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A big welcome and thank you to Shara Marquis, who recently was voted in as the new Central Maine Striders secretary. Get to know Shara below. You can also join club members and officers at a monthly Striders meeting, typically held at 6 p.m. on the second Wednesday of the month. Check the club calendar for upcoming meetings.
I was not born a runner. I wasn't on any sports teams in high school or college. Most would not consider me athletic by any stretch of the definition. About four years ago, I realized I needed to do something to get healthy and maybe lose a bit of weight. So, I ran... I ran 1/10th of a mile before stopping to walk a bit.
I started the Couch to 5K program and on day one it took me almost 20 minutes to go 1.4 miles. It was hard, harder than I thought it would be, but I kept with the program until I could run a full 5K. I ran off and on since I finished, but started to take my running more serious when I had to train for my first half marathon in 2015. It was an amazing and tiring experience!
From that point, I went on to run a number of 5Ks, a handful of 10Ks, a few half marathons, and a couple relay races. I've cut back a bit this year, but I still get out to run when I'm able. I am definitely not a race leader. I run for the fun of it, the exercise, and just to get away from the hustle and bustle of life for a while. While I don't have a date set yet, I am planning on completing a full marathon at some point.
Currently, I work at Colby College in the IT department. I've lived in Waterville a little over a year now, and I'm slowly adding new running spots to my collection. I've been a Strider for just about a year and now, as secretary, I am hoping to help increase membership and spread the word about our club as well as lend a hand wherever I can. I love to help motivate people to be the best they can be and support them at their level.
I started the Couch to 5K program and on day one it took me almost 20 minutes to go 1.4 miles. It was hard, harder than I thought it would be, but I kept with the program until I could run a full 5K. I ran off and on since I finished, but started to take my running more serious when I had to train for my first half marathon in 2015. It was an amazing and tiring experience!
From that point, I went on to run a number of 5Ks, a handful of 10Ks, a few half marathons, and a couple relay races. I've cut back a bit this year, but I still get out to run when I'm able. I am definitely not a race leader. I run for the fun of it, the exercise, and just to get away from the hustle and bustle of life for a while. While I don't have a date set yet, I am planning on completing a full marathon at some point.
Currently, I work at Colby College in the IT department. I've lived in Waterville a little over a year now, and I'm slowly adding new running spots to my collection. I've been a Strider for just about a year and now, as secretary, I am hoping to help increase membership and spread the word about our club as well as lend a hand wherever I can. I love to help motivate people to be the best they can be and support them at their level.
- Favorite race: Tough choice between Riverlands 100 (my first trail and first relay race), Down East Sunrise Trail Relay (my first overnight run), and Santa Hustle Half (love getting in the Christmas spirit)—all different, but fun, experiences.
- Favorite run: I will run pretty much anywhere, and almost always have a bag of running gear in my car.
- Favorite piece of running gear: Something simple to have, but annoying to be without...a hair elastic
- Favorite running advice/mottos: "Step, step, step" and "Suck it up, buttercup"
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We're excited to recognize two club members for their standout running achievements as female and male Striders of the Year. Susan Brooks, Stephanie LeBlanc, and Julie Millard were nominated by fellow club members for the female Strider of the Year award.
Please review the nominees' info below, as well as the male Strider of the Year nominees (Dave Drew, Mike Brooks, and Ron Peck) separately. Then vote for one female Strider of the Year and one male Strider of the Year. (Note: you must be a 2016 or 2017 club member to vote.)
To vote for Striders of the Year, send your picks to:
We’ll announce the Striders of the Year and recognize them at our annual dinner in January.
Please review the nominees' info below, as well as the male Strider of the Year nominees (Dave Drew, Mike Brooks, and Ron Peck) separately. Then vote for one female Strider of the Year and one male Strider of the Year. (Note: you must be a 2016 or 2017 club member to vote.)
To vote for Striders of the Year, send your picks to:
- run@centralmainestriders.com
- or mail them to: Central Maine Striders, P.O. Box 1177, Waterville, ME 04903
- Must be a 2016 or 2017 club member to vote. Note a member? Join or renew today.
- Deadline: January 7, 2017
We’ll announce the Striders of the Year and recognize them at our annual dinner in January.
Susan Vogt Brooks
Susan Brooks started running 45 years ago at age 12 and has run consistently since. She ran her first marathon, the 1994 SAPPI Saicor Marathon (3:58), while living in South Africa. A year later she ran it in 3:27 (PR) and ran her first ultramarathon, the Two Oceans Marathon (56K in 5:03) across the tip of South Africa. "That race remains the most challenging I’ve ever done," she said. The next year she ran the iconic 92K Comrades Marathon on an uphill year.
Susan has since run 15 marathons and ultras, including Boston (3:43) and the Vermont City Marathon in 2000 while three months pregnant (under doctor supervision).
This May, Susan won her age group (W55-59) at the Sugarloaf 15K (1:15:21.2). In June she placed second in her age group at the Bay of Fundy International Half Marathon (1:55:07). She placed second in her age group (W50-59) at this year's Quarry Road Summer Race series.
On the bike, Susan has participated in the Trek Across Maine for 14 years, raising funds for the American Lung Association.
Susan Brooks started running 45 years ago at age 12 and has run consistently since. She ran her first marathon, the 1994 SAPPI Saicor Marathon (3:58), while living in South Africa. A year later she ran it in 3:27 (PR) and ran her first ultramarathon, the Two Oceans Marathon (56K in 5:03) across the tip of South Africa. "That race remains the most challenging I’ve ever done," she said. The next year she ran the iconic 92K Comrades Marathon on an uphill year.
Susan has since run 15 marathons and ultras, including Boston (3:43) and the Vermont City Marathon in 2000 while three months pregnant (under doctor supervision).
This May, Susan won her age group (W55-59) at the Sugarloaf 15K (1:15:21.2). In June she placed second in her age group at the Bay of Fundy International Half Marathon (1:55:07). She placed second in her age group (W50-59) at this year's Quarry Road Summer Race series.
On the bike, Susan has participated in the Trek Across Maine for 14 years, raising funds for the American Lung Association.
Stephanie Friend LeBlanc
Stephanie LeBlanc started her 2016 season at the January Thaw 4.5 Road Race and in February participated in her first snowshoe run, the Quarry Road Snowshoe Shuffle.
In June she completed her first marathon at the Black Bear Marathon (4:09:39), and was first woman at the Hospice Run/Walk for Life 5K (25:04). Over the summer she competed in the Bond Brook Trail Series (third female for the series) and at the Quarry Road Summer Race Series, where she placed second in her age group (W40-49).
In September she ran her first trail ultra at Last Man Standing, completing eight 4.2-mile loops to pass 50K. She also ran the Bradbury Mountain Trail Series, placing second for F40-49.
Other 2016 races included the 10K Healthy High, Rabbit Trail Run, Salomon Trail Running Festival 10K, Midnight Owl 15K prediction run, TD Beach to Beacon 10K, Doc and Mardie Brown 5K, The Flume 10K, the Ragnar Adirondack Relay, and her first trail half at Run Through the Woods.
Stephanie LeBlanc started her 2016 season at the January Thaw 4.5 Road Race and in February participated in her first snowshoe run, the Quarry Road Snowshoe Shuffle.
In June she completed her first marathon at the Black Bear Marathon (4:09:39), and was first woman at the Hospice Run/Walk for Life 5K (25:04). Over the summer she competed in the Bond Brook Trail Series (third female for the series) and at the Quarry Road Summer Race Series, where she placed second in her age group (W40-49).
In September she ran her first trail ultra at Last Man Standing, completing eight 4.2-mile loops to pass 50K. She also ran the Bradbury Mountain Trail Series, placing second for F40-49.
Other 2016 races included the 10K Healthy High, Rabbit Trail Run, Salomon Trail Running Festival 10K, Midnight Owl 15K prediction run, TD Beach to Beacon 10K, Doc and Mardie Brown 5K, The Flume 10K, the Ragnar Adirondack Relay, and her first trail half at Run Through the Woods.
Julie Millard
Julie Millard has been racing for almost 40 years. Highlights of her early career include finishing 109th at the 1986 Boston Marathon (3:12.43) and on the first-place women’s team (Team Fischer Women) at the 1996 Mt. Baker Ski to Sea Relay. She was named the 1996 Striders Comeback Runner of the Year when she finished third at the Casco Bay Marathon (3:21.01) a year after her first child was born.
In recent years Julie has competed in distances from the mile (6:48 at the Maine Mile in 2014) to the 50K (5:48:02 at Pineland Farms in 2013, in recognition of her 50th birthday). Her marathon PR of 3:06:34 was set in 1993 at Sugarloaf, and her PW of 4:05:03 was set in 2010 at Boston, where she ran to honor her great uncle Fred Cameron's victory there in 1910.
Julie is the Maine Senior Games record holder for 3000 meters for women aged 50-54 (13.57.6). She placed third in her age group at this May’s Sugarloaf 15K (1:14:23.07) and has won her age group (W50-59) for the Quarry Road Summer Race Series every year since its inception in 2013.
Julie Millard has been racing for almost 40 years. Highlights of her early career include finishing 109th at the 1986 Boston Marathon (3:12.43) and on the first-place women’s team (Team Fischer Women) at the 1996 Mt. Baker Ski to Sea Relay. She was named the 1996 Striders Comeback Runner of the Year when she finished third at the Casco Bay Marathon (3:21.01) a year after her first child was born.
In recent years Julie has competed in distances from the mile (6:48 at the Maine Mile in 2014) to the 50K (5:48:02 at Pineland Farms in 2013, in recognition of her 50th birthday). Her marathon PR of 3:06:34 was set in 1993 at Sugarloaf, and her PW of 4:05:03 was set in 2010 at Boston, where she ran to honor her great uncle Fred Cameron's victory there in 1910.
Julie is the Maine Senior Games record holder for 3000 meters for women aged 50-54 (13.57.6). She placed third in her age group at this May’s Sugarloaf 15K (1:14:23.07) and has won her age group (W50-59) for the Quarry Road Summer Race Series every year since its inception in 2013.
- Published on
We're excited to recognize two club members for their standout running achievements as male and female Striders of the Year. Mike Brooks, Dave Drew, and Ron Peck were nominated by fellow club members for the male Strider of the Year award.
Please review the nominees' info below, as well as the female Strider of the Year nominees (Susan Brooks, Stephanie LeBlanc, and Julie Millard ) separately. Then vote for one male Strider of the Year and one female Strider of the Year. (Note: you must be a 2016 or 2017 club member to vote.)
To vote for Striders of the Year, send your picks to:
We’ll announce the Striders of the Year and recognize them at our annual dinner in January.
Please review the nominees' info below, as well as the female Strider of the Year nominees (Susan Brooks, Stephanie LeBlanc, and Julie Millard ) separately. Then vote for one male Strider of the Year and one female Strider of the Year. (Note: you must be a 2016 or 2017 club member to vote.)
To vote for Striders of the Year, send your picks to:
- run@centralmainestriders.com
- or mail them to: Central Maine Striders, P.O. Box 1177, Waterville, ME 04903
- Must be a 2016 or 2017 club member to vote. Note a member? Join or renew today.
- Deadline: January 7, 2017
We’ll announce the Striders of the Year and recognize them at our annual dinner in January.
Mike Brooks
For his 70th birthday, Mike Brooks ran seven marathons in seven days in seven states this spring to raise more than $17,000 for Camp Sunshine, a Maine retreat for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families. This October, a couple of months after undergoing heart surgery to replace a valve, Mike completed his 500th marathon or ultra length race at the Maine Marathon, with Strider Ron Paquette at his side.
In past years, Mike has run the 135-mile Badwater Ultramarathon, plus another 22 miles to the summit of Mt. Whitney, completed 24-hour races, and competed in the grueling Sri Chinmoy Self-Transcendence Six-Day (320 miles completed) and 10-Day (491 miles completed) races—all while raising thousands of dollars for Camp Sunshine.
"My only talent as a runner is that I can put one foot in front of the other for long distances," said Mike. "Raising money through biking and running for Multiple Sclerosis, Dempsey Center Healing Tree for Children, and Camp Sunshine has been extremely rewarding to me."
Dave Drew
Given the longevity of his racing career, the quality of his performances, and the variety of events in which he's participated, it can probably be said that long-time Strider, Dave Drew, has been flying under the radar.
This former Maine Track Club "Master of the Year" award winner has many notable achievements including the Maine Rail Trail Half Marathon course record of 1:22:44 set in 2011, third place and first male finisher in 57:07.06 as a 50-year-old at the 2015 Sugarloaf 15K, and many strong showings in open, masters, and now senior competitions.
In addition to his road racing notables at distances from 5K through the half marathon, Dave has competed impressively in triathlons and snowshoe races. Most recently Dave ran the Portland Thanksgiving Day 4-Miler in 26:01.
Given the longevity of his racing career, the quality of his performances, and the variety of events in which he's participated, it can probably be said that long-time Strider, Dave Drew, has been flying under the radar.
This former Maine Track Club "Master of the Year" award winner has many notable achievements including the Maine Rail Trail Half Marathon course record of 1:22:44 set in 2011, third place and first male finisher in 57:07.06 as a 50-year-old at the 2015 Sugarloaf 15K, and many strong showings in open, masters, and now senior competitions.
In addition to his road racing notables at distances from 5K through the half marathon, Dave has competed impressively in triathlons and snowshoe races. Most recently Dave ran the Portland Thanksgiving Day 4-Miler in 26:01.
Ron Peck
After an eight-year break from running, Ron Peck laced up his shoes again in 2013 and ever since has been a consistently competitive racer at distances from the 3K to marathons.
Ron won the Bay of Fundy Marathon in 2014 in 3:01:31, his first marathon since his return to running (he had previously completed several marathons and Ironmans).
He won his age group and was second overall at this summer’s 2016 Quarry Road Summer Race Series, as well as in 2014. "It was a special highlight to win the Quarry Road 8K on my 41st birthday this year," said Ron.
Ron qualified for and ran the Boston Marathon in 2015 (2:59:20) and again in 2016 (3:04:26). At this October’s Mount Desert Island Marathon he won his age group division and was 19th overall (3:02:19).
Ron is also the treasurer for Central Maine Striders.
After an eight-year break from running, Ron Peck laced up his shoes again in 2013 and ever since has been a consistently competitive racer at distances from the 3K to marathons.
Ron won the Bay of Fundy Marathon in 2014 in 3:01:31, his first marathon since his return to running (he had previously completed several marathons and Ironmans).
He won his age group and was second overall at this summer’s 2016 Quarry Road Summer Race Series, as well as in 2014. "It was a special highlight to win the Quarry Road 8K on my 41st birthday this year," said Ron.
Ron qualified for and ran the Boston Marathon in 2015 (2:59:20) and again in 2016 (3:04:26). At this October’s Mount Desert Island Marathon he won his age group division and was 19th overall (3:02:19).
Ron is also the treasurer for Central Maine Striders.
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Brendan Gilpatrick was voted in as the new Central Maine Striders vice president on January 12, 2016, at the club's annual meeting and banquet. Get to know this running coach, race director, and Strider better below.
You can also join Brendan and other officers at a monthly Striders meeting, typically held at 6 p.m. the second Tuesday of each month in the Alfond Youth Center Boardroom, Waterville.
You can also join Brendan and other officers at a monthly Striders meeting, typically held at 6 p.m. the second Tuesday of each month in the Alfond Youth Center Boardroom, Waterville.
After graduating from USM where I played lacrosse I needed something to stay active, so I started running. I love being outside and exploring new places so my focus was drawn to trail running. I found I would spend hours exploring new trails or mountains seeing how fast I could move through these places and learned there were races that did just that. This is where my love of running came together with racing these distances. I am also the race director of the Farm to Farm Ultra Run in Freeport and a board member of the Maine Track Club.
I have a background in disability insurance and on a daily basis I would see the negative impacts of not making health a priority. I found that I had people who would often turn to me for advice on running and fitness so I decided to pursue it as a profession (Dirigo Endurance coaching). I use a web-based model that allows me to work with people around the country. I live in Sidney for most of the year, so I also get the chance to work with people locally as well, including the Men’s and Women’s Cross Country teams at Thomas College.
I hope to use my experience with the Maine Track Club to help grow Central Maine Striders. I want people to experience the value that being a Strider can offer by being part of a great community of runners.
I have a background in disability insurance and on a daily basis I would see the negative impacts of not making health a priority. I found that I had people who would often turn to me for advice on running and fitness so I decided to pursue it as a profession (Dirigo Endurance coaching). I use a web-based model that allows me to work with people around the country. I live in Sidney for most of the year, so I also get the chance to work with people locally as well, including the Men’s and Women’s Cross Country teams at Thomas College.
I hope to use my experience with the Maine Track Club to help grow Central Maine Striders. I want people to experience the value that being a Strider can offer by being part of a great community of runners.
- Favorite Race: HURT 100, Hawaii, and the Madeira Ultra Trail, Portugal
- Favorite Run: Every run is a chance to do something I love.
- Favorite running gear: Whatever shoes I got on my feet.
- Favorite running advice: Never stop moving.
- Favorite running quote: “Running to him was real; the way he did it the realest thing he knew. It was all joy and woe, hard as diamond; it made him weary beyond comprehension. But it also made him free.” ― John L. Parker Jr., Once a Runner
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Beth Bridger was voted in as the new Central Maine Striders secretary on January 12, 2016, at the club's annual meeting and banquet. Get to know this "born-again runner" and Strider better below.
You can also join Beth and other officers at a monthly Striders meeting, typically held at 6 p.m. the second Tuesday of each month in the Alfond Youth Center Boardroom, Waterville.
You can also join Beth and other officers at a monthly Striders meeting, typically held at 6 p.m. the second Tuesday of each month in the Alfond Youth Center Boardroom, Waterville.
I'm a lifelong fan of track and field, with a special affinity for distance runners. In my youth, I hated running anything beyond a mile, but always admired those who found joy in covering long distances. Two of my three children followed my trackie footsteps as jumpers, hurdlers, and sprinters; the third child played baseball.
I've worked at Colby College for almost 20 years, 10 of those in the Admissions office. When I'm not running, reading about running, or trolling runners on social media, I enjoy reading, crocheting, and spending time outdoors. My second fitness passion is CrossFit: I love to lift weights. I love to challenge myself during my CrossFit workouts. My two fitness passions complement each other well. I love the energy and inclusiveness of the athletic community, no matter what the sport.
I'm a born-again runner. After one miserable high school cross-country season and a disastrous run on a hot, humid day in 1984, I swore I would never run again. Flash forward to 2012: While attending my 30th high school reunion I noticed that most of my classmates, including myself, had become somewhat "puffy" and out of shape. I had recently begun CrossFit, cleaned up my diet, and decided to add running to my new, healthy lifestyle. That summer, I walked and ran almost every race of the inaugural Quarry Road Summer Race Series. I joined Central Maine Striders and also became part of a group called "Central Maine Moms Run This Town."
Since then, I've completed more 5K's than I can count, a half-marathon, a couple of 10-milers, and a 15K. I've moved from almost-last to almost-middle-of the-pack. I run for me; I run for the fun of it. I run for the satisfaction of knowing that I can run a mile or two and finish a race, no matter what. I've volunteered at a few races. It's the only time I get to see the winners cross the finish line.
As a club officer, I hope to help increase membership and increase awareness of Central Maine Striders, our events, and of other local running opportunities. My main goal as a runner is to get others up and moving.
I've worked at Colby College for almost 20 years, 10 of those in the Admissions office. When I'm not running, reading about running, or trolling runners on social media, I enjoy reading, crocheting, and spending time outdoors. My second fitness passion is CrossFit: I love to lift weights. I love to challenge myself during my CrossFit workouts. My two fitness passions complement each other well. I love the energy and inclusiveness of the athletic community, no matter what the sport.
I'm a born-again runner. After one miserable high school cross-country season and a disastrous run on a hot, humid day in 1984, I swore I would never run again. Flash forward to 2012: While attending my 30th high school reunion I noticed that most of my classmates, including myself, had become somewhat "puffy" and out of shape. I had recently begun CrossFit, cleaned up my diet, and decided to add running to my new, healthy lifestyle. That summer, I walked and ran almost every race of the inaugural Quarry Road Summer Race Series. I joined Central Maine Striders and also became part of a group called "Central Maine Moms Run This Town."
Since then, I've completed more 5K's than I can count, a half-marathon, a couple of 10-milers, and a 15K. I've moved from almost-last to almost-middle-of the-pack. I run for me; I run for the fun of it. I run for the satisfaction of knowing that I can run a mile or two and finish a race, no matter what. I've volunteered at a few races. It's the only time I get to see the winners cross the finish line.
As a club officer, I hope to help increase membership and increase awareness of Central Maine Striders, our events, and of other local running opportunities. My main goal as a runner is to get others up and moving.
- Favorite Race: Cape Elizabeth Mid-Winter Classic
- Favorite Run: Bond Brook trails
- Favorite piece of running gear: my headlamp
- Favorite running advice: Pick 'em up and put 'em down.
- Favorite running quote: "It really gets grim until the competition begins. You have to wonder at times what you're doing out there. Over the years, I've given myself a thousand reasons to keep running, but it always comes back to where it started. It comes down to self-satisfaction and a sense of achievement." —Steve Prefontaine
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Gines Satchi was voted in as the new Central Maine Striders president on January 12, 2016, at the club's annual meeting and banquet. Get to know Gines, a snowshoe race director and ultra runner, below. Then come out and meet him in person at the February 7th Quarry Snow Shuffle 5K Snowshoe Race he directs. Gines also can be reached at gines@makeithappengroup.org.
I am an Australian living in Oakland, Maine, with my wife and daughter. I have always had an interest in keeping active and the outdoors. Most weekends you find our family trying to make the most of Maine outdoors, either on a trail, on a lake, or on a mountain. Currently I work at Colby College in Waterville as the Associate Director of Campus Life for Residential Education. I oversee the student leaders in the residence halls.
I entered my first ultra marathon before even running a half marathon. Crazy? Yes! But it got me hooked. I was not much of a runner till I entered that race thinking "how hard can this be?" Then there was no looking back. Since then I have completed a bunch of ultras, marathons, and trail races. I prefer trail when I run, but will run anywhere. I am always up for running and connecting with people.
Since moving to Maine I have taken up snowshoe running. Last year I directed Waterville's first snowshoe race and this year will be putting on two races: the Quarry Snow Shuffle 5K Snowshoe Race (February 7) and Quarry Storm 5-Mile
Snowshoe Race (March 20).
As president, I would like to see the Striders have a wider impact on the central Maine running and non-running community .
I entered my first ultra marathon before even running a half marathon. Crazy? Yes! But it got me hooked. I was not much of a runner till I entered that race thinking "how hard can this be?" Then there was no looking back. Since then I have completed a bunch of ultras, marathons, and trail races. I prefer trail when I run, but will run anywhere. I am always up for running and connecting with people.
Since moving to Maine I have taken up snowshoe running. Last year I directed Waterville's first snowshoe race and this year will be putting on two races: the Quarry Snow Shuffle 5K Snowshoe Race (February 7) and Quarry Storm 5-Mile
Snowshoe Race (March 20).
As president, I would like to see the Striders have a wider impact on the central Maine running and non-running community .
- Favorite race: The North Face 100, Blue Mountains, Australia
- Favorite run: Anywhere, as long as I am running
- Favorite piece of running gear: A hat or a beanie
- Favorite running advice: Just keep moving