Brrr-lingame 10 Miler 2017

Official time: 1:13:28    9th overall.  Results here.

Always fun, always brutal, the Brrr-lingame 10 Miler is a two lap course on the trails south of the Burlingame campground.  It's twisty singletrack with some running on dirt roads and through the campground.  The second lap is always a bitch.  I didn't run it last year as I had been diagnosed with a stress fracture just prior but looking through my reports I was surprised to find that I hadn't run it since 2014.   Apparently I had a business trip in 2015.

Anyway, I was looking forward to getting back to this race.  Unfortunately I developed a dull ache in my lower leg to start the week which had me concerned.  I took it easy for the rest of the week and I felt fine going into the race.  The weather was cool and perfect and the trails were in good shape.  I arrived, did a short warm-up on the beginning of the course and soon it was time to line up.

The race starts on an open field before hitting the woods and ascending singletrack.  Everyone always goes out too fast in order to have a good position before the woods as passing is tough.  Today was no exception and I was probably around 5th place entering the trail.  After a couple minutes I eased off slightly and a couple people passed me.  At this point the field was already spreading out and the front pack already pulling away.  I had a couple people behind me but they weren't super close.

By the time I reached the ridgeline I was alone.  I could see someone off ahead but there was no one very close behind.  Then once I was back in the woods I was alone again.  Along the dirt road section I could see someone way up ahead but he vanished towards the numerous wooden bridges and I never saw him again.  Going through the campsite slowed me down with lots of leaves and knowing I still had a mile before I started my second lap was disheartening.

The second lap of this race always sucks - you work hard on the first one and then you have to do it all again basically by yourself.  I didn't look back on the grass field, afraid of what I'd see and just kept chugging along as I hit the woods.  I would look back at occasional points and not see anyone so I was feeling pretty good but when I hit the long dirt road straightaway I glanced back and saw an orange jersey.

By the time I finished with the bog bridges and turned onto Vin Gormley I could see the orange in my periphery.  I knew I'd be caught in no time.  Sure enough, a few moments after entering the campsites Andrew Neil, aka El Pollo Rojo aka the Red Chicken went by.  He quickly put distance on me and I had absolutely no response.  Over the last mile of the race I watched as he pulled farther away.  There was no one else behind me which was good because the Red Chicken broke my spirit.  I finished in 9th, always happy to be done with this race.  Unfortunately El Pollo made all the difference and led to the Rhode Runners winning the Men's team competition.  Curses!

Still I must tip my cap to Andrew who paced this race well and was able to reel me in over that second horrid lap.  This will be my last race of the series this year - I'm missing the Big River half due to a backpacking trip but since I'm now on the DL with leg issues anyway that may be for the best.

Belleville Pond 10k 2017

Official time: 53:38  6th overall.   Results here.

The third race of Mike Galoob's winter trail series is always a fun one.  After a couple 5ks the distance doubles and there are often truly winter conditions to contend with.  This year was no exception - after a quiet and (mostly) snowless winter, we got a good half foot the day before and so it would be another snow covered race.  This is a good thing as this is what the series is all about.

My training had been spotty over the last few weeks with an sore ankle but I showed up in good spirits and ready to race.  It was pretty cold - in the teens and there was a brisk wind whipping over the pond.  I had on the Salomon Speedcross and intended to run with just them but after a warm up along the pond I encountered enough ice to justify the microspikes.  I threw them on after a half mile and felt they had much more grip on the way back.  Probably overkill but they were definitely helpful for the icy spots.

I met up with folks just before the race began.  I had on my tights but Crutch, Jonny, Jeff and others represented with just shorts (including one guy in nothing but shorts, yikes!).  At the start I quickly found myself in third following Jonny and Brightman along the single broken trail.  I was probably working harder than I should have and I slowed after a bit.  Soon Gazelle went by me followed by another guy.

The course turns onto some hilly singletrack that runs alongside the pond and I was already feeling worn out.  I tried to stay behind the others through this section but had to pass one of 'em on the hills as he was slowing down.  Once we reached the rail bed I could see that Walker and company were already well ahead.  The footing was better here but I wasn't able to get any closer.  Andrew Neil went by and I tried to not let him get too far ahead.  I was hopeful that I would be able to make up ground along the Route 4 section where there's usually choppier snow which favors me.

The Route 4 section was indeed choppier but not a sufferfest as in a previous year.  Andrew aka the Red Chicken had passed the only guy ahead I wasn't familiar with but I was making any ground on this mystery man.  I was now very much in no man's land, well off the others and no one very close behind.  As the course turns back turns towards the powerlines I could see Jon Short not too far behind and tried to find another gear.  The race now featured another section of park- the relatively newer "Middle trail."  This twisty section was slow going and when the course veered back towards the far parking lot I had a sense that this version of the course was going to run long.  I could still see Neil and mystery man up ahead and I held out hope that I could catch them during the next singletrack section.

The twisty stuff along this side of the pond was equally slow going and I only occasionally caught a glimpse of one of the other racers up ahead.  By the time I returned to the rail trail I could see them way up ahead and knew I had no chance to catch them.  I tried to pick up the pace on this somewhat more packed down section of trail but I was running out of steam.  There wasn't anyone close to me so I didn't have any motivation to kill myself on the last section of hills and roots.

I came through the finish in 6th place.  I was worried that mystery man was running for Rhode Runners but luckily he was unaffiliated and the WTAC men grabbed their first win of the series.  After a cooldown with Jon Short and some award presentations I joined a group over at the Oak Hill Tavern.  Another great winter race in the books!

Resolution 5k 2017

Official time: 21:12.  16th overall.  10th in Age Group.  Results here.

Always a fun way to start the year, Mike Galoob's Resolution 5k is a mix of beach and non-technical trails.  The conditions have generally been pretty good for winter but this year looked to mix things up with an impending snow storm.  The beach was hardpacked but the trails had a choppy snow based on my warm-up.  It was cold with the wind but not numbingly so.  Ten minutes before the race began, snow began to fall at a sideways angle from the heavy wind.

And we're off! - Photo by Scott Mason

We lined up on the beach and were off, with people taking a variety of lines towards the turnaround.  The wind was at our back and I tried to monitor my pace based on my position to everyone else.  Not long after the turnaround Leslie O'Dell and a couple guys passed me.  I tried to hold on but they began to put distance on me.  We were running into the wind now and the snow was blinding me and stinging my eyes.  We left the solid sand and hit the choppy snow which gave me a chance to catch up.  But it was short lived and by the road section they put distance on me again.

Once we passed the Black Point parking lot and entered the trails I was in no man's land.  I couldn't catch up with the group and was worried about someone gaining on me.  My Speedcross handled the snow well - there was little ice to speak of and traction wasn't an issue this time.  The group ahead began to splinter as we approached the old ruins but I still wasn't gaining.

I made a little headway on folks during the last beach section but their lead was too great and I wasn't able to do anything.  I finished 16th.  Not a particularly great race time or place wise but I haven't been doing anything towards speed so I'm not surprised at the results.  By now the snow was really coming down and all the guys had fine ice beards.  I used my cooldown as an opportunity to take a couple GoPro shots and then return to the finish to snack and get crumbs stuck in my beard.

Here's a couple of the videos I shot:

The Rhode Runners once again came correct and narrowly beat the WTAC men.  The WTAC fared better however.  It should be a good competition this year!  By now the snow was piling up and staying warm was difficult.  The roads were already crappy by the time I headed home and I was happy to get home to the family and batten down for the storm.  Looking forward to the next race at Old Mountain Field.

Time to go home to the fire
Photo by Scott Mason

Old Mountain Field 5k Trail Race 2015

Office time: 22:15.  8th overall.  3rd in Age Group.  Results here.

Once again it is time for the South County 4th Season Trail season put on by Mike Galoob.  It's always a fun, low-key race series that brings out the best local runners.  Last year featured some stiff team competition between WTAC and Rhode Runners, with WTAC taking the win thanks to RR not showing up for this race last year.  That would not be the case this year as they were out in force.

Past races here involved frigid temperatures, plenty of snow or both.  This year was downright pleasant.  Most people had more layers but after a short warm-up I was content to run in the singlet and gloves.  Galoob lined us up and went over the course - it was plenty different from previous years.  We'd be going in the opposite direction and incorporating some new trails.  With a shout from Mike we were off.  The new start was less frantic which was a big plus.  After rounding the ballfield I entered the woods, close on the heels of the lead pack.

The start was more reasonable than year's past - Photo by Jana Walker

Hot on the heels of the lead pack as we enter the woods (it would not last)
Photo by Jana Walker

A young kid in a Level Renner singlet was ahead of me and began to slip and trip almost immediately.  The uphill climb made passing tough and once it leveled off I went by him, sticking close to the lead pack.  This was probably a mistake but it was hard to ease off.  Jeff soon went by me and he quickly put distance on me.  I heard footsteps behind me so I tried to keep the pace up.  We hit a muddy stretch, most of which I just plowed through.  The mud/leaves was definitely slick and there was some slipping/sliding on my part.  A bearded fella passed me on this muddy section and soon Chris Fox did the same.  I didn't have another gear to stick with them and watched them speed off after Jeff.

A respite from the trail with Bob Corsi hunting me down
Photo by Jana Walker

The muddy section ended with a stream crossing and then we doubled back on familiar trails before heading around the pond.  There was no one in front of me now.  The passers had left me in the dust.  Robert Corsi and a bunch of Rhode Runners were on my heels so I tried to push hard through the next rooty section.  We came out of the woods for a brief section of pavement/grass and I was very tired now.  Galoob was there and said that there were big hills up ahead.  Great.

Back in the woods, Galoob's hills soon arrived and I felt like I was barely moving up them.  I was hurting now and ready to be done.  The hills were followed by a twisty section of new downhill trail before it began to climb one last time.  I saw bearded guy amongst these turn arounds but he was way ahead.  When the final downhill section began I could see that I had a big lead over Corsi & Co. which was good as I was feeling spent.  I crossed the finish line in 8th place, wiped out but happy with my race.

Wrapping up the pain - Photo by Jana Walker

It was a tough race for everyone.  People were muddy and bloody at the finish.  Jonny had a great race and placed third.  Shira Fuller was the female winner. Unfortunately the Rhode Runners made a statement, placing 1st, 2nd and 4th.  They easily took the male team competition but luckily the WTAC women also showed up to race and took the win for the ladies.  Afterwards a very short cooldown and then food and conversation as Galoob distributed prizes like Santa Claus.  This is always a fun race and I'm looking forward to the Resolution 5k next month.

Big River Half Marathon 2015 - Sabotage!

I was really looking forward to this.  The last and longest race in the South County 4th Season series, the Big River Half Marathon is as epic a trail race as you're going to find in Rhode Island.  Last year I did really well and while I was still working my way back into shape I was optimistic that I'd be able to put together another strong performance.  Unfortunately the bastards got the best of us and the entire race unraveled before my eyes.

I got to the parking lot with plenty of time to spare and did a short warm-up on the beginning of the course.  Five days earlier I had been out here and the amount of snow was discouraging.  What a difference five days makes!  Other than a heavy patch of snow on the first turn, the trails were in great shape.  Some mud/water as to be expected but really good overall.  I was psyched.  There was also a lot of talent that showed up to compete.  Greg Hammett came down from NH and the usual WTAC/TNT characters were in attendance (though Chris Garvin was noticeably absent). The Rhode Runners, who I thought might be wary of such a long trail race, were out in force and even ultra-badass Ben Nephew was there.

Back at the start we all gathered around Race Director Mike Galoob as he explained that the course would be very different from year's past.  He changed it up to avoid some sections that might not hold up under the heavy foot traffic and also added some very challenging boulder sections.  He emphasized how many flags he and his helpers had laid out and I was ready to get to work.  We all lined up and were quickly off down the brief straightaway on the New London Turnpike.  I tried to keep my pace in check and stuck behind Jeff Walker as we hit the singletrack.

Vying for position before the singeltrack - Photo by Scott Mason

Pretty soon the pace was feeling like work but I didn't want to fall back for fear of getting left behind.  Still after about a mile I let some space open up between myself and Jeff & Chris Fox.   I heeded Jonny's words from earlier that it's a long course and I had to run my own race.  As we approached Carr Pond I didn't see any orange flags but the lead runners seemed to know the way so I followed them as Jeff was doing ahead of me.  At the ridge line along the eastern side of the pond there were branches and limbs in the way which seemed odd but whatever.

As we approached the pond I could see a familiar bearded trail runner named Eric.  He had been behind me on the singletrack but had gone off course and ended up ahead of the lead pack.  He waited and resumed his place behind me.  I wasn't surprised at this as there hadn't been many orange flags.  Soon we were back on singletrack and I began to catch up to Jeff and Chris Fox.  I did my trademark powerhiking on the hills which served me well and helped me pass Fox near the Pinto trail.  We passed another fella who had skipped a section of the course and at the mile 4 aid station I downed a couple waters.

The next section was fun with some big climbs and several water hazards.  We passed Scott Mason snapping pics and as we hit the ridgeline trail I sensed that Jeff and I were pulling away from Eric and Chris Fox.  I passed Jeff up on the ridge but he bombed past me on a very steep downhill.  It was still early but the pace seemed manageable and I was looking forward to working with Jeff and seeing how the rest of the race was going to unfold.  We followed the orange flags down to the carriage road that circles the pond and continued on the road.

Powerhiking up a steep hill - Photo by Scott Mason

After a few moments we came to a big fork in the road and I knew something was wrong.  There were no orange flags, no arrows, no indication of which way to go.  We continued on briefly but it was a section we had already run near the beginning.  We turned around and backtracked, picking up Eric and Fox in the process.  We went back to the last orange flag we had seen.  Now our party had grown as Gunshow and a few others had caught up to us. We didn't know where to go.  We returned to the carriage road and saw a singletrack to the left but there were no flags to be seen.  Back at the fork we took a left and basically retraced our steps to the start of the race.  It wasn't the right way to go but at this point I was frustrated and knew the race was over.

Once we got back to the New London Turnpike I wanted to keep running to at least get some decent mileage for the day.  Eric and another guy name Lance were happy to run for another hour and we continued on.  We eventually found the course near the beaver dam and ended up doing the last few miles of it.  It was as difficult and awesome as advertised and even though I was taking it easy it wore me out.  We followed the course back to the finish where I ate, drank and talked about the flag thievery with everyone.

So basically some asshole(s) stole the flags that Mike and company had worked so hard to lay out.  The lead pack of seven guys managed to stay on track thanks to Jonny Hammett who had helped mark the course.  I think Galoob had gone out to do some damage control and direct some people in the right direction.  But for most of us the race was derailed after six miles.  A real shame because this was probably the most challenging trail race in Rhode Island.  Once again thanks to Galoob and family for another great winter trail series.  It was a tough winter for running but he put together another season of badass trail races.

I hope Mike decides to hold this race again next year.  And come next year we will do what it takes to ensure the course remains marked.  We'll get camouflage.  We'll get deer blinds.  We'll get drones and robot monkeys.  This aggression will not stand!

Resolution 5k Beach & Trail Race 2015

Official time: 18:37.  12th overall.  5th in Age Group.  Results here.

Time for the second race of the winter trail series.  As with the Old Mountain 5k, I went into this race with no expectations.  My knee had been feeling better in the lead up to it but this race would rely on more pure speed than Old Mountain and last November's Mews race left me feeling like I lost a step.  I was looking forward to another fun local race, and the weather seemed spot-on, but I was still trying not to think about it too much.  I didn't even look up last year's time for a goal (it was 19:28.)

I arrived with plenty of time to do a solo warm-up.  It was in the low 20s but there was little wind.  The beach was nicely frozen.  I passed our nemesis, the Tuesday Night Turtles, who had donned anti-WTAC shirts for their warm-up.  They were hilarious.  A tip of the cap to Bob Jackman for having them printed up.  The ultimate complement of this rivalry.

Heading on the trail portion, the path was  partially covered in snow and held several individual ice hazards.  These were dangerously slippery but I didn't want to break out the YakTrax for the first time this season in a race situation so I opted to just carefully avoid them.  By the end of my "warm-up" by toes were frigid in the minimal MT00s and I decided to camp out in my car for five minutes to warm 'em up.

The snow wasn't a problem but watch out for the frozen pools

Frozen feet no bueno

The respite did the trick and as we milled about for the race to begin I felt much warmer.  Galoob led us all down to the starting line in the sand and after a few remarks we were off!  It was a quick start and I made sure to avoid the scattered rocks with my minimals.  I quickly fell in behind Jeff and Dave Principe.  I could see Matthew Walker up ahead close to the lead guys, my days of besting him (at least at shorter distances) now a thing of the past.  I was closer to the lead pack than I thought I should be but the pace didn't seem too aggressive and as we made the turn I decided to cling to Jeff for as long as I could.

As we approached the start line I heard someone coming up behind me quickly. I should have realized who it was from the quick turnover - Jonny passed by, clearly playing it conservatively to start.  I followed Jeff and Jonny as we left the beach and hit the trails.  Now it was all about avoiding the sneaky ice patches.  Jonny passed Jeff and continued after Principe.  On the brief road section I tried to push it, not wanting to end up in No Man's Land.  I was able to keep Jeff in my sights but I was breathing hard.

The trail turns back towards the beach and over the next 1/2 mile I was slowly able to gain on Jeff.  The field was spread out now and after the one big descent I glanced back and saw no one.  Good, a little breathing room then.   I was working now but the pace on the watch read 6:04 which pumped me up.  As we approached the house, the trail evens out and gave me a look at the field.  Jonny had just passed Matthew Walker who looked to be slowing.  Jeff was gaining on him and I was only a few seconds behind Jeff.

I didn't think I'd be catching either of the Walkers as they both run well on the beach and have strong kicks.  The last 1/2 mile on the beach is not my favorite and I just wanted to finish strong.  Thus far there had been no knee pain so I was already happy about the race.  The twists and turns of the house forced a slower pace and the broken ice within required a careful step.

The ocean view was easier to enjoy on the cooldown

Last year it was flooded.  This year it was an icy trap.

Coming out of the house, I was surprised to find Jeff and Matthew right in front of me.  I gave Matthew encouragement before realizing he must have gone down as he stopped before jumping the stream.  His Old Man stopped briefly to make sure he was alright and I, being less than a gentleman, took the opportunity to jump the stream first and put some distance on the Gazelles.

But my lead was short lived and Jeff flew by me moments later.  Try as I might I could not catch him.  I was still worried about Matthew, not knowing that he smashed his knee up pretty good on the icy trail.  I ended up finishing a few seconds behind Jeff and managed to take 51 seconds off last year's time!  I was thoroughly happy with this race as it indeed proved to be a fast affair and my legs responded in kind.

Another baddass photo by Scott Mason

Mirror image of last year.  Next time Gazelle! - Photo by Jana Walker

Matthew finished a few moments later with impressively bloody knee.  It didn't keep him down for long and I was happy to see him and his dad doing a cooldown a bit later.  I thought WTAC was going to pick up the team win but it ended up being...Rhode Runners!   The Providence speedsters were out in force for this fast race and WTAC had to settle for 2nd with TNT grabbing 3rd place.  It's definitely a competition now but I like our chances as the trails get longer and more technical.  Kudos to the WTAC women for getting the win over the Turtles.

Thanks to Mike Galoob and his family for another great race!  He even brought fat bikes for people to demo.  The atmosphere was festive and there were some great WTAC performances, led by Chris Garvin who finished one stride short of first place.  This was a really positive race for me and I'm psyched that my knee appears to be finally on the mend.  I'm looking to the Belleville Pond 10k next month (hopefully with less snow!)

Old Mountain 5k Trail Race 2014

Official time: 20:45.  14th overall.  8th in Age Group.  Results here.

Another winter is upon us and with it comes the annual South County 4th Season Trail Series.  This has become of fixture of running here in South County, with races that start at the 5k distance before reaching 1/2 marathon length by the end.  In addition to plenty of individual rivalries, the team competition would hopefully make a big return.  TNT easily took the honors in 2013 and WTAC returned the favor in 2014.  What would 2015 bring?

I went into this race pretty ambivalent.  My janky knee had limited my running considerably and recent back pain had added my woes.  The trails were clear and the temp was in the upper 30s so I knew that besting last year's time in the snow and frigid temps would be no problem.  But would I better my 21:23 from 2012?

I did a brief solo warm-up on the last section of the course in reverse.  Knee felt a little twitchy but otherwise fine.  Made my way back to the start and everyone lined up (over 170 runners this year - a great turnout!)  As usual this race starts with a mad exodus towards the singletrack.  We're all running way too fast, afraid of finding ourselves behind a train of runners in the woods.  I skirted past a kid just after entering the trail and then my position was set for a bit.  I found myself behind Jeff the Gazelle who was behind David Principe.  There were people close behind but once we crossed the bridges and ventured into the muddy section those folks fell back.

This muddy portion had plenty of opportunities for spills and the jumping on the slippery rocks was dicey.  As we left the mud, Principe and Jeff passed a guy in blue and I found myself behind him for a while.  P & J pulled away from us and as we cut across the powerlines I pushed past the blue guy too.  I was breathing hard at this point and wondering when I was going to run out of steam but there was a good gap between us and those behind so I felt pretty good about holding off anyone else.

On the climb up to the cliffs, P & J passed a dude in grey and I caught up to him near the top.  After a few turns he got twisted up and I took the opportunity to pass.  Jeff was long gone but I was hoping that I could hold off grey dude and blue guy.  Now came the awful switchback section - it's hard to run fast here and the turns come fast and furious.  I saw that grey dude was right behind me and now there was an orange guy gaining on us.

After running alongside the parking lot, we ventured up into the woods for one last trail section.  Orange guy passed me here - it was Chris Fox who's something of an adversary of mine.  He passed me with a 1/2 mile to go at Li'l Rhody a few years back.  It seems to be his M.O.  Fox put distance on me quickly and as we hit the field he was already far ahead.  As I made the last turn past the ballfield I looked back and saw I had a decent lead over grey dude.  I crossed the finish line pretty exhausted from the whole thing.

Overall I'm very pleased with this race.  It's a tough one and you have to work really hard on the twisty trails to maintain your pace and position.  The knee wasn't an issue and I didn't feel like I lost as much speed as I did last month at the Mew's.  I suppose you could say that with my recent break from running I did a super-taper for this race.  I didn't stick around as I had to get back to preparations for our winter solstice party but I learned afterwards that WTAC picked up the win.  A good way to start the series!