Boy scout 100th aniversary night -Feb. 8, 2010

the 100th anniversary cake was cut..


a photo of the entire Greenwich council was taken!

















Ike comes off the stage after receiving his award..

This has nothing to do with running but last night my 2 boy scouts hank and Ike went to a town-wide boy scout event to celebrate the boy scouts' 100th anniversary!
Ike's patrol got to go on stage as they won third place in the january 30 Klondike derby. He got a nice certificate. The head scout executive gave a short speech, and gave out some awards, and then cut the cake (and we said a prayer for boy scouts).
All the boys and leaders received a beautiful 2010 anniversary patch.

'Run around mahanttan' 50K-(1/31/2010) in honor of ted corbitt

some of the group posing on the Inwood park stairs

running next to the GW bridge...

running up the West side highway --in front of the Intrepid (mile 29)

the group at the staten island ferry terminal (@ mile 24)

Yijoo Kwon talks about his March 23 run across america for diabetes (www.koreanrunner.com)

the group at the start
The letter from Ritchie of Broadway Ultra Society came on Wed. of last week, announcing Dave Obelkevich's annual 33.25 (54K) Run around Manhattan in honor of Ted Corbitt's actual birthday (Jan 31 he would have been 91). Dave has organized and run this for 11 years!!! He is also known for finishing 33 nycms --he has the longest streak. This was a fun run, with coffee and donut and bagel stops along the way. Since I was planning to do a long run, and no race was scheduled, I was intrigued!! Yes, it was going to be cold, but i figured that if Frank came we would be in it together. We could do as much or as little as we wanted. Eliot read about it and jumped on the bandwagon! He would meet us at Dave's apt on west 97 street on Sunday a.m. before the 8 a.m. start! Eliot has just started running ultras, and grew up in China Town so was also intrigued --Frank relunctantly said he'd run but may end up as an ice cube:( (temp--high of 29 degrees).
We drove to the West side uneventfully and found a cheap ($18) parking garage, and met the group at dave's apt. on West end ave and 97th street. I did not let myself think of the long journey ahead --I just kept telling myself it was another long run.
We had a group of Korean road runners with us --one of them,Yijoo Kwon, is running across the U.S.-he made a short speech, and then Dave made a speech about Ted Corbitt and about his running route around manhattan, and we paid a small tribute to Ted, went outside and took some photos and were off about 8:15. We proceeded slowly (10 min pace) up the Westside highway and under the GW bridge and across northern manhattan to Dykman street --it was cold but the sun was shining and I had never run in this area before, so it was cool to be led by Grant and Phil, who liveand run in that area. We were accompanied by Dave's friend Alex, an engineer, on a scooter. He carried water and hot beverages, and generally cheered us on, and told us the mileage if we asked...he was an awesome addition to the run, as he also knew the route!!!
I ran with Ruth, Eliot, Bob Falk, Mike Tobin, and some of the other B.U.S. runners.
After about 7.7 miles, we stopped at Twin Donuts on the upper (186 street) East side.
After the group went to the bathroom, got drinks, donuts coffee...we set out again.
We went all the way down the east side to the nycm route and Marcus garvey park, and cut across to the East side at 90th street - at about mile 17 we stopped at Bob's bagels for about 20 minutes. I got a coke, a whole grain bagel and had some of Eliot's choc. chip cookies --I also had some expresso from Alex!!! The stops were welcome, even though it was tough to get going again after a cozy coffee shop and bagel store..we then went over to the East side drive and ran all the way down. Grant had left us, and Frank, Alijca, Phil and some of the Korean runners were well up ahead. Eliot and I ran together most of the time, even thankfully taking walking breaks (my feet were taking a pounding with the concrete)--he took some photos of us in front of the Brooklyn bridge, and then we jogged to the Staten island ferry terminal,where we went upstairs (24 miles!!!) and met the front running group (being entertained by a clown-haha). Frank said 'where have you been? we've been here for 15 minutes'!! But i reminded him that it was NOT race:) --we then waited for Dave (who had helped Joe in a fall) and then Alex fed us some wonderful hot tea!!!
The whole group then made our way outside the ferry terminal and went up the West side highway, past the Intrepid museum and chelsea brewing --Phil, eliot and I ran most of the way back together, and the last 3 miles went quickly even though I was hurting...(stiff)--we exited off the West side highway into beautiful Riverside park and back to dave's. Frank and a Korean runner, followed by Aljica, were the first to finish. Eliot finished with Phil and I, in fine shape!! His third ultra in 2 months.. We then went up to dave's and changed and had cookies and rootbeer and met his wife...what a great day I had!! This is something I never would do alone.
Even Frank was happy that I dragged him along --our second ultra in January, and this puts me over 210 miles for the month...

watchung winter ultras --Jan 9, 2010

I haven't update my blog in a while ---with the cold weather, hasn't been alot going on in terms of long runs or races (except the chilliest, windiest boston buildup 10K on 1/3)....Frank, Rob and I did make a road trip to NJ to the Watchung winter 50K and I am pleased to report that I finished the snowy, icy but beautiful single track course in around 7 hours (7:10 to be exact) and Frank finished in 6:32...he got lost and ran around 36 miles. Since the course was 3 loops of the 10.7 mile (or more, according to Garmins) sierra trail, in Watchung reservation, the 50K was about 32.1 miles. plus, i got lost a few times so figure I ran @33 miles. The worst part about the day was
that it was about 20 degrees and the race started at 8 a.m. -brrr!! I finished the first loop wearing 3 layers of everything, and behind me was Rob with alomst frostbitten hands; plus his hips was hurting so he dropped at about 11 miles. I was somewhat surprised that he was packing it in after one loop, but it was icy, snowy, hilly (3 parts -one paved hill) and slow going... I didn't want to go on eiter but figured I's finish the second loop and see where Frank was. Rob was Ok with taking nap in car and reading his book. The next loop took me about 2:15 --I ran it with Coln, a friend of my NJ friend Joe --they were both in the 50K as are training for Comrades and other spring ultras. I also ran some with Yuki, who I met in VT --he is running Massanutten!! Thankfully 2 water stations were on course as even though it was cold we were working hardand were thirsty!! After the first loop I had grabbed my handheld. I got back to the parking lot in 4:30 and Frank had gone on -Rob was still in the car. I figured I'd push on and do the marathon (a cutoff was on the big loop)-however, a guy with a garmin pointed out that the marathon distance was really close to 28.2 miles, so I might as well go the distance!! and get credit for the 50K.
I started out the next loop with my friend Mary, and we walked alot of the icy patches --somehow I got 10 minutes behind schedule. I tried to push it and did get lost going up a hilly area by myself. After I passed the marathon cutoff, I passed over 6 runners!! It was such a great feeling to go up the final hill and see the aid station in the parking lot -- and the best thing --Johnny walker black label shots were waiting. Frank was in the car shivering so we took a few photos, talked to my friend Joe, and headed for home!!!

Roxbury Marathon and taconic relays -12/12 and 12/13

lots of snow on the ground!!!

The course went through the town of Roxbury


I had never done the free Sat.a.m. Roxbury road race series as the town is north of Danbury and just too far to drive for a training run, however scenic and low-cost (this I reserve for Westport and Norwalk!). The Roxbury marathon is the culmination of the year-long series, and my friend Rob has done the marathon several times and raved about the event --tough workout,well organized, $5 cost,2aid stations anda hilly 3.5 mile loop,plus a big dirt road (up and down a big climb) to start. So, I figured that running the marathon was worth the drive -plus, I have never run that far in Dec.!
Big problem -- the weather wassupposed to be 18degrees at the start with a wind chill of 10 --lovely...
Frank, Rob and I planned to meet our other friend Eliot at the start. Frank became very sick with a nasty cold and had to stay home, and Rob decided he'd do the accompanying 1/2 marathon as he had to be somewhere by 1 p.m. soooo I left my house at 7:15 for an 8:30 start, thinking it was about an hour -well, got to start with 5 minutes to spare.
Runners were lining up at the start --1/3 of a mile down the road!!! I barely had to time to ign n, get my gloves and hat on, and go to the bathroom. It was bitter cold but the sun was shining. The race had about 100 people line up..and 57 of them ended up finishing the marathon. The rest did the 1/2or even more (Eliot ran 16 miles as had to leave). I used the first 8 mile out and back as a warm up.I was way in the back, and planned to stay at a 10 minute pace for awhile --the course was just beautiful --picture perfect new england and at 8 miles, we went by my car --I shed some layers and out on warmer gloves as hands were completely numb. The volunteers were great --breaking the water cups which had frozen,and even offering runners beer!
I had brought food and put it on top of my car. By the second loop most of the runners had finished the 1/2 and I saw Rob as he was leaving -again, I stopped at my car to change layers. I plodded on on the next loop --we had to run 5 more for the marathon. I got lapped by faster runners,but this was actually good as I liked seeing them go by. I ended up finishing in 4:13 and was happy with this effort considering I finished the last loop in sub 9 min miles. I finished with a woman from Illinois (used to the cold) who was running her 50 states marathons. Bruce Golart finished right behind me. After getting some post race food, I changed and jumed into my warm car....brrrr --I was never so happy to be inside. I missed talking to Rob and Eliot, and I missed Frank and wished he cold have run such a nice course-
however, 3:45outside in 20 degree weather would've done him in:(
next post -Taconic relays..

Knickerbocker 60K --11/21/09

yesterday was perfect weather for the Central Park Knickerbocker 60K...
Rob, Frank and I planned to run it and it was with trepidation that i approached this ultra because I was really out of ultra shape..but I figured it was cheap and cheerful,
and just a run in the park. Frank and I drove in and met Rob, who took the train.
When we were getting our bibs we saw Ritchie, Barbara ? from Millrose, Siri, and other B.U.S. people like Nick and Frank D. Plus, lots of other friends. I was still chatting at the back of the pack when the gun went off. We had to run a 2 mile out and back, and I went very slowly (well, a 9 min pace)--Eliot was right behind me. Then we went thru the finish line where they had set up a timing area and station and where cheering crowds were waiting...we then had to run 9 loops of the hilly 4 mile middle central park section. I settled into a 9:00 pace, with a guy from NJ named Johnny and Eric and Lynn. Frank and Rob too off like a shot, never to be seen or the rest of the race except when Frank lapped me as he was finishing.
Wayne kept saying 'we are going way too fast' and he dropped back and Johnny and I pretty much leap-frogged each other for most of the loops, or I ran alone. The volunteers were great, because this is a funny race --since it is loops, you do feel at times that you are all alone...Phil at a certain point, and the other leaders, lapped me...it was just a gorgeous day and I tried to concentrate on keeping a steady pace and on a normal footfall for my left foot --and I did get a blister!! The last couple loops were the best as I knew I would finish,and that my foot would hold up in the Mizuno trail shoes --Frank did catch up to me and Johnny as we were finishing the 8th lap, and seeing him finish and knowing Rob was ahead of me made me want to push the pace...I did, but still couldn't break 6 hours (finished in 6:01:30?) --still,
this was only 7 min off my time from 3 years ago. And as I was older, out of ultra shape, and cautious was pleased just to finish...afterward, Phil (who won), Rob, Frank and I went to have beer and burgers --then as an added treat we took Phil home to Inwood Park -got to talk to him and see the night views of the Hudson river!
See Frank's blog for report and photos!!

DAHLIA WATERCOLORS --fall dahlia colors

new york city marathon 2009

at the finish --taking a break from the baggage walk

Below; left-A 'spooky' house at Fort Wadsworth




the VN bridge at the start

me calling Kate to find out how she finished.


Below, after getting our bags with Rob




well, my 20th NYCM is over and I had an awesome experience, mainly because my toe insert hurt but my foot held up. and I finished in even 8 minute pace for 3:31 --the last few miles were not easy, as I am out of endurance shape and quads were hurting. But since it was my 20th NYC marathon, I was happy that I was at least able to finish, and that all my friends finished well...I took the bus in from white plains high school, and went into Fort Wadsworth late as or bus got stuck in traffic. I walked in with Frank, and we immediately went to the dunkin donuts booth where we got coffee and a hat! Then we bumped into Alicia and Nick in the achilles area --that was fun!! I then left Frank and went int the local elite coral where I saw susan warren,beth moras, and the taconic runners!! I also saw Yuki putting on her costume. We were led onto the bridge @9:20 and I have to say, some of the men we lined up with did smell, and it was nerve wracking as they were all so fast, and I feared getting trampled -haha!!! ugh--the start used to be all women in one area --no peeing on the bridge this time, ither, with the men around!!! At 9:42 we were off -perfect running weather -- I was so tentative to start because my foot had been a bit sore just walking around trick or treating-lol...but it felt OK!! I had a toe pad in the front of the left foot which after mile 10 started to kill me but clicked off steady 8 min miles with the goal of just finishing in under 4 hours ---suddenly, at mile 5? Frank came up with Shannon M. and I was SO happy to see them!!! I then ran with Shannon for awhile until she took off, and then I saw Frank go in a port-o-john, and I waited for him to catch up but he didn't and finished right behind me. Right on the bridge, I looked down and saw a 20 dollar bill in a puddle--I stopped and picked it up and stuck it in my shorts to buy post race beer and coffee later!! Appropriate bill, as it was my 20th NYCM...and I had just lost a $20 the other day --weird.
The Queensboro bridge was slow going but I looked forward to seeing the Taconic people and to the crowds on first --missed the taconics, so my next target was to find Rob at 116th street --the concrete was pretty jarring but the crowds were amazing.
Hard to believe that in 1982 at the age of 24 I pounded these same streets in my first marathon!! which then was the third weekend in Oct. and 'only' had 10,000 people...so it did mean alot to me to finish this one and although my feet hurt I was not in pain!! Anyway, i did see Rob and handed him a hat that I had stuck in my shorts for him! Then mile 20 over the bridge was clogged with people and I lost a full minute!!! 2:41 was my 20 mile split...I then worked to keep up the 8 min pace which was not easy with the wet roads and crowds and that hill at mile 22 I think I had a 9 min mile) --last 2 miles were 8 minutes, and as I went down 59th street tried to appreciate the crowds but my quads were in pain and I just wanted it to b over -finally, the finish!! and who should I see but Luis. we then waited for Frank, who
finished a few minutes later (apparently he made it on TV)...we then began the long walk to baggage and hooked up with Rob. It was not a 100 or 50 miler, but felt like an ultra to me all the same!! Can't wait for next year, I think! Oh, we got a nice 40th anniversary medal....see Frank's blog for report and more photos