Calling all Striders!

Many club members volunteered at the Ironman 70.3 Maine in Augusta last year and some actually COMPETED in the event (Go Andrew Catalina!). This year, we have decided to formalize our volunteering participation in order to secure a grant from the corporation to support our club. If you are available on July 30, 2023, then please consider volunteering for the event under the Central Maine Striders umbrella. It is likely that we will be working the swim leg, where we will get to see sunrise from the beautiful Kennebec River. Please reach out to Martha Nadeau (Veggie60@roadrunner.com) and Julie Millard (jtmillar@colby.edu) for more information about the event.

According to the race organizers:
"THIS SCENIC COURSE ON THE ST. GEORGE PENINSULA BEGINS AT DRIFT INN BEACH IN PORT CLYDE. IT OFFERS SOME FANTASTIC VIEWS OF THE MAINE COAST AS IT WINDS ITS WAY TOWARDS THE LIGHTHOUSE, DOWN THROUGH THE VILLAGE OF PORT CLYDE, AND ENDING BACK AT DRIFT INN BEACH".

This annual race is located just south of Rockland/Thomaston, for those not familiar with the area. After a 1-1/2 drive from my house, the small parking lot had already been filled and I had to locate parking on the road, which isn't easy to find since the road is fairly narrow. Having done this race before, I was aware this might be the case and allowed some extra time. Snagging a prime spot, I head to the folding table set-up in the small dirt parking lot, to register. Registration can be done ahead, by printing out the form and sending a check for $15 or on race day for $20, between 7:30-8:30. T-shirts were guaranteed, if registered ahead, but I lucked out and there were choices available to me. This parking lot is also where the port-o-potties are located. TMI? I don't think so. 

Following the kids fun run, at 8:30, the 5k starts at  Drift Inn Beach, heading uphill, taking a left turn up and down the hilly road to the amazing turnaround that is Marshall Point lighthouse (cue Forrest Gump-yep, the lighthouse from the movie). While the turn stops short of the lighthouse, itself (because it would be a nightmare for all those runners to crowd the walkway out and back-and selfies?-who could resist that opportunity? The race would come to a standstill.) We take a turn around an orange cone, and with the ocean on our side, we head back down and then another uphill, taking a left that opens to a view of the Port Clyde waterfront, and a nice recovery downhill to take in the scene. Passing the Monhegan ferry terminal and the ice cream store, the right turn takes us through a quinessential Maine small town. Yep, the Post Office is decorated with lobster traps. A last right turn, with a brief, but brutal uphill, leads back downhill to the finish line, where the volunteers record times with pen and paper. This year I wanted the whole experience, so I ran the lowtide flats, to jump into the ocean.  After everyone had finished, awards were handed out and prizes given to fastest overall and age group winners.  

It is a must to go to the lighthouse and visit the museum. If you have patience, you may even get a picture alone at the lighthouse.

This race is part of an annual festival, complete with yard sale and cornhole tournament. Details will be available on their website (but not easily found) at www.stgeorgemaine.com and on Facebook at St George Parks & Rec.

Did you know that you can now buy Central Maine Striders gear online through B&B Embroidery & Ink in Oakland, Maine?  They carry short-sleeve and long-sleeve tech shirts and hoodies, in multiple colors in both men's and women's variations, as well as beanies.  Go to https://shop.bbembmaine.com/Central-Maine-Striders_c92.htm to start shopping now!

Of course, you can still buy the classic blue tech shirts, singlets, hoodies, and hats from Joseph's Sporting Goods in Waterville, Maine by stopping by their store at 146 Kennedy Memorial Drive or calling them at (207) 660-6676.

To see photos and a description of all Central Maine Striders items for sale from both places, please go to: ​www.centralmainestriders.com/shop.html.  

Please note that we do not set the prices for any of the items, nor do we receive any of the proceeds.  However, we encourage you to support both of these local central Maine businesses.

For their running achievements while representing the Central Maine Striders during the year, Ron Peck and Heather Cable were given "Strider of the Year" awards.

For their invaluable assistance with the operations of the club during the year (often behind-the-scenes), Kate Scott and Amy Stabins were recognized with "President's Awards."

For their unstoppable positive spirit while representing the Central Maine Striders during the year, Martha Nadeau and Drew McCormick were given "Strider Spirit Awards".

All award winners received gift cards to Fleet Feet Running.  Thanks to each and every one of you for continuing to represent the Central Maine Striders!

​The 44th edition of the Central Maine Striders January Thaw was a great success! Held every year since 1980, this race has been a staple of Maine’s winter road races for decades. Turnout was excellent for this edition, with 36 runners and many more in family and support staff.
 
The conditions were 26-degrees F and windy but with plenty of sun. The loop is about 4.5 miles (thankfully for me probably a little short of this) starting with a three-quarter mile surge out from the school to Augusta Road. Huge shout out to the volunteers who stood in the cold to direct runners at each turn. The first 1.5 miles felt like running into a headwind, hoping your initial adrenaline would last until your body mechanics are warm enough to take over. Your pre-race routine becomes crucial in these conditions. I saw many participants doing strides and stretches on the school road. I opted for the warm enclaves of Planet Fitness where I can listen to my Taylor Swift pump up playlist in comfort, and then drove to the race to get there just in time for the start.
 
The second left on the course takes you into a nice downhill on Rt 175. You can catch your breath while beautiful farmland flanks you. A few more rolling hills and before you know it you’re making your final turn back on the school road with the finish line right in the student drop-off zone. That final turn is the perfect signal to unleash your final surge with the finish line maybe 600m away.
 
Beyond the great course and volunteers, the post race scene was an absolute delight. Coffee, hot chocolate, homemade mini muffins, hand warmers, even free running books! I was surprised and excited to see so many new faces at the race, including an individual who was doing his first road race! The trophy was a beautifully crafted key/running medal holder, gift card to Lamey Wellehan Shoes, and a custom bookmark/ribbon. Put this race on your calendar to see what the 2024 edition has in store! In the meantime, 2023 is shaping up to be a great year of running and racing; I’m excited to strengthen old connections, make new connections and run new courses. Hope to see you on the roads!

We're excited to announce that we now have an online store where you can buy Central Maine Striders tech shirts, hoodies, and beanies through B&B Embroidery and Ink in Oakland, Maine!

https://shop.bbembmaine.com/Central-Maine-Striders_c92.htm

Join us for the Central Maine Striders Annual Meeting!

This event will be hosted by club Vice President, Kate Scott, at her home in Waterville.  Club members, prospective members, and their families are welcome to attend.  Please RSVP with your number of guests and her address will be shared with you.

We will start off at 5 pm with an optional 1-3 mile neighborhood run to enjoy the holiday lights.  Jingle bells provided, headlamps and reflective gear recommended, ugly sweaters encouraged!

Following the run, please join us inside for food, holiday sweets, and a brief annual meeting. 

​BYOB. Food and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided.

Evite and RSVP link:
 www.evite.com/event/01395P4NKIJPIYPAEEPNLY25UOH6KI/rsvp?utm_campaign=send_sharable_link&utm_source=evitelink&utm_medium=sharable_invite

​To close out the summer, Quarry Road Trails hosted the inaugural Quarry Road TrailFest with a 5k fun run and 15k challenge trail race on October 30th.
 
I have my sights set to tackle my first Half in Millinocket in December, so I was eager to get my mileage up.  What better way than a 15k trail race through the woods of Quarry Road Trails?  To add to the fun, two other Striders and I dressed up with the theme of "Cook-out Essentials", dressing as a Hamburger (Heather Cable), Ketchup (Ron Peck), and Reye's Mustard (myself).  
 
The course was two laps of a 7.5k loop. It started in the middle of the big field near the yurt, followed a single track trail up The Big Hill, and then joined with South Koons to head down the hill.  We then did the North Koons loop before continuing across the field, and down the hill toward the stream. We followed along the Messalonskee Stream for a stretch and then returned to the big field to repeat the loop. 
 
The race was advertised as a challenge and with the hills and water features, it lived up to the hype without being extreme.  The single track trail up The Big Hill was dry and leaf free, making the climb nearly pleasant.  Watching my steps over the rocks and roots distracted me enough from that lactic acid burn building up in my legs.  Sailing down the South Koons trail (also leaf free) was practically delightful!   At the bottom of the hill, the boggy trail that ran along the Messalonskee fulfilled the promise of the race director, Jeff Tucker. My shoes did indeed get soaked, despite my best efforts to hop over the puddles (ponds) in the trail. 
 
Overall, the race was quintessential type II fun!
 
The after party was a perfect reward.  It featured beer from Cushnoc Brewing, grilled food from Grandpa's Kitchen, an awards ceremony, and a raffle.  It was an all around pleasant time relaxing and chatting with the other runners.  I am looking forward to tackling this race again next year!

Full race results from the Quarry Road TrailFest 5k and 15k races can be found here.