Monthly Archive for April, 2009

Page 2 of 3

113th Boston Marathon-Interview with Mark Tuttle

Published on April 19, 2009 in Uncategorized. 1 Comment

This is it, the final day before the 113th Boston Marathon.  If you are running the Boston Marathon on Monday feel free to click here to download the interview questions and email it back (with a picture of yourself if you would like) to tim.short1@gmail.com.    Boston Marathon Interview

Boston Marathon Interview

Wicked Runner: Mark Tuttle

How long have you been running, when/why did you start?

I started running in college when I stopped playing team sports.  I needed to do something to keep fit.  The fact that running helps cure hangovers was a great motivator in college.

Is there something about the Boston Marathon that makes it special to you? Why run this Marathon?

Every runner across the country views the Boston Marathon as the premier marathon.  People get excited when they talk about Boston: its history, the punishing course, and its prominence.

How many Boston marathons have you done? Or will this be your first?

I ran in 2001 and made all the beginners mistakes.

Do you have any special diet the week prior to the marathon?

If getting the flu four days before the race is considered a special diet, then yes, I didn’t eat much for two days and now I am eating as much as possible to make up for lost time.

Do you follow any specific running program to prepare for a Marathon?

I try to run six days a week and get several 20 mile runs in before marathon day. I have done some cross training (with the help of Jen Lincoln) to keep me injury free. 

What’s your favorite training run while training for a Marathon?

I like the long run because it has a lot of scenic water views.  I run around Marblehead Neck then over the Salem Bridge then the Kernwood Bridge.  It may sound odd, but I get a great sense of satisfaction looking at the smokestack at the Salem Power Plant and thinking, “I was way on the other side of that 45 minutes ago.”

What is your way to approach running a Marathon? I.e., slow at first, negative splits?

When I find one that works, I’ll let everyone know.

Do you bring your own nutrition for the Marathon? Electrolytes, Gels, Bars?

I wouldn’t have qualified for Boston without the help of GU.

Are you shooting for a specific time at Boston or are you running to enjoy the sights and sounds?

I hope to run under 3:20.  I hope to enjoy the sights and sounds, but the smells are often repulsive. There is something about the smell of grilled meat in Ashland and the smell of alcohol in Cleveland Circle that can make you gag.  Seeing the finish line is glorious.

Do you run with an MP3 player? Have any tunes that get you over the wall or the rough points in the Marathon?

I try to tune into what my body is doing and tune out any urge to quit or slow down.  No music…,  although there is a cadence from Stanley Kubrick’s Full Metal Jacket that I might sing over the hills in Newton.

Anything else you would like to add??

Good luck to everyone running, thank you to everyone volunteering and congratulations to anyone who has completed the Boston Marathon.

 

The Wicked Weekly Update

Published on April 17, 2009 in Wicked Weekly Update. Closed

Keep up on the latest news and events with the Wicked Running Club!

CLUB NOTES… official club biz and reminders

-GOOD LUCK BETH O’GRADY, BILLY SHEA, BECKY FIORE, MARK MECHE, ALISON PHELAN, BRUCE CAMPBELL, SALLY HOLTZMAN, KAREN GIROUX, STEPH COOPER WHO WILL BE RUNNING IN BOSTON MARATHON!!!!

-Group Runs: Wicked offers 3 official organized runs during the week. If you are looking for a group of people to run with on different days or different times than the official Club runs, feel free to email the entire club at wicked@googlegroups.com.

Saturdays 8am at Forest River Park

Mondays 6:30pm starting near Salem State South Campus. For more details email John Mahoney at john@wickedrunningclub.com

Tuesdays/Thursdays 5:30 starting at the Front Street Café.

-Our next Board meeting is May 4th, 2009. Meetings at held at the Salem Senior Center and start 6:30pm. All Club members are welcome to attend. If you would like to suggest an item for the agenda, please email Tim Short @ tim.short1@gmail.com

-Our next Grand Prix race is the Ring Around the Neck 5 mile run in Marblehead on April 26th, 2009.

Here is some info

Marblehead, MA 2:00PM Shubies Market, 16 Atlantic Ave (Oceanviews throughout race in beautiful, historic Marblehead.)
Contact: Jeanne Smith (Lynch van Otterloo YMCA), 40 Leggs Hill Road, Marblehead, MA, USA, 01945. 1-781-990-7004 To register on line: http://www.runreg.com/racersresource/events/register.asp?eventid=1841

CLUB MEMBER NEWS… submit your weekly news to wicked.weekly.newsletter@gmail.com

Race Results

Merrimack River 10 Mile Trail Race

Stephen Touchette 1:4014

Liz Touchette 1:44:42

Deb Touchette 1:44:43

From Rich Tomlins

Tewksbury Run a Pleasant Mile 5k race and 1 mile kid’s fun run, to benefit Tewksbury Memorial High School Scholarship fund. Sunday April 26th at TMHS. Prizes for top age group winners. Fees: $15 pre register-$20 race day and $10 for students. Race information and registration form can be found at

http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/1/index.shtml or http://www.glrr.net/races/Pleasant_mile_5k/index.html

map route : http://www.usatf.org/routes/view.asp?rID=5423#reviews

From James DeLuca

I’m still looking for people who are interested in a off-road ultra marathon (53 miles, 3 runners per team) relay in June. Details at:
http://www.peakraces.com/index.php?inc=ultrarace

I am also interested in putting together a Wicked team for the Marshfield Roadrunners Club Challenge Cup Marathon Relay. Click here for the flier.

From Tim Short

2nd ANNUAL Greater Lowell Road Runners TRACK MEET

Cawley Stadium, Lowell MA

Thursday, APRIL 23rd Noon to 4PM

Click here for application

  1. Competitors are limited to two running events, two field event and one relay.

  • ENTRY FEE – FREE

  • MAIL TO – Patrick Sheridan, c/o Youth Track Program, 376 Butman Rd, Lowell, MA 01852

  • Questions – pfsheridan@gmail.com (critical 508 577 9275 – cell)

  1. Eligibility to Participate – Minimum grade 4, Maximum grade 8. Participants will be limited to 2 Field & 2 Running

  2. ATTEMPTS IN TRIAL AND FINALS –
    In all Fields Events contestant will be allowed three (3) attempts – This may be reduce to (2) attempts if the number of participants is large. Field Events will be first, running events will start approximately 1 hour after the start of field evetns

  1. Running HEATS – Heats will be based upon grade and gender to the best of our abilities. For example a heat would be female 6th grades

  2. THROWING EQUIPMENT – Shot puts, will be provided

The Saratoga Springs Lions Club Foundation, Inc. is hosting the 5th Annual Saratoga Lions Duathlon on Sunday, May 24, 2009 on the Skidmore College Campus in Saratoga Springs, NY. Participants will tackle a 5k run, followed by a 20 mile bike ride, ending with another 5k run. Race start time is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Participants can be individual, two person teams or three person teams. Area businesses can also participate with a three-person team in the corporate challenge category.

Pre-registration fees are $50.00 per individual, $75.00 per two-person team, and $90.00 per three-person team until 05/17/09. On the day of the race, entry fees are $60.00 per individual, $90.00 per two-person team and $120 per three-person team. Free shirts will be provided to the first 250 entrants. Prizes will be awarded to the top three finishers in each age category and results will be computerized. Proceeds will further the Foundation’s work in sight and hearing conservation, diabetes and youth programs.

To register or for more information, visit www.saratogalions.com, call 518-899-5544 or email the club at duathlon@saratogalions.com. Registration for the event is also available at www.active.com.

Melrose Run for Women race on Mother’s Day morning

12th Annual Melrose Run for Women

3.5 mile Women’s Only Road Race

Sunday, May 10, 2009, Mother’s Day

Pine Banks Park, Melrose

Presented by the Melrose Running Club

Benefiting the Melrose Alliance Against Violence

mrfw.melroserunningclub.com

contact Judi Chiavetta

judichiavetta@melroserunningcluu

781-641-3693

From Shari Hewson

1st Annual Dan Ford 5 Mile Road Race and 5K Fun Run/Walk – Saturday, April 18th

Kenny grew up with Dan Ford and Dan is dying of a very rare cancer.
It promises to be a fun race with a post race party at the Fireside
Restaurant & Pub. I know this is Marathon weekend but would love it
if we could see some Wicked faces at the race.You can register at www.danfordsrunforacure.com

From Nicole Parsons

Bentley School 5k

PROCEEDS TO BENEFIT

STUDENT ENRICHMENT ACTIVITIES

Race Director and Wicked Running Club member: Nicole Parsons

Time: 9:00AM

Date: Saturday, May 2, 2009

Locations: Bentley Elementary School, 25 Memorial Drive, Salem, MA

Entry Fee: $15.00 adults/$10.00 children. Applications accepted the day of race until 8:30am at race site for an additional $5.00. Sign up before date or mail application to the Bentley School c/o Road Race, 25 Memorial Drive, Salem Ma 01970, for more information e-mail bentleypto@comcast.net

Register online at:

http://www.active.com/page/eventdetails_print.htm?event_id=1678029&assetId=df1351a5-b4b3-4376-a218-0fbbbdb3863a

From Doug Bollen

Salem Park, Recreation & Community Services Department

Present:

The Derby Street Mile Run!

Friday, August 21, 2009

in Salem , Mass, 7:00pm & 7:15pm

Race starts on Fort Ave & finishes at Pickering Wharf !

Entry fee: $14 pre-race day $15 on race day, USTFA Certified code MA07017JK

Awesome Technical short sleeve shirts given to first 300 entrants!!

NEW this year- two races, enter your choice “Family or Competitive” Run

Competitive run 7:00 pm – Top 3 in age groups will receive awards in Competitive run

Family Run 7:15pm – all runners in Family run will receive medals

Post Race: at Waterfront Hotel & Suites – refreshments, water, soda, and fruit

Information: Contact the Salem Park , Recreation & Community Services (978) 744-0180 or

Email: dbollen@salem.com

Don’t see your news or race results listed? Email it to wicked.weekly.newsletter@gmail.com

113th Boston Marathon-Interview with Billy Shea

Published on April 17, 2009 in Boston Marathon Interviews. Closed

Today is the start of the John Hancock Sports and Fitness Expo! That also means it’s the first day to pick up bib numbers for the 113th Boston Marathon. Expo dates and times are as followed: Friday, April 17th: 2:00 PM to 7pm, Saturday, April 18th: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and Sunday, April 19th: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. If you are running the Boston Marathon on Monday feel free to click here to download the interview questions and email it back (with a picture of yourself if you would like) to tim.short1@gmail.com. Please send in the completed interview by Saturday.

Boston Marathon Interview

Wicked Runner: Billy Shea

Billy Shea is all smiles while training for the Boston Marathon

How long have you been running, when/why did you start?

I’ve been running since 1997, a relatively short time considering my age.  I started because my brother-in-law, Billy Prentiss, had been running for years, and I wanted to out-do him.  It hasn’t happened—yet!!

I started running marathons for the first time in 2008.  Chip Bott told me we were going to do Disney in January.  I needed that “extra push.”  In addition to Disney, I also did Boston, Chicago, and Stone Cat that same year.  I qualified for Boston in Chicago.

Is there something about the Boston Marathon that makes it special to you? Why run this Marathon?

What makes Boston “special” to me is the prestige it holds in the running world.  I was amazed last year at the number of spectators and support given at every point along the run.

Do you follow any specific running program to prepare for a Marathon?

For my first marathon I trained faithfully, following a plan I had read in a book called “4 Months to a 4 Hour Marathon.”  For my other marathons, I have not been as regimented; however, I do try to achieve my “long runs,” usually maxing out at 20 miles.

What’s your favorite training run while training for a Marathon?

My favorite training run for the Marathon is the Eastern States 20 Miler which starts in Kittery, Maine and ends in Salisbury, MA.  This year the race was held on a rainy, windy day.  Luckily the wind was at our backs most of the way.  It’s good to train in some “nasty weather” because you never know what conditions marathon day will bring.

What is your way to approach running a Marathon? I.e., slow at first, negative splits?

I usually go out “too fast” during marathons, fearing that if I’m too slow, I won’t make my hoped for time.  I know this is not good practice, but it is hard to beat mentally.  This year I plan to force myself to go out slower and see what happens.

Are you shooting for a specific time at Boston or are you running to enjoy the sights and sounds?

This year I have not trained as well as I should have for Boston.  Therefore, rather than shooting for a specific time, I plan to run and enjoy the sights and sounds.  That being said, I know come the day I’ll most likely try to outdo my best time of 3 hrs. 46 min. 31 sec.  It probably isn’t going to happen.  A 4:15 is more likely “in the cards” for me this year.

Do you run with an MP3 player? Have any tunes that get you over the wall or the rough points in the Marathon?

Occasionally on training runs I’ll run with an iPod; however, I don’t race with one.

Anything else you would like to add??

Wicked Running Club has been a wonderful support in helping me try new things and achieve certain goals.  Without the Club, I never would have met so many amazing people, all unique but all sharing that common goal of pushing oneself to run just that much longer and faster.

113th Boston Marathon-Interview with Karen Giroux

Published on April 17, 2009 in Boston Marathon Interviews. 1 Comment

Today is the start of the John Hancock Sports and Fitness Expo! That also means it’s the first day to pick up bib numbers for the 113th Boston Marathon. Expo dates and times are as followed: Friday, April 17th: 2:00 PM to 7pm, Saturday, April 18th: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and Sunday, April 19th: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. If you are running the Boston Marathon on Monday feel free to click here to download the interview questions and email it back (with a picture of yourself if you would like) to tim.short1@gmail.com. Please send in the completed interview by Saturday.

Boston Marathon Interview

Wicked Runner: Karen Giroux (member of Steve’s Team)

How long have you been running, when/why did you start?

I was not an athletic kid! I didn’t start running until I was about 30 years old when I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis. I found that moving my body kept my symptoms mostly at bay. I didn’t get serious about running until 2002 after my youngest son was born. Then I fell totally in love with it!

Is there something about the Boston Marathon that makes it special to you? Why run this Marathon?

It’s special to me because it’s the “home-town” marathon and everyone (even non-runners) has heard of it. My family in CA and NC can follow the marathon. I am running this Boston as a member of Steve’s Team for the Stephen O’Grady foundation.

How many Boston marathons have you done? Or will this be your first?

This is my 1st Boston. I usually like to run small marathons in beautiful places. This will be by far the biggest marathon I’ve ever run.

Do you have any special diet the week prior to the marathon?

I try to eat healthy most of the time. I’m superstitious about making sure I eat the same meal before all long runs and the marathon. (For my last marathon it was chicken soup!) This time I went with the traditional pasta and salad.

Um…and it seems Easter left-overs like lemon squares and gum-drops and chocolate bunny this week. Not healthy but yummy!

Do you follow any specific running program to prepare for a Marathon?

I use a variation of the Hal Higdon program. Since I am a fitness instructor I have a TON of cross-training built into my schedule, so I need to be very careful not to over train. I like to gradually build mileage over 18 weeks with long runs alternating between 13 and up to 20 miles.

What’s your favorite training run while training for a Marathon?

This training cycle I loved the Nahant Runs with fellow Steve’s Team members and other Wicked runners. My favorite race was a half marathon we did in New Market NH. The weather was perfect and the course was beautiful. We sure had our share of “not-nice-weather” training runs, so any run where it was not raining/snowing/below freezing/or windy was a great run!

What is your way to approach running a Marathon? I.e., slow at first, negative splits?

I try not to go out too fast. I usually settle into a pace by 5 miles or so. Once I am at the half-way point, I decide if I can pick it up or leave it steady.

Do you bring your own nutrition for the Marathon? Electrolytes, Gels, Bars?

I will be using the Lemon Power Gel Blasts that we used all during training. I HATE gu, so I will just be waving to everyone at the mile 17 Wicked aid station!

Are you shooting for a specific time at Boston or are you running to enjoy the sights and sounds?

I’ll never tell! I do plan to enjoy my run, though.

Do you run with an MP3 player? Have any tunes that get you over the wall or the rough points in the Marathon?

I don’t run with music. I love to run with my friends, and we talk, talk, and talk. (I’m sure I talk too much sometimes!) You learn a lot about people when you are spending a couple hours each week running with them. I have made some wonderful friends!

Anything else you would like to add??

I’d like to say “thanks!!” to Beth for asking me to be a member of Steve’s Team! Good luck to everyone else running! Thank you to everyone who’ll be volunteering out on the course, too

113th Boston Marathon-Interview with Bruce Campbell

Published on April 16, 2009 in Boston Marathon Interviews. Closed

All this week you will be treated to an inside look at how your fellow Wicked friends prepare for the Boston Marathon through Wicked’s own Boston Marathon Interview. If you are running the Boston Marathon next week feel free to click here to download the interview questions and email it back (with a picture of yourself if you would like) to tim.short1@gmail.com.

Boston Marathon Interview

Wicked Runner: Bruce Campbell

How long have you been running, when/why did you start?

On and off since the late seventies. I ran my first marathon around 1992 but didn’t go at it whole heartedly until 1996.

Is there something about the Boston Marathon that makes it special to you? Why run this Marathon?

As a runner I find it hard to pass up Boston. It’s the second most prestigious marathon in the world and its run right in our backyard. The sport of running is fairly unique in that you are offered the opportunity to share a course with the best athletes in the world.

How many Boston marathons have you done? Or will this be your first?

If all goes as planned this will make eleven for me.

Do you have any special diet the week prior to the marathon?

No

Do you follow any specific running program to prepare for a Marathon?

I’ve been loosely following a plan that is recommended by the BAA.

What’s your favorite training run while training for a Marathon?

I enjoy the intensity of the speed work and the solitude of the long runs. Also the Tues/Thur am runs. I just like to run!

What is your way to approach running a Marathon? I.e., slow at first, negative splits

I’m not very technical about it mostly I just run how I feel on that day, sometimes it pays off, sometimes it backfires.

Do you bring your own nutrition for the Marathon? Electrolytes, Gels, Bars?

Lately, Cliff Blocks.

Are you shooting for a specific time at Boston or are you running to enjoy the sights and sounds?

To requalify would be good, under 3:20 would be better

Do you run with an MP3 player? Have any tunes that get you over the wall or the rough points in the Marathon?

no

Anything else you would like to add??

I wish everyone the best on Patriots Day. May you meet your goals and expectations. But as my friend Dan Peterson always told me, Remember to take it all in and enjoy the experience, you’ve worked hard to get here!

 

113th Boston Marathon-Interview with Beth O’Grady

Published on April 15, 2009 in Boston Marathon Interviews. Closed

All this week you will be treated to an inside look at how your fellow Wicked friends prepare for the Boston Marathon through Wicked’s own Boston Marathon Interview. If you are running the Boston Marathon next week feel free to click here to download the interview questions and email it back (with a picture of yourself if you would like) to tim.short1@gmail.com.

Boston Marathon Interview

Wicked Runner: Beth O’Grady (Beth is a member of Steve’s Team)

How long have you been running, when/why did you start?

Aside from doing the corporate challenge with my company each year, I did not run on a regular basis until summer of 2002 when I set a goal to run my first Boston Marathon in memory of my brother Stephen O’Grady. I can still remember how hard it was to run one mile without walking- seems like longer than 7 years ago!

Is there something about the Boston Marathon that makes it special to you? Why run this Marathon?

Each marathon has its own appeal, but it’s always great to be “home” so you can eat your own food and sleep in your own bed the night before.  Also great to run locally at you get a lot of shout outs from people along the route, especially the Wicked Running 17 mile spot!

How many Boston marathons have you done? Or will this be your first?

This will be number 3 for me.

Do you have any special diet the week prior to the marathon? 
It’s the “try not to get fat” diet, which is tough when I cut the miles way back.

Do you follow any specific running program to prepare for a Marathon?

Everyone trains differently, but I’ve always done the alternating long weekend runs, where mileage goes up gradually every other week, alternating with a shorter run of 10-13 miles. I’ve stayed healthy so it must work for me and these old bones.

What’s your favorite training run while training for a Marathon?

The last one- yahoo!

What is your way to approach running a Marathon? I.e., slow at first, negative splits?

Ha! Ask a fast runner.  My approach is to run how I feel that day, and every day is different. Number 1 is to finish healthy and strong so I can enjoy my victory with friends!

Do you bring your own nutrition for the Marathon? Electrolytes, Gels, Bars?

We got hooked on the lemon Power Bar energy gel bursts we gave out at the Frosty Four. Figures, as they turned out to be almost impossible to find anywhere!

Are you shooting for a specific time at Boston or are you running to enjoy the sights and sounds?

I’d like to have my best “Boston” time, but don’t plan to shoot for a PR.  Running to enjoy the race and running for time are 2 very different experiences- this time I’m running to enjoy achieving my goal to run 10 marathons before my brother’s 10th anniversary. Not bad for someone who could barely run a mile without stopping 7 years ago!

Do you run with an MP3 player?

Have any tunes that get you over the wall or the rough points in the Marathon? 
My training partner was my radio (I’m old school- don’t own an MP3!) but that was happily replaced with my wicked running friends who make the miles go by fast!

Anything else you would like to add??

I’ve trained for marathons all by my lonesome, and I’ve trained for marathons with my Wicked Running Friends- Friends are so much better!

113th Boston Marathon-Interview with Alison Phelan

Published on April 14, 2009 in Boston Marathon Interviews. Closed


Over the next week you will be treated to an inside look at how your fellow Wicked friends prepare for the Boston Marathon through Wicked’s own Boston Marathon Interview. If you are running the Boston Marathon next week feel free to click here to download the interview questions and email it back (with a picture of yourself if you would like) to tim.short1@gmail.com. 

Wicked Runner: Alison Phelan (Alison is a member of Steve’s Team)

 

Alison getting some love after the 2007 edition of the Boston Marathon

 

How long have you been running, when/why did you start? 

I’ve been running since high school, I ran on the XC team and on the Spring Track Teams. Back then I began running b/c I wanted to be part of a team and for health reasons, my asthma.  I liked it but I enjoy it more so now. 

Is there something about the Boston Marathon that makes it special to you? Why run this Marathon? 

Yes, Boston is so special – it’s the only marathon that makes you qualify to run in it.  Plus it’s the oldest marathon in the world and it’s a local hometown favorite.  I ran Boston once before for the Lazarus House charity in 2007 and I’ve never experienced anything like that since.  The rowdy crowds make you feel like a “rock star” when you get to the top of Heartbreak Hill!  It’s the best feeling!

How many Boston marathons have you done? Or will this be your first? 

This will be my 2nd Boston, but it feels like my first.  Plus I’m psyched about the fact that my fellow “Wicked” teammate, Allison, will jump in at Mile 17 and my daughters, Kerry and Natalie will also try to run in w/me towards the latter part of the race.

Do you have any special diet the week prior to the marathon? 

Not really, just stay healthy, drink lots of water and load up on the carbs starting Friday. 

Do you follow any specific running program to prepare for a Marathon? 

My friend, Bill, has helped me with some of my training.  But since this is my 6th marathon, I also know what works for me.  I run 5x/wk, which include 1 speed workout, 1 tempo workout, a long Sat. run, 2 shorter runs and also include some pool time.  But my wkly mileage has never exceeded more than 45m.

What’s your favorite training run while training for a Marathon? 

I’ve especially loved running along the Nahant coastline w/my teammates on Steve’s Team.  We’re so lucky to live on the coastline; it’s so scenic and hilly. 

What is your way to approach running a Marathon? I.e., slow at first, negative splits? 

I’ll try to start off slow, esp. b/c you can’t go too fast at the beginning of this Marathon and then try to get back on pace.  I’m hoping to have enough energy in the latter part of the Marathon to do some negative splits.

Do you bring your own nutrition for the Marathon? Electrolytes, Gels, Bars? 

Yes, I’ll bring my favorite new foods “Power Bar Gel Blasts” and some Gus.

Are you shooting for a specific time at Boston or are you running to enjoy the sights and sounds? 

As the saying goes, when someone asks me “what’s my best time”, my answer lately is “my next one”.  So I don’t want to say a specific time, but as always, I want to better my times.  I also want to have a good time and take in the sights, you never know when you’ll be back to run Boston again.

Do you run with an MP3 player? Have any tunes that get you over the wall or the rough points in the Marathon? 

No, during my training, I haven’t used my iPod at all. I think the crowds will motivate me enough; they helped me last time and that was a stormy day, so I’m counting on their support again. 

Anything else you would like to add?? 

I just want to thank all my friends for being so supportive during my training.  But I especially want to thank my daughters, Kerry and Natalie, for letting their mom do what she loves to do the most – RUN.  Without their support and sometimes their pushing me out the door in the cold winter, I wouldn’t have done it.  They’re my biggest supporters and keep me grounded!

 

113th Boston Marathon-Interview with Mark Meche

Published on April 13, 2009 in Boston Marathon Interviews. Closed

With one week to go before the 113th running of the Boston Marathon, members of Wicked who will be participating in this year’s race have to be getting excited. After all, they’ve been through one hell of a winter to get ready for the greatest Marathon around.

Over the next week you will be treated to an inside look at how your fellow Wicked friends prepare for the Boston Marathon through Wicked’s own Boston Marathon Interview. If you are running the Boston Marathon next week feel free to click here to download the interview questions and email it back (with a picture of yourself if you would like) to tim.short1@gmail.com.

Boston Marathon Interview

Wicked Runner: Mark Meche

How long have you been running, when/why did you start?

I think I have been running since about 1976. The first race I have a record of was 1982 Crescent City Classic in New Orleans (I actually record the date, my time and a few other notes on the number and throw them in a box). While I was in college, my summer jobs were working on offshore cargo boats, mostly in the Gulf of Mexico and when we were at the dock, there was plenty of time to kill so I bought some shoes and hit the road. Actually, it’s a miracle I survived; the weather often approached 100 degrees and the humidity wasn’t far behind. The sun was powerful and I didn’t have any way to carry water.

Is there something about the Boston Marathon that makes it special to you? Why run this Marathon?

This is my second Boston and aside from the selfish satisfaction of running because I like to, I am running to support the people who saved my son Alexander’s life. He is a leukemia survivor and a patient at Mass General. I am running on MGH’s marathon team. Gratitude is a powerful motivator—check out www.PlatypusandSalamander.com or www.Firstgiving.com/Meche_Marathon_Team

How many Boston marathons have you done? Or will this be your first?

This is number 2 and I am much more relaxed about it this time, at least so far.

Do you have any special diet the week prior to the marathon?

Just more fruit and attention to hydration.

Do you follow any specific running program to prepare for a Marathon?

Do I ever! Actually I have been travelling quite a bit this year so my program has broken down a bit. I generally follow the Jeff Galloway program except that I often forget to walk that minute every now and again. I like the Galloway program because suits big old guys like me. So far, the three times I have used it, I have stayed injury free despite training out to the 29 mile mark. I also use a Polar HRM with stride sensor to log my runs.

What’s your favorite training run while training for a Marathon?

I like the long runs before they get too long. I also like the speed work.

What is your way to approach running a Marathon? I.e., slow at first, negative splits?

“Start slow, then ease off” actually that used to be the slogan of the Greater New Orleans Runners Association that I belonged to some 22 years ago. Seriously now, I am looking for a slightly negative split. Last year I ran a totally flat race and at the finish line I wondered if I wasn’t too careful. The real challenge with Boston is not HB Hill, it’s that fast start.

Do you bring your own nutrition for the Marathon? Electrolytes, Gels, Bars?

Absolutely; gels work pretty well for me. I will be Velcro-ing a few extra to my shorts to hold me until I see the Wicked crew.

Are you shooting for a specific time at Boston or are you running to enjoy the sights and sounds?

My goal is 3:59:59 but I am afraid this won’t be the year. I think a reasonable goal for this year is 4:15:00, anything under 4:30:00 will do.

Do you run with an MP3 player? Have any tunes that get you over the wall or the rough points in the Marathon?

Your question prompted me to check the rules and I see that we can bring our tunes along this year. I am going to make that call on race day. I usually run with my iPod but race without it to help me focus on performance.

Anything else you would like to add??

Even though I am a wicked member, most of you probably don’t know me. My schedule and obligations don’t facilitate a lot of social running but I am proud to wear my red shirt on race days. The real clincher for me joining in support of Wicked (besides the numerous friends) happened last marathon. Mile 17 or so, I was zoned out moving along through Wellesley. After crossing 128 as I approach a familiar office building, I saw the anticipated gel stop. As I approached, fairly numb from exertion, I reached for a gel from one of the volunteers and suddenly heard the person call out my name. It was Beth O’Grady; then I saw Tim Clarke, and Doug Bollen and…. Then it dawned on me, this was the Wicked Running Club. It was really nice to see you guys. Thanks for the support.

 

 

 

Happy Easter!!

Published on April 12, 2009 in Uncategorized. 1 Comment

 

The Easter Bunny was kind enough to place these eggs in my basket this morning with a special message. Hope your Easter basket was filled with yummy candy and fun treats! 

Speaking of treats, here is an interview that Billy Shea gave to the Danvers Herald.  At the bottom you will find a cool video by CNC North Video.  In addition to Billy’s profile, check out other Boston Marathon runners’ videos.

 

Mr. Shea looking sharp for the camera

North of Boston Marathon Profile: William (Billy) Shea

DANVERS - Q. Why do you run marathons?

A. I started running marathons last year, running four of them. I qualified in Chicago for Boston. I run marathons, because they are the ultimate competition for runners, and because I want to push the limits and test my levels of endurance. I belong to the Wicked Running Club, and that has been a great impetus in my desire to push myself

Q. How do you train for them?

A. I train for marathons by steadily increasing my weekly mileage, and scheduling increasingly longer runs each week. [Recently], I ran a 30K race, and [had] run 20 miles in the Eastern States 20-mile race, starting in Kittery, Maine and ending in Salisbury, MA. My level of training has varied in intensity for the different marathons I have run. For some, I have been very faithful with my training, while others not as faithful.

Q. How long have you been running competitively?

A. I have been running competitively since 1997, but did not run my first marathon until Jan. 2008. That year, I ran the Disney Marathon, Boston Marathon, Chicago Marathon and Stone Cat Trail Marathon

NAME: William (Billy) Shea

AGE: 58

FAMILY: Single; one sister, Susan Prentiss, who’s married to Billy Prentiss, a well-known Danvers runner

EDUCATION: Graduated from Salem High School in 1969; earned a B.A. from Salem State College, and a M. ED. from Northeastern University

OCCUPATION: retired Salem High School principal, now adjunct faculty member at North Shore Community College

HIGHEST FINISH: Chicago Marathon: 3 hours, 46 minutes, 31 seconds

RUNNING ACHIEVEMENTS: A few second and third place finishes in my age group


Bill Shea – Danvers Marathoner from CNCNorth Video on Vimeo.

The Wicked Weekly Update

Published on April 10, 2009 in Wicked Weekly Update. Closed

Keep up on the latest news and events that are going on with Wicked and the members that make up this great running club!

CLUB NOTES… Official Club Biz and Reminders-

-Group Runs: Wicked offers 3 official organized runs during the week. If you are looking for a group of people to run with on different days or different times than the official Club runs, feel free to email the entire club at wicked@googlegroups.com.

Saturdays 8am at Forest River Park

Mondays 6:30pm starting near Salem State South Campus. For more details email John Mahoney at john@wickedrunningclub.com

Tuesdays/Thursdays 5:30 starting at the Front Street Café.

-Our next Board meeting is May 4th, 2009. Meetings at held at the Salem Senior Center and start 6:30pm.  All Club members are welcome to attend.  If you would like to suggest an item for the agenda, please email Tim Short @ tim.short1@gmail.com

-Our next Grand Prix race is the Ring Around the Neck 5 mile run in Marblehead on April 26th, 2009.

Marblehead, MA 2:00PM Shubies Market, 16 Atlantic Ave (Oceanviews throughout race in beautiful, historic Marblehead.)
Contact: Jeanne Smith (Lynch van Otterloo YMCA), 40 Leggs Hill Road, Marblehead, MA, USA, 01945. 1-781-990-7004 To register on line click here.

CLUB MEMBER NEWS… submit your weekly news to wicked.weekly.newsletter@gmail.com

Race Results

Great Bay ½ Marathon and 5k Road Race

Photos from the race

Half Marathon

Tim Clarke 1:44:23

Billy Shea 1:52:51

John McDonough 2:04:39

Beth O’Grady 2:08:27

Steph Cooper 2:08:26

Karen Giroux 2:08:26

Kerry Gertz 2:24:34

Sharon Tassel 2:24:34

5k

Tim Short 17:32

Doug Bollen 25:08

From Tim Short

Boston Marathon Interview…Calling all members of Wicked who will be running in the 113th Boston Marathon! Next week we I will start posting people’s interviews to the website as we make our way to the big day, Monday April 20th 2009. Please email your interview questions and a picture of yourself by Monday April 13th 2009 to tim.short1@gmail.com.

Marathon Interview Questions

From Doug Bollen

Salem Park & Recreation Present:

Encore movie showing of the Steve Prefontaine Documentary

Inspirational movie

Thursday, April 16 at 7:00pm at 5 Broad St (Senior Center)

Showing:

Fire on the Track! Steve Prefontaine documentary (The best documentary on his life, Linda Prefontaine-sister of Pre)

Perhaps the greatest US runner!

Steve “Pre” Prefontaine
International Track Star – Hometown Hero – Running Legend

1951-1975

“To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the Gift.”-Steve Prefontaine

From Tim Clarke

Boston Marathon .  . .in three bites.   3rd Bite

As previously announced we are coordinating the running of the Boston Marathon course over three different days this winter / spring season.

Our last run with be Saturday, April 11th.  Leaving from my office @ Waters & Brown – 281 Derby Street, Salem (parking lot in the rear) @ 10:00 am.  We will drive into Newton and run the last 8 or 9 miles (Newton -Wellesley Hospital though the big hills and to the finish) of the Marathon route.  Typically we drop a car at our finish destination and all pile into another car to drive the beginning and reverse the process at the end (we’ll use more cars as required). We should be back in Salem in the 2:30 – 3:00 range.

Let me (timfclarke@aol.com) know if you’d like to join us, your cell # and whether you’d be willing to drive.

From Deb Touchette

The 10th Annual Spring Dance

To benefit the

Saturday, April 25, 2009

8 p.m. -Midnight

Knights of Columbus

94 Washington Square, Salem

Dance music by DJ Dan
*Cash Bar    *Snacks   *Raffles
* Hourly door prize drawings at 9, 10 and 11 p.m.

Come early and get three chances to win!

* 50/50 Raffle- split the pot!

Ticket Donation: $20

Return order form below by April 17 and your tickets will be mailed to you.

INFO: Beth O’Grady, 978-745-5949, email bethogrady@yahoo.com or stephenogrady.com

———————————-

NAME:___________________________________________________________

Mailing Address:___________________________________________________

Day Phone: _____________________ Email: ____________________________

Number of Tickets ____________ Amount Enclosed at $20/each__________

I cannot attend the dance, but please accept the enclosed donation:_________

Return to:  Stephen M. O’Grady Foundation

c/o Beth O’Grady, 329 Jefferson Ave. , Salem, MA 01970

Donations payable to: Stephen M. O’Grady Scholarship Foundation.

Please write a separate check for dance tickets and 50/50 raffle.

From Rich Tomlins

Tewksbury Run a Pleasant Mile 5k race and 1 mile kid’s fun run, to benefit Tewksbury Memorial High School Scholarship fund. Sunday April 26th at TMHS. Prizes for top age group winners. Fees: $15 pre register-$20 race day and $10 for students. Race information and registration form can be found by clicking here.

From Shari Hewson

1st Annual Dan Ford 5 mile Road Race & 5k Fun Run/Walk-Saturday April, 18 2009

Kenny grew up with Dan Ford and Dan is dying of a very rare cancer.
It promises to be a fun race with a post race party at the Fireside
Restaurant & Pub.  I know this is Marathon weekend but would love it
if we could see some Wicked faces at the race. You can register at www.danfordsrunforacure.com

From Tim Short

Bentley School 5k

PROCEEDS TO BENEFIT

STUDENT ENRICHMENT ACTIVITIES

Race Director and Wicked Running Club member: Nicole Parsons

Time: 9:00AM

Date: Saturday, May 2, 2009

Locations: Bentley Elementary School, 25 Memorial Drive, Salem, MA

Entry Fee: $15.00 adults/$10.00 children.  Applications accepted the day of race until 8:30am at race site for an additional $5.00.  Sign up before date or mail application to the Bentley School c/o Road Race, 25 Memorial Drive, Salem Ma 01970, for more information e-mail bentleypto@comcast.net To register online click here.

From Kerry Gertz

OUR 2 ANGELS & OUR LITTLE HERO 2nd Annual 5K run/2 Mile Walk

(A charity event to benefit the March of Dimes)

In memory of Adrienne Virginia Antaya & Rileigh Genevieve AntayaAnd celebrating the life of Brady Patrick Antaya! Sunday, May 17, 2009 (10:00 a.m.)

Facebook link

2nd Annual Our 2 Angels & Our Little Hero 5k Run/2 Mile Walk Website

Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. (rain or shine)

Location: Central Square, Lynn Massachusetts

1 Central Avenue, Lynn, MA 01901

Entry Fee: Pre-registration $20.00 (by May 8, 2009)

Day of Race $25.00

5K run & 2 Mile Walk event

T-Shirts to first 150 registered participants

Awards to top 3 runners in each division (M/F)

Time splits, water station, professionally timed

For additional information contact Kerry Gertz (978) 500-3958 or our2angels@gmail.com

——————————————————————————————————————————————–

(Official use only)

Registration Form [_________]

Mail to Kerry Gertz, 42 School Street, S. Hamilton MA 01982 (checks made payable to the “2nd Annual Our 2 Angels Run/Walk.”) Postmarked by May 8, 2009 for pre-registration rate.

Last Name:_____________ First:___________ MI:____ Age:______

Street:__________________ City__________ State______ Zip:_____

Gender: M/F Phone: ( )______________ walk or run:_______

T-shirt size: Small _____ Med._____ Lg._____ XL_____

SIGNATURE: ______________________________________________ (Signature of parent or guardian if under 18.)

In consideration of the acceptance of this entry: myself, heirs, executors and administrators, waive and release any and all rights and claims for damages I may have against all sponsors and race organizers and the City of Lynn for any and all injuries suffered by me while competing in, traveling to or from this event. I attest that I am physically fit and sufficiently trained to compete in this event. I also willingly release my image for photography, video and film cameras which may chronicle this event.

Please copy this race application and invite family and friends to join us!

If you are unable to attend, or wish to make an additional donation for this amazing cause, we welcome you to send it to the same address above. Your support is greatly appreciated!