Kupenda 5 mile trail race - Wenham

I hit up the Kupenda 5 mile trail at Gordon College in Wenham on Saturday. It was race number two of the North Shore Trail Series. I jumped into the lead in the first mile shortly after we hit dirt. Dmitry Drozdov, Jonathan May, and Sean McDonough were in the mix. The lead felt comfortable through mile 1 and 2. My legs were light, quick, and hitting the terrain and hills with authority. Dmitry went by and I trailed him onto the quad (half way mark). It was just a matter of time before he took command. I stayed on his heels until my wheels fell off in the second trail loop around 3.5 miles. He floated to the finish for the win (28:06) and I held 2^nd place (28:31). Jonathan followed with 28:57. Full results. I picked up a gift certificate for New England Running Company. Rumor has it that they have Inov8 on the shelf now and I could use some new treads. Roger Perham took over 300 photos. 

After a nice workout last night with SRR, the plan is to rest up and hit the track for a mile leg in the 26 X 1 mile relay at Tufts on Saturday. I am not looking to repeat any episodes of hamstring issues. 

Newton 10K

Today was nice to venture over to a new race that I have never done before. The Newton 10K played host to the USATF New England Championship of which was race number four of seven. I warmed up with the CMS masters team over the first and last miles. They drove the course earlier so I got clued in on what to expect - rolling hills, generous descent in the later miles, and more shade than sun exposure. I set up shop four rows from the starting line behind the ladies. The weather was warm and recalled a very light wind on the warm up. The starting line announcer puzzled the actual take off as some runners stumbled out while others bolted off the line with confidence. Either way, I followed the ladies off the line and had a clear line up the left hand side of the road until the race exited the park and onto the residential roads. I used the opening miles to reel in some women and the CMS teammates. I encouraged each while I went by (Dave Quintal, Martin Tighe, and Sam Wood). Then I set my sights on the women's leader, Brett Ely from the BAA. I passed her after 3 miles. From that point on, I put effort into opening the stride down each hill. Each time I was really feeling like crap, I would hit another downhill and fly down. Sean McDonough (SRR) and I worked together into 5 miles, 28:36, about ten seconds quicker than my 5 mile split at the Bedford 12K three weeks ago. I took a cup of water there and dumped it over my head. The last mile was a matter of survival. I wanted to make sure to hold my distance from the top woman (which I did). I was trying to chase down two guys in front of me with 400m to go but they held the same pace I had right to the finish line. I was exhausted, knew that I gave everything I had today for the 35:22.3 chip time (5:42 mile pace) and 57th place on page two of the results.

My splits while missing mile 6:

5:37
5:47 11:24.94
5:48 17:12.99
5:47 23:00.46
5:36 28:36.83
6:48 35:25.57
Official Chip Time: 35:22.3

Closing in past mile 6 at the Newton 10K. Photo by KrissyK

Newton 10K results - June 10, 2012

Kristen took some great photos. I wish I had more room to display them here. The photos show how the last 400m were to shake out for some. It proved that there was some jockeying all the way to the finish line. I ran a short cool down with the CMS teammates and caught up with their races. That followed with some vendor offerings at the post race swag like Coconut Water to refresh before the ride home. 

Kennebunk Beach Classic 5K

Joe Shairs and I invaded the Villange of Kennebunk, ME for an advertised "blazing fast 5K course" on the ocean." It was pretty wet (pelting drizzle) and windy which consumed our 80 minute drive north. There must have been over two dozen appreciative surfers catching 20 footers. There were plenty of fast guys on the starting line due to cash prizes for the top three. My money was on Robet Gomez for the win (which he nailed). A crowd of eight hammered the slightly downhill opening 400m. I trailed Joe by six strides through the first mile in 5:19. I was breathing pretty hard and must have sounded like a chump who went out too fast but this is a race. The race had a generous tail wind once we hit the beach (1.2 miles?). I got passed by one runner (Aaron Chelate) along this area who ended up passing Joe in the last .10 of the race. I missed the 2nd mile split but found myself in a battle with Jenna Boren - who caught me around 1.75 miles. Jenna is a 2008 / 2012 US Olympic Marathon trials qualifier from MN.

This next mile was the toughest with gently rolling hills. I was determined to not let Jenna get away so I kept on her heels coupled with some back and forth over the next few minutes. I got ahead of her on a up and down and kept that distance over the last 800m into the finish for 9th place and a time of 17:11 (a few seconds quicker than my 5K last week). The goal of sub-17 eluded me again. Joe finished in 8th place with a time of 16:57, 1st master (40+). A quick peek at the "rare" age graded results showed that Joe Shairs nailed 1st place (excluding the top three overall males). His age graded effort is the equivalent of a 15:32. Take that Kennebunk!

Kennebunk Classic 5K race results June 3, 2012

It was great to see Cathy Dunham and family (Dave Dunham was taking on Pack Monadnock) before the start. Joe and I cooled down on the course and replayed our battles. We made our way down the road for French Toast (can't say I would recommend it) at All Day Breakfast on Rt 9. At least the coffee was decent. Overall, it was a good morning despite the weather and tight race headquarters at the Senior Center which were not inviting for indoor housing for pre or post race.

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.

Complete results

Boston Marathon blur

A smile for Kristen 400m from the finish line at the Boston Marathon

In summary, I crossed the line in 3:14:10 - a personal worst by almost 30 minutes. Today was a brutal day for everyone. Congrats to everyone who finished. I was tempted to walk off the course at 30K. However, I had Krissy and my father at the finish line expecting me to finish in what I predicted around 3 hours. The last eight miles were a blur. I checked the results and saw names that I recognize, and had no idea they passed me. Calf and hamstring cramps cropped up earlier than ever for me in a marathon. I hit up each water stop for Gatorade or water. I saw a temperature reading of 85 degrees just outside Cleveland Circle. Good times, eh? I took four GU's (one handed off by Kevin Gorman at 19), a Gel from the Gatorade stop at 17, and a half banana from a spectator (I tossed the other half right back to her to share with another desperate runner). In the end, I was grateful to reach the finish line, no matter how much time it took. I had some serious doubts that I would reach it today.

St. Patrick's Day Recovery Run 5K

Kristen and I have been reading about this race in the Lynn Item newspaper. In addition, I felt it would be a good idea to support a local race as it seems that Lynn does not have too many road races. I missed out on the Great Stew Chase 15K last month. I was pleased to see friends Solomon Tsegai, Doug Chick, and Jason Euzikonis at registration. Jay, was representing Brooks and was showing off the 2012 running shoe lineup at a table. Doug and I went out for a 10 minute warm up before lining up for the National Anthem. Mark Mayall from New Balance Boston jumped right out  right out with Nick Sousa and a high school kid. I was all alone watching the three climb up Tower Hill which took some effort. Mark took a commanding lead that he would not give up. I managed to catch the high school kid shortly after the mile where I had a 5:25 mile split. Nick was so far ahead so I tried to keep the legs turning over and keep anyone from catching me over the rest of the course which was pretty flat. I rolled into the finish line in 3rd place, 1st Lynn resident, in 17:17. Mark took the win in 16:17 and Nick ran 16:38 which was his second race of the morning. He won the Olde Salem Greens cross country race earlier edging out Mike Quintal and Dave Dunham! I did a cool down with Solomon and came back to a very long line for the food inside the Hibernian Club. The whole place was buzzing with a good vibe of food, drink, raffles and awards.

St. Patrick's Day Recovery 5K Run results - Lynn, MA March 25, 2012
Race photos by KrissyK
Lynn shows its Irish Pride at Hibernians 5K