Falmouth Road Race 2009
Since 2003, OCG and I have run the Falmouth Road Race. I missed a year or two in between, but we’ve always made our best attempt to get back to this race. 2003 Falmouth was actually my very first race, so I always love going back to it.
This year, my goal was to break 50 minutes. In 2003 my time was 1:04, so thanks to the Professor, this has dramatically improved.
OCG, our friend Sue and I made our way to the 300-400 person deep line by the high school, to get on one of about 20 school buses to shuttle us over to the start to join the other 10,000 or so runners along the water in Woods Hole.
You can always feel the energy in the air, the same woman always singing on the same porch, the stretch clinics, the lines at porta-potties, and of course, the banana peddlers (sounds dirty, I know).
OCG and I made it to our corral, the National Anthem was performed and the Coast Guard jet flew overhead. I know we also had some fellow Goons up ahead of us in the Elite corral – Sonic Boom and Smokin’ Ivy. The wheelchairs started, “Born to Run” streamed out of the speakers, and the starting gun went off. At the moment the gun went off and the race began, OCG turned to me bothered that her ipod was not working – more on that in a minute.
Even being near the front in a fast corral, the race was a bit slow to start, so maintaining the 7 minute pace was a bit of a struggle. After about a half mile it opened up and I was on pace and I felt fantastic. The sun was out, and the temps were in the low 70s. A very nice day to run. I continued to tell myself to slow down as my pace was ranging in the 6:40 -6:45 bracket, but after a while I realized I felt good and just went with it.
Apparently at around mile 5, Sonic Boom and I had crossed paths, but I didn’t realize this until she told me after the race. I was very much in the zone and was taking the race in. At about mile 6.3 you begin to climb a small hill that takes you back down by the water, that takes a 90 degree left turn and up a steeper hill. Once I got to the top I knew it was all flat or downhill and I put the jets on to finish in 48:35, a new PR by 2:11 from last year – finishing 412 overall. After taking down a hot dog, a popsicle, and some fluids, I was met by OCG and Sonic Boom who also both PR’d! I know we owe that thanks to Professor Braz.
As always, the crowd is amazing. I refer to this race as a “mini Boston” and if you’ve never run it, it’s well worth it.
So - concerned about OCG’s headphones, I wanted to make sure that she got her iPod working again, she explained to me that she hadn't yet put the earbuds in her ears! What a Goon.
Cristina Winsor
TRUMPETS SOUND!!! Announcing the newest GSR member Cristina Winsor!!! Another happy runner blessed with G! Cristina's training with us and Professor Fernando goes back to the days at the North Andover Middle School track, Goatie remembers running with Cristina there the day after 9/11/01. Since then, Cristina has only gotten more and more fit, fast & tenacious. We are honored to call her one of our own. Founders are working on her name, it must be something fitting and requires careful, intense deliberation.
p.s. today is her birthday
Join us in welcoming newest GSR member, Cristina!!
Yours Goonly, Goon Founders, Doc D, Judge, Hillchecka, Goatie
Blues Brothers Run Sandown
" We're on a mission from God " was our directive today as we made the drive north to Sandown, NH. Doctor Death has given fair warning about these two GOONS, if they are together and doing something, it usually leads to trouble :-) .
Thursday nights Hill Repeats were cut back from 20 to 14 to allow us to accomplish the 14 hills in 5 miles feat ! Needless to say Jake and Elwood were ready. As comical as we are, we managed to fill out the "childrens" race application until we were notified that, that was the wrong one.Oooops. This quaint little race is a must do, we even scored nice running shirts.
Jake and I did a 1 mile warm-up then head to the start. A small field today with Craig Fram ready to lead the brigade. Before the start runners were greeted to wonderful sound of a man playing the bagpipes. Doc was there in spirit!
The undulating hills were of no surprise to us, as, that is why we were there. Mile 4 was the slowest for both of us but the rest remained sub 7 for me, and Jake was cruising along at a 7:30-7:40 pace.
We both registered as Clydes so there was pride on the line. I took some hardware home for 2nd place and Jake just missed the goodie bag with a 4th place.
Elwood placed 20th OA with a time of 34:26 and Jake was 38th in 38:00.
What a fun experience......won't you come along for the ride next time......?
Sincerely,
Jake and Elwood Blues
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQQFixaqeV0
Checka and a 10 Mile Yankee training run...
Who the hell carries a camera and takes pictures during a road race...? More on that later. Yankee was looking more of a "game time decision" for me as work has been getting busier as of late. The news was in, the phone call was placed to Doc and the text was sent out to the Judge, It was throttle up and full speed ahead. I had just enough time to come home, pack my bag, jump on the bike and meet the Goons for the ride up to Newburyport.
I post-registered and met the gang at the Death House. Judge and I headed out for a warm-up but then shortly returned beacuse of a wardrobe malfunction. With the clothing situation straightened out we headed for the start line and we could hear the starter saying, " one minute to the start of the race". Once again we are fashionably late. 
We looked for our fellow GOONS but could not see them, well, except for Taz, he was right up front !!
The plan was to start off slow and gradually increase and finish strong. Judge and I had a busy weekend prior, Saturday we ran 17 miles, Sunday we raced a 5K, Monday OFF, and Yankee was used as a tempo run. First couple of miles were 7:50 then I felt good enough to bring it down to 7:30's. By Mile 4 I had caught and passed Carmella and Debbie (Laverne and Shirley of running). It was nice to see them both 
.
I enter Maudsley and "camera guy" runs past and gives words of encouragement, and I reciprocate. I struggle with the hill on Hoyt's Lane but look forward to Rte 113 and High Street. As I approach the Fire Station prior to the 95 overpass, in extreme focus mode, I look up and lo and behold "camera guy" is in a FULL STOP taking a friggin damn picture. WTF I think, evasive manuevers around him as I feel my calf tighten up and start cramping. NICE....Dejavu last year at OLLIE as same thing happened at a water stop...no camera though. My luck. Next time....? I won't be so nice...I'd love to lay a nice hockey check on you.
I've got Spanky in my sights now with 2 miles to go. He looks great with the BIG G on....throw that red piece of crap shirt out will you! BTW Spanky, when are you going to learn to NOT go out too fast...?? I love ya Spank! I know it's almost over when I see the big blue Hospital sign. I find a lower gear and tear ass for the finish beacuse i can't wait until it's over! The three H's don't like each other, HOT HUMID HILLMAN.
CONGRATS to Taz, Codfather, Steve LeCours, Cougar, Poopsy, Mountain Goat, Doc, OCG, Brewski, Spanky, Judge, and last but not least, the Pusher! Thanks for cheering us on. Get well soon Murph, we love ya!
See you on the roads,
HILLMAN
