some, i think he has<br />
been looking forward to it for quite some time.<br />
I think i may brew a batch for a snowshoe race<br />
this coming winter, what do you think Chris?<br />
<br />
<br />
---It was a beautiful day on top of the mountain,<br />
some wind, but out of the west so you did not<br />
notice it much on the other side. I liked last year better<br />
as the clouds were below you and the effect was great. Being clear all the way up makes for a tense<br />
ride at times for the passenger, right Jackie? Last year driving through a cloud means you don't see the<br />
drop off that is ten feet to your right. This year i got to drive Bill Riley down the mountain. Bill<br />
finished 1st in the 70-74 age group. His time was a bit off as he was looking for about 1:35 but had to<br />
settle for 1:39......not bad at 74 years old. Bill's wife Debbie had her Sea Shades sunglass booth set up<br />
down below which doubled as our drinking base camp. Thanks Debbie and Bill.<br />
<br />
---One thing i love about this race is that you get to hang with so many good people after the race, one<br />
big party atmosphere. You don't get this at many races, not like here. Runners tend to hang out much<br />
longer. There are a lot of old school runners here as well as the regular mountain runners and snow-<br />
shoe people. Many people that i see at a lot of races, all great people. Tuckermans Brewing is here<br />
pouring their good beer. There is live music. Teams set up their tents, break out the grills and beer.<br />
How can you not like this scene.<br />
<br />
---There were a lot of good performances, JJ ran a PR. DD ran above expectations, Dave Quintal had a<br />
good one. I felt bad for Kevin Tilton just not having it on Saturday, but i imagine he will be back with<br />
a vengeance. Bob Jackman had a solid first run up the hill. Congrats to Reno and Bill Riley for <br />
winning their age groups.<br />
<br />
---Good to hang with the CMS crew for a while late saturday night at the condo. Knocking back a few<br />
Genny Cream kingers with the brothers Quintal and the rest was fun.<br />
<br />
---Great to see my friends Sarah and Sheila. Been a whole year.<br />
<br />
---Good to catch up with ex-RI runner John Gorman after the run.<br />
<br />
---Note to anyone wearing sandals on a day like this, take them off, apply suntan lotion, put them back<br />
on. My feet have tiger stripes on them right now and my ankles are burnt too, they feel more like<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAUXar4WhycLBvF8aulLJ2ng5z17Roc5MG2ViLRpCprbaFHCSgai2_qVdwPvdJiNmSlhkcnc78B11zKS0-0Wd8bieLCtSIBbOiQVx6PjBffnN1QTOkU6mdl37lffi8i5FzU-htf8Rk5LVd/s1600/SDM_8140.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAUXar4WhycLBvF8aulLJ2ng5z17Roc5MG2ViLRpCprbaFHCSgai2_qVdwPvdJiNmSlhkcnc78B11zKS0-0Wd8bieLCtSIBbOiQVx6PjBffnN1QTOkU6mdl37lffi8i5FzU-htf8Rk5LVd/s320/SDM_8140.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> cankles!<br />
<br />
<br />
---Photos for the race are up on my website now,<br />
see them <a href="http://www.scottmasonphoto.com/RUNNING-2010-1/Mt-Washington-Road-Race-2010/12633731_HA8nT#907793930_QFzWn">HERE</a>.Scott Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14617744652952122169noreply@blogger.com6