Clarence Demar Marathon

Nothing was going to stop us... not the moose, or the pouring rain that sent us hydroplaning, or sleeplessness or prospect of starting chemo the next day ... 3 Goons were on a mission. First GSR members at bat for fall marathon season and we wanted to start it off right for our GTD/GSR trackmates & teammates.

It was a huge success. Doc D had his 3rd Boston qualifier of the year, Pusher amazed us all given limited training & starting chemo today and Goatie finally took it under 3:30 with a 4.5 minute marathon PR! (3rd master, 7th woman) Doc & Pusher already had their sub 3:30's... Goatie wanted hers too. Goatie's parents were there which made it especially meaningful and our successful performances meant lots of celebrating... thanks so much to the wonderful Doc D!!! Minutes after we finished we went for warm, dry clothes and to phone our results of success to GTD coach, Professor Fernando. Nothing better.

Race report to come, but for now:

RESULTS

3:27:32, 7:55 pace, Goatie
3:31:41, 8:05 pace, Doctor Death
3:33:09, 8:08 pace, Pusher

Lone Gull, USATF New England 10K Championship

Sixth Race: of the USATF New England Grand Prix Series

Seven AM: rendezvous at Goon Central with expert chauffeur Doc D & Sonic Boom

Shirts: Best race shirt I've received... Nike long sleeve, perfect fit, stylin'

Scenic course: along Atlantic Ocean, Gloucester MA

Saltwater in our shoes: Doc D and I stood waist deep in the ocean (postrace icebath) watching our shoes on the beach as they began moving with the waves as tide coming in

Scrambled eggs & orange juice: exceptional post race food

Some numbers:

* 18 Goons!! Hillchecka (PR), Codfather, Professor, Taz, Animal (PR), OCG (PR), Brewski (PR), Showtime (PR), Sonic Boom (PR), Doc D, Mrs. Triage, Mr. Triage (PR), Mr. Gambino, Enforcer, The Machina (PR), Spanky, Goatie (PR), Silent Assassin (PR)

Substantial 10K PR's for Goons, thank you Professor / GTD

* Goatie Time: 43:04, 6:56 pace = PR.

* GSR masters women 4th and fantastically perfect day.

Photo courtesy of the incredible Mrs. Triage

Track workout 9.08.09

After 24 undulating miles on Sunday on a vertical course never previously attempted... which Doctor Death was crazy to come up with... thankfully, Professor's expertise and fine-tuning my "mile repeats workout" brought success yesterday.

Plus, Goatie fortunately had Pusher and special guest pacer, legendary Matt Pimentel (Psycho) with her on the oval for this "hands on the knees" night. There was inexorable effort on the track for marathoners and roadies alike... congratulations to all on a job well done.

Track workout 9.01.09

Group 3B... Pusher, Goatie and Doctor Death... Hillcheck missing from photo... probably making up laps he missed... our group was 3 of the GSR founders and GSR teammate Pusher... group of all Goons!

Did you see the article in New England Runner Magazine, page 55 regarding Goon Squad Runners? We most certainly are a group of running friends. Newest Goon Squad member Dan Frank said eloquently following the overwhelming response he received from his fellow teammates, "nice to be a member of an club you want to be a member of."

p.s. Pusher is scheduled to start chemo the day after our marathon... he's such a freakin' trooper.

Photo credit, Dave Smith