Dory Run 5K, Swampscott

Foot prints in cinder to run away from Dan.
Photo by Kristen Kozlosky and her iPhone

I tried to drum up interest to get some bodies over to the Dory Run in Swampscott all weekend. The race is about three miles from my house. My goal was to break 17 flat and would need the company to do so. Dan Verrington gave word that he was going to the race. Ben Strain (Dory Run champ last year) pushed a baby stroller on Saturday at 6:30 pace and was not sure if he'd recover for Monday. Joe Shairs had no interest in the course (yeah it has a few hills) and John Ayers was unavailable. My friend, Patrick Taylor, was game for a 5K. He manages to run sub 7:00 mile pace in a 5K with zero training. Krissy's running club, North Shore Striders were hosting the race so she volunteered to help out. Patrick, Krissy, and I got to the race an hour before it started. The race is a bargain at a twenty spot at race day registration. I warmed up on the course with Dan Verrington and lined up at the starting line on Humphries Street in the welcomed shade. I was glad to see Ben on the starting line, knowing he'd set the pace. He took command in the first 400m. He pulled Dan and I along. I clocked in at 5:31 through mile 1 in third place. Along for the ride was a youngster who matched Ben stride for stride. He dropped Ben shortly after said mile. I managed to get by Ben before 2 miles but had no chance to catch the kid ahead who now had a 10 second lead. Dan caught me with about 1K to go. His company was appreciated as we pushed together down Humphries Street and into the right hand turn onto the cinder, square shaped track. I managed to gain a few strides ahead of Dan to finish second overall with a time of 17:14. The kid ahead ran 17 flat. Ben rolled in at 17:33 while Patrick ran sub sevens to run his 2nd fastest 5K. I picked up a North Face gift certificate at the awards. On my way back to the car, I caught up with the winner, Matt Mahoney, a sophmore at Swampscott High. He ran a 9:59 two mile at a state meet the previous weekend to end his spring track season. His preference is for cross country and aims to hit up a few races at Lynn Woods this summer. I hope to have a few more battles with him.

Bedford Rotary 12K

20 yards from the finish line at the Bedford Rotary Memorial 12K road race.
Photo by KrissyK

It was time to lace up the road flats again for a CMS team race. Bedford, NH played host for the 12K Grand Prix Championship. I really appreciate the team races for the competition and to see friends and CMS teammates. I was looking forward to the race as the goal was to run under 5:45 per mile pace. I went through mile one in 5:32 and felt good. I made some moves to catch up with CMS 'mate Sam Wood and former CMS' mate Scott McGrath who sports the Whirlaway singlet now before mile two. Scott dropped out around mile three, walking back toward me when Sam convinced him to get back into the race. Scott ended up beating me by a minute. After the climb through four miles, I was battling Paul Doe, a senior. Mile 5 passed in 28:46 while Paul got some strides ahead. I was looking for more downhills to get back up to him but not much happened until Joe O'Leary (SRR) wheeled up on me before mile six. I decided to suck it up get back to racing and hung on to Joe, even got a surge around him leading him through seven miles. He passed me going up the left hand turn into the track area. I was wiped out but managed to stay close enough to catch Brian Allen (WRT) on the final 60 yards and one spot behind Joe. I placed 65th overall, 43:13, and a 5:48 pace. I felt good about how I finished because I was in tough shape at 5 miles. The CMS teams ran well with both the open and masters picking up wins. Several guys were stoked with their effort. It was great to hear the chatter while I enjoyed a popsicle beyond the finish line. Only then did I realize it was a warm day. I ran a slow cool down with Kevin Gorman and Kevin Tilton. I broke bread in the cafe in the school for decent Lasagna and beyond decent Tomato Basil soup from Carrabas. Two helpings of each hit the spot. Conversation over what races to compete in over the coming Memorial Day weekend filled the air. There are many options. Krissy took several awesome photos. I liked this one because she caught me in rare form - a decent looking stride - only because I shook my ugly form (body twisting) focusing on reaching that finish line.

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