Induction of Smokin' Ivy

Holly Madden is the complete package... beautiful, well educated and fast. No wonder she wanted to become a Goon. Holly is a Harvard graduate, received her Masters from Boston University, founded of her own company, mother of two boys, elite distance runner, modest and kind... and like all Goons, displays excellent character. I remember Holly at the start Cape Cod Marathon 2007, full of nerves, apprehension, revealing her vulnerable Goon side. She rocked the race and her 3:09 helped us win the USATF-NE Marathon Championship title, plus the Grand Prix for 2007. Now you understand why henceforth Holly's official Goon name is "Smokin' Ivy."

Welcome Holly! Check out "Smokin' Ivy" here http://www.goonsquadrunners.com/bio_ivy.html

Boston Prep, Derry 16 Miler

Since Goon Squad singlets have not yet arrived, Cougar made her own for Derry... it even says "Cougar" on the back !!! Photo courtesy of the incredible Scott Mason. Check out Scott's blog and additional photos here http://nikonrunner.blogspot.com/ It was a pleasure to meet Scott in person.

For Mountain Goat, Cougar & Hillcheckherout, it was our racing premiere as Goons. In single digit temps, we Goons proudly took off over the challenging "mountainous" course. Taz flew to 5th overall after winning a snowshoe race the day prior... more detail here http://doublejrunning.blogspot.com/

Me? I was very pleased with my results (7:54 pace)!!! Although this year was 10 minutes faster than last year, can't really compare the two since last year was single track on snowy roads. I'll take it, nonetheless.

Thank you to so many friends I saw yesterday for their support... before, during & post-race.

Most Valuable Goon 2008

The boys... Doc D, Judge and Hillcheck... surprised me last night with the MVG award for the Most Valuable Goon 2008! They did a great job keeping it a secret, I had no idea they had been planning this. We went out together for some beers, just laughing and having fun, then Hill said he had an announcement and gave a heartfelt speech about the award... I thought he was describing Doc or Judge... he talked about the great season of running accomplishments and working so hard in the training... then he announced it was me!! I was stunned and speechless, I have never received such an honor.

I want to sincerely thank you all so much. The Goons are the most thoughtful, wonderful and loyal friends... we laugh and have much fun... plus share such passion for our sport. The fact that all the Goons are talented runners makes me feel even more honored and priviledged to receive the esteemed MVG award. Thanks so much!

Bentley's Training Inspiration

Judge informs us that Bentley is not just a mascot, but he has been working on his training like the other Goons. Here's a great story by Kevin Beck and Komen who ran a 5:33 pace 5K... it's a riot.


Kevin is a Concord, NH native and elite runner.

Check out the story here

Induction of Enforcer

It my pleasure to inform you that Linda Ford has been voted in as the newest Goon Squad member... her official Goon Name is "the Enforcer" Why this name? As many of you heard Linda during the hill workout Tuesday, screaming "GO!!!!", plus she's married to a Chief of Police and I bet she's the one in charge at home, and perhaps you've also heard her yelling at me during races to reign it in and control my pace... yes, her name "the enforcer" fits her perfectly. Linda is an extraordinary training/track/racing partner and friend... join me in welcoming her.

Vote for Kevin Sullivan Ultramarathoner

Coach Annie let us know that Kevin Sullivan is being nominated as one of the best debut ultrmarathoners of the year. All you need to do is go to www.irunfar.com and see the voting set up to the right of the page and cast your vote for Kevin. He is a very dedicated and hard working athlete and has run some unbelievable races over the last year.

Best Debut 100 Mile Effort of the Year?
Running a great 100 mile race is a difficult task. You need to dial in the training and then nail the nutrition, strategy, and psychological aspects during the race. That makes running a great debut 100 miler all the more spectacular. Here are a couple guys and gals, who busted on to the 100 miler scene in a big way with their debut effort at the distance in 2008. As you can see, we've added a poll where you can vote for the Best 100 Mile Debut of 2008. We'll keep the poll open until Friday, January 16.

www.irunfar.com

Three Official Goon Names & Mark Reeves inducted

It is with GREAT pleasure that I announce the official Goon Squad names for our three new members. First Lori Clites, official Goon Name "Lolo." Lori is named after Lolo Jones who trained her ass off and as she was winning Olympic hurdles, stumbled at the 9th hurdle of the race and unfortunately, things didn't go as hoped... Lori similarly trained her ass off last year and misfortune struck at her key race, Richmond Marathon, fuel belt flying off early in the race, plus heat, humidity, asthma... it just did not turn out to be her day. Henceforth Lori will be known as "Lolo."

Dave and Steph Hirst have displayed many Goon talents, great Goon loyalty and after much deliberation we felt the best names for them come from the comedic story about their visit to the medical tent... both of them, after Hartford Marathon, not even knowing the other was there. Ask them to tell you the story... they are clearly "Mr. & Mrs. Triage."

Congratulations to our three new members, Lolo, Mr. Triage and Mrs. Triage.

Also, the founders of the Squad have voted to accept membership of Mr. Mark Reeves ! We will be working on Mark's Goon name and this should be announced within the week.

Three More Goons!

We are still working on their official Goon Names, but it is my pleasure to announce the three newest Goon Squad Runners members... all true, cool, committed, dedicated runners and racers in every sense of Goon Squad qualities... congratulations to Lori Clites, Steph Hirst and Dave Hirst... stay tuned as we await their official names!!!

Special accolades to Taz who has been working nonstop on the Goon Squad Runners official website and the Warrior who put a GSR site on Facebook... sooooo good!

Another Goon... induction of Cougar!

Kelly LeCours embodies passion for running. For ten years I have known Kelly and she continues to inspire, guide and leave all of us in awe. Balancing competitive running with a marriage, children, plus a career. On top of that, having PRs in her 40's!

Kelly asked to become a Goon and we are so proud to welcome her to the family of Goon Squad Runners. Like all Goons, a name was carefully chosen for her... Warrior tuned in to her animal speed and suggested "LeCougar"... deliberation during Sunday long run shortened it to just "cougar".... henceforth the cougar runs!

2008 USATF-NE Half Marathon Championship, New Bedford. Photo compliments of Taz & Kristin