Celebrate New Year with a Goat Kick

My invention... Doc D named it "Goat Kick"
... not full of sugar and needless calories

Citrus Vodka
Polar Diet Orange Dry
Seltzer water

Use a tall glass, throw in some ice cubes, add citrus vodka (amount per your preference) add seltzer water, leaving just a bit of room at top of glass for splash of Polar Diet Orange. Isn't Polar a sponsor for CMS?

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Marathon Anniversary

Look, green leaves and clear roads... here's a shot from the Clarence Demar Marathon, September 28th. It was extra special because it was my 20th marathon, the 10 year anniversary of running my first marathon, and Demar was also the location of my first marathon.

I like how this photo shows my leg and arm muscles... my form seems pretty good too, for just running 27 miles... yes, the day Doc D and I got misdirected... what can you expect? we're Goons!

Happy Holidays!

Today was winter weather advisory... freezing drizzle, 25 degrees (windchill 18)... snow covered roads... limited visibility... but we love our sport... so Lori and I went to the hills for some "surging" today... iffy footing and city plow trucks added to increase the challenge

Steph said last Friday she had coldest run of her life... underdressed, it was raining hard... she couldn't even get the gloves or shoes off when got back to the apt... Steph ended up wrapped in towels in front of space heater... I like how she rationalized that the run was basically an eighty minute ice bath.

My kind of women...

Photo is Manchester Library, a block from my law office

Who is Mike?

Should anyone actually follow my running log you see that noontime runs are often with Mike and/or Lori. My teammates know Lori from track workouts, she's a running powerhouse, but who is this Mike dude?

Mike works with Lori .3 mile from my office, he has run several New York Marathons and he is a well matched running partner. Mike is also like a little brother to me... we can tease each other or bounce ideas off each other. Mike is very bright... finances, computers, sports and a great family man to his wife and kids. Thanks, Mike for getting me out there and making runs fun.

Induction of "Spanky"

FROM THE HONORABLE JUDGE: Again, the nomination was easy, but the name required much deliberation. Goon Nation has unanimously reached a verdict for the name of our newest member, Henry (Hank) Wilder... it is with great pleasure that from henceforth, Henry aka Hank will be known as "Spanky"

Remember Spanky, when speaking to other Goons you must always refer to their proper name or face any penalty which may be imposed. You will now be copied in on all Goon communication and more importantly be able to vote upon any future applications.

Welcome aboard Spanky!

(photo from USATF New England 10K Championship, Bridge of Flowers. How many Goons can you spot in this photo? Hint, Taz was waaaay ahead and Warrior was probably helping Professor with summer coaching duties)

Goon Mascot - Bentley

His name is Bentley and Saturday after the Judge and Doc D got done running, Bentley asked to be the Goon Squad Mascot. Bentley has many Goon qualities... first, he can outrun the Warrior on short distance... also, he likes to pee in public... he has strong opinions about the pleasure of running... he believes "RUFF, RUFF, RUFF" which translates loosely to the firmly held Goon Squad motto "no whining" ... Judge & Warrior will try to keep him from biting the legs of people on bikes.

Induction of "Taz"

Trumpets sound as Goon Squad announces newest member! The exceptional and talented runner, Double J / Jimmy Johnson!

Double J spoke with Doc D and Judge at Feaster race and 'wanted in' to the illustrious Goon Squad... word spread immediately, votes were tallied and Jim was easily approved... but the truly challenging part came choosing his Goon name.

Deliberation went on for days... Goon members compared and tested names which could suit Jim... but one particularly drew votes... do you think it announces his personality? Henceforth, Double J's Goon name is: "TAZ." Like the Tazmanian Devil, Double J is a whirlwind of energy and enthusisam... he has such tremendous speed that you might miss him.

The Goon Squad's reputation and fame grows with the inclusion of Taz... Welcome, Taz, we are proud to have you as a member.

Official Members Dec 2, 2008

Mountain Goat, Sarah Prescott
Judge, Scott Masse
Warrior, Mike Masse
Taz, Jim Johnson
Hill "Checkherout" Man, Dan Hill
Doctor Death:-/ Chris Chetsas

Bentley, our mascot

The Professor is "Going the Distance"

Goon Squad Announcement!! Our beloved Professor is Going the Distance... take a look at
Professor's coaching services gig http://www.goingthedistancefb.com/

Thank you, Warrior, for the photo of the studly Portuguese Coach... the Professor... great bow tie

Held Marathon World Record

I first met elite runner & Welshman Steve Jones at a party following Falmouth Road Race at Courtney & Caroline Bird's house.

Frank Shorter was there too, but Jones came off as more of a character... wearing a bright Hawaiian shirt, playfully telling people he got my phone number for a date and just behaving like any other runner enjoying a party with a few beers.

The next time I saw Jones was the night before Cape Cod Marathon 2007(see photo) and I had found out that Jones is a Welshman. My grandmother came to America from Wales in her late teens. Jones asked me what part of Wales my family is from and I replied "Swansea." The next day as I ran the marathon, Jones pops up at 4-5 locations on the course screaming, "Go, Swansea!!!"

At the post-race party, I told him I'd had a PR as we all drank some beer and danced... he seemed pleased.

Here's part of a great story about Jones by John Bingham.

"Of all the seminars I've worked with Jonesy, there's one that stands out. He was asked to define the difference between winning a marathon and setting the world record. His answer was simple. To win a marathon, Jonesy flatly stated, you only have to beat everyone who shows up that day. To set the world record, you have to beat everyone who has ever shown up."

"The room went silent. None of us had ever thought of it that way. And no one, except a former world record holder, could have explained it as such."

" To break the world record, Jonesy went on, you must train with a singleness of purpose. These are no cross-training sessions, easy days, or cutback weeks. You find your limit, then push against it--every day of your life. One day in his life--October 21, 1984--Jonesy was the best that had ever lived. He ran a world record 2:08:05, in Chicago. His relentless focus had paid off. But knowing Jonesy, I'm sure that even if he had run a 2:20, he would have still found satisfaction in the pursuit of absolute excellence."

"It's hard for me to imagine the courage it takes to pursue such a dream. Yet, having stood next to Jonesy, I believe the rest of us just aren't asking enough of ourselves. We are limited most by our imaginations--or more precisely, our lack of imagination. We tend to see ourselves only as we are, not as we might be. Most of us will never be the world's best anything. But we could all be better at something if we had the drive to push beyond our comfort zone, whether it be a 30-minute 5-K or a step up the corporate ladder. If Jonesy taught me anything at those seminars, it's that we're all capable of seemingly unattainable goals."

Here's the full article

Summer is over

I brought shorts to run yesterday but in contrast to last week, yesterday was freezing... good thing I had Brooks pants handy from walking over to teach class at the Y. The first part of the run is Elm Street (Manchester) which can be a huge wind tunnel... soon as I hit it, I realized summer is over. I also quickly realized that I probably could have used something warm on my head.

I am trying to think of the positives of training this time of year and came up with this one on Sunday:

'Need hardly any ice for ice bath'

In fact, the ice I added did not even melt completely after 10 minutes in the tub. Doc D advised me that I probably don't need the water to be quite so cold. Photo is Goat and Doc D... hot fun in the summertime at Ollie, 2007.

How about this logo for the Goons?

Or maybe this logo?

Goons Select 2009 Races

Goon contingent including Doc D, Goat and Judge went to Brandeis for the USATF NE Grand Prix race selection. Being Goons... and being hidden in the back row... our attention eventually moved to amusing ourselves. Had we actually been Brandeis students, Goons probably would have been considered the not so serious students in the back. Don't get me wrong, we put a lot of thought into race selection choices, but as athletic runner people, our legs want to move after 2+ hours of sitting still. Suffice to say, we decided Jon Pierson of Yankee Homecoming 10 miler deserves to be a part of the Goon Squad. When asked to elaborate about the time of year for the classic Newburyport race... he replied "It's July, it's hot." In other words, quit your whining.


Judge was the brain... he remembered to bring the pen. Doc D tossed warm, tasty Greek meatballs in our mouths before we hopped into the death mobile... Goat got to pick up 2 Baystate photos of her from the table, but unfortunately no Ollie beer glasses this year.

Surprises

Friday night, Doc D and I were at a charity Wine and Food Pairing event for Merrimack Valley Hospice House at Andover Country Club... sounded tragically yuppie (as HSR would say)... but one of the first people I saw when we walked in was Scot Martel... a fellow runner! Then the Pappalardos, Hames and Jim K, too... runner friends... it became fully fun. No pretentiousness, my kind of people. It felt good to be with my friends... I had been feeling a let down after the season. Another great thing came of it and surprised the hell out of me, Scot said he reads my blog! No kidding! Thanks Scot. Scot is looking lean and ready for more miles. Take a look at his blog http://runningscot.blogspot.com/

Tweaking

Old photo with Doc D at N.A. track. Photo credit Dave Smith.

At noontime yesterday, I started out my run with Mike, then headed to the track for a slightly tweaked version of the workout Professor (Fernando) gave us... damn goat girl. My problem was, I wouldn't get myself to do it based on just following time increments, like, "1 minute hard, 1 minute easy, 2 minutes hard, 1 minute easy, etc. " For me, I really need to focus and get into rhythm, which I have a problem doing if I'm checking my watch to see whenever a minute is done. It doesn't even help much when I set the count-down timer... either I keep resetting for each time, or think too much to remember which one I am on.

The "tweaks" got me through it. #1) I went to the track... so no dodging traffic or curbs #2) and I translated workout into 400, 600, 800, 400 sets calculating the lap pace Professor wanted us to stick to.

I even kept to the pre workout routine of zombie walk, high knees, butt kicks, carioca and strides... and just like summer track, I didn't even need a shirt yesterday. Another workout conquered.

Mighty Warrior

Wow

http://www.salemnews.com/archivesearch/local_story_309005058.html

Induction of the "Warrior"

Trumpets sound... Mike Masse is hereby officially inducted as the newest member of the illustrious Goon Squad.

Mike is unquestionably one of the best high school runners in New England... a senior at St. John's Prep and under the tutelage of Professor and papa Judge, Mike is setting records and being pursued by the best colleges in the nation. But, Mike's Goon-worthy talent of competing with his eyes closed led Goons to realize his true potential for Goon Squad status.

Following extensive Goon deliberation, the votes were tallied and Mike officially received his Goon Squad name the "Warrior." As described on page 52 of Running Within, warrior runners demonstrate distinct characteristics... being courageous, modest, passionate... with an indomitable spirit and iron will... Professor added, "the 'Warrior' battles daily - it is that work ethic that will keep him on the path of progression and improvement. He will have the tools and name to keep him focused."

Goons see potential for Warrior learning other Goon traits like falling in potholes, walking into doors, chasing running babes, getting lost going to races, getting lost during races and most of all enjoying running for the pleasure it gives.

Congratulations, mighty Warrior

PR for speedster

On familiar territory Saturday, Dave crushed his prior 5K times with a 39 second PR... that is huge... no question, he is fit right now...

Dave ran 18 minutes flat, 5:48 pace to place 3rd overall at Jason M. Dedrick Run 4 Cure 4 ALS in Somerville.

(Steph thinks Dave is eyeing a bowl of chips here)

Goon in Training

The "Goon in Training" ran a 15:59 at Franklin Park on Saturday. This is the fastest time at Franklin Park in St. John's Prep history! Professor said, "St. John's prep has long been a great tradition in distance running and many outstanding and accomplished athletes have come out of the program. It is an honor that can never be taken away. What a run and accomplishment."

"Nobody has to believe what you say- Everyone will believe what you do"

typical...

Linda is: doing what she is supposed to...

Goat is: talking to Professor...

Doc D is: modeling a wrap...

(photo from Baystate Marathon, right after we finished)

Baystate, USATF-NE Marathon Championship

Here I come to get you Dave Hardy... Dave had a PR on Sunday too.

Scott Mason photos are fantastic, aren't they? See his gallery link below.

An ice bath last night is aiding leg recovery... but brain is still in a flurry... hasn't sunk in I did a 7 minute PR Sunday at Baystate... plus, our womens masters team won the marathon championship... plus, supportive friends were everywhere... plus Chris, Dan, Linda and I all finished in 3:31 territory... plus, Saturday I got the mail and saw I had a photo and hilarious press in latest Swamp Rat... way too much good stuff to absorb in just one weekend...

See Scott's photos here

http://www.scottmasonphoto.com/gallery/6293399_Jcytm#397782119_Vig7o

day after Baystate

I feel like a train wreck today... therefore apologize I can't get all my thoughts out too well and I'll forget to mention a lot.

Words can't even express how much I appreciate Steph & Dave's support for Baystate yesterday and helpful advice Saturday when I was freaking out... it truly made such a difference for me personally and I'm sure to all our Wed night teammates.

Steph and Dave were Goons... freezing their butts off... being all over the course on bikes... having my fluid bottles while juggling taking photos... even ready to replace my bottles NASCAR pit stop style

Here are a few thoughts from Goon leader Doctor Death about the race:

What the ? Wow, I am impressed. First, the finish is as follows: 1 -Hill "Checkherout" Man 3:31:36 / 2 - Doctor Death 3:31:38 /3 - Mountain Goat 3:31:59 / 4 - Judge 4:02:10. The Professor, screwed off and watched. First, there is no one tougher than the Judge. The Judge has earned the Goon of the Year Award for even finishing the marathon with three injuries! Not one, not two but three! Then to top it off he finished 30 minutes faster than the average finishing time of a marathon! What the? Judge rules, Judge will be back, and the Judge has had such a huge year running. Even with injuries he pushed through 26.2 miles and NEVER, NEVER quit! A true Goon who stuck to the pledge. WOW!

Next, we have the Mountain Goat who had a 7 minute PR! She did not deserve it, she earned it! The Goat has worked her ass off this entire year and her goal was to push for a 3:32:00. Well, she ran a 3:31:59! Congratulations! Plus it was her 9th Boston Qualifier, her 21st marathon and her 9th consecutive IronRunner! What a Goat!

And then we have the Hill "Checkherout" Man. What the hell can I tell you. I am so proud of this guy! Super run with a demanding, powerful finish! WOW! The Hill Man almost knocked me over with the wind when he went by me! Hill Man, great run and I am so happy to see you simply believe in yourself and just run! Screw all the gadgets ! Well Goons, it has been a great year and everyone should be very proud of your accomplishments. But we all have to remember that we would not make it without our Professor. He is our guide and "tries" to keep us inline. No one better than the Professor. Thank you Professor!!!!!

... and from Judge:

As humble as he is, the true leader of the Goon Squad still and will always be Dr. D. He is the person we all strive to beat because he is that good. He has always been great encouragement to me whether healthy or injured and has always been supportive and has provided me with his running wisdom. He has helped all of us achieve great results this year. Dr. D. thanks for everything you are truly what a "Goon " should be.

track last night

Only 3 miles of speed on the track and at a pace which felt relaxing... I ran with Henry, Dan (& someone I'm sorry I forgt his name). Here's Dan in the photo... Dan and I were trackmates way back at N.A. middle school track days... he has a great sense of humor. The Goons were all at track... the only place to be regardless of niggling discomforts and child responsibilities... even Dave H was there, days after his marathon adventure... he and Steph get extra credit for both landing in the medical tent Saturday...

sliding dive yesterday

My sliding dive was pretty admirable... Goons are correct, I'm a "blonde" goat... sometimes a disaster... but luckily avoided any oncoming traffic. I got up, brushed off road debris and ran the last couple miles... blood trickled down my knee into my socks & stained shoe tongue. The gloves I had on skimmed along the road and took a lot of the abrasion... but elbow and knee are scraped... "we need scars as proof of our hard work" as track groupmate Linda Ford reminded me.

On Saturday, I went to the shed for a rake and tarp to clean up leaves and when I opened the tarp on the lawn, a confused little field mousie wandered out. I moved mousie to the side and did some some raking and about 45 minutes later, I came back to the same area... but mousie had not gone far and almost got raked up. Wearing gardening gloves, I gently scooped up mousie in my hands and brought her back to the shed... then I picked up the nest mousie had built for winter and placed it in a spot in the shed where I would not disturb it again.

Linda

.,. here's a photo of Linda from my track group.

This photo is her at the Great Bay ½ marathon in 2007... she moved on Friday ... did a bench press competition on Saturday... ran the ½ on Sunday.

Paul & Kerri ...

drinking beer and wishing fast was contagious... with their friends, by way of Kenya, Benjamin Ndaya and Titus Mutinda. Paul has been pulling me through track workouts all season and his girlfriend, Kerri, is out there on the track too... following Coach Professor's plan.

Steph & Dave...

working together... watching out for each other... racing tomorrow at Hartford... just remember everything Coach Professor has taught you. You are well trained, physically strong and your body will do the rest... you are ready.

10 day count down

Here's Paul from track group, he and Linda pulled me through another one last night.

All the Goons were on the track last night. Hill Checkherout Man looked smooth and strong and Mountain Goat made it through the workout thanks to groupmates Linda & Paul... we were happy to see the Judge running and then flat out on his back with the Professor working on him... true Goon team work. Doctor Death did his first speed workout since he got injured 5 weeks ago and was able to get through the 800s but his achilles started to talk to him so he backed off.

Steph & Dave Hirst were looking at the possibility of a warm Chicago this weekend so Coach Professor helped them decide to do Hartford instead... I'm excited for them... have a great run, my friends.

Race this weekend?

Columbus weekend is coming up... I think I want to race, but so many selections to choose from. Last night, I consulted Hockomock Swamp Rat - hmmm... Bobby Bell in Haverhill is one I have not done before... "this mysterious 0.88 factor to all the times of all wimmins thus making a Dinty Moore hash of the overall results to the chagrin of traditionalists." HSR calls it a "raw classic of a race" and I know Hillcheckman loves it and he wins a glass every year, so if I race, perhaps I should probably go there?

HSR goes on to say, "But why 0.88? Why not 0.78 for women with large boobs and 0.94 for the micro-busted? That would be more fair. And what about an 0.92 factor for guys with bunions? And 0.76 for real old guys with sagging genitalia and halitosis? ... And how about an 0.11 factor for 86-year old Louise Rossetti? All things considered, she might be the best athlete out there in these tragically yuppy running days."

Here's a photo from track... since tonight is track night.
(Yes, I'm micro-busted... nothin' to slow me down)

Yesterday

Drinking coffee yesterday morning, 12-15 turkey friends stopped by to say hi... I asked them to join me for 12 mile run... they weren't interested

Then three deer visited this morning... they would have been better to run with.

Only being allowed to do a 12 mile long run made me feel like a "slacker"... but I followed coach professor's plan.

Hill "Check" Man

A Goon Squad founder, Dan "Hillcheckherout"...

I wanted to give him a better photo than I did last time... This photo is from Kristin (is she a professional photographer?)

Bridge of Flowers

10K, Shelburne Falls, MA

August 9, 2008

http://www.merrimackvalleystriders.com/?q=node/351

Kelly

Kelly is a hero to a lot of us women who are also in our forties and amaze at her ability to keep improving... she takes running seriously ... watch the focus... the training... listen to her advice. We'll be thinking of her at Chicago.

Here's a shot of Kelly flying to the finish at New Bedford Half Marathon

Thanks Kristin & Double J for the photo

Track

Henry is highlighted today because of his ability to do the

carioca drill which is part of Coach Annie's dynamic warm-up before track... see YouTube demonstration below... here he is at Ollie 5 mile Championship in South Boston.

Perceptive Professor kept an eye on me last night and shut down my engines accordingly after Sunday's effort... then bodyguard Hillcheck and I did a cooldown.

Link to carioca demonstration

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ioHhWkQqkzg

Mount Washington Road Race 2008

Another great photo from
Double J and Kristin

Double J
Doctor Death (Greek)
Mountain Goat

Medical Center 6K, May 11, 2008

I'd like to introduce evidence that the Goat used to be able to beat Judge... because she hasn't been able to recently... this is the final surge to finish line at the USATF-NE 6 K Championship on May 11th in Nashua.

This photo selection is based on me realizing that my final time at Sunday's marathon was 30 seconds off the final time at this 2005 (Chicago) Marathon... although we added 3-4 minutes Sunday by getting a little lost. In contrast, Sunday I finished soaking wet, ripped my number almost in half, looked like a disheveled mess... then got soup on my shirt (delicious soup) and tip-toed around barefoot post race. We had a lot of laughs... Doctor D and I passed each other about 6 times... "hi honey."

This was the photo Hockomock Swamp Rat magazine ran for my Ratdossier profile... a tremendous honor. I'll try to attach it somehow to my blog, but need to ask Double J how to do that. HSR makes me laugh out loud... humorous and witty.

Weekend

Clarence Demar Marathon course. Keene, NH

Professor had his hands full this weekend... runners balancing niggling injuries... political relationships... important long runs. Judge pushed through 2 injuries to complete his long run (24 miles!) whew... Doctor Death's achilles behaved and let him finish his long run (27 miles, Demar Marathon, see photo)... Hillcheck's dehydration unfortunately forced him to cut his a tad short, but he's young and will be fine... Mountain Goat is happily clapping her hooves too

What is going on with MVS?

(Photo credit Ted Tyler, Rhody 2008)

Yes, there is concern and confusion... people are wondering about the changes at MVS. Members watched the MVS webmaster and old website disappear... resignation of a number of club officers and board members... and elite athletes... conflicting posts on Yahoo MVS chatgroup... there's a underlying feeling of difference.

Like you, I'm not sure what's going on. Is the impetus behind it due to the change in the direction of the MVS Executive Board? Because MVS is becoming a triathlon club instead of a running club?

I am friends with and run with a number of triathletes, they are wonderful people and impressive athletes, even if I don't participate in the sport. Where is the concern? Is it wondering if MVS as a triathlon club will be as committed to running as MVS was as a running club? Is it apprehensions whether our top caliber running program suffers? Are our coaches happy with this change? Are members happy with this change?

MVS members remain as passionate as ever about running. They respect and hold highest regard for the MVS coaching staff led by Fernando Braz. Those are some key issues, among other things, which I hope the Executive Board recognized as they change the direction of MVS.

I don't know the answers to all the questions or where things are going. I know I still love running and want to train with Fernando... regardless of whether MVS lets us down.

Track last night

I have a smile this morning. Yes, I got through most of the track workout. Only modified the end, per instructions of coach.

Steve Sarro (physical therapist) talked with me a bit about the injury... then warmed up with Stephanie and Dave Hirst, who are in the illness avoiding part of their taper for Chicago. Above is a photo of Steph smokin' at New Bedford. My track group was Judge, Dan Frank and Paul Dilorenzo.

The only tragedy occurred after the 3rd mile of our cooldown in the dark, when the suddenly injury prone Judge twisted his ankle... hopefully ice fixed it.

What's the photo?

Who? The adorable kids are Chris' niece and nephew... Chris has a incredibly wonderful family. His parents, sister, brothers, their spouses and kids... all of them are warm, kind and lots of fun.

What are they doing? After I did the La Sportiva USATF-NE Mountain Running Circuit last year, Chris gave me the nickname 'mountain goat.' It's a big compliment since it's a tough race series, especially when you add Mount Washington too. http://www.usatfne.org/trail/ The kids are helping me look more like a Mountain Goat.

people who care about us

Being an injured runner has been showing me how many people care. My sweet Greek boyfriend knows firsthand what it's like, what to say, what advice to give... reminding me not to throw things! My supportive fellow goons, Judge, Hillcheck and Professor, they know what it's like too... care about how I'm doing... or Judge & Hill just need the goat to pace them, so then they pass her at the end ; )

My currently injured goat buddy double-d offered to let me the use an extra Aqua Jogger and run with him... and he's a legend, sheesh! Dad wants to know what he can do to help and get this, I have a 'Korean Mom' even asking about my knee! My precious roommate Jiyeon, as brilliant as she is sweet, told her mom about my knee. Now I've got a concerned mom in Korea hoping my knee heals quickly... global caring.

Smashing Doors

I need a "badass" photo today. Since Jim Rhoades just made me a facebook friend, here's a photo of his. Thanks Jim.

If I was a real mountain goat, maybe my horns could have taken some of the impact which instead all went to my right knee on Saturday. Brilliantly, rushing inside to get some sunscreen before my run, I pulled the door handle and smashed my knee with the door. I hit it with so much force that my knee bruised, swelled up and could not bend quite right (that's the "before" knee in the photo)

I had been so pumped to race the Maine Coast Half Marathon on Sunday, already mentally rehearsing, wanting to shake hands with KV Switzer http://www.katherineswitzer.com/

I pondered, race anyway? Thinking back to when I did New Bedford when injured and my shin blew up to twice it's normal size, then was hot to the touch for days and then couldn't run for 6 weeks. That was worth it. It was a Grand Prix race. I rationalized that this was not a "key" race, so gotta keep my eye on the prize. I was disappointed, but maybe by passing on it, I can stay in the game for Bay State.

I have been icing, elevating, "Advil"ing and praying. I have faith that everything happens for a reason and try not to get too riled up when things don't go as anticipated. The biggest concern is whether I did internal damage like I when I hurt my meniscus falling on a tree root and missed 6 weeks of running. This bruise looks like it is more directly on the patella, rather than the inside, which makes me slightly more 'cautiously' optimistic. Tom Brady said if it's as bad as his knee, we'll just drink lots of beer.

The rest of the Goon squad did their 14 yesterday and I am so happy they are all feeling good. Sounds like they had a blast. Way to go, goons!!!!

Me yesterday? Did elliptical and I looked back at my races and training this year and feeling fortunate. A 2nd, 3rd, 5th in age... a smokin' half marathon... 11 minutes quicker up Mt. Washington... finally fulfilling my 5k PR... cranking at Yankee Homecoming... can't even complain about Bridge & Ollie. Don't tell F, but I'm actually following the program better than usual.

My point is, cherish it when it's good. It can be taken away quickly. Although I could miss the rest of the season and still feel it was a successful year, possibly I can fix this, hang in the game for one more month? Please?

Doctor Death, Greek

Speaking of great photos by Scott Mason, this is as good as it gets... the form, the focus, the feet and perfect background! The runner is one of the four founders of the Goon Squad, 2008 MVS president, the Doctor Death and very studly Greek. Mmmmm, I could look at this photo all day. At track Wednesday, Greg, was giving me crap when he saw me 'check out' Chris when I came up the final straightaway.

Mount Washington Road Race

I love the pre-race video from from DoubleJ (and Kristin).

http://doublejrunning.blogspot.com/2008/06/2008-mt-washington-road-race-us.html

Thank you, Scott Mason

DoubleJ showed me to Scott Mason's race photos and if you haven't seen his work, they are fantastic... like you are looking at an artist's work, plus they make you look "feet off the ground" fast. See, I'm flying, in the air!!!

Thank you to Scott Mason for sending me the shots from Bridge of Flowers. Check out Scott's gallery here http://www.scottmasonphoto.com/galleries

Scott did photos at Women's Olympic Trials and Rhody, and gets photo credit for the picture of Judge at Bridge of Flowers below.

Hill "Check" Man

If anyone is curious why Dan is called Hill "check," just pull a 'Z' move and try rudely cutting him off at a water stop or on the track. Dan's cross training sport is hockey and he knows how to put someone out of his way. Ask him about the water stop story sometime. Here's a photo of Dan at Rhody. Dan is one of the founding members of the Goon Squad and is close to another USATF-NE Ironrunner year.

Not if, but when

In running, it's not a question of if you will get injured, it is a question of when.

First Hillman's posterior, then Chris' achilles, then last night during track workout, the Judge's hamstring. After Ollie and speedy long run the next day, my posterior needed a few days on the lacrosse ball and icing.

Goon Squad is dealing with the inevitable challenge of learning how to manage our bodies' response to increased miles, speed, plus some racing. We are at a heavy point in marathon training and asking a lot of our bodies. Keep the faith, boys. Let us know how it is going.

Judge did not like how he looked in last photo, so above is a great shot from Bridge of Flowers of Judge. We hope his hamstring is better today.

The Goon Squad

Members as of January, 2008

Doctor Death (Christopher Chetsas)
Judge (Scott Masse)
Hill Checkherout Man (Dan Hill)
Mountain Goat (SP)
Warrior (Mike Masse)
Taz (Jim Johnson)
Spanky (Hank Wilder)
Cougar (Kelly LeCours)
Bentley (himself)

Training with Fernando

When Merrimack Valley Striders had the old website, I did a write-up about training with Fernando Braz. I wrote it about 4 years ago and recently just updated a few of the numbers.

Training and Qualifying

Working with Fernando Braz, I went from being intimidated about racing, only having the confidence to do one or two 5Ks a year, and believing that one marathon would be my lifetime goal, to running 15+ races a year, including eight consecutive USATF-NE Ironrunner Series, the USATF-NE Mountain Series, completing twenty marathons, a 50K trail ultra and two Mount Washington Road Races.

While training with Fernando, I dropped my marathon time by 18 minutes (the 2001 Cape Cod mentioned below) and qualified for the Boston Marathon... then I requalified seven more times after that.

My most memorable experience and proudest achievement to date was my first time qualifying for the Boston Marathon in a PR of 3:39 at the Cape Cod Marathon in 2001. The whole experience was unreal. I remember near the finish, Fernando was beside me on his bike and it was like a scene from a movie. The coach had brought me so far and my dream was coming true of qualifying. It was one of the greatest moments my life and I felt the high for months.

Fernando is amazing and he knows exactly what to say to me. In fact, the best advice I ever received came from athlete Jill (Gaitenby) Boaz who told me to "listen to Fernando." And I do.

Before and Now

Before Fernando, I raced a few 5Ks and one marathon. I was a recreational runner and nervous about racing. I tended to overtrain and train incorrectly, to the point of several stress fractures. Listening to Fernando I’ve learned so much and achieved things I never could have imagined. In 2002 I had the NH State Age Record for 20K distance for my age and in 2003 the NH State Age Record for 6K distance for my age. I’ve been proud to earn “hardware” in my age division, win a couple races and still achieve PRs in my 40's. I’ve trained with Fernando for 8 years and aside from his incredible technical knowledge and his ability to connect with individual runners needs, Fernando offers so much support, fun and motivation.