I picked up a transfer entry from Michael Duquette who was
unable to run Stu’s 30K. 18.64 miles around Wachusett Reservoir hosted by the
Central Mass Striders was a good idea to get a change of scenery. The 30K distance
doubles up the last race (Great Stew Chase 15K) I ran this year.
The temperature was in the mid-40’s with overcast skies
giving way to a light breeze. I wore a throw-back navy blue Polar CMS singlet
on top of a long sleeve, fleece headband, gloves, shorts, and Adidas flats. After
the opening 6:28 mile, I settled down with Dirk Walther, a consistent training
partner for the SRR track intervals. We were soon joined by Kalliman Gomes from
Methuen. We discussed the meaning of life during the in-race meet and greet
over the next few miles. Dirk and Kalliman are training for Boston while having
similar qualifying times.
They picked up the pace after 10K and I held what I was
doing for effort. EJ Hrynowski and Lindsay Willard were ahead of me as beacons
for several miles. I passed Lindsay (1F) around 10 miles. We exchanged kudos as
I went by with suddenly someone hot on my heels. Looking at the results, it
would be Jason Baer. We would keep each other company stride for stride,
changing the lead into a light head wind when my left calf cramped at 16.5
miles. It released but I had to back off the pace. Game over on the hot finish.
Jason would fly away and catch EJ.
In the end, I met expectations for the day: place among my peers with a window of 6:30 to 7:00 miles
throughout. For hydration and nutrition during the race I took a Gel around an
hour in and another at 90 minutes. I recall accepting a cup at water or
Gatorade at least four times during the race. I bailed on the cooldown, grabbed
a medal, changed into some warm clothes, and camped down to a few bowls of
chicken noodle soup and Polar beverages.
Stu's 30K Photos via Kim Gordon and the Central Mass Striders
Stu's 30K Photos via Kim Gordon and the Central Mass Striders
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| In a pack including Gary Cattarin, #87, early in the race with Wachusett Reservoir in the background Photo by Kim Gordon |
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| Stu's 30K finish Photo by RaceWire |
The scenery around Wachusett Reservoir is really nice! A lot of state records for fish are from there. I caught my biggest fish ever at Wachusett which was a big Salmon. I let all my fish go back with their friends. Quabbin Reservoir and Wachusett are neck and neck for most records it seems. Great rivalry. Magic Quabbin Fish vs. Larry Wachusett Fish. If you know who's better let me know.
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