The Machina (Tina Dowling) was 3rd (and 1st master) in 2:17:33 (pictured)

Poopsie (Annie Starrett) was 4th in her age group in 2:36:13

OCG (Gina Newton) was 8th in her age group in 2:39:13

Gumby (Karen Durante) won her age group in 2:46:59 (pictured)
CodFather (Don Chapelle) was 3rd in his age in 2:17:34

Mamacita (Cristina Winsor)was 7th in her age group in 2;34:54 (pictured)

Showtime (Dan Frank) ran 2:44:14

Mr. Gambino (Glenn Simm) ran 2:50:30

Spanky (Hank Wilder) ran 2:54:10 (pictured)

 

Taz Man, Jim Johnson was featured on the front page of the Lawrence Eagle Tribune article on Monday, February 15,2010.  Way to go Taz !!!

I really like incorporating long runs into a race – especially a 20 miler.  So a few weeks back when Showtime mentioned the Martha’s Vineyard 20 miler I was instantly interested.  I consulted with Spanky 1 of 2 of my faithful race day companions (the other of course my better half Brewski who is currently trying to rid himself of the dreaded plantar fasciitis so he would not be joining us) and it was ON.

As we pulled into the parking lot for the ferry, we weren’t quite sure we were in the right place (cars parked but snowed in) but soon we were on the bus to the terminal.  There we met up with Showtime, Poopsie, Codfather, Tina the Machina and Mr. Gambino.  I looked around to see what everyone was wearing and no one was wearing shorts (like I currently had on). Once on the boat, we grabbed a table and chairs and set together for the 45 minute ride to MV.   I changed into my pants for the race and then went back to talk.  I talked about my strategy would be for the race.  The Professor had given me two options – I decided to go with Option 2 – 7 miles comfortable and 13 miles @ marathon goal pace.  During my last restroom stop before I got off the boat, I realized – great – my pants are on backwards.  Nice Job G (I promptly put them on the right way).

 Showtime was kind enough to take his car onto the island so we all piled into his Acura MDX -A good sized car but a bit of a squeeze for 7 people - a little like a clown car but instead, a Goon car.  We got a short briefing on the course, which involved bike paths, which were not completely snow or ice-free from a storm earlier in the week adding to the challenge for the day.  After driving a bit of the course and meeting up with Gumby and friend Deb Johnson, we all suited up and made our way to the start.  There we met up with Mamacita and friend Thor Kirleis.

We were standing at the start awaiting the gun when out of nowhere, without warning, what sounded like a cannon blew and we were off.  Today would be my first race greater than 10 miles without a water belt.  I also decided I wouldn’t put my headphones on unless I absolutely felt like I needed them.  I started the race with Spanky, Showtime, and Gumby - moving fast from race adrenaline and probably the cannon the scared the crap (at least out of me) at the start.  We made our way through 7 miles together over sandy roads, ice, snow and salt.  I told the group I had ½ mile to go and then I was going to pick it up.  Spanky and Gumby were going to hang slightly back together but Showtime was coming with me. 

So @ mile 7 – we took off and went from an 8:20 average to a 7:50 average (and truthfully sometimes a bit faster).  We stayed together for at least 6-7 miles at that pace but eventually I was alone and I was feeling good so I went with it.  I was hanging between a 7:50 and 8:00 pace and I was cautiously passing others.  I heard “Goon Squad Runners – hmm?” and “Go Goon Squad – lookin good baby” and I also remembered Professor giving me some positive words of encouragement last week at track that added fuel to this part of the race for me.  During my alone miles I thought of my ipod sitting in my pouch but fought the urge to use it.

There were few spectators on the course but those who came out were excited and encouraging.  With one mile to go I put out whatever I had left and looked down at my watch to see a 7:11 pace to bring things to a close. I finished @ a 2:39:13 with an overall 7:58 average which was about a 15 minute PR from my last 20 miler.  I was pleased and happy to go meet the rest of the Goons following the race.  Tina the Machina, Codfather, and Gumby all picked up hardware – big congrats!  A few memories worth mentioning: The snippets of conversations overheard that could be interpreted as inappropriate, the $10 leftover from eats/drinks did get spent on coffee J for some of the group and temporarily losing Codfather while leaving the boat.  The Machina attempted find him by calling “Don” on her cell phone and asking “Where are you?” – “Home” Don said.  Oops, wrong Don (Codfather was distracted watching the Olympics).  This was with now 9 people in the Acura on the way back to the parking lot to make the trek back up ‘North’.  This was just another day where I reflected on how truly grateful I am to run among such great runners and just good people.  As I always say, it’s great to be a Goon.

Ella Braz was born Feb 3, 2010 at 3:11pm, 6.2 pounds, 19 inches. 

She wasn't due until the 12th but kept hearing her Dad say "pick up the pace"... next thing, those little Braz legs were moving fast. 

This morning, Fernando said :

Ella has an outfit ( NO JOKE) with GTD in the front and Goon "G"  in the back!!! Very lucky lady to have such an extended family!!!!
 
Both mom and Ella are doing well.
 
Take Care,
Fernando,