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.