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Our last two editions of "Running Backwards" went to 1981 and 1982, and were huge hits with our readers. Thank you again for all the positive feedback. This month we're going to sprint forward to 1999. Pace yourself. It's a long one. And don't worry, we'll stumble back into the 80's and early 90's soon enough.
The Interval opened 1999 with an intro letter from Club President David Benn. He mentioned some info on three races that him and his wife (Club Secretary Linda Benn) ran over the previous month, went over some club administrative stuff, and had an obligatory plug for the January Thaw.
To see the full results from the 1999 January Thaw Road Race, click here.
In the February newsletter, David Benn shared that Al Sproul, a longtime Central Maine Strider, lost his battle with cancer. Several Striders attended a celebration of his life. Al was obviously a very loved and respected member of the Striders, because he's mentioned in nearly every newsletter in 1999.
Rick Stuart (who coincidentally has recently moved back to Maine) wrote a quick note giving the Striders updates on his west coast running adventures.
Welcome back, Rick!
Welcome back, Rick!
Amanda Russell wasn't listed as a member of the Striders, but in the March 1999 issue of The Interval she wrote this race report about the Boston Marathon (perhaps it was reprinted from another publication?).
Ron Paquette & Donnajean Pohlman and Gene & Sarah Roy can never be thanked enough for their contributions to the Central Maine Striders. That's just as true now as it was in 1999.
Many of the older issues of The Interval included a list of all the members. We've been thinking about doing this for current members, but in the meantime, you'll just have to settle for seeing the list of 1999 Central Maine Striders.
In April, The Interval had the results, a quick writeup, and some photos from the 20th Annual Killarney's 10k. The race director was none other than Tom McGuire. Rumor has it that he's been working hard to give some other current Striders the chance to start a new Striders 10k race.
The results included Striders regulars Jim Moore and Ron Paquette, as well as a young guy named Pat Guerette.
The results included Striders regulars Jim Moore and Ron Paquette, as well as a young guy named Pat Guerette.
Above: Tom McGuire and Ron Paquette, a couple good men.
Left: Random Strider photo from the May 1999 issue of The Interval with no caption. It looks like it could be Julie Millard, but if so, she says this photo is not from 1999.
Left: Random Strider photo from the May 1999 issue of The Interval with no caption. It looks like it could be Julie Millard, but if so, she says this photo is not from 1999.
Amongst the race results published in the May issue were those from the Unity College 5k, where the Jim Moore and the Roy family represented the Striders. I'm just going to guess that Gene was also there, but busy helping with the race timing or other volunteer task.
A few weeks later, Gene got his chance to race at the St. John Family 5k in Winslow. It looks like having Gene on his tail helped Jim Moore take 5 seconds off his Unity 5k time.
This was another photo in the May issue without a caption, so I'll just caption it: "Man in awe as to how Ron Paquette could be such a great representative of the Central Maine Striders for so many years."
In the June 1999 newsletter, Club President David Benn gave a shout out to some of the volunteers from the Joseph's 5k, including current Striders Ron Paquette, Donnajean Pohlman, Geoff Hill, Susan Brooks, and Lynda McGuire.
The Roy family made another appearance at the Rangeley 5-Mile Moose Run at the end of May. Luc Roy finished 3rd overall. And Sarah seems to have substituted Gene for Rebecca as the family member she wanted to tie.
That same weekend, current Striders Jim Moore and Ormond Irish competed in the Monmouth Apple Blossom 15k. Tom McGuire seems to have opted for the shorter Apple Bud 4.7 Miler.
At the Joseph's 5k in Fairfield, 40-year old Susan Brooks was the third fastest woman (25th overall). The only two women in front of her were teenagers. Jim Moore slowed down a bit from his previous two 5k's that year. Perhaps it was because this time around, he didn't have any members of the Roy family chasing him. And with mom Lynda volunteering along the course, Kate McGuire edged out her dad Tom by a couple seconds.
Let's just call this one "Four men, four fonts."
By August of 1999, it seemed that Club President David Benn had grown tired of writing a column on the front page every month, so the "President's Page" duties started rotating amongst former club presidents. Here's a bit of what Tom McGuire had to say in that August issue:
There was another tribute to Al Sproul in the August 1999 newsletter. Al seems to have had a pretty prolific career on the "corporate circuit". I wonder if these corporate running competitions still exist.
Some youngsters may find it hard to believe, but Strava didn't exist back in 1999. Also, DOS was a computer language that some programs were still written in. In the summer of 1999, Teresa Nightingale reached out to all RRCA clubs and offered a new computer program called RUNLOG for tracking miles. This was is an excerpt of what was published in the August 1999 Interval newsletter:
Distinguished Gentlemen:
The Striders made a great showing at the Loon Call 5k, with six current club members representing that day. Rick Stuart came in 3rd overall with an impressive 17:50 time as a 41-year old. Jim Moore edged out Tom McGuire by a few seconds. And, Donnajean Pohlman and Ron Paquette seem to have used a little teamwork to keep Gene Roy a couple seconds behind them.
Ron Paquette took the honor of filling the President's Page in the September 1999 newsletter:
Club Secretary Mardie Brown shared some news about the club's annual meeting, including plans to update the bylaws to conform to the 1999 structure of the club:
Striders masters runners Bob Strout and Rick Stuart finished one-two at the Fairfield Community Fun Fest 5k. Some kid named Pat Guerette finished third, nearly two minutes behind the 40-something-year-olds. Susan Brooks beat Julie Millard by 10 seconds to take home the women's prize.
Striders Susan Brooks, Jim Moore, and Mardie Brown were amongst the 142 runners that ran the New Balance 5k in Skowhegan in 1999.
Some random race photos from the September issue. It's unclear as to why Bob Strout is the only Strider in the first photo who gets named.
There was a photo of Gene Roy running Mount Washington to close out the September '99 Interval, and then the October '99 issue opened with his turn filling the President's Page, where he shared a good mix of wisdom, humor, and advice on winter running.
The October '99 Interval included the results from the Bar Harbor Half Marathon with some familiar names that are still active club members.
Jerry Allanach gave an update from Illinois in the October newsletter. To this day, Jerry is still a proud member of the Striders, still lives in Illinois, and still occasionally turns up at a Maine race. This past year, a few of us got to meet him at the Save Your Breath 5k in Augusta.
Although Mardie Brown was never the President of the Central Maine Striders, she still got the honor of writing the President's Page in the November 1999 issue of The Interval.
In 1999, tips for running safely included "carry coins for a phone call". Other than the fact that carrying coins won't do much for you these days (unless you use them to throw at any potential attackers), these are still good tips for running safely.
Apparently, Susan Brooks decided that her Bar Harbor Half Marathon on September 18 wasn't enough, because two weeks later she ran the Casco Bay Half Marathon in Portland. She did manage to take nearly two and a half minutes off her time, so it seems it was probably worth it.
David Benn took the reins back for the President's Page in the final Interval issue of 1999. He made a plea for a couple volunteers to take over the Killarney's 10k and Gasping Gobbler 10k. From what I can tell, 1999 was the last year that the Killarney's race was run. The Gasping Gobbler seems to have taken the year 2000 off, but then returned in 2001, only to disappear again from 2002 through 2005. In 2006, the Gasping Gobbler returned as a 5k at Cony High School in Augusta and continues to this day.
The Striders never began a road race series, even though it seems to have been being explored at the end of 1999. However, that "kid" Pat Guerette that showed up at a few races in 1999 came back to Maine and started the Quarry Road Trail Race series in 2013.
The Striders never began a road race series, even though it seems to have been being explored at the end of 1999. However, that "kid" Pat Guerette that showed up at a few races in 1999 came back to Maine and started the Quarry Road Trail Race series in 2013.
That's all for 1999! If you made it this far, thanks for reading. I hope you enjoyed this edition of Running Backwards. Candidates for next month's jog into the archives include 1987, 1988, 1990, 1996, 2009, and 2013.
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"Meet Our Members" is where we get to know a little more about our fellow Striders -- who they are, why they run, and why they're part of the Central Maine Striders.
In this edition of "Meet Our Members", Amy Stabins agreed to answer our questions over email. Amy is 51 years old, joined the Striders about 3 years ago because she'd like to connect with other runners, prefers trail running over road running, and would love it if we'd have more group runs targeting slower runners [Editor's note: We're working on it].
In this edition of "Meet Our Members", Amy Stabins agreed to answer our questions over email. Amy is 51 years old, joined the Striders about 3 years ago because she'd like to connect with other runners, prefers trail running over road running, and would love it if we'd have more group runs targeting slower runners [Editor's note: We're working on it].
Amy running at the Pineland Farms Trail Running Festival
Here's more of what Amy had to say:
Why and when did you start running? I started running in the summer of 2010. I had been a road cyclist, but was starting to feel unsafe on our crumbling rural roads. I also love hiking, but its hard to find the time to travel to the great hiking on a regular basis. I knew several people who had taken up trail running and really loved it. I had always hated running, but decided to give it a try. It could fill my need for exercise (instead of the bike) and my love of being in the woods, exploring local trails.
Why do you run (now)? I fell in love with it! I love running through the woods. Also, having one parent with demetia, and another who had type 2 diabetes and heart issues, I am particularly motivated to make healthy choices when it comes to diet and exercise.
What do you think about when you run? I listen to podcasts or audiobooks.
Why and when did you start running? I started running in the summer of 2010. I had been a road cyclist, but was starting to feel unsafe on our crumbling rural roads. I also love hiking, but its hard to find the time to travel to the great hiking on a regular basis. I knew several people who had taken up trail running and really loved it. I had always hated running, but decided to give it a try. It could fill my need for exercise (instead of the bike) and my love of being in the woods, exploring local trails.
Why do you run (now)? I fell in love with it! I love running through the woods. Also, having one parent with demetia, and another who had type 2 diabetes and heart issues, I am particularly motivated to make healthy choices when it comes to diet and exercise.
What do you think about when you run? I listen to podcasts or audiobooks.
What are your favorite running routes?
In the summer - Start at the Colby tennis courts and run through the arboretum, then through the woods up the hill, around the top and back. About 7 miles.
In the winter - The snowmobile trails through Winslow in a winter with a lot of snow, so its not too icy. Running snomo trails lets you see countryside that is otherwise inaccessible, and its so pretty in the winter.
What’s your favorite running gear? My Nathan hydration pack. As a long-time hiker the backpack doesn’t bother me, and its great for carrying a few extra things for long trail runs (gels, gloves, cleats…. Pepper spray).
In the summer - Start at the Colby tennis courts and run through the arboretum, then through the woods up the hill, around the top and back. About 7 miles.
In the winter - The snowmobile trails through Winslow in a winter with a lot of snow, so its not too icy. Running snomo trails lets you see countryside that is otherwise inaccessible, and its so pretty in the winter.
What’s your favorite running gear? My Nathan hydration pack. As a long-time hiker the backpack doesn’t bother me, and its great for carrying a few extra things for long trail runs (gels, gloves, cleats…. Pepper spray).
Tracey Cote and Amy running on some winter trails.
What’s your favorite race? I like the Pineland 25k. Also can’t beat the cost and proximity of the Quarry road 8k.
What’s your most memorable race? My very first race was in Belgrade Lakes the day after Hurricane Irene. The storm resulted in a low race turnout, and I placed first in my age group. The second woman in my age group would have taken it, but she was running with a dog that wanted to stop and sniff everything. I won a mug and a map of the Belgrade Lakes trails. A great ego boost for my first time out!
What’s your most memorable race? My very first race was in Belgrade Lakes the day after Hurricane Irene. The storm resulted in a low race turnout, and I placed first in my age group. The second woman in my age group would have taken it, but she was running with a dog that wanted to stop and sniff everything. I won a mug and a map of the Belgrade Lakes trails. A great ego boost for my first time out!
Do you have any PR’s that you’re proud of and would like to share? Not really a PR, but I’ve run the Bradbury Mountain Bruiser (12 miles) twice and managed to cut 9 minutes off the second time. Not sure how I managed that!
What are your running goals right now? I’m training for my first marathon, Sugarloaf 2020. I’m totally intimidated and anxious. Not sure how I will manage to find the time for the long training runs, and I’m not thrilled about training on roads to get used to the pounding of the pavement!
What’s the best advice you were ever given about running? Try running trails
What are your running goals right now? I’m training for my first marathon, Sugarloaf 2020. I’m totally intimidated and anxious. Not sure how I will manage to find the time for the long training runs, and I’m not thrilled about training on roads to get used to the pounding of the pavement!
What’s the best advice you were ever given about running? Try running trails
And, what advice would you give to other runners?
- When you are starting out, run as far as you can, then walk as far as you have to, then run again. Don’t get discouraged if you can’t run far at first.
- Read the running magazines with a bit of healthy skepticism. They are full of stories about people who start running late in life and discover that they are super fast and win all kinds of races.
- Try running trails. They are so much more peaceful than road running!
What do you wish the club did more of?
Maybe more group runs targeting slower runners? I’d love to do more group runs, but I’m intimidated by faster runners. A long slow run for me is not 9-10 minutes per mile… it's more like 12-13 minutes per mile.
Tell us a story, preferably about running.
I was about ten miles into the Pineland 25k race when I guy who was passing me said “Oh! Race shirt on race day!”. He and his friends were doing a scavenger hunt during the race. I had volunteered for the races on the previous day, so I’d picked up my race shirt early and was able to wear it for that day’s race. The next year I made my own scavenger hunt list, with things like ‘tie dye socks’, ‘bleeding wound’, ‘running in a dress’, ‘barefoot runner’, etc. It made a long race day a little more interesting.
- When you are starting out, run as far as you can, then walk as far as you have to, then run again. Don’t get discouraged if you can’t run far at first.
- Read the running magazines with a bit of healthy skepticism. They are full of stories about people who start running late in life and discover that they are super fast and win all kinds of races.
- Try running trails. They are so much more peaceful than road running!
What do you wish the club did more of?
Maybe more group runs targeting slower runners? I’d love to do more group runs, but I’m intimidated by faster runners. A long slow run for me is not 9-10 minutes per mile… it's more like 12-13 minutes per mile.
Tell us a story, preferably about running.
I was about ten miles into the Pineland 25k race when I guy who was passing me said “Oh! Race shirt on race day!”. He and his friends were doing a scavenger hunt during the race. I had volunteered for the races on the previous day, so I’d picked up my race shirt early and was able to wear it for that day’s race. The next year I made my own scavenger hunt list, with things like ‘tie dye socks’, ‘bleeding wound’, ‘running in a dress’, ‘barefoot runner’, etc. It made a long race day a little more interesting.
Amy in her costumes at the Hardy Girls Halloween Freaky 5k races.
And, what do you do when you’re not running? My husband and I are raising two teenagers (boy and girl). I also spend time with my mom, who has Alzheimers and lives in the Memory Care unit at Woodlands in Waterville. I’m also an avid amateur quilter.
Thanks for letting us get to know you a little better, Amy. We're glad to have you as a Central Maine Strider!
Would you like to be featured in a future "Meet Our Members" article? Contact us at run@centralmainestriders.com.
Would you like to be featured in a future "Meet Our Members" article? Contact us at run@centralmainestriders.com.
Amy at the start and then the finish of the recent Lamoine Half Marathon.
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by Harold Shaw
Over the past few years, I have bought far too many pairs of running shoes (about 20-25 pairs a year since 2012) - hoping or is that dreaming about the "right" shoes that will magically allow me to become the runner that I have always wanted to be.
A typical runner’s dream, isn’t it?
Unfortunately, as I have learned the expensive and hard way, there is no such thing as a pair of magical running shoes that are going to make you or I, a better runner. If you buy into that line of thinking you will spend a LOT of money searching for that magical shoe.
I have.
Besides, just like everyone else my body changes a little each year and what would have worked for me as a younger person, doesn’t work for me now. Those Asics Excalibur GT’s that I loved in the ‘80s would kill my feet now and so many other shoes that I have loved over the years would not work at all for me in the body that I have now.
This is something I think that we tend to overlook when we look at running shoes, how much our bodies do change as we get older. The reality is that it really doesn’t matter what our age is, our bodies are always changing whether we 25, 43, 62 or 75 and the type/style of running shoes we need constantly change as well.
What have I learned
If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. So think twice and then think again about what you are reading, watching or being told.
Over the years, I have learned that there are no magical running shoes (although some claim otherwise as the current controversy over the Nike Vapor Fly line shows) and that the best ways to improve as a runner are to focus more on:
Although I gotta admit that the wrong running shoes really do screw things up royally from time-to-time! The litany of injuries I have had over the years are a testament to bad shoe choices, training mistakes and just being stoopid.
Then you have the fun issue of when the brands update that style/model that you love and the new version is a different shoe than the one you loved. It sucks big time and happens all too often. Then we have to go out and start looking for a new running shoe all over again - it has happened to almost all of us who have been running for a while and yeah, it does suck.
The reality is that...
All runners are different, we have different likes, needs and wants from our running shoes and in today's world, most brands have a shoe that will satisfy that need.
The primary purpose of running shoes, in my opinion, is to protect our feet from the ground, tar, concrete, trail or whatever you are running on, which in turn allows us to run more safely or comfortably than without them (no I do not believe in running barefoot other than for drills - it doesn't work for most of us, especially in Maine in the Wintah).
While I believe that proper running shoes can make a difference (good or bad) for a runner, at the same time I strongly believe that I (and other runners) put too much emphasis on the importance of their running shoes and how much of a difference they actually make.
The biggest lesson I have learned over the past few years is that my running shoes are a lot less important to my running than what I am doing as a runner, but even so, I am ever hopeful that someday, I will find that running shoe that works for me and hope against hope that its updates continue to work for me.
Hmmm let me see what Running Warehouse has on sale this week. :-)
Yeah, I know I am an incorrigible running shoe geek. Hehehee
A typical runner’s dream, isn’t it?
Unfortunately, as I have learned the expensive and hard way, there is no such thing as a pair of magical running shoes that are going to make you or I, a better runner. If you buy into that line of thinking you will spend a LOT of money searching for that magical shoe.
I have.
Besides, just like everyone else my body changes a little each year and what would have worked for me as a younger person, doesn’t work for me now. Those Asics Excalibur GT’s that I loved in the ‘80s would kill my feet now and so many other shoes that I have loved over the years would not work at all for me in the body that I have now.
This is something I think that we tend to overlook when we look at running shoes, how much our bodies do change as we get older. The reality is that it really doesn’t matter what our age is, our bodies are always changing whether we 25, 43, 62 or 75 and the type/style of running shoes we need constantly change as well.
What have I learned
If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. So think twice and then think again about what you are reading, watching or being told.
Over the years, I have learned that there are no magical running shoes (although some claim otherwise as the current controversy over the Nike Vapor Fly line shows) and that the best ways to improve as a runner are to focus more on:
- Running consistently - the more uninjured miles run - the better, in other words, training smarter, is more important to being a better runner, than what running shoes I am wearing.
- Lose weight/eat better - getting rid of the extra 5-10-15 or more extra pounds of flubber and looking at what we eat, are far more important to running better, than how much different shoes weigh.
- Be aware of the BS factor - When it comes to running shoes, we have to wade through the ever-present marketing hype, discussions, bluster, believe it or not maybe even a few facts -- in magazines, ezines, blogs, forums and yes even on Twitter or Facebook, along with our ever-present running buddies about running shoes over the past few years. So much so that most of us runners do not really know what works versus what is hype most of the time.
- Have an open mind - we need to figure some things out for ourselves by doing the research, actually thinking about what we are seeing or doing and even be willing to go beyond our usual authors, friends, coaches, websites or brands for information related to running. It might even mean - heaven forbid, that we need to think outside of the box from time-to-time and look at brands or ideas we have not used in the past. I know that I have been surprised by what works and does not work several times.
- Don't jump on the next great bandwagon shoe or shoe style. Just because it is a certain design, style or the next best thing since whatever, it doesn't mean that it will work the same for you or that it is even the right thing for you and the way you run. The minimal, maximal, carbon plate bandwagons come to mind pretty quickly. All have led to mixed results and caused more or different injuries than have been reported or talked about.
- That all the major brands have at least one running shoe style that we can or could run in - Not really what we want to believe, after all, such and such a brand couldn’t possibly work for me. While it is true that I run better in certain styles of running shoes and I tend to stay with the brands that have those styles.
- BE COMFORTABLE - this is the most important thing, find a shoe that you run comfortably in - one that you put on and forget about. Get beyond brand marketing, the salesperson's prejudices or preconceptions, the running store's limited selection and find the pair of running shoes that feel comfortable to you when you are running.
Although I gotta admit that the wrong running shoes really do screw things up royally from time-to-time! The litany of injuries I have had over the years are a testament to bad shoe choices, training mistakes and just being stoopid.
Then you have the fun issue of when the brands update that style/model that you love and the new version is a different shoe than the one you loved. It sucks big time and happens all too often. Then we have to go out and start looking for a new running shoe all over again - it has happened to almost all of us who have been running for a while and yeah, it does suck.
The reality is that...
All runners are different, we have different likes, needs and wants from our running shoes and in today's world, most brands have a shoe that will satisfy that need.
The primary purpose of running shoes, in my opinion, is to protect our feet from the ground, tar, concrete, trail or whatever you are running on, which in turn allows us to run more safely or comfortably than without them (no I do not believe in running barefoot other than for drills - it doesn't work for most of us, especially in Maine in the Wintah).
While I believe that proper running shoes can make a difference (good or bad) for a runner, at the same time I strongly believe that I (and other runners) put too much emphasis on the importance of their running shoes and how much of a difference they actually make.
The biggest lesson I have learned over the past few years is that my running shoes are a lot less important to my running than what I am doing as a runner, but even so, I am ever hopeful that someday, I will find that running shoe that works for me and hope against hope that its updates continue to work for me.
Hmmm let me see what Running Warehouse has on sale this week. :-)
Yeah, I know I am an incorrigible running shoe geek. Hehehee
Harold Shaw lives in Sidney, ME and retired from the U.S. Coast Guard a long time ago. He has been a Striders member since 2012 and a running shoe geek for way too many years before that. When he isn't injured he tries to run 30-40 miles a week and someday will finish another marathon if he can ever stay healthy long enough. Maybe he will even find that magic shoe that will help him achieve that goal.
- Published on
Our March club meeting included discussion about the following:
- Starting a new Striders-sponsored 10k race in the fall
- Updating the club bylaws
- Selection of the Mount Washington Road Race team
- Our new Instagram account
- 10% discount for all Striders members at Running Warehouse
- Organizing group runs for slower runners
- Preliminary planning for an early summer club social
- And more!
Click here to download and read the full minutes:
- Starting a new Striders-sponsored 10k race in the fall
- Updating the club bylaws
- Selection of the Mount Washington Road Race team
- Our new Instagram account
- 10% discount for all Striders members at Running Warehouse
- Organizing group runs for slower runners
- Preliminary planning for an early summer club social
- And more!
Click here to download and read the full minutes:
- Published on
Our last edition of "Running Backwards" to 1981 was a huge hit with our readers. Thank you for all the positive feedback. This month we're going to 1982.
The year started off with newsletters consisting of just a few pieces of paper stapled together and the title simply saying "Central Maine Striders", but keep reading to see how the newsletter evolved later in the year.
In the first issue of the year, President David Baird asked for submissions from other members:
Gene Roy shared some news about the opening of the New Balance Factory Outlet in Skowhegan. That store still exists and has some great deals, especially during their end-of-summer tent sale, but I'm not sure when the last time anyone found a $5 pair of running shoes!
It seems that Mother Nature forgot about the "thaw" part of the January Thaw that year. BRRR! However, it seems that everyone survived the cold and celebrated with a post-race party. What's that about a Runners World Magazine article about the race?!? I'm not sure if anyone has some old issues of the New England Edition of Runners World from 1982, but it would be great to see some coverage of the Central Maine Striders in a major publication!
In the February-March edition of the newsletter, it was announced that founding member Rick Krause wrote a history of the Central Maine Striders. This is probably another old publication that's been lost to time, but it would be cool to see if any of our longtime members still have it.
The Killarney's 10k was another Waterville race that the Striders seem to have put on for many years, but sadly no longer exists (nor does the restaurant/bar that gave the race its name). Thirty-one Striders completed the race in 1982, including current member Sarah Roy who set a new PR.
Some programs and clinics were organized by current member Dean Rasmussen. Keep in mind that this was long before the internet came along and made it easy to research training programs and methods.
History was made in in the April-May 1982 issue, when the name "The Interval" was first used for the club newsletter. A nice new masthead was introduced to showcase the new newsletter's new name, along with the club's memberships in the RRCA and TAC organizations.
Also, there was a plea from the president for more contributions from other members. Yes, it seems that all club presidents have to do this, both then and now (hint, hint... anyone have any submissions for the next newsletter?).
Also, there was a plea from the president for more contributions from other members. Yes, it seems that all club presidents have to do this, both then and now (hint, hint... anyone have any submissions for the next newsletter?).
That issue included some news about the Central Maine Strider members that ran the Boston Marathon in 1982. We definitely had some powerhouse marathoners that year! Four club members finished in 2:50 or faster. Wow!
News from that issue also included results from a couple local runs. Runners mentioned that are still members to this day included Donnajean Pohlman, Dean Rassmussen, Sam Mitchell, Jim Moore, and Sarah Roy.
By the time of the June 1982 edition of the newsletter, it looks like President David Baird finally got a little bit of assistance for the newsletter, which he calls "the single largest job that the president has to attend to" (I think I know what he means!). Anyway, the person that came forward to help was the previous year's president, Gene Roy. Still trying to coerce some new blood to provide material for the newsletter, David still makes a request to the general membership for more newsletter material.
Several familiar names performed well at the 1982 Embden 10k.
Although less names were mentioned, the Striders supposedly recorded several PR's at the Rocky Coast 10k in Boothbay. Alton Stevens, an attorney who's currently (still) are club Clerk, ran it in 35:33. For those of you without a calculator, that's 5:43/mile pace, also know as "fast"!
There were some plans that didn't pan out to get a team together for a race up a big hill:
However, one Strider did run it. From the July 1982 issue of The Interval, it looks like Gene Roy started a Strider tradition of running up that one hill. As he noted, the race is pretty much just an average 8-mile uphill run. Somehow, his description was enough to motivate more Striders to run the race the next year, which is when Ron Paquette and Dean Rasmussen's streaks that are still going today began. But, we'll save that story for another issue.
July 1982 saw the birth of organized track workouts for the Striders. We still do these every summer, except we meaure our laps in 400's now instead of 440's and use Colby's track instead of the High School's.
It's always good to hear about how the "iron women" in the club perform:
A regular feature in Interval newsletter has always been introductions of new members. It looks like Geoff Hill, famous for securing so many wonderful prizes for the club to giveaway at January Thaw races, made his Striders debut in 1982. [Note: We'd love to hear from any of our current new members (and old members too) about who you are and why you run.]
By the time the September issue rolled around, Geoff Hill ran a 10k PR. This pretty much proves that being a Central Maine Strider makes you a better runner.
As the club continued to grow and become "a force to be reckoned with" that year, the president once again had to ask for help from the members outside of the "core" regulars. Speaking of that, do we have any members out there that want to get more involved? We could always use more help on newsletters, administrative duties, and volunteering at races. Contact run@centralmainestriders.com for more info.
Back in those days, it seems that the president and former president wrote most of the newsletter's content, another member typed it (yes, that means on a typewriter), and another person mailed them out. Although technology has changed things for us a bit, most of the work on the newsletter is now done by the current president, who wouldn't complain if someone out there in Striderland came forward to provide assistance. I promise that it won't involve typewriters or stamps.
Karen McCann is a Strider that gets mentioned a lot in the old issue of The Interval. I'm not sure what she's up to these days, but she seemed to be a pretty formidable in 1982. Amongst many other accomplishments, she placed fifth in the Benjamins 10k, a race that Maine's favorite runner Joan Benoit also ran in. If that race were still around today, I'd hope that the slogan would be "It's all about the Benjamins".
All of you Colby folk will probably be proud to know that Karen coached the women's cross-country team there.
We had a 14-year-old Strider member who ran a 35:08 at the Kingfield 10k that September. Regardless of age, that's fast! Doug MacDonald also happened to break records on EVERY course he ran during that year's junior high school cross-country season. No word on how Doug MacDonald fared in his running career after the age of 14.
The Striders were doing their best to have influence over all the area's youth by coaching as many teams as possible. Besides the aforementioned Colby women's cross-country coach, Central Maine Strider members were also coachs of Winslow High School, Messalonskee High School, Waterville Junior High, Madison High School, and Maine Central Institute. I wouldn't be surprised if more than a few of our current members were coached by these guys.
Gene Roy must have been enjoying running up hills that year. Besides being the only Strider to run the Mount Washington Road Race, he also ran the Sugarloaf Hill Climb. He placed 7th overall in race up that much smaller hill. Ron Paquette was also there, possibly training for a 38-year streak of running up Mount Washington.
More news about the Benjamins 10k. Some familiar names, like Alton Stevens, Dave Baird, and Geoff Hill represented the Striders.
Several newsletters in 1982 talked of a planned Striders yard sale to raise some funds for the club. I'll spare you the details, but it eventually the year ended and the yard sale was postponed until spring 1983.
That's all for 1982! It seemed to be a year in which the Striders were finding their stride. The club was growing, the organization was being figured out, the newsletter got a name, and PR's were being set.
For the next issue of Running Backwards, we'll jump forward in time. Possible destinations include 1987, 1988, 1990, 1996, 1999, and 2009. I've skimmed through and seen exciting moments in these years, and Intervals started having photos!
That's all for 1982! It seemed to be a year in which the Striders were finding their stride. The club was growing, the organization was being figured out, the newsletter got a name, and PR's were being set.
For the next issue of Running Backwards, we'll jump forward in time. Possible destinations include 1987, 1988, 1990, 1996, 1999, and 2009. I've skimmed through and seen exciting moments in these years, and Intervals started having photos!
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by Julie Millard
The Millinocket Marathon and Half - Photo by Kevin Morris Photography
Runners are widely known for their questionable idea of fun. For example, running 6 miles up an old logging road in the winter, looping around for an even 13.1, and possibly even doing the whole thing again might seem crazy to some. But with a creative race director, such an event lured 2,000+ runners up to Millinocket, Maine in December!
2019 marked the 5th running of the Millinocket Marathon and Half, the brainchild of Gary Allen, who also directs the Mount Desert Island Marathon and the Down East Sunrise Trail Relay. The race philosophy is simple: “Don’t run Millinocket for what you get; run Millinocket for what you give.” There is no entry fee; instead runners are expected to somehow contribute to the local economy, such as by staying at a local motel, shopping at the artisan fair, and/or eating at the spaghetti supper or pancake breakfast.
My first trip to Maine’s Biggest Small Town was back in 2017, when I was bold enough to register for the full marathon. I attribute this error in judgment to not really grasping the significance of the elevation profile up the Golden Road, which didn’t look like much on paper. Despite the balmy temperature (30 degrees) and clear roads, I quickly learned to respect the course and was relieved to finish both loops before the season’s first snowstorm arrived. Club members Pat and Tracey Cote both ran strong races that day, with Tracey even setting an age-group record that still stands.
2019 marked the 5th running of the Millinocket Marathon and Half, the brainchild of Gary Allen, who also directs the Mount Desert Island Marathon and the Down East Sunrise Trail Relay. The race philosophy is simple: “Don’t run Millinocket for what you get; run Millinocket for what you give.” There is no entry fee; instead runners are expected to somehow contribute to the local economy, such as by staying at a local motel, shopping at the artisan fair, and/or eating at the spaghetti supper or pancake breakfast.
My first trip to Maine’s Biggest Small Town was back in 2017, when I was bold enough to register for the full marathon. I attribute this error in judgment to not really grasping the significance of the elevation profile up the Golden Road, which didn’t look like much on paper. Despite the balmy temperature (30 degrees) and clear roads, I quickly learned to respect the course and was relieved to finish both loops before the season’s first snowstorm arrived. Club members Pat and Tracey Cote both ran strong races that day, with Tracey even setting an age-group record that still stands.
Tracey, Pat, and Julie in Millinocket, 2017
Julie and Susan running Millinocket in 2019 - photo by Capstone Photography
This year marked my third trip up north, this time running the half with fellow Strider Susan Brooks. Although we drank only water and hot soup at the aid stations, we briefly ran with a woman whose goal was to complete 19 shots of Fireball (in honor of 2019) along the 26.2 miles. (According to the results, she finished the race but it’s unclear about the shots or her physical status at the end.)
Why drive 2 hours to run a potentially frigid race? One reason is that running Millinocket feels epic but is actually quite convenient to central Maine. Another is that the weather could be mild, frigid, or something in between, and gambling on the unknown contributes to the adventure. What you can count on is the warmth of the townspeople and the celebratory feel to the event. As observed by Vice President of the Striders, Jordan Castillo:
Why drive 2 hours to run a potentially frigid race? One reason is that running Millinocket feels epic but is actually quite convenient to central Maine. Another is that the weather could be mild, frigid, or something in between, and gambling on the unknown contributes to the adventure. What you can count on is the warmth of the townspeople and the celebratory feel to the event. As observed by Vice President of the Striders, Jordan Castillo:
“Whenever runners gather for a race, there is a powerful experience of community, empowerment, and ambition. I’ve never seen a greater example of this than at the Millinocket Half Marathon in Northern Maine.
Nowhere else have I seen thousands gather with such enthusiasm in a small, isolated town on a cold December day for a race on rugged, logging roads covered with dirt, ice, and snow. This race is 100% free to all—the organizers only ask that runners and their friends/family support local businesses while in the area for the race.
The hospitality was mind-blowing. So many businesses had posted “WELCOME RUNNERS” signs, and numerous locals approached me to simply thank me for running. One man in particular took my hands in both of his while looking me in the eyes and said, “You have no idea how meaningful this race is to every person in this town. This weekend provides six months of revenue for some businesses. In a lot of ways, we need every person who comes up for this race.”
I was floored. I had never considered how something as simple as running could be so impactful and encouraging for a community like the one in Millinocket. I’m humbled and grateful for the chance to have run 13.1 miles alongside so many others who have chosen to see and support the incredible people of Millinocket, Maine.”
Nowhere else have I seen thousands gather with such enthusiasm in a small, isolated town on a cold December day for a race on rugged, logging roads covered with dirt, ice, and snow. This race is 100% free to all—the organizers only ask that runners and their friends/family support local businesses while in the area for the race.
The hospitality was mind-blowing. So many businesses had posted “WELCOME RUNNERS” signs, and numerous locals approached me to simply thank me for running. One man in particular took my hands in both of his while looking me in the eyes and said, “You have no idea how meaningful this race is to every person in this town. This weekend provides six months of revenue for some businesses. In a lot of ways, we need every person who comes up for this race.”
I was floored. I had never considered how something as simple as running could be so impactful and encouraging for a community like the one in Millinocket. I’m humbled and grateful for the chance to have run 13.1 miles alongside so many others who have chosen to see and support the incredible people of Millinocket, Maine.”
Social media director Sapan Bhatt added the following about the “local gem” called the Millinocket Marathon and Half:
“The course is a 13.1 mile loop, with those participating in the full monty going for a second helping. There’s ample parking by the high school, where locals set up a craft fair full of good buys and some delicious local coffee (shout out to Mainely Coffee, those samples were clutch). The race starts out to much fanfare downtown by the Blue Ox Saloon. From there, runners take off for the first half of the loop on the Golden Road, an old mill passage built by the Great Northern Paper Company connecting Millinocket to Canada. The Golden Road was sanded for the race but the terrain was like running through mash potatoes (spikes recommended). The water stops are especially festive; staffed by volunteers they warmly handout everything from Gatorade to Fireball shots.
The back half of the race was fast and downhill. Runners can easily shave 30 sec a mile as they cruise into downtown. By that point, you’re warmed up and have your adrenaline flowing. For runners like myself who couldn’t get it into gear on the front half through the slush, your legs are relatively fresh and itching to get on the road. The true asset is not the course, but the people. I’ve never raced in a location where the enthusiasm amongst the locals was so pure and so universal. From those handing out drinks to the guys blasting music from their pickup truck to the diners who eagerly inquired about our results (and thanked us for coming!), the community makes this race special.”
The back half of the race was fast and downhill. Runners can easily shave 30 sec a mile as they cruise into downtown. By that point, you’re warmed up and have your adrenaline flowing. For runners like myself who couldn’t get it into gear on the front half through the slush, your legs are relatively fresh and itching to get on the road. The true asset is not the course, but the people. I’ve never raced in a location where the enthusiasm amongst the locals was so pure and so universal. From those handing out drinks to the guys blasting music from their pickup truck to the diners who eagerly inquired about our results (and thanked us for coming!), the community makes this race special.”
Sapan running Millinocket, 2019 - Photo by Capstone Photography
Julie Millard has been a member of the Central Maine Striders since 1991, when she returned to Maine to teach chemistry at Colby College. Her favorite races include the Down East Sunrise Trail Relay and the Sugarloaf Marathon/15K. She is also an avid participant in running events that involve food.
(photo by Kevin Morris Photography)
(photo by Kevin Morris Photography)
Have you run a race recently? We'd love to publish your race report too! Email us at run@centralmainestriders.com
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Although she lives in Vermont now, Rebecca Roy is a proud member of the Central Maine Striders. As the daughter of Gene Roy, she was basically raised into the Strider family. Although she's been battling an injury lately, she's hoping to get back to running soon. As part of our ongoing series to get to know more about our members, we recently asked Rebecca a series of questions over email. Here's what she had to say.
Thank you so much for thinking of me for this. I am very honored and it means so much to me because I grew up with the Striders, all the old timers are family to me. I feel far away but by being a member of CMS I feel connected which means a great deal.
What do you do when you’re not running? I manage educational programs for Vermont State Parks professionally. I love Nordic skiing, camping, and trout fishing. I am also an avid deer hunter. I have also gotten into mountain biking since I've been injured. I love being in the woods no matter what I am doing.
Why are you a member of the Central Maine Striders? CMS is the best running club out there, the club played a huge important role in my childhood, and want to stay connected. It will be fun to run races in Vermont with my CMS gear!
Thank you so much for thinking of me for this. I am very honored and it means so much to me because I grew up with the Striders, all the old timers are family to me. I feel far away but by being a member of CMS I feel connected which means a great deal.
What do you do when you’re not running? I manage educational programs for Vermont State Parks professionally. I love Nordic skiing, camping, and trout fishing. I am also an avid deer hunter. I have also gotten into mountain biking since I've been injured. I love being in the woods no matter what I am doing.
Why are you a member of the Central Maine Striders? CMS is the best running club out there, the club played a huge important role in my childhood, and want to stay connected. It will be fun to run races in Vermont with my CMS gear!
How long have you been a member of the Central Maine Striders?
I feel like I was born into the club because my dad was an early member. I spent my childhood going to races with my family every weekend, and that thrilled me. I still love going to races to just watch and I love hearing people's play by play stories of their races. Almost all my childhood memories involve adventures at races with the Club. I moved to Vermont nineteen years ago and had a big gap in my membership. I joined again when my dad was honored as Strider of the Year [in 2017], and will continue to be part of the best running club out there.
Why and when did you start running? My first race was a 1k fun run at the China School in China, Maine when I was 3. I vividly remember my mom's red striped tube socks during that race. I was thrilled to race and that hooked me. Running was a huge part of my childhood and became part of my identity. I just love it. I chose my college because my dad brought my sister, Rachel, and I to an Earth Day race there when I was five. That was Unity College and I ended up running cross-country there and made All-American and we won a National small college title.
How old are you? 43, I will be 44 in April. Still a long way to the next age bracket. My fastest times (so far) were in my late 30's.
And why do you run now? Unfortunately I am injured right now, but I am getting close to running again. I got into trail running when I moved to Vermont. I love adventure runs of all kinds. My favorite is a loop on Mt Mansfield, which is a mountain in Vermont with an expansive long summit, the whole loop is just under 9 miles and features the most beautiful views of Vermont. And [in Underhill State Park], we have a super nice state park campground at the trailhead where you can relax around a campfire and sleep in a lean-to after the run adventure. Sorry, I cannot help plugging my employer. I run today to get out in the woods, to wash away the stress of life, and to feel strong. I work with other ultra runners and they all have a zen attitude that gets you hooked on going long.
I feel like I was born into the club because my dad was an early member. I spent my childhood going to races with my family every weekend, and that thrilled me. I still love going to races to just watch and I love hearing people's play by play stories of their races. Almost all my childhood memories involve adventures at races with the Club. I moved to Vermont nineteen years ago and had a big gap in my membership. I joined again when my dad was honored as Strider of the Year [in 2017], and will continue to be part of the best running club out there.
Why and when did you start running? My first race was a 1k fun run at the China School in China, Maine when I was 3. I vividly remember my mom's red striped tube socks during that race. I was thrilled to race and that hooked me. Running was a huge part of my childhood and became part of my identity. I just love it. I chose my college because my dad brought my sister, Rachel, and I to an Earth Day race there when I was five. That was Unity College and I ended up running cross-country there and made All-American and we won a National small college title.
How old are you? 43, I will be 44 in April. Still a long way to the next age bracket. My fastest times (so far) were in my late 30's.
And why do you run now? Unfortunately I am injured right now, but I am getting close to running again. I got into trail running when I moved to Vermont. I love adventure runs of all kinds. My favorite is a loop on Mt Mansfield, which is a mountain in Vermont with an expansive long summit, the whole loop is just under 9 miles and features the most beautiful views of Vermont. And [in Underhill State Park], we have a super nice state park campground at the trailhead where you can relax around a campfire and sleep in a lean-to after the run adventure. Sorry, I cannot help plugging my employer. I run today to get out in the woods, to wash away the stress of life, and to feel strong. I work with other ultra runners and they all have a zen attitude that gets you hooked on going long.
What’s your favorite running route? I have a trail loop at work that is four miles with lots of ups and downs, but my I have lots of real favorites in the woods. These are all in Vermont, I mentioned Mt Mansfield but I also have many fun loops I like to do in Groton State Forest in eastern Vermont. I live in Vermont because I like living in the mountains, I am two miles from a trailhead up Mt Cushman, which is a four mile round trip run. I used to run that weekly when I wasn't injured. My parents have a camp on Pattee Pond in Winslow [Maine], every July when I visit I run around the pond. That run is about 9 miles and 3/4 of it is road running and 1/4 is bushwacking. The last couple years I had to ride a bike around the loop instead.
What’s your favorite running gear? I love my Hoka Speed Goat shoes! I have too many pairs of running shoes. That is my addiction!
What do you think about when you run? I brainstorm ideas to solve problems I struggle with. I also love nature so I spend time watching for wildlife and identifying plants on the fly while trail running.
What are your running goals? They are lower now after micro-fracture ankle surgery, I would like to get up to ten mile adventure runs in the mountains this summer. I would love to do the Millinocket Half Marathon next December.
What’s your favorite race? Sugarloaf Marathon! I ran this when was 21 and then again when I was 41, and I ran it with my mom that second time. Absolutely magical day. My mom won her age group! Plus I grew up going to that marathon and I had family managing the Cathedral Pines Campground. We have lots of family history in that area so it is somehow magically extra special.
What’s your favorite running gear? I love my Hoka Speed Goat shoes! I have too many pairs of running shoes. That is my addiction!
What do you think about when you run? I brainstorm ideas to solve problems I struggle with. I also love nature so I spend time watching for wildlife and identifying plants on the fly while trail running.
What are your running goals? They are lower now after micro-fracture ankle surgery, I would like to get up to ten mile adventure runs in the mountains this summer. I would love to do the Millinocket Half Marathon next December.
What’s your favorite race? Sugarloaf Marathon! I ran this when was 21 and then again when I was 41, and I ran it with my mom that second time. Absolutely magical day. My mom won her age group! Plus I grew up going to that marathon and I had family managing the Cathedral Pines Campground. We have lots of family history in that area so it is somehow magically extra special.
Finishing the Sugarloaf Marathon finish with her mom, Sarah Roy, in 2017.
After the finish of the 2017 Sugarload Marathon, Rebecca and her mom celebrate her mom's age group win.
What’s your most memorable race? Finishing the Vermont 50 was a big deal to me, 50 miles is the farthest I have run. There are other adventure runs I've enjoyed that are very memorable like the Pemi Loop and Presidential Traverse in the White Mountains. I hope I can do things like that again.
What is your favorite memory as a Central Maine Strider? I have so many of these from childhood. One I clearly remember is the Kingfield 10K. That was a huge race when I was a kid, and CMS was well represented. There was always live music, chicken bbq, and lots of happy runners lounging out on the hill in the center of town enjoying the scene. We always camped out for the weekend with CMS friends and it was always a blast.
What’s the best advice you were ever given about running? Run negative splits.
What advice would you give to other runners? I learned a valuable lesson about cross-training at my age. I love running and do not really want to do anything else but it helps your body stay stronger by doing other activities. It makes you a better runner and more resilient. I will continue mountain biking and nordic skiing after I heal well enough to rip it up trail running again.
What’s your favorite running quote? "As every runner knows, running is more than just putting one foot in front of the other; it is about our lifestyle and who we are." --Joan Benoit Samuelson (I adore her!)
Thanks, Rebecca, for taking the time to let us get to know you a little more! We hope your injury heals soon and you can get back to running. We're proud to have you a Central Maine Strider and hope that you can make it back to one of our events in Maine someday. In the meantime, we're happy to have you as an active member of our Facebook group.
Would you like to be featured in a "Meet Our Members" article? Contact us at run@centralmainestriders.com.
Check out that awesome Striders singlet! Rebecca in the first race that she won, the Gasping Gobbler 10K in Augusta on Thanksgiving Day (exact year unkownn, bur around 1997).
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We'd like to welcome one of our newest members to the club. Rebecca Tracy is a 65-year-old runner living in Raymond, who started running about 13 years ago for health reasons and has since ran many races.
"I began running shortly after having surgery for Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH). in 2007. Prior to that, I had poor balance and sometimes fell. Once I got “back on my feet” I started running 5ks 10ks and everything in between. I’ve run 3 half marathons but probably won’t do any more. 13.1 takes too much out of me. However, this year, I will be part of a 4 person relay team at the Maine Marathon. I’m very active in the Southern Maine Running Community and recently joined the 65+ Run Club. For the last 8 years or so, I’ve run 45-55 races a year, summer and winter. I’m not fast but I finish...and as the photo shows, I like bright colors. I’ve been known to end up dead last and still win my age group. Getting old has its benefits."
She says that her favorite race is the Longfellow Frostbite 2.5k, because "just when you're getting tired, it's over". However, her most memorable race was her first Beach to Beacon 10k, since the neurologist who diagnosed her NPH was on the sidelines cheering her on.
And her advice to other runners is simply, "Enjoy the run!"
Thanks, Rebecca! Good luck at your next race, and we hope to see you at a future Central Maine Striders event!
If you would like to be featured in a future "Meet Our Members" article, please contact us at run@centralmainestriders.com. We'd love to hear from you!
"I began running shortly after having surgery for Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH). in 2007. Prior to that, I had poor balance and sometimes fell. Once I got “back on my feet” I started running 5ks 10ks and everything in between. I’ve run 3 half marathons but probably won’t do any more. 13.1 takes too much out of me. However, this year, I will be part of a 4 person relay team at the Maine Marathon. I’m very active in the Southern Maine Running Community and recently joined the 65+ Run Club. For the last 8 years or so, I’ve run 45-55 races a year, summer and winter. I’m not fast but I finish...and as the photo shows, I like bright colors. I’ve been known to end up dead last and still win my age group. Getting old has its benefits."
She says that her favorite race is the Longfellow Frostbite 2.5k, because "just when you're getting tired, it's over". However, her most memorable race was her first Beach to Beacon 10k, since the neurologist who diagnosed her NPH was on the sidelines cheering her on.
And her advice to other runners is simply, "Enjoy the run!"
Thanks, Rebecca! Good luck at your next race, and we hope to see you at a future Central Maine Striders event!
If you would like to be featured in a future "Meet Our Members" article, please contact us at run@centralmainestriders.com. We'd love to hear from you!
Rebecca after finishing the Lake Auburn Half Marathon
Rebecca making good use of her Striders beanie and gloves in the Longfellow Frostbite 2.5k. (Photo by Maine Running Photos)
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Congratulations to our club member Brian Morin, who is ranked 85th in the World Marathon Majors age group rankings and has been invited to run at the 2020 World Major Marathons Age Group World Championship held at the London Marathon in April!
I am a 56-year-old member of the Central Maine Striders. I decided at the age of 48 to start running road races again. After over 20 years of not racing I decided to skip 5k and 10k distances and train for a marathon. You might as well go big, I told myself.
The Maine Marathon in 2011 was supposed to be my one and done, except I was not done. I made every mistake possible, starting with jumping into the marathon without racing a 5k or 10k. After finishing my first marathon I had another goal: run the Boston Marathon. I ran Boston in 2012 as a charity runner for Tufts. Boston 2012 was 90 degrees and I did not run the time that I wanted. Naturally, I ran Sugarloaf 6 weeks later aiming to qualify for Boston. I missed my Boston qualifying time by 43 seconds. After Sugarloaf I started doing track workouts with the Striders. I have to give the Cotes [Patrick and Tracey] credit for my rapid decrease in race times. They told me that I had the potential to run faster. That fall I ran the MDI marathon 15 minutes faster than Sugarloaf and earned a Boston qualifying time for 2014. We were spectating near the finish line in Boston in 2013 and fortunately left before the bombs went off.
Boston 2014 was great. I ran my best Boston time which was 8 minutes faster than MDI. When I lived in Boston for 7 years going to school, I never dreamed that I would be able to actually run the Boston Marathon. The only running I did back then was running through Harvard Yard to catch the bus. In 2018 I was taken into a medical tent at Boston with hypothermia with 2 miles to go. My wife Jacky started asking me about the other world major marathons, and if I would like to run them. That was all the incentive that I needed.
I ran Chicago in 2018, and even though it started pouring with 6 miles to go I ran a good time. I decided to start my profile on the Abbott World Major Marathons website. Boston and Chicago done, 4 more to go.
I entered the London and Berlin marathon raffle entries in 2018 with no luck. I decided to run the New York City Marathon in 2019 and entered the London and Berlin lotteries again. New York went well, but the lotteries did not. Ten days after running New York I received an email inviting me to participate in the 2020 Virgin Money London Marathon – Abbott World Major Marathons Wanda Age Group World Championship. I thought the email was a joke, but it was real. I did not know about the World Major Marathon age rankings, or that the inaugural championship would be held at the 2020 London Marathon. My Chicago 2018 and Boston 2019 times put me at 85th in the WMM age group rankings and 25th in the USA. My wife told me not to get a big head saying, “Someone is number one and it isn’t you!”
I will skip Boston this year and run London. After London I will keep trying to get in to Berlin and Tokyo. I want to thank all of my Strider friends for helping me to become a better runner. I am very fortunate to have a supportive family.
Brian Morin
The Maine Marathon in 2011 was supposed to be my one and done, except I was not done. I made every mistake possible, starting with jumping into the marathon without racing a 5k or 10k. After finishing my first marathon I had another goal: run the Boston Marathon. I ran Boston in 2012 as a charity runner for Tufts. Boston 2012 was 90 degrees and I did not run the time that I wanted. Naturally, I ran Sugarloaf 6 weeks later aiming to qualify for Boston. I missed my Boston qualifying time by 43 seconds. After Sugarloaf I started doing track workouts with the Striders. I have to give the Cotes [Patrick and Tracey] credit for my rapid decrease in race times. They told me that I had the potential to run faster. That fall I ran the MDI marathon 15 minutes faster than Sugarloaf and earned a Boston qualifying time for 2014. We were spectating near the finish line in Boston in 2013 and fortunately left before the bombs went off.
Boston 2014 was great. I ran my best Boston time which was 8 minutes faster than MDI. When I lived in Boston for 7 years going to school, I never dreamed that I would be able to actually run the Boston Marathon. The only running I did back then was running through Harvard Yard to catch the bus. In 2018 I was taken into a medical tent at Boston with hypothermia with 2 miles to go. My wife Jacky started asking me about the other world major marathons, and if I would like to run them. That was all the incentive that I needed.
I ran Chicago in 2018, and even though it started pouring with 6 miles to go I ran a good time. I decided to start my profile on the Abbott World Major Marathons website. Boston and Chicago done, 4 more to go.
I entered the London and Berlin marathon raffle entries in 2018 with no luck. I decided to run the New York City Marathon in 2019 and entered the London and Berlin lotteries again. New York went well, but the lotteries did not. Ten days after running New York I received an email inviting me to participate in the 2020 Virgin Money London Marathon – Abbott World Major Marathons Wanda Age Group World Championship. I thought the email was a joke, but it was real. I did not know about the World Major Marathon age rankings, or that the inaugural championship would be held at the 2020 London Marathon. My Chicago 2018 and Boston 2019 times put me at 85th in the WMM age group rankings and 25th in the USA. My wife told me not to get a big head saying, “Someone is number one and it isn’t you!”
I will skip Boston this year and run London. After London I will keep trying to get in to Berlin and Tokyo. I want to thank all of my Strider friends for helping me to become a better runner. I am very fortunate to have a supportive family.
Brian Morin
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"Running Backwards" is a new feature of our webpage and Interval newsletter that will highlight some excerpts of a chosen year in the history of the Central Maine Striders, as seen through past issues of the club's newsletter. We hope you enjoy it!
It may be hard to believe, but there used to be two chapters of the Central Maine Striders. From the July 1981 newsletter:
It may be hard to believe, but there used to be two chapters of the Central Maine Striders. From the July 1981 newsletter:
Brief profiles were written in the old newsletter to welcome any newcomers to the club. Long-time Strider Jim Moore was featured in the August 1981 newsletter:
In 2020, Jim can still be found running on the streets of Waterville and racing in club races, including this year's January Thaw. Thanks Jim, for your many years of participation in the club!
And in the September 1981 issue, another long-time member, Jerry Allanach was featured:
And in the September 1981 issue, another long-time member, Jerry Allanach was featured:
Although Jerry has relocated to Illinois, he is still maintains his membership in the club and often comments in our Facebook group. He also occasionally returns to Maine to run in races. Last year, some of us got to see him at the Free ME from Lung Cancer "Save Your Breath" 5k in Augusta. Jerry, thank you for being such a loyal club member. We hope to see you back in Maine again sometime in 2020!
The October 1981 included results for any club members that finished the Casco Bay Marathon. Finish times that year included currently-still-active members Gene Roy 2:49, Dean Rasmussen 2:53, and Jerry Allanach 3:08.
The October 1981 included results for any club members that finished the Casco Bay Marathon. Finish times that year included currently-still-active members Gene Roy 2:49, Dean Rasmussen 2:53, and Jerry Allanach 3:08.
Some annual club awards were named in the November 1981 issue. Gene Roy's name popped up again as "Strider of the Year". It makes you wonder how many times he's won that award.
Just to give you more reasons to respect Gene Roy, his time of 6:39 at the Rowdy Ultra 50 Miles at Brunswick was also included in that issue.
The December 1981 issue publicized the upcoming 1982 January Thaw. Hard to believe that there was ever a time that a race entry fee was only $1.
That month's issue also announced the newly elected officers.
And last, but not least, the December 1981 issue included a short note from the outgoing President, Gene Roy (yep, that guy again). I have a feeling that wasn't the last time that Gene was a club officer.
We hope you enjoyed this new feature digging into our club archives. In the next issue, we'll (hopefully) feature 1982.