Vermont 100 2011

VERMONT or BUST

I took this photo of Steve last year at the finish of his first VT 100. 

I don't have a 2011 photo. But the only difference would be that when I saw him this year well-rested at the finishing area, he had a huge grin versus that "sun-in-the-eyes," a.k.a., "ITBS" cringe as illustrated above.

Going to VT100  was a healthy choice;  just what I needed to perk up my running enthusiasm by reuniting with old and new friends and lending a helping hand and upbeat energy. The long time that passed since I saw (or trained with) my TUG pals felt like a decade. To start, my time-off to heal various body parts was called out of hibernation when Steve reminded me of my offer to help pace him in his 2nd VT 100.  I started to train again with some regularity, which felt good, to see if I could help versus hinder him with his run. Several hot, hilly and horse-fly filled runs in the woods later, I knew I could be there and be a positive presence for him. 

We left the pacing very open and the first time I saw Steve was at mile 47 (Camp 10 Bear).  Lucid and chipper, he reported he felt better than he did last year. I think he added something to his Vermont Maple Syrup fueling system that made a difference the first 50 miles. I asked him if he'd like me to pace later and he said, "yes." I promised to be at Bill's by 12 midnight and would wait. What I didn't know (until later) was that Steve was sick the week prior and perhaps started his 100 dehydrated. He wisely decided to drop at 100k distance, at about 8:30 pm.  concerned for his kidneys (there's a long wait list to get new ones; why risk it!!!).   100K is NOT TOO SHABBY! I didn't know he'd dropped until a radio official at Bill's called and checked at around 2 a.m. A lot can happen in this distance, especially slowing down after sundown. I figured Steve's pace dropped, especially in those sneakers with no fewer than approx. 4, 220.349 miles on them ... (and they're still good).  Steve made the right choice for his health and future running/racing. Too, bad I didn't get to light his way through the woods until dawn but there will be other miles to keep.

Damon and Cheryl Lease gave me a ride to Bill's from Camp 10 Bear and I got to see so many folks come through—too many to mention. I headed into the barn as Mark Kruger and his pacer, Paul Y, were making their way into the darkness. Mark looked fresher at mile 88 than anyone else up to that point (except for maybe Norm Sheppard, who seems more alive as the miles build).  Mark was on pace for a sub-22, which blew me away! I'm glad I encouraged that dynamic duo to connect for VT and that it worked out positively.  I settled in and volunteered a bit, rested less and hopefully made the runners feel "good to go." Kevin and Michelle darted into the room and were off like race horses; they paced two speedy women (Patty and Sara) who appeared all business and finished sub-24!  I think they spent less than one minute at Bill's for their weigh-ins and fueling. 

Up to a certain point in the night, many runners I observed were hanging out perhaps longer than usual. These were the (experienced?) folks who were certain "to buckle."  They had time to spare. 

 NO, not that kind of buckling.

The atmosphere was light-hearted, no morbid zombie faces and only one medical cot occupied.  After the possibility of a sub-24 hour, the energy at Bill's shifts into what one person referred to as, "the Morgue." I didn't sense that because I was too giddy and silly with greeting running friends and acquaintances. While I didn't shuffle with Steve, I feel good about being a smiling and familiar face for folks, when they possibly need it most.

Ginger arrived and we waited for her husband, Michael Menard and his pacer Julie O'Mara. I waited for Steve (still didn't know yet). While we waited I was able to see many running friends like Dave McDermott who was having a blast with his first 100. His pacer, Suzie was full of laughs. Here we are sporting some animal prints:

 Suzie in Moeben Sleeves  (l)

Me in my City Cat Running Dress by Nuu-Muu (r)

(photo by VT 100 finisher, Dave McDermott)

When Micheal and Julie came in they were alert and full of life! Yippee! Micheal was relaxed and made his first 100 appear as if he were born to run this. They both wore Hoka's! One One with the Trail! Ginger and I headed back to start/finish and I watched the sub 24's finish (woot Dave M!) and then hit the bag for a few ZZZZZZ. During my slumber I missed Christine Matthieu, Jeff Lane and Micheal Menard finish! Steve and I caught up, he was smiling and apologetic about my having to wait. NO worries! And after some R & R with Julie and Steve and other friends and acquaintances, I was back in NH by noon! 

It was a so great to spend time with Theresa R and to meet her friends Meghan and Aliza, to cheer on Amy Lane and her pacer Jen G Fields, and to share some conversation Jack Pilla and Joe Carrara. Jack informed me know that the video I captured of him winning the VT 100 in 2009 was getting a lot of air time on a local station,  WCAX.com . Thanks for letting me know, Jack!  Here's the LINK.

Happy healing and training to all! 

Biking, Birding Before the Rain

Late morning I hopped on my bike and headed towards Boxford. The weather was cool, overcast and rain free—at least at the start. I was not out for a "hammer fest" but a chance to move my legs, enjoy the outdoors, and  try out some new cycling gear. Happily, I managed to average 15.6 mph without trying.

Initially, I was in search of a cider donut from Smolak Farms Bakery but I realized that was just the initial bait I told myself for motivation before I switched to another goal. As soon as I was warmed up by Old North Andover Center I decided to find the road that touts one beautiful field, farm and  barn after another. I found it and a whole lot more...

 Looking toward Hovey's Pond along Main Street in West Boxford

I stopped to take this photo and was on my way. Until I saw an arrow and what appeared to be a trail head. Insatiably curious, I circled back, dismounted and walked down the pebbled path. A bunch of birders were clustered by the water's edge while one tall man in a navy wide-brimmed rain hat pointed towards the cat tails. The others raised and lowered binoculars before passing them with slight hesitation like a tray of delectable appetizers at a garden party.

The Millbrook Area by Hovey's Pond was alive with wild chirping bird activity—songs, courting rituals, and sky acrobatics.  I spotted several chatty Red-Winged Blackbirds, a sparrow, a bright yellow fellow (Oriole? Warbler?), and a Killdeer that was in some sort of a twirling tizzy. So much excitement in just a few moments time.

The birding group was about to disband when I arrived but a few die-hard birders perched around to try and spot the Bittern who was camouflaged (as usual) amidst the tall grass. Of course, we could hear the unusual call but not see this master of disguise. 

A really nice man, a member of the Merrimack Valley Bird Club, offered me some of his home-baked "flax seed, oats and etc., squares." It was the best thing like it that I'd ever tasted. I want that recipe! He also offered me a rain poncho because the sky decided it was time for the deluge.  I had my cycling jacket but many thanks, sir. I'm sorry I didn't get your name.

I learned that earlier one of the men, climbed a tree to band some baby owls, called "owlets." I wonder if these were the infamous Great Horned Owls of Brooks School? Was it Jack Holt? 

Curiouser and curiouser...

I need to get into the woods more.
I heart owlets.

(owlet image source: http://www.brooksschool.org/podium/default.aspx?t=204&tn=The+Latest+Campus+Celebs&nid=545739&ptid=51725&sdb=False&pf=pgr&mode=0&vcm=False)

Bay Circuit Trail: Favorite Local Single-Track

 An open field with blooming trees

(Ward Reservation, Andover, Mass.)

After teaching this morning, I laced up, filled up my Nathan hydration pack and headed out along the Bay Circuit Trail to meet up with Dan and Bill who'd started (Leg #3) in Boxford earlier. 

I am fortunate to live within walking/running distance of the inviting white rectangular blazes so all I had to do was gear up and go.  As I headed out, I confirmed Dan and Bill's approximate location to estimate where I might intercept them running in my direction. I hoped to meet them at or after the Mary French Reservation so I could run the beautiful boardwalk twice. Success! I intercepted the duo in the Hammond Reservation and we headed back over the Mary French boardwalk. The memorial bench looked as though it had been recently restored. We admired it and were off like cat and mouse through the cat tails. Dan put away the map because their local guide was leading the way!

The field by my favorite home in Andover (Ward Reservation) 

The stretch of Conservation Commission trail that connects Grey and Tucker Roads has some new board walk over the muddier areas. Then into Ward.  I feel so great when I run in Ward Reservation. This Trustees of the Reservation land is my main "stomping" ground. I don't actually "stomp;" my gait is more of a scooting and skipping combination.

Stomping in Hokas must be next to impossible;

they are light and poofy like cumulus clouds.

Gator-Bait Gaiters hug Hoka Bondi Bs 

After Ward, our trio trekked through the Phillips Academy playing fields and down Phillips Street before ducking into the Purdon Reservation.  Bill parked at the Lupine Trail head, which is less than a mile from Purdon. In a jiffy we were off to chit chat with Al French and Burt Batchelder at Moor & Mountain! What great local resources—these men  and the outdoor gear!

Dan and Bill logged about 17.5 miles, estimating re-routed trail (due to avoid beaver-flooding) added the extra 3-4 miles difference from the BCT written route map. With my out (to meet them) and back (to Bill's car at Lupine) I logged 9.5 miles, feeling fine.  

Great Company!!! I am eager accompany Dan, et al., along the next leg. Section #4 shares trails through a handful of my  favorite A.V.I.S. Reservations: Indian Ridge and West Parish.

A talented photographer, Jordan Yaruss, captured how much I love running long boardwalks, especially the newly patched one through ATC's  Mary French Reservation.  

Summer, 2009