Fells Trail Race Fall 2009

A quick post to share a few photos from the Fells Trail Race this past Saturday (12/05/09). This was the final race in the 2009 Eastern New England Trail Race Series. Thank goodness the snow came later that day so we can start training for snowshoe fun! 

 No slide show above? Click your heels 3 x HERE.  Repeat after me.

Congratulations to all the eight-miler and ultra-distance racers, first time & veteran Fells runners,  & two to four-legged pacer pals. A huge KUDOS MAXIMUS (new expression) to the ultra runners who ran the eight-mile loop two to five times. For those poor in calculations (Streph T not included) or dizzy in distance disbelief—that equates to 16, 24, 32 &/or 40 miles along the Middlesex Fells Skyline Trail.  Three Loops (durr, 24 miles) or more was recorded for the UltraRunning folk. 

If you've run or hiked the Skyline in the Fells you know it's not some soft-shoe picnic. So y'all matter big time for any distance out there because you hauled yourself to the start line when the down comforter begged you to stay. 

Thanks to Bogie D, and Mike H and friends for their support to runners out there. I for one, wish I got more photos but my battery tuckered out in the cold, understandably as things sometimes do. Exception: Tucker Pero. How many ULTRAS are under that collar?

In case you forgot what the weather was like on Saturday after 12 noon—cold, wet and a perfect concoction for hypothermia. There's no place like home..and a warm comforter...

For results and "the deets" follow the skyline to here. 

New Artwork at New Art Center in Newton

Icons + Alters
Below is an image of my piece
included in the 16th Annual Benefit Exhibition
at the New Art Center in Newton.

For information click here.
Unable to make it? The virtual gallery.

2009 Li'l Rhody Runaround

Sunday morning I packed a bag of blaze orange and headed to Burlingame State Park picnic area for my second Li'l Rhody Runaround 8 mile Trail Race (Snerro Results).

The WTAC puts on a nice event that draws the usual trail vets, Sunday Frunners, and a lot of fast road racers. Of course, many of the lead trail racers also perform as speedily on the roads, watch out! The field was packed with 290 runners, 130 of whom were race-day registrants. The RD reminded (scratch that) WARNED the crowd that this Li'l Rhody is a trail race and that means rocks and roots and "Danger, Will Robinson" all over the place! Oh yeah, by the way it's hunting season, so you must wear some orange or no turkey for you! (Above: Alan Bernier with Diana Davis).

As promised, the course was muddy, rocky, rooty and nearly flat-to-rolling gloriously runnable. 'Twas quite tame, actually.
UNLIKE the aggressive and territorial goose who honked up a storm along that last road section before the finish. If you warmed up there, you might've been chased by the feller.

This year the top-four overall finishers crushed last year's winning time of 46:31. Greg Hammett, 2008 winner, shaved 83 seconds off his time this year. Still, Jacob Edwards, held off Hammett with 44:45 for first. Cody Thompson and Alan Bernier must've gone all out in the finishing chute for 3rd and 4th places (45:57 and 46:00).

The top two females also finished closely; Renee Knapp took first (54:06) and Michaela Driscoll was a few ticks behind (54:24). Diana Davis, road and track racer, set down her studies to tear up the trails for a solid 3rd (56:37).

Then there's us...

(Trail Pixie Trespas, Bill H and John P)
The middle-packers who run for a few spare points.

At Li'l Rhody Runaround 2008 it was 2o-below with the wind-chill. I scurried for some last-chance ENETRS points against some talented female runners with whom I was beaver-tooth-to-tail (translation: "neck-in-neck"). In this year's series, I ran more events early on, then shifted my focus to the USATF Mountain Running Circuit for mountain-goat status. After the Stone Cat Trail Marathon, I return to the series, tickled to discover I still lead for the women. Hot Beaver Dam!

While I wore Don't Shoot Me orange, I wanted to REPreSENT so I flashed my pink "Beaver Power" Sock Guy Socks. I think I should also try the white/brown "Got Wood" pair, too, just to see what happens. Sock-ET 2 Em.

Without the competition gnawing my tail, I ran at a fun conversational pace. Thom P and I talked horror films the whole time and created our own Li'l Rhody Trail-Saw Massacre.

It was hot this year (mid-50's) so after the run I soaked my feet with Bill H in the Watchaug Pond. OMG, That was cold. (Pond in November = free & natural ice-bath substitute).

Apparently we weren't the only crazies as several other running-nuts followed suit. Then it was on to the fires.

2008 1:10:58
2009 1:15:39

Overall by slowing down my pace by 30 seconds/mile, I felt awesome for most of the race and had something left for the road sprint and that goose —#42!

Other beavers from our colony were missed, especially, Li'l Roy.
Julie O was at JFK!

2009 Stone Cat Trail Race (Photos)

Below is a selection of photos I took during the 2009 Stone Cat Trail Races. Most are of folks—either running in—or supporting—the 50 miler(s). After I finished the marathon, I ran back into the woods to take some photos before focusing on the finish-line/aid area. Please note the photos are not in sequential order. Scroll down for more photos from 2008 and 2007.

Stone Cat 2009

If the slide show above does not appear you may also follow this link.

Stone Cat Trail Races 2009

Stone Cat 2008

2008 Stone Cat 50 Mile and Marathon Trail Races (Photos by Emily Trespas)

Stone Cat 2007 (Finish Area)

2007 Stone Cat Trail Races (Finish Area) (By. Emily Trespas)

more...Stone Cat 2007 (Woods Photos)

2007 Stone Cat Trail Races (Woods Photos)

Video of Leigh Schmitt setting the Stone Cat 50-mile course record in 2008.

New Stone Cat 50 Mile Trail Race Records

A quick post to share a video of Aliza Lapierre, of Williston, VT, breaking the women's 50-mile course record at the 2009 Stone Cat Trail Race. She finished strongly in 7:19:19, crushing Christine Daly's 2008 course record of 8:06:14.

Aliza (in blue) with her fast-last-loop pacer, Theresa Soracco.

Amy Lane ran an impressive 50 miles for second woman in a time of "F:AS:T!" with a smile and no-worse-for-the-wear.
Her 7:54:40 ALSO broke the previous woman's course record!

RESULTS for 2009 Stone Cat Trail Races

What's in the bag, Gilly?
Gilly presents Brian Rusieki with some special Ipswich Ale hooch.

On the men's side, Brian Rusieki, from Leeds, MA, broke Leigh Schmitt's 2008 50-mile record of 6:30:08 with a close and "comfortable" 6:27:37. Leigh was right behind Brain with 6:32:06. What a full fall of long races and quick paces for these leaders!

Leigh wraps up another Stone Cat 50.

More postings about the race and the Stone Kitten Posse coming soon...

Busa Bushwhack Birthday Bash

The Busa Bushwhack 5.3 and 10 mile trail races were especially amazing this year as Richard Busa turned 80 a few days prior to the races. He is a remarkable man who inspires me well beyond the trails. Barry Ostrow, RD, captured this photo of us. I can't help but beam when I am near Richard.

Happy Birthday, Richard!

This year at the Busa, I ran the longer distance (10 miler) as a nice set-up for the following weekend's Stone Cat Trail Marathon. My pace was even and I felt great. I power-walked the ups, rolled along the trails and followed the birthday-pie-plates. In addition to the 5.3 and 10 mile races, some folks found themselves on a slightly shorter course (9 miles, a.k.a. whoops, you didn't see the water stop in the parking lot followed by a very steep but short incline?) or a slightly longer (10+ mile) tour of Framingham's Callahan State Park. I didn't think much of this until I passed a man at about 2 miles to then pass him again between miles 6-7. That's Funny. I was fortunate to stay on course and on pace. Overall it was a much better day on the trail for me than the previous weekend. I owe it to Richard's positive energy!!!

Insider FYI: Barry's considering separating the two races next year. If it's not too complicated for him and the GFRC, that's a wise idea. Regardless, this was a terrific event with a fast field up front and unique awards, fun shhwag and amazing race namesake!

Groton Forest Trail Race 2009

The Groton Forest Trail Race this past weekend was a test of my fortitude, which was supported by my active imagination, sense of humor, and skill to see Star Wars figures when my trail running mates do not.

I arrived early, registered and set out to snap photos of the course. Walking along the pebbled path freckled with light, I enjoyed the fall air and rain-free day when something called my attention to the right. In bright and open field waited a single bail of hay. I hopped the fence and —for no particular reason other than a curious urge to see it more closely— I headed towards it.

Then the Yoda appeared and said,

"Train yourself to let go of everything you fear to lose."

I knew what he meant.
When I began to ask him about what fears and which losses? He'd vanished. With that advice, I walked back through the woods to my car and prepared for the race. Still I felt unsettled in mind and body.

I was delighted to see some friends showing up and who were also willing to get the blood flowing with a warm-up. Dan and KZ finished up their long pre-race run as Bill and I headed out for an easy two miles. About 25 minutes later we all gathered for the start as RD Paul Funch, described the "relatively straight-forward" course marked with white trail blazes, confidence ribbons and ground arrows. No sooner were we off! I saw Michelle, Bill, Thom and Bob for all of 30 seconds as they pulled ahead along the single-track.

Planning for this to be my last harder-than-usual effort (for me) before Stone Cat, I aimed for a 10:oo to 10:30 minute per mile pace. While I managed to average that in the end (10:18), yet the pace of my various miles revealed dramatic unevenness—like the terrain—and my stomach.

This race was tough for me mainly due to my nausea throughout the 9+ miles. Several times in the woods, I prepared to toss my cookies. Fortunately I did not. After retracing the possibilities this week, I suspected some past expiration-date Nuun hydration tablets. (Bad Jedi. I forgot to check!?)

"Much to learn you still have."

I hadn't used Nuun for months since switching over to another running nutrition system but at Groton I decided to use them up for the shorter distance race. Combined with two weeks of poor sleep, inadequate hydration and faster-than-usual tempo running, I completed the Groton test with a bonus ankle twist! YOW!

"Try not. Do or do not, there is no try."

Basically The Force wasn't flowing at Groton. My sense of humor and smiles were! Thank goodness for friends and post-race gathering, too!

Note: On a group run in Willowdale, Dan joked that I "saw" the Yoda. I thought I would let him know that little Jedi cheered us on at the Groton finish line!

"Size matters not. Look at me.

Judge me by my size, do you? Hmm?"

Fear is the path to the darkside. Fear leads to anger.
Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering.--Yoda

Recipe for a Long Run

Saturday I met up with folks for a long run, which began at Willowdale State Forest (along the Stone Cat 12.5 mile loop) and completed at Bradley Palmer. Three weeks out from the Stone Cat Trail Races (marathon & 50 miler), this was THE weekend to run loooong—rain or shine—before the kitty. So thankfully, the weather on Saturday was purrrfect for 4+ hours in the woods.

I drove my best “Daisy Dukes of Hazzard” along Old Right Road to meet GAC's trail-tour group but missed them; as I was tying my sneakers, they disappeared into the woods. Thankfully the usual trail suspects waited for me. (Sorry to make you wait! I hope I made up for it with some entertaining animal imitations and calls of the wild (not the "W.C." kind-of-call).)

Recipe for Saturday’s long run:
Add six trail runners, three maps, a bag of Chips Ahoy, two Feelmax Pankas, four Garmin Forerunners (with four different distances), and 6 ¼ cups of pit stop into two State Forests. Slowly mix in a Stone Cat loop (plus a little extra for dusting), and a Fat-Ass & 6-Hour lap with some mud. Stir with an upside-down map and beaver tails. Chill. Let the clock run for 4+ hours. Flip over 22 miles for a half-delirious group. Optional: add mountain bikers for texture. (Missing Ingredient: Michelle!)

POP Quiz: 6 runners and 4 maps.
(no cheating)

1. Who laminated a map?
2. Who left the map in the car?
3. Who printed a map onto waterproof paper?
4. Who yields to the trail?
5. Who laughs in the map's general direction?
6. Who Zip-Lock Baggied a map?

Nicknames, etc.:
(Note: sometimes a nickname readily appears while another warrants deeper distillation. All are very subject to change.)

• Dan: The Cartographer;
• Streph: Dr. Feeling-Quite-Himself;
• KZ: The Vim in Vigor;
• Steve: Cookie Monster. Leading: Capt. Chips Ahoy;
• Paul L.: Slingshot or maybe *Speedy Gonzales (the fastest mouse in Mexico). *This might not fit/sit well??—need more information and runs.

Lost in the Woods: Finding More than a Way Out

Dear Landowner,

I apologize. Yesterday, I accidentally trespassed through your woods and field. I got off trail. While attempting to find the trail proper, I kept returning to your private place set up with two chairs overlooking the view.
Thank you for that special view,
Trail Pixie Trespas

For most of my long run I chose trails that I thought were part of my original and intended route but a few lefts, another right and two more lefts, I was back to that special tree I noted twice before.

What to do?
Pass gently through the woods and head up high to an opening. Lookout.

The view was breathtaking. Mesmerizing. At that moment, being lost didn't matter. I knew where I was... generally. On the cusp of dusk, a chill in the air and an empty water bottle, nothing mattered but the view. I'd long forgotten about the nutty weather (sun to rain to sun to hail) coupled with "a wind advisory." The mountain blush reminded me of what a gift it can be to get lost.

On my way down through a field and saw a man (whose dog spotted me first) putting his dog back on leash. He waited while holding the dog's collar, and watched as I approached. "Good evening, sir (& a "nice doggy" to your mini horse...oh, I mean dog), Do you know the way out of these woods?" He softly answered, "Yes, of course, I will show you, if you would like."

(Note: childhood lesson "don't talk to strangers" never quite stuck.)

We walked out of the woods, talking about his 170-pound Irish Wolfhound, fiddle playing, and changes to the land and its ownership through which we passed. Then I was invited to meet his ACTUAL thoroughbred horses, one of two barn cats and this trust-worthy land and animal lover. Thank you for being kind and generous of spirit. I discovered so much more than a way out of the woods.

Above photo was borrowed from NevadaCounty.com .

Getting lost can be so rewarding.

Breakneck Trail Race 2009

"The muddier you get, the better it tastes."

(my motto for thigh-deep & muddy water-crossings)

The 13th Breakneck 20k Trail Race was Sunday, October 4th, in Bigelow Hollow State Park, Union, Connecticut.

A crowd of 75 familiar faces (and some green trail runners/racers) gathered in the woods for the start as Race Director, Karl Molitoris shared that this would be his final year as RD for Breakneck. Due to more headaches than usual—including state budget cuts, increased fees and other pressures—he's packing it in. Murmurs from the crown mentioned he'd said this before. This time, I believe Karl means business.

He reminded us to be self-sufficient (No aid!). He promised wet feet. He taunted us in good cheer to pay attention. "[None of you dummies should get lost out there this year!]"

"If you're going to lead, you better know the way."

The course was a lollipop: Run the stick to and around the candy-pond. Then return along the stick to the finish. Yum! Sugar-free version: Ridge Trail (4.2 miles) to Breakneck Pond. Run (4 miles) around pond (counter-clockwise or clockwise) on Breakneck Pond View & Nipmuck Trails, respectively, Then back to and along Ridge Trail to finish (4.2 miles).

I watched my footing, tree blazes and commitment to not wiping out nor torquing parts that I shouldn't. Success. Saturday's generous rain slicked up yummy moss-covered rocks and slathered slime on skinned roots. Punctuated with mud-sucking sounds of pretty little "water" crossings.

Demonstrating how to be covered in mud
while still sitting lady-like in a nuu-muu running dress.

Along with the with permanent trail markers, Karl supplemented the course with blue tape strips. As an artist and art teacher, I was pleased with his color choice; it stood out from the beautiful orange and yellow fall colors!

A+, Karl, for color and effort.

Attempting impression of Trailgrrl's grin with KZ

Memorables out there in the Bigelow Hollow:

Overcast skies curtsied to sun. Forgetting quad fatigue from last weekend's effort after 3 miles of running along the Ridge. Observing new trail runner reactions to cute little water crossings. Laughing as I sunk thigh-deep into the muddy water crossing. TWICE. Imagining beavers filming humans for "America's Funniest Lodge Videos." Seeing folks who ran clockwise around the lake (Stass, Amy, Kevin M and Bob W, Carol). Wondering if KZ rand Tom ran against or with time. Laughing with Busa and Barry. Hearing acorns fly through the forest and the laughter of squirrel gangs with pitching mitts. Concurring with Nipmuck Dave on the number of acorn caches and what this means for deer season. Wondering if Stass really does like the taste of mud.

Results on WMAC.
For more details and exciting news check out Scott Livingston's Breakneck Post.

Thanks for the homemade food and great event!

Laser Trainer

I admit, this post title is a bait and switch (pun intended). No, it's not about new running gear but about new pet gear. The little laser cat toy, ah-hem, "cat training device," drives my cat, the Wookiee, crazy.

As an indoor cat, it's important that he supplement his rigorous sleeping schedule with regular exercise. In addition to his avid bird-feeder watching and pouncing, his daily mouse-fetching and retrieval, and his laps around the apartment during imaginary hunting expeditions, this little laser adds variety to his work out.
  

If above does not tease you, try this: Laser Trainer.

Check out Breakheart Dan's recent post Have Pets Replaced Children? take a look. Now, if I could just train my cat to trail run with me.....

Vermont 50 mile Relay

(Field Pond in Harold Parker State Forest and an early fall sunset, Andover, MA)

Fall is one of my favorite running seasons. The crisp air, colorful mountain blushes, fewer bugs and a buffet of trail events from which to choose more than make up for its shorter days.

Over the first official weekend of fall, I'll be exploring Brownsville, Vermont with friends while running on a 3-person relay team, Hairy & the Tortoises, in the Vermont 50 Mile Ultra Run. Initially I planned on the VT 50k but I recently ran a trail 50k at the end of August and I don't want to risk fatigue or injury going into the Stone Cat Trail Marathon in November.
So, the relay option is a sensible way to get in the distance and climbing over rugged trail terrain, as well as to sample a beautiful course through a lot of privately owned land. (Thank you, VT Folks!) The first leg is 12.3 miles, the second is 19.6 and the last is 18.1 miles. I'll be the tortoise in the middle on leg #2. Purr-fect!

In addition to a relay, the VT50 offers a 50 mile Mountain Bike Race and 50 mile Ultra Run and a 50k. These start and finish at the Ascutney Mountain Resort while the course rides/runs through Hartland, Windsor and West Windsor.

Hairy & the Tortoises will follow up post race!

The Run Scout is a terrific site with
interactive and satellite maps (for many places/races).

Wapack Trail Race

Sunday I meandered along the Wapack Trail (starting from Windblown) to take photos of trail racers and friends, take in the views, and to take time to recover and reflect. While it would have been a treat to participate in the full distance, my eight-mile power-hike—with spurts of wogging—was a wise and timely choice.

For more information (& MAPS) about the Wapack Trail check out Friends of the Wapack.

Here's a course description from the Race Director, Paul Funch:

"The race is 17.5 miles. The course is an out-and-back that follows the Wapack Trail between New Ipswich, NH and Ashburnham, MA. There are four major mountains in between: Barrett, New Ipswich, Pratt, and Watatic, from north to south. Total climb is said to be about 3,700 feet. On a clear day, you can see for miles, including stunning views of Mt. Monadnock to the northwest..."

Below is a link to photos of many runners in the 2009 Wapack Trail Race.

Wapack Trail Race

• RESULTS. (Scroll to bottom of results for excellent race write up by Paul Funch.)
  

• Grand Tree Schedule.

Green Lakes Endurance Runs 50k

On Sunday I was up in Fayetteville, New York for the Green Lakes Endurance Runs. The course was a 7.77 mile loop repeated four times for the 50k (31 miles) and eight times (62 miles) for the 100k. Results for the 50K.

With four loops to run, I was thankful the terrain varied from wide trail along the water's edge to steep rock n' rooty ascents & descents, open & grassy single-track through shadowy woods and the Serengeti meadows with a stretch of asphalt & pebble before the main aid station. The springy woods chips along the Green Lakes were my favorite footing and added relief from cambered trail.Despite a downpour the night before, the trails were pretty clear of mud baths. The temperature rose from 56 and 72 degrees during the 50k and the famed Serengeti was sunny but not roasting due to overcast periods. Still, I prepared for heat and planned my hydration and nutrition well and without incident. The popsicles at Farmer's Hill aid station were majestic! Thank you, too, for iced cola! I swear those brought back the "yip" in my "yippee!"I started the race with Breakheart Dan who was doing a different Galloway schedule than I so we didn't get a chance to see each other until the finish. It was a nice surprise to see the lead lapping runners a few times (kudos to Paul for 3rd overall in the 50k) and to chat and check-in with folks along the way, such as Barbara S. and Amy L. (who took 2nd woman in the 50k). Laurel Valley was running the 100k (which started 45 min. before the 50k) and as synchronicity timed it, I could cheer her on along the sections of two-way trail traffic.

With 150 total runners in both events, the pack quickly spread out, which meant I ran solo for nearly 6+ hours. I enjoyed this immensely and got into the zone between thinking about love, my life choices, running and the insightful conversations during the (5+ hour) ride to upstate NY with two new running friends. What a positive rush to see them out on the course. They both clocked impressive and inspiring times on their first 50ks!

Theresa (132) finished 4th overall woman and Amy (139) took 8th overall woman.

This was also my first official 50k. I've run the distance before at GAC's 6-hour (31 miles in 5:55:55 in 2008) but never as a sanctioned 50k proper. Frankly, my longest runs in the two weeks prior to the 50k were a 10 and 12 miler. I was curious. How this would play out? Considering my low-mileage training, I am pleasantly surprised and pleased with my finishing time and endurance tune-up. While my splits weren't negative as I hoped, they were pretty consistent with no dramatic slow-downs over the 31 miles.

Below: Finishing lap #3.
With 23.3 miles down and just 7.77 miles to go!

Lap 1 —1:31:39
Lap 2 —1:34:22
Lap 3 —1:37:03
Lap 4 —1:38:41

Overall I ran, walked, and power-hiked a 6:21:44. I'd hoped to break 6 hours but not knowing the course and my low mileage, I soon recognized the goal as unrealistic for the day so in my second lap I set a new goal to break 6:30. My last half-mile was a sprint to the finish in an 8:27 pace!

If I can do that after 31 miles, I am probably not training nor running to my potential. BUT I am running happy, which matters to me more.

The Loop course with Mile Markers "M"
The Elevation Profile of one loop:What goes up must come down.