2008 December Archive at Wicked Running Club

Monthly Archive for December, 2008

Wicked in the News

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on December 31, 2008

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Seems like running is booming in Salem these days, and the Wicked Running Club has been a huge part of that! Below is a great article about running on the north shore, the Wicked Frosty Four road race, and everyone’s favorite running club the Wicked Running Club. Enjoy!

New Year’s race in Salem tomorrow marks steady growth in city runs

By Chris Cassidy
STAFF WRITER

December 31, 2008

SALEM — Six years ago, about 80 runners met on a spring morning for a 3.1-mile, cross country run through the Olde Salem Greens golf course.

With that modest road race, the Salem running boom was born.

Today, the city hosts a race series with five events, ranging from a one-mile summertime sprint down Derby Street to a trying October half-marathon through two communities.

Participation has exploded — each race has grown in every year it’s been held, and 90 runners this year competed in all five.

A running club that formed four years ago now has 140 members who meet several times a week for wide-ranging training runs.

And tomorrow, more than 400 are expected to wake up early on New Year’s Day and brave the cold for the Wicked Frosty Four, a four-mile road race that begins and ends at Old Town Hall.

Yes, Salem is still the Witch City, but this is also a running town.

“I think we’re in the midst of a fitness running boom,” said Doug Bollen, the city’s recreation director, who organized that first race six years ago and helped launch the Wicked Running Club in 2004.

For proof, look no further than Thanksgiving, the most popular day in America for road races. Four years ago, the city held the first Wild Turkey 5-Mile Run and attracted 300 runners. This year, it drew 1,090 from all over the North Shore, and even managed to lure some local runners away from the popular Feaster Five in Andover, a race that typically attracts about 7,000.

“I think we’re chipping away at the other races,” Bollen said. “It’s the only one on the North Shore. I used to drive up to the Feaster Five, and probably most North Shore people did. Once they found a good race on the North Shore, they tried it out, and more people are returning and bringing people.”

Last year marked another first — a half-marathon with a route starting and ending in Salem and running through parts of Marblehead. More than 400 runners crossed the finish line, and slightly more showed up this year, despite threats of severe wind and rain.

“It was amazing to see so many people accomplish that,” said Brandi Dion of B&S Fitness, which runs adult training programs and organizes the annual Wicked Half Marathon.

Companies such as Dion’s and Toomey Sports, run by Jen and Mike Toomey, have helped fuel the interest in running by holding beginner and half-marathon clinics. Many are timed to coincide with Salem’s races.

Meanwhile, the new year will mark the fifth anniversary of the Wicked Running Club, where runners of all ages and paces meet up on Saturday mornings at Forest River Park. Even the snowstorm two weeks ago didn’t halt the weekly run — about eight hard-core members showed up in snowshoes.

“I can’t speak any more highly of this running club,” said Tim Short of Danvers, the club’s incoming president. “I think that’s what makes Wicked one of the best running clubs in the area. … It’s not the fact they can run a five-minute mile. It’s the fact that everyone gets along.”

There’s a lot more to all this running than just logging miles. The Thanksgiving race raised $7,500 apiece for the city’s Recreation Department and the Boys & Girls Club. The 5K race at the golf course brought in $500 for the Salem High School cross country team.

Proceeds from tomorrow’s race will fund scholarships for four high school students, totaling $2,000.

And the boom may not have peaked.

“Personally, I could see a marathon from Nahant to Gloucester cutting through Salem,” Bollen said. “But I’d say that’s years away. It’s an enormous amount of work, coordinating with each town and city.”

“I think we have a lot more room to grow here,” Short said. “I think there are a ton of other runners in the community out there. I’m hoping as 2009 comes around, we’ll see some of those people. … The running club is there for the community, and we’re looking to invite everyone.”

A Wicked Wonderland

Published

sheabilly

on December 21, 2008

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When the going gets tough; the tough gets Wicked! They put on shoeshoes!

Eileen Dunn, Steph Cooper, Patrick Smith, Billy Shea, Dan Cooper, Denise Murphy, Bill Morse

Steph, Denise, Billy (in the rear, of course!)

front: Patrick, Bill standing: Crystal, Steph, Eileen, Billy, Denise (Dan Cooper: photographer)

Well, I guess there’s no denying that winter has once again descended upon us with the fury of a scolded cat! As I write this on a snowy Sunday morning, it’s hard to believe that less than a week ago the temperature was in the 60’s! So goes New England, but does this sudden onslaught of cold weather and fluffy white stuff mean it’s time to hang up the running shoes for the season? Hell, no! As Wicked members we will always find a way to get out there and “do our thing,” despite what Mother Nature may dole out.

Such was the case yesterday morning (Saturday), when an intrepid group (and friend of..) Wicked runners assembled at Forest River Park where temperatures were stalled in the teens and ocean effect snow flew horizontally into our faces. As it turned out, there were two groups who showed up. The first group, I must admit, were the most inspiring. They showed up ready to assault this storm in the “normal way,” with their running shoes. That group consisted of Annie Rose Willis, Moe Kelly, and James DeLuca. James actually ran to Forest River from his home in Beverly! Ahhhhh, the enthusiasm of youth! The second group arrived prepared to tackle the terrain in a somewhat different fashion–on snowshoes. That group consisted of Bill Morse, Dan Cooper, Steph Cooper, Patrick Smith, Denise Murphy, Eileen Dunn, Crystal Anthony (from Danvers 5K), and yours truly.

For those of you unfamiliar with the sport of snowshoe racing, you may want to check it out. I was the novice in the group, unfamiliar with the equipment and oblivious as to how to actually run with these “funny things” on my feet. Once the “things” were attached to me, with appreciation to Dan Cooper who assisted me (Hey, he actually took them off me when we finished. I guess being the senior in a group pays off at times–not by much, though, Mr. Morse!), I ventured off to test the experience in the deep, untouched, newly fallen slow. ”This, isn’t so bad,” I thought. “I can do this!” Running with snowshoes reminded me of what it would be like running with flip-flops on, without fear of the things falling off. I was now ready to become part of the “line” and explore Forest River in a very different manner from which I was familiar.

With Patrick in the lead, scouting out the best pathways to maximize both the beauty and the challenge of our run, I gleefully followed along. What I soon discovered, and I mean very soon discovered, was that this was the quickest onset of anaerobic breathing I had yet to experience. ”My God, am I that out of shape? I know I haven’t been running as much as I had been, but, whoa, this is something else!” This, I soon realized, was going to be a challenging trek. I carried on, however. There’s something quite beautiful about newly fallen snow, unmarred by footprints, clinging to the branches of trees, that makes you appreciate, for a moment perhaps, how fortunate we are to live where we do. I tried, at times more successfully than others, to appreciate this as I traversed whatever trails Patrick forged for us. Crisscrossing the park, I soon found myself at the rear of the “pack” admiring the “snake” in front of me, slithering back and forth, up and down, repeat that trail, do it in reverse. As I plodded along, the group periodically would stop for a break. This inspired me to pick up the pace so that I could meet up with them and join in on their break. To my chagrin, however, immediately upon my arrival they would be fully rested and ready to take off again. Drat! This was getting to be a very humbling experience. After about an hour of this, the adventure ended. I remember commenting to Stephanie, “I didn’t feel this tired after running a marathon.” But, it was a “good” tired. I had tried something new. I never fell (although Dan Cooper said I could not be considered a snowshoe runner until I did fall). I was outside doing something healthy rather than home in bed, lamenting the shoveling I would soon have to do. Is it something I would do again? Absolutely, and if there is one thing Wicked has taught me, when you put your mind to something, you can accomplish it.

Thanks to Bill Morse, a champion snowshoe runner who generously let me use a pair of his snowshoes, I was able to try this out. After I (excuse me) After Dan Cooper removed “my” snowshoes, I handed them to their owner who posed this question to me. ”If I let you hold onto these, do you think you will practice this coming week?” After a second’s pause, I replied in the affirmative. He then said with a sly grin on his face, “You know, you have to show that Steve Touchette that you’re better at this than he will be.” What better incentive is that! And as I now look out the window and see the snow furiously mounting up outside, I know I will have ample opportunity to indeed slap those things onto my feet and plod away! Watch out, Steve!

A Wicked Happy Holiday to all!

A Few More Pics From Mill City Relay

Published

sheabilly

on December 14, 2008

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Mill City Relay 2008

John Mahoney passes off to Bill Morse. Go, Wicked Senile!

Sal hot on the heels of Bill Morse.

Jay Curry reaching out to Dan Cooper.

Bill Morse sees the snow at the finish and thinks to himself, “Hmmmn, snowshoeing is right around the corner.” Is that Steve Touchette in back? and Denise and Patrick? and Mike Toomey?

Hey, Marie, it’s old out there. Get thee to the Claddagh Pub

Steph, Skinny Tim, Denise, Patrick, and Jay - A Motley Crew

Colin, Chip, Jarrod, Dan, and Tim weather the elements.

Doug Chick happy the running is all over. Now it’s to the Claddagh Pub!

Hey, Karen. Don’t look so serious. That’s Chip you’re listening to!

That’s James DeLuca! Did you know he’s running the Amsterdam Marathon in the spring???

Hey, Tim, is that your iPhone on the ground next to your red Crocs? You need to take better care of that!

A “Wicked Good Showing at Mill City:” Becky, Mike, Rich, Annie Rose, James, and Katey

Introducing the Wicked Frosty Four Poster!

Published

Tim Short

on December 13, 2008

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With less than a month before the Second annual Wicked Frosty Four, race preparations are nearly complete. During the most recent race committee meeting, Race Director Rich Tomlins informed the committee that there are around 180 pre registered runners sign up. This number far exceeds last years mark at the same time! The good news did not stop there. Hot off the presses and ready for prime time placement is the newly updated Wicked Frosty Four Poster. A Wicked big thank you to Michele Campbell who came up with the new design. Click here to download the poster (PDF)

Incase you missed it…

Published

Tim Short

on December 12, 2008

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With all the great races that the members of the Wicked Running Club have been to recently it’s easy to see how some races might get overlooked. As a warm up to the Mill Cities Relay, a small force of Wicked Runners took on the Reindeer Run 5k in Beverly on December 6th. Below are some pictures including a random photo from Mill Citites. Enjoy!

Nomination Statments

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Tim Short

on December 12, 2008

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Here are the nomination statements given by the individuals seeking Board positions for next year. Don’t forget that the last day to vote is on Monday December 15th 2008!

President

Tim Short

Being a member of Wicked for the past 2+ years, I’ve had the wonderful experience of getting to know some truly remarkable people. Seeing their passion and devotion to Wicked has made me realize that I would like take the Wicked to the next level. I understand the time and effort that would be required of me if I was to become President, as I’ve had the pleasure of being the Vice President for Wicked over the past year. I’ve taken on many projects and feel that I have the experience and knowledge to get much accomplished.

I look forward to the opportunities and challenges that face Wicked in 2009. Together as a Club, I know we can achieve many great things. I’m excited to see Wicked grow and expand and would be honored to serve as President of the Wicked Running Club.

Vice President

Doug Bollen

I am running for VP to continue to strengthen, promote and work to provide a positive experience for members of the Wicked Running club. The club just enjoyed its greatest year with participation in events and membership growth. I have been with the club as one of the original members who started the club with the Mike and Jen Toomey. I have worked with to bring running clinics and races to Salem and also have been involved in directing races on the North Shore for over 20 years. I will be looking at the big picture in every issue we have to what best serves our club and its members.

Secretary

Alison Phelan

Running has always been my passion, but in particular, since I turned 40. It has led me to some great adventures, many fun times w/different groups of people, and also I’ve learned more about myself. Although running can be an individual sport, when you join a club – such as the Wicked Running Club – it becomes a team event. Since joining the Club in January, I have always felt welcomed by the existing members and I have tried to do the same with new members. Throughout the year, I have had some great runs w/various club members, the crazy Monday Night Crew, the hearty Tues/Thurs runners, the challenging Lynn Woods crowd and sometimes the Sat. morning runners – all fun times. At this point, I would like to give back some of that goodwill and serve as your Secretary. I have lots of experience in this field as that is my background; I have served as a SC Secretary in the past and am presently employed as an Exec. Assist. to a local Superintendent of Schools. So I feel I could definitely use my organizational and timely skills in this capacity. I have also attended some Board meetings, so I am familiar with the time commitment and process. Please choose me when you vote for the role of Secretary in the Board for the WRC. I thank you in advance for your consideration

Treasurer

John Mahoney

I have been a WRC member for 4 yrs and have been very happy to have
found so many new friends and so many people to run with. We have a
great club and I want to see us grow and prosper in the future. I am
particularly interested in making sure we always have a place for
those of us that are not quite so fast.I have been on the board for 3 yrs now, one year as president, and
understand the time commitment required to server on the board. I
think I can server the club well as treasurer and will feel honored to
be your choice to serve in this position.

Membership Director

Kerry Gertz

I would like to hold the position of Membership Director within the Wicked Running Club for several reasons. First and foremost, I enjoy meeting new people, and feel that I have the ability to solicit new members to the club, by providing them with the necessary information to know that Wicked is a club designed for everyone — from the beginner runner to the elite. One of the things that grabbed my attention and consideration for joining Wicked, was the warmth and feeling of community that the club emanates. Since I joined as a new runner myself, I feel that I can describe the club to new members with the same information that I received; we welcome every runner, that all runners are created equal in their ability to participate, and that regardless of how seriously you take running in your life, at a minimum, you will make new friends, and Wicked is a place to share your running experiences with others, and to also receive valuable information from all club members about the sport.

Clothing Director

Kathey Moskal

I am interested in becoming the clothing chair for the Wicked Running club for multiple reasons. Most importantly, I feel that as a newer member, it is a great way for me to become more involved with the club and gain the opportunity to meet more of the members whose paths I may not otherwise cross. I do have some contacts through my job that will allow me to increase the clothing choices to include more women specific choices as well as different options for jackets, fleece, and even hats if we so choose. I think it will be a fun opportunity to become more involved and hopefully get more members more involved in the overall running of the club.

Member at Large(two people will be selected for the Member at Large posistion)

Colin Maclay

I’d be honored to give back as an at-large member of the board. It seems fair to spread the board responsibility across our members in order to not lean too heavily on any among us, and also because it’s important to that ensure flows of new ideas and energy reach the board. Wicked has been great socially and running-wise, but I’ve never served in any official capacity even though I am one of the founding members. I run a non-profit that is focused on and driven by its community, and I think that I could bring lessons and experience about getting (and keeping) people involved, communications with members and others, creative uses of technology, collaboration with others groups, and growing and sustaining an organization.

Mike Toomey

I am excited for the opportunity to become more involved with the club. I have been involved with the club from the beginning as a founder, member, and coach, and feel I can have an impact as a member of the board. I would work hard to promote the club in the running community as well as the cities and towns our members represent.

ShariHewson

By way of introduction my name is Shari Hewson and I joined the Wicked Running Club this spring. I started to get back into running a couple years ago but did not seriously train. My idea of training at that time was “Hey, there is a 5K coming up – let’s run.” I realized I wanted running to become a bigger part of my life and began researching running clubs in the area.

I met Tim Short at one of the Danvers 5K runs and spoke to him about the Wicked Running Club. Tim was extremely pleasant and took the time to answer my questions. His enthusiasm for the club was clearly evident. I then sent an e-mail to Deb Touchette, Membership Chair and explained my reservations and concerns (I am a “slower runner” and was concerned there would be no one to run with at my pace). Her response to my e-mail was almost immediate and she was very encouraging, assuring me that there were people my pace. She forwarded my e-mail to John Mahoney who also contacted me immediately. I knew this was a club I had to try and I have not been disappointed. My husband Kenny joined shortly after and we have had a great time.

I was always somewhat envious at races when people that belonged to a club all congregated and supported one another. This was something we had been looking for. The Wicked Running Club has provided support and encouragement at all times. There is always someone to run with, ask questions of and commiserate with. The mantra often spoken is “You can do that – no problem”.

For those of you who do know me fairly well you are aware I am truly a “Type A” personality and perhaps a “little” OCD! As a result, when I become a member of a group or get involved in an activity, I give 100%. I have been on and continue to be on several Boards and truly enjoy the experience. I would welcome the opportunity to be a member of the Wicked Board; I am definitely a team player and will bring enthusiasm and experience to this position.

Thank you for your consideration.

Dan Barrett

Years Ago, I attempted running several times, I couldn’t seem to get into the right mind set. I always felt alone & rather bored, and never stayed with it.

This year, however, my interest came about as a spectator @ the June 29^th, Charles River Run, supporting my favorite runner, Gail Gordon.

Caught up in all the emotion & obvious camaraderie amongst the runners, this time my experience was a little different. For the first time, it wasn’t just about me running; it also was about runners as a group and their positive energy around me.

I began running on July 01.

I ran my first race on September 01, and had a blast.

I noticed many runners with group affiliations.

I spoke with several runners @ each race that I either participated in or was a spectator.

I always received a very consistent response from wicked members.

“A great running club filled with really nice people”

My curiosity of wicked running eventually brought me to “Crash” the Board Meeting on September 6^th.

I thought to myself that this was probably a pretty good reflection of the group.

I was very impressed by the operation, especially the warmness of the board.

The final decision was made. Gail & I signed up that night.

What followed, I certainly did not expect. We received an incredibly warm welcome, which has never diminished in intensity to date. The 4 weeks that we have been members the quality of my whole running experience has multiplied 100 fold. With all this said, I’m realizing, I can not fully explain what it’s meant to be a member. I do know it’s a good thing. I do know that in a world that is full of indifference, that I found a wonderful group of runners, whose goals are all about helping & supporting each other. I do know that Wicked Running Club will certainly improve any runners’ experience, if they joined. I do know that I would love to do as much as I possibly can to help strengthen & grow the club, so others could be as lucky as I, to find you all.

For this reason, I seek the position of “Member-At-Large” on the Wicked Running Club Board.For this reason, I seek your vote, so I may be elected, to contribute all I can to the service of Wicked Running Club.

Chip Bott

The Wicked Running Club has become the premier running club on the North Shore. When I first joined the club in 2006 I observed what appeared to be around 20-30 “Active members”. Well times sure have changed. A few open houses’ later and some really great publicity, that number seems to have tripled. This truly is an exciting time for the club. After my first year in the club I ran for the At Large position and have served faithfully over the past year. I am running for this position again this year. I have also served on the Frosty Four race committee. While in the club I have had the great fortune of meeting a lot of nice people and some really great runners. Most of the people I have met over this time I would consider very good friends. I look forward to the growth of the club and hope to continue to be a part of it.

2008 Wicked Running Club Election

Published

Tim Short

on December 8, 2008

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Last Monday the Wicked Running Club stared its annual Elections. The Elections will last for two weeks and will conclude next Monday. While the two week time frame might seem long, it gives people plenty of time to cast their vote and make sure everyone’s voice is heard.

This year’s slate of candidates will showcase a good mix of new and veteran members. A new board position was even created for next year. The Clothing Director will be responsible for ordering and maintaining Club clothing and if you’ve noticed how many new runners the Club has these days, this Board position could turn into a full time job!

Also new this year is the use of an online survey site to conduct the Election. The web site esurveypro.com is being used and from all indications voting is going well.

If you have not voted, don’t worry you still have one week to go. If you need any assistance with voting or you did not receive the link to vote, please contact Allison Rourke who is the administrator of the Election at allisonrourke75@yahoo.com.

Mill Cities Relay

Published

dbollen

on December 7, 2008

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Some random photo’s taken at post party at Mill Cities Relay today. Congratulations to our Coed team of Mike Toomey, Doug Chick, Annie Rose Willis, Katlyn Porter-Mahoney and Tim (Crocs) Short for winning 3rd place in the coed division. In her own words, Melissa Jaynes talks about her Mill Cities Relay experience, which happen to be her very first relay!

By Melissa Jaynes (ARunningStitch.blogspot.com)

With the first snow/winter mix in the area occurring today, I also enjoyed my first relay race–The Mill Cities Relay (http://www.millcities.com/). My running club was able to receive an invitation (yup, this is only for running clubs and by invitation only) and had 8 teams out of 193 teams!! The race totaled 28.3 miles, covered two states (MA and NH), had five legs of different lengths (2.5-9.5 miles each), and took place in slick and snowy conditions this year. I ran the 9.5 mile leg of the race along the river and crossed multiple towns–so fun running by those town signs. Total time for the team: 3 hours and 50 minutes. My leg: 1 hour 22 minutes (8:38 pace).

The 40 Wicked runners headed out of town at 5:45 am and started the adventure(s) at 8:00 am. We managed to fishtail our runners from one running exchange to the next with tons of laughs. My team of 5 ladies, a.k.a. the Wicked Good Glendas, certainly shared many laughs and Dunkin Donuts stops for coffee (seriously, these New Englanders drink Dunkin like water:)). Each leg was successful and we each ended with a smile after running on highways, though small towns, and even on a quaint stretch along a river with a beautiful dam/waterfall. Did I mention the snow??? What a pretty run until you were wet, cold, and freezing when you stopped running:)

I will definitely run another relay race with this team and especially these four amazing woman. One teammate’s daughter even circled back with water for me after she drove by cheering me on and I asked for water–what a great group of people.

Lessons learned:
1.)spread all amenities between all cars involved
2.)have good maps for routes from any 1 leg to another
3.)notify each other when handoffs occur for better timing estimations (and to avoid running out of a port-a-potty to start a leg of a race)
4.) Thank my Dad again for teaching me to drive any car–including manuals and in any weather

Most Memorable Moments:
1.) Watching people slide down the hill in front of the starting area and questioning our sanity (what does it take for a weather delay?)
2.) Watching my teammate turn the bend like lightening in a tiara fully sporting the Wicked Good Glendas!
3.) Having people drive by screaming your name and “Looking Wicked Good”!!
4.) Getting to know new friends through car rides and fishtails

Who says Winter in New England keeps people inside?