Miles Over the Moon 4 mile

This is a Friday night, 8pm race hosted in Salem by the Wicked Running Club. Last time I raced it (10 years ago?), the start and finish were at the Salem Common. Since then, the Bentley School is the new digs as it has some parking. I ran close to a 2 mile warm up with Eric Bowden, Jeff Cook and John Ayers (a few others whose names I did not catch). It was a warm night with intimidating rain clouds moving in. A lot of local clubs on tap included: Notch, North Shore Striders, Wicked Running Club, Winner's Circle, Mystic Running Club, Goat Hill, Greater Lowell and more. I wore the heavy Notch (Adidas) singlet that I had since 2018. I wore the New Balance SuperComp Fuel Cell Trainer which has a Carbon Plate. They are very cushy and rarely wear it but for a race/workout, they are flawless. 

I started the race far enough away from the first row, took about 9 seconds to reach the line after the starting gun. A guy on a bike with a boom box playing some toons was ahead for my first half mile. I found my leg cadence matching the beat. Rather helpful I suppose on the way toward Dead Horse beach and Salem Willows. Mile one was around 6:54. Mile two heading to the Salem Common was similar. The run around the Common is where I was tiring out and found my sight at the darkness to be tricky. A few runners would pass on by through Collins Cove. I hung onto Jeff Cook and he would hold the 2 second advantage over the last 3/4 of a mile to the finish. It would start to rain at that point and lightening scattered the sky over the next few hours. Gun time of 28:49 placed me 79th, chip time was 28:39 (7:09/mile). GPS measured out 4:08. Age group-wise, 17 out of 49 in the 40-49 category. 

2023 Miles Over the Moon 4 mile road race results

Frank Nealon Boston Tune-Up 15K

Hit the road for an easy one hour drive to Upton, MA for the 4th of the USATF New England Road Race Grand Prix races - Frank Nealon Boston Tune-Up 15K. Since the series got underway in August, a 5 mile, 10 mile, and 10K have been hosted in short order before the end of September. I failed to make a presence at any. This race was a chance to do a CMS team race on the roads. This is also, potentially may be the last race of the shortened Grand Prix, Covid-19 recovery year of 2021. A recent runner survey seems to have some interest with a 5K road championship to be held in November. That may align well for me as I have run more 5K's this year than I have in the last decade. 

Around mile 9

Photo by Barbara McManus

I ran this race about 3 years ago so was well versed in the rolling nature and quiet roads. I checked in with my CMS teammates, handing out fist bumps before the national anthem. I was anxious. My longest race all year was a 10K in and around seven and a half minute pace. I set off at the start with no serious expectations other than running comfortably hard. And that I did. Most miles were under 8 minute pace and reached the finish line with an overall pace of 7:53. Chip Time was 1:13:27. That placed me 27th out of 37 in the 40-49 age group and or 128th out of 216 runners. Splits below. CMS Open and Masters Men's Teams were 4th and 2nd.

Full Individual 15K Results

742, 749, 803, 749, 759, 749, 805, 752, 731, 704 pace for the last 0.4 miles

Following the race, I got a chance to scout out a 1989 San Marino Yello Chrysler Conquest TSI for sale. It was an automatic and the owner owns four, all automatics. It was not registered so could only test drive it around the Storage Facility. It needs some work and would be a fun project. If anyone knows of a Conquest TSI or Mitsubishi Starion ESI for sale, please let me know. 

Stu's 30K recap

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

In a pack including Gary Cattarin, #87, early in the race with Wachusett Reservoir in the background
Photo by Kim Gordon

Stu's 30K finish
Photo by RaceWire

Wicked Frosty Four

Nakri, Krissy, and I rolled over to Salem for the Wicked Frosty Four mile road race. We headed out for a warm up and hit the starting line for the reasonable 10AM start time. Not that I needed my beauty sleep but much prefer races on the early side of day light. The race started and I yelled over to EJ Hrynowski, “let’s go EJ!” just because it is good to see him and he’s good for the chirp. He promptly smoked the senior field and missed out on a PR by ten ticks of the North Shore Timing in the end.

Speaking of North Shore Timing, it was a family affair with father and owner Mike, in charge of timing command, son - John Page ahead of me by a few seconds at mile 1, and mom, Jill, cheering the race on.  I’ve known the Page family since I got introduced to club running and the North Shore Striders in the early 1990’s. Jill is a sweet heart, always smiling and supporting even in the midst of competition. “John is looking good up there,” I mentioned to her as I ran past mile 1. Without hesitation, “well, you look better” Jill said to me.

I was in fifth place and had that envious desire to move up five seconds and roll with the lead pack that included David Long and John Page. I was thinking that I should be up there mixing it up with them. My envy and legs were at odds a half mile later, confirming that I was not going to make up any gap, just see it get bigger. The highlight of mile two, was a storm trooper (are you reading this Joe Shairs?) pointing us toward the force - force of a little head wind.  The four up front extended the gap through mile 3 with John Page breaking off as he climbed the hill beyond Dead Horse Beach. This gave me hope to shake out of my suck-fest and maybe close in on him. Well......thankfully I did not look at the mile split until after the race.

My legs were junk and so was that last mile (5:57). I closed the gap between John (also missing his PR by 9 seconds set last year) and I to seven ticks at the end (last mile 5:54) good for 2nd master behind David Long (3rd, 22:52 - off by 8 seconds from last year). My time of 23:17 and pace of 5:50 placed me 5th overall. I won’t go all out negative but was disappointed with the effort. I ran 22:45 last year (5:42).

All was forgotten seeing Nakri (3rd 40+) busting down into the finish and a few other familiar faces crossing the first finish line of the New Year. Nakri and I did a short cool down before hanging out at post race festivities within the Tavern in the Square, both of us grabbing age group medals. Krissy, Maryann, Nakri, and I crossed the street and feasted on breakfast at The Ugly Mug Diner wrapping up the journey.

Wicked Frosty Four mile results

top three masters Nakri Dao, I, and David Long

Level Renner 10K Brockton

With team prize money in the offering along with solid competition for all age groups, the Central Mass Striders ran in the humid air of a beautiful DW Field on Sunday, July 19. The course is multiple loops on the access road with a beast of a hill referred to as Tower Hill just after the start, 2 miles, and at the end. This course is not for whimps. Race director Kevin Gorman, founder and CEO of Level Renner was all smiles as my car of Krissy and Joe Shairs arrived. Soon I would see CMS mates Dan Vassallo, Dave Dunham, Arthur Besse, Greg Putnam, & Scott Deslongchamps. I started out with a pace (mile 1, 5:41) that could not be held but felt my race position among peers was correct (top 20). Miles 3 and 4 hurt while pace slowed to the six’s which lost me a few places. I came through the line pretty wiped out with a time of 36:30 (5:53/mile average) and 15^th place, 5^th 40+ runner.  We got the win but it was not easy. Dan took 2^nd and Greg won the master category with Joe 2^nd. They picked up some well-earned dough.  The raffles that followed created quite a buzz of anticipation for all. I expect the race to only grow in participants and teams in the future.

2015 Level Renner 10K photos by KrissyK

Level Renner 10K 2015 race results

Into the finish line

Less than half way

Joe, Dan, Greg (Eveline on shoulders), I, Arthur, & Dave

James Joyce Ramble USATF National Masters 10K Championship

I ran a pretty good race today, placing 11th overall (net time of 34:42 and gun time of 34:44) in the USATF National Masters 10K Championship hosted via James Joyce Ramble in Dedham. The masters championship had their own race that started three minutes ahead of the non-masters championship event. I got through mile 1 with Dan Verrington. My goal was to hit his goal of a mid 34 minute effort. Joe Shairs was with Todd Callaghan about 15 seconds ahead and Greg Putnam was in between us around mile 2 as I started to move up in place through the rolling hills. I was hitting the climbing with good effort and got through the Noble and Greenough school with a confident command that I could reel in more guys. I went by Kevin O'Neal (BAA) whom I don't recall ever getting in front of. I gave him some words of encouragement, respecting his speed. Greg was just ahead so I went after him while battling a tall gent from the Atlanta Track Club. I caught up to Greg and we soon passed Christopher Lawrence from the BAA with Todd and Joe not too far ahead within a mile to go. We managed to close in on Todd with 150 yards to go and our pack of three flooded the finish line to place 2nd as a team by only one second (every second counts) over the BAA and behind the winning Atlanta Track Club. The CMS Senior Team raced well too and placed 4th overall. It was cool to accomplish this with these guys and hang out after the race on the Endicott Estate. I have to give a warm and appreciated shout to Kevin Gorman who seemed to be at several points on the course cheering us along. It really helped.

2015 USATF National Masters 10K Championship (James Joyce Ramble) results
KrissyK photos of the James Joyce Ramble 10K

Greg, Todd and I coming toward Krissy and the finish line

Split (pace) via Garmin
5:36
5:30
5:34
5:45
5:26
5:33
5:15 pace for the last .3
Net Time 34:42
Gun Time 34:44
average pace 5:36

2. 1:43:59 CENTRAL MASS STRIDERS                   (  34:40)
==================================================
  1    34:32  Joe Shairs            Peabody MA      CENTRAL MASS STRIDERS                  
  2    34:43  Todd Callaghan    Beverly MA        CENTRAL MASS STRIDERS                  
  3    34:44  James Pawlicki     Lynn MA            CENTRAL MASS STRIDERS                  
  4 (  34:45) Greg Putnam        Stoneham MA    CENTRAL MASS STRIDERS

Great Stew Chase 15K

The Great Stew Chase was delayed until yesterday due to the snow fall and narrow roads from in early February. The legs had a little soreness from the previous days snowshoe event. I told Krissy that I would have to be careful and hang back on my pacing and strategy. I did not take my own advice and had some sub six minute miles early on. I was pulling a group that included Joe OLeary though mile 4. As the course headed up over Rt. 128, I backed off and never got back in the game.

Pulling the group through mile 2

It was disheartening to see that crew take off or at least hold the pace. I settled in for the solo grind up and down Farm Ave and back to the finish. Jason Bui was chasing me in the closing miles to get as near as 8 seconds at the end. I crossed the finish line in 57:20 – good for a 6:10 average and 8th overall. Joe hit the 6:00 minute pace to get the top master position. In all, glad I went and supported the home town event. Here is a link to several photos that Krissy took of the Great Stew Chase competitors.

Solo around 7.5 miles

41st Annual Great Stew Chase

Lynn, MA, March 8, 2015

8  James Pawlicki 2/19 M4044 40 M Lynn MA CENTRAL MASS STRIDERS  57:20  6:10

Wicked Frosty Four Salem

Arrived early with Krissy to score primo parking and a table inside the Tavern in the Sqaure. Headed out for a 2 mile warm up with Dennis Floyd, Joe Shairs, and Martin Tighe as late as possible so as to not sit around for fifteen minutes before the ten o'clock start. The wind was going to be in the grill for the 2nd half of the race. Noted. Cold only if you were not moving. The sun felt good. New Balance flats and CMS singlet ready for battle with eight minutes to spare. Jordan Williamsz was in the house chasing the lead police vehicle from the word go. Dan Chruniak was in second with Joe hunting him down after a mile. He got close at mile two. I found a partner in David Long. Matched strides from start to finish. Not even separated by two seconds, ever. Tough as nails as mentioned in the past. Surged as if I was coaching him. I followed and matched where applicable. Tried to help at mile three. Lasted thirty seconds while the wind resisted any forward motion. Settled in like a vet, waiting to open up at an opportune time. However, Dave got a good jump down the stretch into the finish besting me by a tick. The crowd was into it but my legs were tap city. 22:45 (5:42/mile), 5th place, third 40+ behind Joe and David. I got some warm clothes on and ran the course in the opposite direction with the guys. I will get back on the horse for eight laps of oxygen debt at BU in a few days. Is a sub 4:50 possible? 4:52 seed time is in.

Today's mile splits per Garmin
5:29
5:37
5:52
5:44

Wicked Frosty Four results - January 1, 2015
Last three years at Frosty
2015: 5th 22:45 (5:42)
2014: 7th 21:46 (5:27)
2013: 1st 22:22 (5:36)

Wild Turkey 5 Mile Run - Salem

Krissy and I before the start

"Cut your tangents you rookies," I yelled as we turned left around the Salem Common following the start of the race. Same course this year with the exception of the last 300m wrapping up the 5 mile loop just in front of the Knights of Columbus. I felt like junk from the gun - seeing the group I should have been with just ahead and pulling away after my 5:30 opening mile. I saw the leader, Villanova athlete - Justin Williamz ripping around Winter Island after mile 2 absolutely killing it. I plugged away and cheered the group running into Winter Island as I exited. I managed to catch a guy at 2.9 miles and another at 4 to move up two places. CMS t'mate Matt Viega was way ahead battling it out for 5th. I finished 7th overall with a time of 28:31 - well off my reasonable 27:45 expectation. I took the effort in stride. It was a stiff reminder that not all races go as planned and the body told me right away how it was going. I touched base with Justin who took the win to get the scoop on his affiliation to Lynn (as seen in other race results) and his progress at Villanova. His DMR team is one second off the World Record (Taxas and Leo Manzano hold it) and his team is chasing that in 2015. Yes, world record! The Lynn affiliation relates to his girlfriend. Proud to see Krissy finish the race as she had doubts after some knee pain recently. Another turkey day race in the books. Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!

Clock to the Rock 5K - Lynn

The Downtown Lynn Cultural District hosted the Clock to the Rock 5K in Central Square. The awesome Boston traffic got it the way and was pretty sure I was not going to make the 6:00 start. It took me over ninety minutes to reach downtown Lynn. I had 8 minutes to park, change, sign up, and get to the line. I reached the registration table while the race was getting lined up on the starting line. I made it to the line with about two minutes to spare. I sprinted out into fourth place. Up front was a young kid running with a back pack. William Jackson and Michael Smith followed as we ran along the barriers on the side of the road marking the course. William took the lead and I got behind him when we reached the Lynn/Nahant rotary maybe .75 miles in. A police officer said we were going the wrong direction. We were running the last mile instead of the first. We slowed down and nearly stopped - looking confused. William and Michael shrugged it off and started running again. I followed knowing that we were doing the course in a counter clockwise direction.

We were supposed to be going clockwise so we missed a turn 400 meters into the race. As William said, "what's done is done." We stayed together but at a slower pace now. I was thinking that we were going mess up the results and or get disqualified. By nature of the course and our misdirection, we ran into the race to jeers that we were going the wrong way. I felt pretty silly but kept a sense of humor about it. Michael picked up the pace at the end to cross the line in 1st and I followed Bill. In fact, I walked across it and told the timing truck what had happened. Another conversation took place with someone affiliated with the race. I stayed out of it and was ready to write off us getting credit. We did run 3.15 miles but in the wrong direction. They recognized our efforts and let the results stand. I ran a cool down with William and Michael, running the course in the correct direction. We followed up with hanging out at the after-party in the Lynn Museum and live music by a local funk band. It was a pretty cool scene. It was easy to forgot about our mishap. Awards were given out and I grabbed an age group trophy and managed to pick up a race shirt that I missed at registration. Patrick Taylor swung by to check out the festivities and we hit the road for a burrito at Taco Lupita around the corner. At least I will be prepared for the course next year!

Lynn Item article and photos: Quirky finish to the Clock to the Rock 5K

Nahant 30K

I hit up the Nahant 30K hosted by the North Shore Striders today to get in a long sustained effort run. CMS mates Martin Tighe and Arthur Besse were going so I wanted to ensure a team of three would score. Upon my arrival, I was glad to see Scott Leslie there. He is training for the Hartford Marathon as an invited athlete. The start took off and a bunch of GBTC guys moved in behind Scott who would end up taking the win in 5:45 pace. I settled in around Arthur, Martin, and Andrew from SRR. I had some laughs with EJ and James who were busting on "those guys from CMS." My Garmin was useful today as I was mindful of keeping my pace in check each mile. I had no business running sub 6:00 pace as that was bound to explode in my face on a warm day. I thought mid to low sixes was sustainable. Time would tell. The other factor was electrolyte replacement for which I was testing today. I packed three saltstick capsules and two PowerGel's for old time sake for the adventure. I popped the first capsule after five miles. There were water/gatorade stops every three miles. Martin started to take off after the lead woman while I stayed back with the gents above.

Krissy was taking photos about at the top of the Northeastern University loop. The mile splits to this point were any where from 6:10 to 6:25. The miles rolled by and I chased any shade on the road and hit all tangents. I took on the second saltstick capsule after 11 miles. I pulled away from the guys and concentrated on going after the lead woman who was about a minute ahead. I found myself alone for the first time in the race only getting by some sunshine starters and the oncoming runners who were heading into their mile 9. James pulled up next to me when we saw Krissy for the 2nd time on Northeastern University loop. He said he had to run a sub six to catch me. James pulled away going up the hills past the Nahant Library. I caught both just before the Nahant Life Saving station. Little Nahant was a beast as usual with the hills. I took my last saltstick at the last water stop where the Kay family was working. I ripped my fastest mile, 6:02, from 17 to 18. I was tired but excited that I had no muscle cramps. I approached the finish where my dad watched on one side and Krissy on the ocean side taking photos. I placed 9th overall with a time of 1:57:56, 6:20 / mile pace. For perspective, I ran 6:17 pace, 1:57 last year in the USATF New England Championship. I picked up a New Balance running hat for third place in my age group. I was pleased how my race shook out. 

Nahant 30K 2014 results

KrissyK Nahant 30K photos

At the finish

Myself, Arthur Besse, Scott Leslie, Martin Tighe

With Dad

Level Renner 10K Brockton

August 17, 2014
The Level Renner 10K is beautiful two loop road course with rolling hills within D.W. Field Park in Brockton. 80% of the course is in the shade. CMS had more than seven men in the race including Nate Jenkins, Greg Putnam, Joe Shairs, Al Bernier (making his 40 year old debut), Jason Porter, and Scott Deslongchamps. We were gunning for the team prize money. Five scored this year as opposed to the three from last year. The start headed up the road passing the lookout tower. This hill is a beast as we encounter it two more times. I was with Jason Porter, Joe Shairs, and Robert Cipriano in the early miles. Al was about five seconds ahead and looking very strong after my 5:35 opening mile. I got a little room away from those guys about half way through. Al was not coming back as he built up 15 seconds on me. I recall going through mile 5 around 28:00. Robert passed me and caught Al with 800 meters to go. They had an envious battle up the last hill. Al stopped and dry heaved just after six miles. I urged him to get back in it - he did but lost time and three spots. Meanwhile, I had someone breathing down my neck - John Bigoutte from CT. He edged me at the very end. Joe was ten seconds back and Al was in behind him. My time was 34:52 for 10th - almost a minute quicker than last year. The team won but no team prize exchanged hands due to lack of teams. Race director, KG has to pay the bills which is fine by me. No problem as I picked up a Garmin GPS watch that went to Krissy's sister.

A mess upon finishing the Level Renner 10K

Full Results

KrissyK photos

Squantum 5 mile road race Quincy

I broke out the blue Level Renner singlet for the 5 mile race around the corner from the office in the beautiful Marina Bay - Quincy. The race had a new calendar date in August in order to have a post-race venue. The race is usually held in June. The night was warm but lacked the humidity. I spoke with race director JJ Larner before the race to consult on the slight course adaptation to work around construction in Squantum Point Park. This would cut off about 1/10^th of a mile. Indeed, I measured out 4.92 miles on the GPS. I jumped out to 5:25 1^st mile – unchallenged chasing the police car that paved the way along the roads I frequently train on. I pressed as hard as possible solo which is hard in the hills of Squantum. I backed off the pace with 200m to go to make sure I did not break 27:29 which is my PR on the course and stay out of the top ten of the fastest times here. With the shortened course, I did not want the time to mistakenly get on that list. I took the win with a 27:37 on the 4.92 mile course. Another 10^th of a mile would provide a low 28 effort which is solid. The post-race venue at the Water Club, upstairs, in Marina Bay was welcomed. The view of the city of Boston skyline and sun going down with a pink sky was perfect to end the day. There were plenty of hops and hot dogs were available. I caught up with Michelle and Bob (age group award winner) from New England Runner. The household subscription is in Krissy’s name so I came clean that I am still supporting it. Full results 

John Carson 2 mile road race

Full Results

19^th place

3/103 Male 30 – 39

10:30  or 5:15 average pace per mile

The 4^th of July tradition for my racing schedule is the John Carson 2 mile road race in Chelmsford. I opted for a YMCA run race last year in Swampscott and regretted it each day since (just kidding). It is fast, competitive, and the pain is over in ten minutes or so. I did a slow and easy warm up with Dave Menard, and CMS teammates Heidi Besse and Colby Chrusciel . It was great to see them. We ran the first mile of the course and back to the start. I put on the singlet and Nike Lunaracer, version 2. I did another ¾ of a mile warm up and did some light stretching. I got just about on the front row of this one and took off at the start on a slight decline. I did not want to head out too quick as plenty of runners sprint out too quick so 40^th place was per the usual here for me. We had a grade going up at 800m and I stopped passing the over-zealous runners by 1200m. I could see CMS mate, Adam Malek in 3^rd place up ahead. He would finish in the same place with a 9:19. 

The mile came up pretty quick which was a good sign. My Garmin said 5:17 (noticing after the race) and I did not hear any split given. Water was given out but it was too fast of a race to consider reaching for. I was running on how I felt and had two Greater Lowell guys and the first female (Karen Roa from Boston) ahead of me.  We had a fair decline now and I slowly caught the GLRR guys. I told the 2^nd one that we got to catch the female ahead. I had to put in some effort as the course dipped down again to an overpass which I would say 400m remain. I caught and passed Karen in there and now we had to climb up a bit for the last 300m to the finish where my place remained. I finished in 19^th place and a time of 10:30. My Garmin had me at 5:11 and change for the 2^nd mile. My goal as I was quoted at the start was 10:25 so I was close. Karen was four seconds back. I collected those that I warmed up with plus Adam for a cool down after drinking a bottle of iced tea. My plan was to take them off the parade route for a 3.5 mile cool down but I changed my mind about a mile into that and we went back onto the course where we ran into the parade coming at us with sirens, horns, cars, candy, et cetera.

Stu's 30K

Stu’s 30K - Clinton, MA - March 2, 2014

Full Results

Photos by KrissyK

Tired but standing at the Stu's 30K finish
Photo by Krissy Kozlosky

I put the Stu’s 30K on the schedule as it made sense for a few reasons. I am running the Boston Marathon so I figured that a steady long run would be suitable. The race is put on by Central Mass Striders and wanted to support it. I was also driving back to the North Shore from the US Snowshoe Championships so it was not hard to veer off Rt. 2 and into Clinton for 18.6 miles. Race director Evelyn Dolan put a shirt to the side for me. I ran a 2 mile warm up with Reno Stirrat (former CMS member way back in the day). The first mile brought back some memories of when I ran this race back in 1997 when it was a USATF New England Grand Prix Championship. My goal for the 2014 version was to keep the pacing between 6:30 and 7:00. I was a little sore from the snowshoe race 24 hours earlier. If I had fresh legs, I would have wanted 6:15’s or better. I went about the earlier miles easy and settled in the top 20. It was hard to let guys get away over the next few rolling miles but I had to run smart. The miles went by quickly as I was engaged but not worried about my place or who was passing by or pulling away. The course is hilly and I actually preferred the incline portions more than the declines. I stopped by each water stop which had Gatorade at the 2^nd table and took it in. I took the one GU I carried and then another I got at a specific table late in the race. The legs stayed together but I was really tired all the way. I expected that but it is all about the big picture. The last hill was memorable passing not one but two Polar Beverage store front signs. They are symbolic - bet they were also there in 1997. The hill is a major slap in the face with less than a mile to go. I wrapped up the race in 18^th place in 2:03:37 – 6:38 pace per mile. I was tired enough to not bother with a cool down. I was a lump of coal in the cafeteria after I changed into warm clothes and got some Chowder and Fluids from the happy volunteers that included CMS President Stephen Laska and CMS coach and women's manager Barbara McManus. 

Great Stew Chase 15K

This is an honest New England 15K race in Lynn that has seen fourty starts over the years. All you want to know about the third oldest 15K in the country. Over the past decade or so - the out to Peabody and back loop has been standard with a little change at the turn around point. If you sign up early, it will cost you a dollar per kilometer. How many races can you say that about? A bowl of beef stew (and veggie), a roll, and a cookie await at the Knights of Columbus. The KofC offers warm shelter from the low 20 degree temps. No complaints today other than the "barely" slower than six minute mile average 5 mile split - the only time all race that I cared to glance at the Garmin. However, good company out there with CMS mate Joe Shairs and Ryan Hayes via Shamrock Running Club out of Woburn. 

Ryan, I, and Joe around mile 6 in Peabody
Photo by KrissyK

Joe broke me going up the hill off of Farm Road. Ryan was smoking me too. Joe would later admit to working said hills with purpose. I picked up my gait after the turn around (waited for some down hill action) as I figured I better keep myself some company for the return trip back to Lynn. I was cutting all tangents, safely of course, when appropriate. Joe waived me back into the huddle around mile six and I felt good about that - working like teammates to shake the bearded Hayes who had many a fan calling to him as we ran toward oncoming runners by design. I did some work pulling us past 7 miles. I was gassed so Joe took charge with a few lefts - turns that is. We had a long straight stretch and managed to shake Ryan off a bit through mile 8. Joe looked back with a half mile to go and did not sound off any alarms yet we kept pressing past mile 9. We were two wide with oncoming traffic close to my right elbow. Joe gave me the go ahead on the narrow street up to the KofC parking lot where I crossed the line in 55:32 (5:58 pace per mile average). He was one second back. I was greeted by Krissy - doing her thing with over 600 photos for the day and my dad who came to watch us inflict pain on ourselves on a cold February day. Joe (top 40+) and I finished 6th and 7th. Ryan was just seven seconds back. Dan Vassallo, looking sharp in the new CMS singlet cruised to a win and not too far back from me was Nick Taormina and Scott Deslongchamps who was racing for the first time since November. He is targeting the Hyannis Marathon at the end of the month. I did a cool down with Scott, Joe, and Mike Dimauro (another Shamrock) before settling down to some stew with the gang. I picked up a 2014 Great Stew Chase pen for which I proudly brought into the office today. Blue ink to compliment the black ink already in stock. I crack up at the Stew Chase logo - a kettle of stew on the run - reminds me of the kool-aide pitcher on the run breaking through walls. 

To the line with Joe at the KofC
Photo by KrissyK

My refurbished Garmin 205 said that I ran 9.47 miles ~ a little longer than 9.3 miles that 15K breaks down to. That was a consensus based on the mini-survey of feedback that I heard post race. Race Director, Roger Perham and good all 'round guy wheeled this one so I don't know what to say. Perhaps I did not cut enough tangents. On a side note, I tore up a pretty healthy blister on my foot that was brewing all week 24 hrs earlier. I worried that the raw skin rubbing on each foot plant would be a problem on Sunday morning. However, Sunday morning - one hour to gun time - I tried on several pairs of racing flats to trainers before this little red riding hood settled on a borderline pair of trainers/racers from Asics that I had pretty much retired but too attached to recycle. 

Fortieth Annual Great Stew Chase 15K results

2014 Great Stew Chase 15K photos (over 600) taken by KrissyK hosted on SmugMug

Level Renner 10K

Joe and Jim keeping it Level before mile 1
Photo by KrissyK

Krissy got an invite to attend this 10K from kevbalance (KG) and she transferred it over to me. I was excited to get a chance to run in D.W.Field Park in Brockton. I had no idea what to expect. When Krissy, Joe, and I rolled into the park, it was obvious that this place was a gem. It felt like Break Heart Reservation in Saugus and Wakefield. Kevin welcomed us right away once we saw him. Joe and I connected with CMS mate Scott Deslongchamps for a warm up on the 2nd loop of the course (3.78 miles) as I felt a longer warm up would help me out and we had the time. We got a chance to see what we were up against on the roads that followed two bodies of water. It was a nice course that had at least 75% shade. This race brought in the big guns like Ruben Sanca and Glarius Rop. Joe and I did not discuss our racing plan before the race but before we knew it, we were side by side from the start which went up Tower Hill (3 times by the way). I felt good and Joe and I joked after the race that neither of us took the tangents properly. Loop one was a quickie around the first pond and up Tower Hill again. There was plenty of shade and it was appreciated. Our pacing through three miles was around 5:42 pace and we were off into the bigger of the two loops. We were not chasing anyone down nor was anyone clipping our heels so we kept pressing as much as possible. We took turns in front of the other navigating through our mutual silence. I started to wear a bit at 4.5 miles but we hit a fair stretch of down grade which was just in time for me. We took our last turn at the entrance and went after the last hill at 6 miles. I got a few steps on Joe. He told me to go for it about half way up but I did not see the point in killing it so I backed off for him as I knew he was top master. We rolled into the finish in 35:39. Not too bad for a days work and a busy weekend. I would not trade this for anything.  I love racing and had some great company today. Joe and I hope to be in the 34's at Lone Gull. There was plenty of post race food. I took down some Watermelon before heading out for a cool down with Joe and Scott. We bumped into Ruben who won with a sub 30 (road PR?). He filled us in on his race break down and upcoming racing plans. We got back in time for some refreshments and vendor displays before getting to the awards. I picked up 2nd in my age group. Joe took top master. Scott was 3rd master. We combined for the top team (three score). Good day for CMS as the ladies also picked up the top prize. There were a ton of raffle prizes given out. In summary, this race is only going to get bigger so don't miss out next year.

KrissyK photos

Scott Mason photography

The end
Photo by KrissyK

Level Renner 10K Road Race results August 25, 2013

Level Renner

My splits per course mile markings:
Distance     Time     Avg Pace
6.24          35:38.32  5:43/mi
0.99          5:36.72    5:39/mi
1.00          5:38.85    5:37/mi
1.01          5:51.80    5:52/mi
1.00          5:50.22    5:48/mi
1.00          5:44.45    5:43/mi
1.02          5:38.90    5:34/mi
0.21          1:17.38    6:08/mi

Firecracker 4 mile Swampscott

I printed two applications the night before the 4th: John Carson 2 mile in Chelmsford and Firecracker 4 in Swampscott. The later won the coin flip based on a short commute of three miles. My dad came over as it has been tradition for him to walk while I run. He was not too bummed out about not going to Chelmsford. It was warm out, but not out of reach for July. My back has been feeling better. Thus, feeling better about racing. A race broke out with Alex Gomes and Jordan Kinley side by side after the siren. Not messing with that. I took a back seat to Dave Long from Beverly. His gap on me in terms of seconds doubled as each mile went by. 11 second gap on me to the end and I really had no balls to surge anywhere. The hill up Rt 1A was rude, period. I gathered the top three for a cool down on the roads. Jordan is looking to kick ass at the Beverly Homecoming. I will see Dave Long next weekend at Pingree on the trails and Alex is putting some training in to kill it at Carver. Firecracker results.

Place No. Name Div/Tot Div Ag S City St Nettime Pace Guntime Pace
===== ==== =================== ======== ===== == = =======
1 3209 Jordan Kinley 1/33 M2029 29 M Salem MA 20:56 5:14 20:58 5:15
2 3273 Alex Gomes 2/33 M2029 24 M Peabody MA 21:31 5:23 21:33 5:24
3 3265 David Long 1/55 M3039 39 M Beverly MA 22:08 5:32 22:10 5:33
4 3215 James Pawlicki 2/55 M3039 38 M Lynn MA 22:19 5:35 22:21 5:36

Squantum 5 miler

I ran into Hassan Haydar the mornig of the race while on a run - still debating if my legs were up for the race that night. We asked each other if we were racing the Squantum 5. He said JJ Larner (race director) needed help at a water stop so he was going to volunteer his time. I was still on the fence, as evidence by running already. I rarely run a double (two runs in one day) but was looking for trouble or in denial. JJ Larner was nice enough to give me a complimentary entry as part of the "race of champions" theme as we touched base via email a week earlier. Meanwhile, my QL - Quadratus Lumborum - has been flared up for almost two weeks so I was fussy about racing. I got it worked on Monday night so I was left with some stretching to do but it was feeling a little better. I need to strengthen the QL.

I mentally registered that I would go to the race after I ate lunch. I arrived at the race an hour before start time. After thanking JJ for having me at the race, I asked if any other champions were in house and he confirmed Brendan Lynch. He's fast. Like 2:34 marathon fast. He ran a 1:15 half marathon in early May in Quincy - four minutes ahead of me. Hassan asked me if I was going to take it easy or race. Race of course. I warmed up in the light drizzle. It was humid than earlier in the week so comfortable for racing. In addition, this is the fourth consecutive race that I have been at where it was wet or raining since the Vermont City Marathon. I stretched a bit inside race HQ but really did not have the strength to put an effort into the back stuff. I proceeded to the start paying no attention to who was lining up in the front row to my right. I never met Brendan and did not know what he looked like. Two HFC (Hurtin for Certain) gents jumped right out front after the starting siren. One was in white (Brendan) and one in green (his brother Sean). There was another young guy in the mix. The four of us went through the mile in 5:48. The beautiful Boston City skyline, albeit on a foggy evening, was on our far left as we approached Squantum. Brendan had a step on us into the first and largest hill on the course. I stepped around Sean and into second putting some effort to close the short lead Brendan had while climbing. I felt OK but did not want to cramp his heels and force the pace any faster. So much for that as the young guy went past and after Brendan on a down hill. I wanted to tell the guy to chill but I did not. He faded shortly and I regrouped in behind Brendan up and down another set of hills. I gave him a verbal prop at one point "lookin' good Brendan." He returned the verbal and that made me feel good (hey, this guy knows me by my name). I got beside him and took the lead around 2.5 miles. He sat, comfortably from what I could tell, behind me as we went through 3 miles and exiting Squantum for an all out flat remainder to the finish.

He retook the lead as we went back into Marina Bay and I was totally cool with that. 4 miles passed and he looked comfortable as if he were going to drop the hammer on me soon. Sure enough, we had a few tight turns in Squantum Point Park and he got a gap that would not be closed in the last 800m. He won in 28:24 (5:41 / mile pace) while I followed, 28:31 (5:42 / mile pace). Full results. Brendan, Sean, and I cooled down for an easy 15 minutes. I got a chance to learn what Brendan has been up to for racing and training over the years. He is a down to earth - decent guy who knows the running scene, competitors, and coaches really well. He is smart with his racing opportunities. I dropped some race results that included us in the same race half way accross the country - Chicago Marathon, 2003, on Brendan. He crushed it that October running under 2:35 while I ran just under 2:38. We seemed to both have the same agenda that day - run 6:00 pace for as long as you can, then go for it. His plan worked where as mine put me in my place but I still ran about that (6:00 / mile) pace at the end of the day.

I peeked at the 2009 Squantum 5 Results. It was a Pub Series event so it was a loaded field resulting in me and my quickest time, 27:29. I just edged out Terry McNatt as we battled neck and neck over the last two miles. Brendan was just behind us (I did not know this when I caught up with Brendan the other night). We will commence racing where I suspect his leg speed will prosper in the Jim Kane Sugar Bowl 5K in a few weeks in Dorchester - his home town.

Quincy Half Marathon

With the upcoming Vermont City Marathon, I felt getting a ½ marathon under the belt would be a good idea. I like the idea of a sustained effort for a good duration leading up to a marathon. I searched around the running calendar and found the Quincy Half Marathon of which I always wanted to run but had conflicts in the past. It sort of fell into my favor this year as the race was to be held on March 10 but was postponed due to weather and safety concerns from the town of Quincy. I reached out to Brett Rickenbach (WCRC) last week and he was game for the effort as he too is running VCM. Thus, we headed down to Quincy early Sunday morning. My mind was heavy as I was sore from some piriformis issues and some previous day yard work.

I changed my racing plan from requesting for 6:00 pace per mile to whatever the legs would provide without embarrassment. After a 1.6 mile warm up and stretching I was on the starting line, front row, with Brett. I followed Brett for 200m and settled next to him by our first of many turns together on the course. My legs felt OK, not great. The temperature warranted a singlet up top, Native glasses to ease the potential poke of sun which was never seen. My red and white Invo8 233’s felt smooth. Thin ragged, throw away gloves were worn for just three miles before coming off in time for a drink of water from the friendly water stop on Wollaston Beach. I found it comforting to run next to Brett. He was keeping track of Garmin mile splits vs actual course mile markers. We were averaging a low six minute pace early on while there were about 12 runners ahead of us. The miles went by fast mentally as I think we took the pressure off and just did our thing letting those in front pull away as they please. We dropped those on our heels just by our consistent pacing as we toured through downtown Quincy thanking each police officer we ran by. They were in full force to hold up several intersections of traffic to make way for the runners.  We rolled through 5 miles around 30:38. We took turns on Newport Ave leading into the wind, allowing the other to tuck in. Newport Ave turned out to be longer than it seemed on paper.

Next to Brett (1034) after the start at 8:00
Photo credit Gregg Derr, The Patriot Ledger

I recall taking my only Gatorade Gel around mile six before a water stop. I took water at each stop along the way. The Dixie cups had the perfect water to cup ratio. Brett and I would have a few words here and there.  Brett was holding a strong pace, quicker than what I thought he wanted. He told me that he was good with the pace, meaning, not looking to dip but hold it – encouraged me to drop pace when I wanted to. I was content though wanted to get some wind at my back later in the race and tee up a few targets ahead. I had two runners in my target when I pulled away just before 10 miles. My 10 mile split was 1:01:33 (about a minute slower for the 2^nd 5 miles). It was just after that point where I had a two stage hill that took some time to climb. I caught the two guys over the next mile and set sight on the last guy visible to my eye. I worked hard to catch up over the next mile and finally pulled beside at 12.5 miles. We were running side by side along the road that took us to the new Quincy High School outdoor track for which the finish line awaited after a full lap. The best trash talk line I ever heard was dropped on me while I pointed over to the track and said that we still have to run a lap around that track. He said “I am a 400 meter All American.”  That got my attention but was not sure if he was serious. I felt good but was in no mood for a battle on the track at the end of a half marathon. I passed him two turns away and stepped onto the track not knowing how close he was. I went around that track as hard as I could, coming into the finish line, 6^th overall with a time of 1:19:29 (6:04 mile pace). He came through a few seconds behind me. Brett followed with a solid 1:20:33 (6:09 mile pace). The guy who finished in between us is currently not in the results so I don’t know what happened there. However, I had to ask him if he was an “All American 400m runner?” He confirmed that he was at Wheaton, a relay (49.X) and is now training for an Ironman. Cool. I barely made it through a cool down with Brett and Kieran Condon (SRR) who ran a solid 1:17:59 just three weeks after running the Boston Marathon. It was nice to chill out inside to plenty of soup and sandwich wraps. I was tired but glad I got to the race and put down a solid effort. 

Quincy Half Marathon results May 5, 2013
Patriot Ledger race article