- Published on
For his 70th birthday, Strider Mike Brooks pledged to run seven marathons in seven days in seven states, all to raise money for Camp Sunshine, a Maine retreat for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families. Find out how the races and fundraising went in Mike's race report below.
By Mike Brooks
Hello from the back of the pack. This is a race report, but more important a report on a fundraiser that is still going but already very successful. I wanted to do a fundraiser for Camp Sunshine on my 70th birthday (11/17/2015). My original plan was to run/walk 70 miles in a Lewiston park. After talking to Mike Smith at Camp Sunshine we decided that doing seven marathons in seven days would draw more attention to Camp Sunshine and raise more money.
In preparation for the April 2016 races I got a cortisone shot in my bone on bone knee and another one in my spine. I have a herniated disc and it was pushing against a nerve causing pain down my left side. These two shots minimized the pain I would have in all seven races. I'm glad there was no drug testing (smile).
The races were in Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi, Tennessee, Kentucky, Missouri, and Illinois, in that order, and were part of the MainlyMarathons Riverboat Series. They had a 5K and half marathon also. There is no time limit on any of the races and the only awards are for first-time marathoners and whoever finishes last. They do have excellent finisher medals.
The goal of most runners is to just finish the race. Some runners do all seven, but most do fewer. If someone is trying to do races in every state this is an easy and economical way to do it—one plane ticket and fewer motel stays and rental cars. As slow as I am, no time limit really helped me.
Marathon #1: Louisiana (April 17, 2016)
My brother Walter and I flew into Memphis taking in a few sights before driving south to the first race in Louisiana. We also stopped at the Vicksburg Battlefield in Mississippi.
The first race was in a city park on an out-and-back course with one hill that took 22 laps to complete. All these laps might seem boring, but there were turtles to watch (one passed me on lap 19), ducks, a very large snake on the side of trail, and always someone to cheer on or talk to. Each lap I picked up an elastic to keep track of my mileage. There were lap counters also and a camera at the turnaround to keep everybody honest.
In a previous race, Hanna, the R.D.'s wife, had put a garter belt on my leg and added a dollar bill on one of my laps. That gave me the idea to wear a garter belt in all seven races to raise money. With the garter belt on my left leg I started out on my first race after Clint, the R.D., announced why I was wearing the garter belt. The girls put the money into the garter belt while the guys would hand me the money.
As in all these races I did laps with friends talking as we ran and walked. I have done hundreds of marathons with these friends and we still find plenty of things to talk about. Each lap you go by the aid station that is well stocked with a wide selection of food and drink.
Norm is the cook who travels with his wife Kathy to all the races. He cooks burritos, beans and rice, soups and many other delicious dishes. Be careful or you could gain weight doing these races. When it is hot Norm hands out freeze pops. His wife counts laps, helps with registration, and does several other jobs like reminding me to pick up my gear at the end of each race. I stopped during the race to do a TV interview that lasted about 20 minutes.
My only goal in these races was to get the word out about Camp Sunshine, raise money, and finish. The race went well, sunny, in the high 70s, and I had fun.
Finishing it I was off for a 100-mile ride to our motel. Brother Walter did all the driving, packed up the car, and kept the beer cold. Driving we went by a lot of very modest homes and I wondered if there was some poor kid suffering from a serious illness inside. What a blessing it would be for that child and his family to spend a week at Camp Sunshine. My other goal was to let people in the Southeast know that Camp Sunshine is available to them for free.
Marathon #2: Arkansas (April 18, 2016)
Race #2 was in an Arkansas state park on a very flat out-and-back 1.31-mile course that is paved and also has some crushed gravel. It takes 20 laps to finish the marathon on this scenic tree lined course. The last time I did this race it poured and had thunder and lightning. I was running with Sabra when Clint told her "go jump in your car. Mike, keep running."
This year it was sunny and in the 70s, and there was more chatting with old friends and new ones. On these out-and-back courses you see all the runners on every lap, which really makes for a social event.
Marathon #3: Mississippi (April 19, 2016)
Race #3 was in another state park, this time in Mississippi. The course was much like yesterday—1.31 miles out-and-back, scenic, flat, and on paved roads. We lucked out that none of the courses were flooded. The south had record-breaking rain weeks before we arrived and the water had receded just recently from some of the courses and you could still see some minor flooding in places.
Another nice weather day, and more money in the garter belt. As we drove the 175 miles to our next location I did a phone interview with a newspaper reporter. Camp Sunshine had hired a media company to publicize the races. A Poland TV station even picked it up!
Marathon #4: Tennessee (April 20, 2016)
Race #4 was about 30 miles north of Memphis in Meeman-Shelby State Park, Tenn. The course was a 2.184-mile out-and-back paved course and rather flat. It was well shaded by large trees and had temps in the 70s with off and on showers.
Norm the cook and I decided to have a contest to see who could raise the most money wearing a garter belt. Norm bribed runners with his position as cook. When I finished the race we counted the money: Norm $172, me $166. Norm should become a politician the way he talked runners into donating to Camp Sunshine. A 125-mile drive, two phone interviews, and we were at our motel for my next Riverboat Series marathon.
Hello from the back of the pack. This is a race report, but more important a report on a fundraiser that is still going but already very successful. I wanted to do a fundraiser for Camp Sunshine on my 70th birthday (11/17/2015). My original plan was to run/walk 70 miles in a Lewiston park. After talking to Mike Smith at Camp Sunshine we decided that doing seven marathons in seven days would draw more attention to Camp Sunshine and raise more money.
In preparation for the April 2016 races I got a cortisone shot in my bone on bone knee and another one in my spine. I have a herniated disc and it was pushing against a nerve causing pain down my left side. These two shots minimized the pain I would have in all seven races. I'm glad there was no drug testing (smile).
The races were in Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi, Tennessee, Kentucky, Missouri, and Illinois, in that order, and were part of the MainlyMarathons Riverboat Series. They had a 5K and half marathon also. There is no time limit on any of the races and the only awards are for first-time marathoners and whoever finishes last. They do have excellent finisher medals.
The goal of most runners is to just finish the race. Some runners do all seven, but most do fewer. If someone is trying to do races in every state this is an easy and economical way to do it—one plane ticket and fewer motel stays and rental cars. As slow as I am, no time limit really helped me.
Marathon #1: Louisiana (April 17, 2016)
My brother Walter and I flew into Memphis taking in a few sights before driving south to the first race in Louisiana. We also stopped at the Vicksburg Battlefield in Mississippi.
The first race was in a city park on an out-and-back course with one hill that took 22 laps to complete. All these laps might seem boring, but there were turtles to watch (one passed me on lap 19), ducks, a very large snake on the side of trail, and always someone to cheer on or talk to. Each lap I picked up an elastic to keep track of my mileage. There were lap counters also and a camera at the turnaround to keep everybody honest.
In a previous race, Hanna, the R.D.'s wife, had put a garter belt on my leg and added a dollar bill on one of my laps. That gave me the idea to wear a garter belt in all seven races to raise money. With the garter belt on my left leg I started out on my first race after Clint, the R.D., announced why I was wearing the garter belt. The girls put the money into the garter belt while the guys would hand me the money.
As in all these races I did laps with friends talking as we ran and walked. I have done hundreds of marathons with these friends and we still find plenty of things to talk about. Each lap you go by the aid station that is well stocked with a wide selection of food and drink.
Norm is the cook who travels with his wife Kathy to all the races. He cooks burritos, beans and rice, soups and many other delicious dishes. Be careful or you could gain weight doing these races. When it is hot Norm hands out freeze pops. His wife counts laps, helps with registration, and does several other jobs like reminding me to pick up my gear at the end of each race. I stopped during the race to do a TV interview that lasted about 20 minutes.
My only goal in these races was to get the word out about Camp Sunshine, raise money, and finish. The race went well, sunny, in the high 70s, and I had fun.
Finishing it I was off for a 100-mile ride to our motel. Brother Walter did all the driving, packed up the car, and kept the beer cold. Driving we went by a lot of very modest homes and I wondered if there was some poor kid suffering from a serious illness inside. What a blessing it would be for that child and his family to spend a week at Camp Sunshine. My other goal was to let people in the Southeast know that Camp Sunshine is available to them for free.
Marathon #2: Arkansas (April 18, 2016)
Race #2 was in an Arkansas state park on a very flat out-and-back 1.31-mile course that is paved and also has some crushed gravel. It takes 20 laps to finish the marathon on this scenic tree lined course. The last time I did this race it poured and had thunder and lightning. I was running with Sabra when Clint told her "go jump in your car. Mike, keep running."
This year it was sunny and in the 70s, and there was more chatting with old friends and new ones. On these out-and-back courses you see all the runners on every lap, which really makes for a social event.
Marathon #3: Mississippi (April 19, 2016)
Race #3 was in another state park, this time in Mississippi. The course was much like yesterday—1.31 miles out-and-back, scenic, flat, and on paved roads. We lucked out that none of the courses were flooded. The south had record-breaking rain weeks before we arrived and the water had receded just recently from some of the courses and you could still see some minor flooding in places.
Another nice weather day, and more money in the garter belt. As we drove the 175 miles to our next location I did a phone interview with a newspaper reporter. Camp Sunshine had hired a media company to publicize the races. A Poland TV station even picked it up!
Marathon #4: Tennessee (April 20, 2016)
Race #4 was about 30 miles north of Memphis in Meeman-Shelby State Park, Tenn. The course was a 2.184-mile out-and-back paved course and rather flat. It was well shaded by large trees and had temps in the 70s with off and on showers.
Norm the cook and I decided to have a contest to see who could raise the most money wearing a garter belt. Norm bribed runners with his position as cook. When I finished the race we counted the money: Norm $172, me $166. Norm should become a politician the way he talked runners into donating to Camp Sunshine. A 125-mile drive, two phone interviews, and we were at our motel for my next Riverboat Series marathon.
Cook Norm, race director Clint, and race report author Mike during the garter belt fundraising contest.
Marathon #5: Kentucky (April 21, 2016)
Race #5 was a on a two-loop course. The south loop was paved with two hills, one very steep but short. This loop had excellent views of the Mississippi River with the constant movement of barges. The second loop was on a grass trail through Civil War Earthworks.
This was by far the toughest course, but also the most scenic. It took 18 loops for the marathon. It poured on our way to the race, but it turned out to be a hot, humid sunny day. I was still feeling good and having fun each day. Afterwards, an easy 60-mile drive and we were at our motel just two miles from the next race site.
Marathon #6: Missouri (April 22, 2016)
Race #6 was in a city park in Cape Girardeau, Mo. The course was a 2.62-mile out-and-back paved trail with easy hills and partially shaded. It was sunny and warm. I should mention that all the courses were open to the public and I did get some strange looks for wearing a garter belt. What did they think, I wonder?
We had to stay about 30 miles north of the next race, but it was an easy two-hour drive including checking out the race site. Most of the meals we ate during the series were fast food. This was partly necessary because of limited time and my brother not liking to try new food.
Well, this night Brother Walter had a craving for Kentucky Fried Chicken. Did I mention he has Crones Disease? KFC had a buffet and Walter really loaded up on the fried chicken, big mistake. He was sick all night and part of the next day, blaming it on the Colonel. He swears he will never do that again.
Marathon #7: Illinois (April 23, 2016)
Race #7 was the easiest course. Tunnel Hill State Park in Vienna, Ill., was the location of this 2.184-mile out-and-back course on a gravel rail trail. Mike Smith from Camp Sunshine came down with his son Caleb to run the marathon with me. Mike had never done a marathon and I was hoping to get a little revenge.
In 2009 I told Mike I was planning on doing a Ten Day race in New York City as a fundraiser for Camp Sunshine. Mike came up with the idea that I should run 500 miles! I told Mike, "That is 50 miles a day. I am 64 and think that goal is a little much." Well, Mike talked me into trying for 500. I did fine the first six days—330 plus miles despite record-breaking heat. I had severe back pain the last four days but only needed 31 miles the last day. I could only go 100 feet and would have to stop, stretch, and sometimes roll on the ground.
Well, I came up short in that race, 491 miles, but I raised $11,000 for Camp Sunshine, $1,000 more than my goal. That was the most painful race I have ever done and the 500-mile goal was the reason. This is why I wanted to see Mike suffer a little in this marathon (smile).
Mike started the marathon, developed a hot spot or blister on his heel and was having some back pain. After a few more miles he felt better and finished the marathon in good shape, bummer. I did a 30-minute TV interview during the race, which included running back and forth in front of the camera. Guess what? The mic was not on so I had to do about 15 minutes of it over again. Mike finished before me, and I was presented a beautiful stain glass award for my fundraising efforts.
We drove partway to Memphis and spent the next day touring Memphis. We had a 6 a.m. flight the next morning and it turned into the trip from hell. Our flight left late so we missed our connection in D.C. Our standby flight was overbooked. We finally got on a plane only to wait almost two hours on the ground because our flight plan somehow got lost. Going up and down stairs to shuttle buses with my luggage did in my knee. I am just glad it happened after the races.
I also just found out I am going to have open heart surgery in July and hope to have my knee replaced in January. I was told over two years ago not to run because of my heart, so I am looking forward to getting this valve and knee replaced. Hopefully I will come out better. Lucky me that everything held together during the races.
The Camp Sunshine fundraiser is a big success. So far we have raised $17,700, which is enough to send seven families to Camp Sunshine. I like all the 7's—7 marathons in 7 states in 7 days at 70 and 7 families going to Camp Sunshine.
Thanks, Walter for all the driving and keeping the beer cold. Thanks, Mike Smith for all your help with the fundraiser. I would not have raised half as much without your help.
A special thanks to everyone who donated. Thanks to your donations seven families will be spending a week at Camp Sunshine where they can relax, meet other families with the same problems, get counseling, and just enjoy a week in Maine.
To Donate:
Camp Sunshine fundraiser donations can still be made at crowdrise.com.
Enter "Mike Brooks" to find the fundraiser.
Or, you can mail checks to:
Camp Sunshine
35 Acadia Road
Casco, ME, 04015
Race #5 was a on a two-loop course. The south loop was paved with two hills, one very steep but short. This loop had excellent views of the Mississippi River with the constant movement of barges. The second loop was on a grass trail through Civil War Earthworks.
This was by far the toughest course, but also the most scenic. It took 18 loops for the marathon. It poured on our way to the race, but it turned out to be a hot, humid sunny day. I was still feeling good and having fun each day. Afterwards, an easy 60-mile drive and we were at our motel just two miles from the next race site.
Marathon #6: Missouri (April 22, 2016)
Race #6 was in a city park in Cape Girardeau, Mo. The course was a 2.62-mile out-and-back paved trail with easy hills and partially shaded. It was sunny and warm. I should mention that all the courses were open to the public and I did get some strange looks for wearing a garter belt. What did they think, I wonder?
We had to stay about 30 miles north of the next race, but it was an easy two-hour drive including checking out the race site. Most of the meals we ate during the series were fast food. This was partly necessary because of limited time and my brother not liking to try new food.
Well, this night Brother Walter had a craving for Kentucky Fried Chicken. Did I mention he has Crones Disease? KFC had a buffet and Walter really loaded up on the fried chicken, big mistake. He was sick all night and part of the next day, blaming it on the Colonel. He swears he will never do that again.
Marathon #7: Illinois (April 23, 2016)
Race #7 was the easiest course. Tunnel Hill State Park in Vienna, Ill., was the location of this 2.184-mile out-and-back course on a gravel rail trail. Mike Smith from Camp Sunshine came down with his son Caleb to run the marathon with me. Mike had never done a marathon and I was hoping to get a little revenge.
In 2009 I told Mike I was planning on doing a Ten Day race in New York City as a fundraiser for Camp Sunshine. Mike came up with the idea that I should run 500 miles! I told Mike, "That is 50 miles a day. I am 64 and think that goal is a little much." Well, Mike talked me into trying for 500. I did fine the first six days—330 plus miles despite record-breaking heat. I had severe back pain the last four days but only needed 31 miles the last day. I could only go 100 feet and would have to stop, stretch, and sometimes roll on the ground.
Well, I came up short in that race, 491 miles, but I raised $11,000 for Camp Sunshine, $1,000 more than my goal. That was the most painful race I have ever done and the 500-mile goal was the reason. This is why I wanted to see Mike suffer a little in this marathon (smile).
Mike started the marathon, developed a hot spot or blister on his heel and was having some back pain. After a few more miles he felt better and finished the marathon in good shape, bummer. I did a 30-minute TV interview during the race, which included running back and forth in front of the camera. Guess what? The mic was not on so I had to do about 15 minutes of it over again. Mike finished before me, and I was presented a beautiful stain glass award for my fundraising efforts.
We drove partway to Memphis and spent the next day touring Memphis. We had a 6 a.m. flight the next morning and it turned into the trip from hell. Our flight left late so we missed our connection in D.C. Our standby flight was overbooked. We finally got on a plane only to wait almost two hours on the ground because our flight plan somehow got lost. Going up and down stairs to shuttle buses with my luggage did in my knee. I am just glad it happened after the races.
I also just found out I am going to have open heart surgery in July and hope to have my knee replaced in January. I was told over two years ago not to run because of my heart, so I am looking forward to getting this valve and knee replaced. Hopefully I will come out better. Lucky me that everything held together during the races.
The Camp Sunshine fundraiser is a big success. So far we have raised $17,700, which is enough to send seven families to Camp Sunshine. I like all the 7's—7 marathons in 7 states in 7 days at 70 and 7 families going to Camp Sunshine.
Thanks, Walter for all the driving and keeping the beer cold. Thanks, Mike Smith for all your help with the fundraiser. I would not have raised half as much without your help.
A special thanks to everyone who donated. Thanks to your donations seven families will be spending a week at Camp Sunshine where they can relax, meet other families with the same problems, get counseling, and just enjoy a week in Maine.
To Donate:
Camp Sunshine fundraiser donations can still be made at crowdrise.com.
Enter "Mike Brooks" to find the fundraiser.
Or, you can mail checks to:
Camp Sunshine
35 Acadia Road
Casco, ME, 04015
Congratulations, Mike! Your fundraising and running efforts and generosity are inspiring! We wish you all the best with your upcoming heart surgery and knee replacement.
Do you have an interesting race report to share with fellow Striders? Please let us know by contacting alicia@macleay.com.
Do you have an interesting race report to share with fellow Striders? Please let us know by contacting alicia@macleay.com.
- Published on
The 6th annual Run/Walk Trek for Life 5K will be held Saturday, June 25, at 9 a.m. at Thomas College in Waterville. The race benefits Hospice Volunteers of Waterville Area and L.N. Clark Inspiration Network.
Advance registration is available online. Check-in and day-of registration starts at 8 a.m. The race starts at 9 a.m. and begins and ends at Thomas College.
The race route begins at 180 West River Road in Waterville at Thomas College and proceeds north towards Kennedy Memorial Drive. The route turns around at Roland Street and back then past the start to Eaglewood Drive (the sports fields) and down the back way through campus to the finish line.
Long-time Strider member Donnajean Pohlman is the event's race director.
Registration is $20. Register today!
Hospice Volunteers of Waterville Area (HVWA) is a non-profit organization founded in 1980 that serves 27 communities in Central Maine. It exists to provide non-medical support to individuals and their families during the last phases of life, to loved ones throughout the grieving process, and to educate the community regarding issues related to death and grieving. Bereavement services are available to anyone who has sustained loss either through illness or unexpectedly. HVWA is volunteer based and community funded.
The L.N. Clark Inspiration Network is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, established in 2008. Its goal is to help Maine cancer patients and their families. So many people need support and services in many areas during their medical oncology journey. Its passion is to lighten the burden and stress for the individuals in a meaningful way. A cancer patient's journey is a massive challenge; trying to get help should not be.
To register: https://runsignup.com/Race/ME/Waterville/TrekforLife5K
Advance registration is available online. Check-in and day-of registration starts at 8 a.m. The race starts at 9 a.m. and begins and ends at Thomas College.
The race route begins at 180 West River Road in Waterville at Thomas College and proceeds north towards Kennedy Memorial Drive. The route turns around at Roland Street and back then past the start to Eaglewood Drive (the sports fields) and down the back way through campus to the finish line.
Long-time Strider member Donnajean Pohlman is the event's race director.
Registration is $20. Register today!
Hospice Volunteers of Waterville Area (HVWA) is a non-profit organization founded in 1980 that serves 27 communities in Central Maine. It exists to provide non-medical support to individuals and their families during the last phases of life, to loved ones throughout the grieving process, and to educate the community regarding issues related to death and grieving. Bereavement services are available to anyone who has sustained loss either through illness or unexpectedly. HVWA is volunteer based and community funded.
The L.N. Clark Inspiration Network is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, established in 2008. Its goal is to help Maine cancer patients and their families. So many people need support and services in many areas during their medical oncology journey. Its passion is to lighten the burden and stress for the individuals in a meaningful way. A cancer patient's journey is a massive challenge; trying to get help should not be.
To register: https://runsignup.com/Race/ME/Waterville/TrekforLife5K
- Published on
The fourth annual Quarry Road Summer Race Series kicks off on Tuesday, June 7, with a 3K trail race at Watervillle’s Quarry Road Trails.
The series, a favorite amongst local runners, offers weekly races most Tuesday nights, starting on June 7 and continuing through August 16. Races start at 6 p.m. and distances alternate between 3K, 5K, and 8K. Free weekly fun runs for youth 12 and under are held at 5:30 p.m.
Runners can pre-register online for the entire nine-race series for $35 at www.quarryroadraces.com/registration.html
Runners also can register for individual races for $5 the day of starting at 5 p.m. All race proceeds benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs and YMCA of Greater Waterville.
Last summer, more than 250 runners participated in the series. Numbers are expected to rise in 2016, according to Race Director Patrick Guerette, who organizes the series with support from the Central Maine Striders running club.
“We’re fortunate to have access to such an amazing facility right in our backyard,” said Guerette of the Quarry Road multi-use trails. “Each year runners bring more and more friends to the series to try it out. They have a great time, and keep coming back.”
Each week the overall Male and Female finishers will receive a gift card from that week’s race sponsor. 2016 sponsors include The End Zone, Selah Tea, Downtown Smoothie, It's A Good Pizza, and Big G’s Deli.
Series runners also compete for Overall and Age Group awards sponsored by New Balance, with their best time at each of the three distances (3K, 5K, and 8K) totaled into the overall standings.
Fun run sponsor Inland Hospital provides healthy prizes for each youth that finishes the weekly fun run.
“The series is a great way to get in a workout with other runners from around Central Maine on some beautiful trails,” said Brendan Gilpatrick, Central Maine Striders club vice president.
“The Quarry Road trail races are fun, family-friendly, and welcoming for runners of all abilities,” said Alicia MacLeay, a Central Maine Striders board member and series participant. “And the trails add an extra level of interest and challenge. You’ll see everyone out there from kids completing their first race to top local runners blazing down the trails.”
Series Schedule
Featured races start at 6 p.m. Day-of registration opens at 5 p.m. Kids fun runs start at 5:30 p.m.
June 7: 3K
June 14: 5K
June 21: 8K
June 28: Makeup or Course Previews
July 5: 3K
July 12: 5K
July 19: 8K
July 26: Makeup or Course Previews
August 2: 8K
August 9: 5K
August 16: 3K & Awards
August 23: Makeup or Course Previews
For more info on the Quarry Road Summer Race Series, please visit www.quarryroadraces.com.
###
Contact: Patrick Guerette_
207-873-0684
pguerette@alfondyouthcenter.org
www.quarryroadraces.com
The series, a favorite amongst local runners, offers weekly races most Tuesday nights, starting on June 7 and continuing through August 16. Races start at 6 p.m. and distances alternate between 3K, 5K, and 8K. Free weekly fun runs for youth 12 and under are held at 5:30 p.m.
Runners can pre-register online for the entire nine-race series for $35 at www.quarryroadraces.com/registration.html
Runners also can register for individual races for $5 the day of starting at 5 p.m. All race proceeds benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs and YMCA of Greater Waterville.
Last summer, more than 250 runners participated in the series. Numbers are expected to rise in 2016, according to Race Director Patrick Guerette, who organizes the series with support from the Central Maine Striders running club.
“We’re fortunate to have access to such an amazing facility right in our backyard,” said Guerette of the Quarry Road multi-use trails. “Each year runners bring more and more friends to the series to try it out. They have a great time, and keep coming back.”
Each week the overall Male and Female finishers will receive a gift card from that week’s race sponsor. 2016 sponsors include The End Zone, Selah Tea, Downtown Smoothie, It's A Good Pizza, and Big G’s Deli.
Series runners also compete for Overall and Age Group awards sponsored by New Balance, with their best time at each of the three distances (3K, 5K, and 8K) totaled into the overall standings.
Fun run sponsor Inland Hospital provides healthy prizes for each youth that finishes the weekly fun run.
“The series is a great way to get in a workout with other runners from around Central Maine on some beautiful trails,” said Brendan Gilpatrick, Central Maine Striders club vice president.
“The Quarry Road trail races are fun, family-friendly, and welcoming for runners of all abilities,” said Alicia MacLeay, a Central Maine Striders board member and series participant. “And the trails add an extra level of interest and challenge. You’ll see everyone out there from kids completing their first race to top local runners blazing down the trails.”
Series Schedule
Featured races start at 6 p.m. Day-of registration opens at 5 p.m. Kids fun runs start at 5:30 p.m.
June 7: 3K
June 14: 5K
June 21: 8K
June 28: Makeup or Course Previews
July 5: 3K
July 12: 5K
July 19: 8K
July 26: Makeup or Course Previews
August 2: 8K
August 9: 5K
August 16: 3K & Awards
August 23: Makeup or Course Previews
For more info on the Quarry Road Summer Race Series, please visit www.quarryroadraces.com.
###
Contact: Patrick Guerette_
207-873-0684
pguerette@alfondyouthcenter.org
www.quarryroadraces.com
- Published on
Long-time Strider Erzsie Nagy sent in this race report from New Zealand where she is studying abroad. Erzsie is a junior at Middlebury College, where she runs cross country and track. When she competed for Lawrence High School, she was a multiple state champion and all-time fastest high school girl in the 800 meters.
by Erzsie Nagy
While it was definitely a hard decision to miss track season this spring at Middlebury, I am 100 percent sure that I made the right choice in studying abroad here in New Zealand. The only time that I’ve been on a track this semester was during a casual beer mile, but that’s not to say that I haven’t been racing.
I have been lucky (or crazy…?) enough to compete in some really cool mountain races, which has been something that I’ve always wanted to do. Unlike any races I have ever done, I am learning the beauty of racing on trails for over an hour at a time.
The first mountain race I entered here was called Three Peaks, a 26-km course that covered three mountains. This was my first time running with a backpack because we had to carry compulsory gear (leggings, rain jacket, gloves, hat) in case the weather took a turn for the worse. After my first experience with mountain races several weeks ago, my love of running was definitely revitalized. Running the Three Peaks mountain race was unlike anything I had ever done, and it pushed the preconceived limits that I had set for myself.
Once my legs had recovered from that 26-km adventure, I searched for another opportunity to test myself. Luckily, New Zealand has heaps of these things; I discovered the Queenstown Mountain Run and signed up after convincing a couple of friends to run it with me. I hadn’t been to Queenstown yet, and this seemed like a pretty solid excuse to visit.
I tried to think back to Three Peaks and my mentality going into that race. One of the reasons that I think it went so well for me was because I had no expectations. I ran to finish, to see what I was capable of, because it seemed like a cool thing to try out. Admittedly, it was harder to have that mindset for the Queenstown Mountain Run because I knew from that experience that I had a chance to place highly.
There were 4km, 8km, and 12km races, so naturally I picked the longest one! Because it rained the ENTIRE week in Queenstown leading up to the race, the courses had to be changed. So the race was essentially a hill workout on crack.
For the 12km race, we completed four loops up to the Skyline gondola and then back to a midway point along the course (but I think this was actually easier than the initial course because of the large amount of downhill in between each ascent).
I was surprisingly pretty calm at the starting line, and three key lessons that I learned from Three Peaks really helped me:
On the fourth and final loop, I was passed by the woman who ended up winning the women’s open 12 km. I was less than a minute behind her, and while it would have been nice to win (obviously), I did what I could. I am realizing more that I can only control myself during a race so there is no point in worrying about my competitors. When I was passed, I didn’t quit. I pushed myself the right amount and crossed the finish line in about an hour and a half, smiling!
It is so nice to finish a race without the delirium that I have been battling the past two cross-country seasons. I felt so accomplished and proud of my body, and I remembered the entire thing! And now NO hill on any cross-country course will ever feel impossible.
While it was definitely a hard decision to miss track season this spring at Middlebury, I am 100 percent sure that I made the right choice in studying abroad here in New Zealand. The only time that I’ve been on a track this semester was during a casual beer mile, but that’s not to say that I haven’t been racing.
I have been lucky (or crazy…?) enough to compete in some really cool mountain races, which has been something that I’ve always wanted to do. Unlike any races I have ever done, I am learning the beauty of racing on trails for over an hour at a time.
The first mountain race I entered here was called Three Peaks, a 26-km course that covered three mountains. This was my first time running with a backpack because we had to carry compulsory gear (leggings, rain jacket, gloves, hat) in case the weather took a turn for the worse. After my first experience with mountain races several weeks ago, my love of running was definitely revitalized. Running the Three Peaks mountain race was unlike anything I had ever done, and it pushed the preconceived limits that I had set for myself.
Once my legs had recovered from that 26-km adventure, I searched for another opportunity to test myself. Luckily, New Zealand has heaps of these things; I discovered the Queenstown Mountain Run and signed up after convincing a couple of friends to run it with me. I hadn’t been to Queenstown yet, and this seemed like a pretty solid excuse to visit.
I tried to think back to Three Peaks and my mentality going into that race. One of the reasons that I think it went so well for me was because I had no expectations. I ran to finish, to see what I was capable of, because it seemed like a cool thing to try out. Admittedly, it was harder to have that mindset for the Queenstown Mountain Run because I knew from that experience that I had a chance to place highly.
There were 4km, 8km, and 12km races, so naturally I picked the longest one! Because it rained the ENTIRE week in Queenstown leading up to the race, the courses had to be changed. So the race was essentially a hill workout on crack.
For the 12km race, we completed four loops up to the Skyline gondola and then back to a midway point along the course (but I think this was actually easier than the initial course because of the large amount of downhill in between each ascent).
I was surprisingly pretty calm at the starting line, and three key lessons that I learned from Three Peaks really helped me:
- It’s okay to walk!! Seriously. Walk. While I had initially imagined that you are supposed to RUN for the entirety of mountain races, I quickly learned the importance of walking. It saves so much energy and (sadly enough) can be just as fast. And apart from the wicked fast guys floating up the course like gazelles, I wasn’t getting passed when I walked. Because everyone else was walking too! I would try to lean forward and press down on my legs in an effort to power up each hill. Then, I would start to run again when I was ready, which brings me to my next point:
If you can control your breathing, you have ultimate control over your body. My dad has preached this to me before, and what do you know? I think he’s on to something. I use this tool as a way to check in with my body on my regular runs, but I find it especially helpful during these tough races. I time my breathing with my stride, which is almost like having gears while I’m running. An easy pace is as much as five strides spent inhaling and four spent exhaling (always one more breath in than out); four in-three out is also a pretty casual pace. During the race, I find that I can sustain three in-two out. This feels like an effort, but I know that I can keep up this pace for a while.
When I couldn’t hold this breathing pattern and could only manage two strides per inhale, that’s when I started to walk. I knew that if I was to continue running, things would rapidly deteriorate (i.e. collapsing/memory loss/delirium). Once I regained control of my breathing, I would continue running. This strategy helped SO much. I think this is especially helpful for me because I tend to push myself over my limits without realizing it; by controlling my breathing, I know that I have control over my body.
Don’t underestimate the downhills. Seriously. Don’t. I never imagined that running downhill was so difficult. But it takes extreme skill and strength. It also contributes the most to my post-race soreness (hello quads, I feel you). During Three Peaks, I was passed by more old guys on the downhill sections than I would like to admit. Yeah, those old guys will get you. I am still trying to find the right balance of running downhill safely and quickly. Because the course was so muddy in Queenstown, this made the safety part especially tricky.
I found it helpful to repeat words like smooth, confident, and light in my head. And I would do my best to NOT think about falling. As soon as you tell yourself not to fall, all you think about is the different ways in which you could fall. Positive thoughts only!
On the fourth and final loop, I was passed by the woman who ended up winning the women’s open 12 km. I was less than a minute behind her, and while it would have been nice to win (obviously), I did what I could. I am realizing more that I can only control myself during a race so there is no point in worrying about my competitors. When I was passed, I didn’t quit. I pushed myself the right amount and crossed the finish line in about an hour and a half, smiling!
It is so nice to finish a race without the delirium that I have been battling the past two cross-country seasons. I felt so accomplished and proud of my body, and I remembered the entire thing! And now NO hill on any cross-country course will ever feel impossible.
Erzsie finished the 26km Three Peaks Mountain Race on April 10, 2016, as the second place female in 2:51:00. She finished the 13km Queenstown Mountain Run on May 14, 2016, as the second place open female in 1:29:00.223.
Congratulations, Erzsie! Thanks for sharing, this race report and representing Striders so well in New Zealand.
Do you have an interesting race report to share with your fellow Striders members? Please let us know by contacting alicia@macleay.com.
Congratulations, Erzsie! Thanks for sharing, this race report and representing Striders so well in New Zealand.
Do you have an interesting race report to share with your fellow Striders members? Please let us know by contacting alicia@macleay.com.
- Published on
Central Maine Striders
Wednesday 5/11/16, 6pm
Attended by: Gines Satchi, Patrick, Kristina and Hudson Guerette, Ron Peck, Tom McGuire, Brendan Gilpatrick, Jim Moore, Donna Jean, Ron Paquette, Rosalea Kimball, Beth Bridger
Membership report (Ginesh) - about the same as we were last year
Treasurer’s report (Ron Peck) - no treasurer activity since last meeting
Discussion:
Next Meeting: No set date. Meetings may be on hiatus for the summer. We will probably have an impromptu meeting after one of the Quarry Road races when / if necessary
Wednesday 5/11/16, 6pm
Attended by: Gines Satchi, Patrick, Kristina and Hudson Guerette, Ron Peck, Tom McGuire, Brendan Gilpatrick, Jim Moore, Donna Jean, Ron Paquette, Rosalea Kimball, Beth Bridger
Membership report (Ginesh) - about the same as we were last year
Treasurer’s report (Ron Peck) - no treasurer activity since last meeting
Discussion:
- Gear - Brendan is looking into on-demand website
- Weekly runs - Wednesdays at 5:15, various locations TBD. Post on facebook & add to CMS calendar
- Pro Deals - possibility of discounts at Running Warehouse, Maine Running Co
- CMS Event at Quarry Road - a BBQ or other type of social event after the final race (Aug 16, weather dependent)
- Tom asked about tracking members’ race times for end-of-year awards. Ginesh suggested having a Friday “roll call” asking who’s doing what races over the weekend, and asking for results/reports on Mondays via facebook
- Ron Paquette will be talking with the organizers of the New Balance 5k (Aug 27). Discussion to include CMS involvement.
- Rosalea is hoping to do a downhill mile race in Readfield as a fundraiser for her cross-country team. The race would be on a weeknight, possibly in late July. She asked for advice & suggestions about who to contact, race logistics, etc
Next Meeting: No set date. Meetings may be on hiatus for the summer. We will probably have an impromptu meeting after one of the Quarry Road races when / if necessary
- Published on
Central Maine Striders
Wednesday, April 13th, 2015 at 6:00pm
Alfond Youth Center Library
Attending: Alicia MacLeay, Tom McGuire, Ron Peck, Jim Moore
Report Outs:
Items of Discussion:
Next Meeting: May 11, 2016 @ Alfond Youth Center Library
Minutes noted by Ron Peck
Wednesday, April 13th, 2015 at 6:00pm
Alfond Youth Center Library
Attending: Alicia MacLeay, Tom McGuire, Ron Peck, Jim Moore
Report Outs:
- Treasurer’s Report by Ron Peck
- No major expenses expected
- Ron will talk to Patrick Guerette and Gines Satchithanandam about purchasing a new timer so that we have a backup
- Communication Report by Alicia MacLeay
- Ideas for newsletter were discussed
- Need to have an email address for the club besides the gmail address as that could potentially be sorted to ‘Spam’ or ‘Junk’ folders – info@centralmainestriders.com
Items of Discussion:
- Membership database
- Discussion of responsibility for keeping the RunSignUp database current
- Ron will look into it since he deposits checks from members who do not sign up or renew through the website
Next Meeting: May 11, 2016 @ Alfond Youth Center Library
Minutes noted by Ron Peck
- Published on
Strider member Mike Brooks of Benton, Maine, is celebrating his 70th birthday this year by attempting to run seven marathons in seven days in seven states—all to raise funds for Camp Sunshine.
Camp Sunshine, located on Maine's Sebago Lake, is a place of retreat for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families. The program is free of charge to families and includes on-site medical and psychosocial support.
Mike will take on his "Riverboat Challenge" April 17 through April 23 starting with a marathon in Louisiana, followed by ones in Arkansas, Mississippi, Tennessee, Kentucky, Missouri, and Illinois. Those seven marathons also will bring him closer to completing his 500th marathon.
An Auburn, Maine, firefighter for 33 years, Mike's transition from an overweight, two-pack a day smoker to an ultrarunning man is incredibly inspiring! He's completed the 135-mile Badwater Ultramarathon (and kept on going another 22 miles to the summit of Mt. Whitney), 24-hour races, the Sri Chinmoy Self-Transcendence Six Day Race (320 miles completed), and the Sri Chinmoy Self-Transcendence Ten Day Race (491 miles completed). And he's raised thousands of dollars for Camp Sunshine along the way.
Mike is currently just over halfway to his goal of raising $15,000 for this worthy cause.
You can read more about Mike, his marathon challenge, and donate to the fundraiser at:
https://www.crowdrise.com/mikebrooks70thcelebration/fundraiser/campsunshineatsebago
Good luck, Mike! We're rooting for you.
Camp Sunshine, located on Maine's Sebago Lake, is a place of retreat for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families. The program is free of charge to families and includes on-site medical and psychosocial support.
Mike will take on his "Riverboat Challenge" April 17 through April 23 starting with a marathon in Louisiana, followed by ones in Arkansas, Mississippi, Tennessee, Kentucky, Missouri, and Illinois. Those seven marathons also will bring him closer to completing his 500th marathon.
An Auburn, Maine, firefighter for 33 years, Mike's transition from an overweight, two-pack a day smoker to an ultrarunning man is incredibly inspiring! He's completed the 135-mile Badwater Ultramarathon (and kept on going another 22 miles to the summit of Mt. Whitney), 24-hour races, the Sri Chinmoy Self-Transcendence Six Day Race (320 miles completed), and the Sri Chinmoy Self-Transcendence Ten Day Race (491 miles completed). And he's raised thousands of dollars for Camp Sunshine along the way.
Mike is currently just over halfway to his goal of raising $15,000 for this worthy cause.
You can read more about Mike, his marathon challenge, and donate to the fundraiser at:
https://www.crowdrise.com/mikebrooks70thcelebration/fundraiser/campsunshineatsebago
Good luck, Mike! We're rooting for you.
- Published on
Longtime Striders member Jerry Allanach of Naperville, Illinois, sent in the following race report after running the Catalina Island Marathon in California this March.
Striders like Gene Roy and Ron Paquette that ran with me back in the '80s will likely recall how much I have always loved this California trail run. While starting and finishing at sea level, in between the roller-coaster run through mountains adds an estimated 4,310 vertical feet of climbing, and of course that means you also have to experience a much more muscle punishing 4,310 feet of running downhill.
Since I’m getting near the end of my marathon days I decided to run it for the first time in seven years on March 19, 2016. It was my 13th Catalina Marathon and as usual it was a great experience. As we age we have to get somewhat creative when claiming victory, so here is my self-proclaimed marathon triple crown.
Striders like Gene Roy and Ron Paquette that ran with me back in the '80s will likely recall how much I have always loved this California trail run. While starting and finishing at sea level, in between the roller-coaster run through mountains adds an estimated 4,310 vertical feet of climbing, and of course that means you also have to experience a much more muscle punishing 4,310 feet of running downhill.
Since I’m getting near the end of my marathon days I decided to run it for the first time in seven years on March 19, 2016. It was my 13th Catalina Marathon and as usual it was a great experience. As we age we have to get somewhat creative when claiming victory, so here is my self-proclaimed marathon triple crown.
Win # 1: Me vs. The Deer
About 4.5 miles into the marathon I encountered a deer, but as I ran it down from behind and flew by it, I got kicked in the leg!
OK, that is a pretty big fish story. Here’s what really happened. The spooked deer tried to jump from a banking height of about 8 feet across the path at the same time I was going by and ran into me. I held my spot, and a forearm shove to try to avoid a collision sent the deer tumbling down the embankment on the other side, but one hoof did catch my left leg.
As many marathons as I’ve run, I can truthfully say that this has never happened to me before!
Win # 2: Me vs. The Dwindling Number of People in My Age Bracket
Now in my second year of the 65-69 age group, I’m finding that I seem to have basically outlasted my competition. With my age group generally comprising one percent or less of the overall field, I have been known to win my age group while simultaneously finishing last in my age group.
At Catalina I managed to win my age group, even though I wasn’t the only one in my age group! The race obviously attracts more “mature” runners, as this time my age group comprised a whopping three percent of the overall field.
Win # 3: Just an Overall Fun Weekend with Good Friends
What has always been the best part of running for me has been the camaraderie with the other runners. I can’t begin to tell you how many hundreds of friends that I have made over the years through running. So whenever I run if there are friends there, and sometimes that is even friends made during a run, I definitely feel like a winner.
There is an interesting story behind the two friends that are pictured with me, Arthur Cookson from California and Tom Burns from Virginia. Years ago while running a marathon in Barbados I met Mark from Irvine, Calif. We formed an instant friendship and so swapped contact information. When we subsequently got together for a run he introduced me to Kim from Rossmoor, Calif., who immediately recognized me as a Catalina Marathoner.
A couple years later Kim introduced me to Arthur of Redondo Beach. A few more years and Arthur introduced me to Tom from Virginia. Last fall the circle was completed as Tom introduced me to John who lives about 1.5 miles from me in Naperville, Illinois!
Enjoy the roads and the many friendships that you make along them!
About 4.5 miles into the marathon I encountered a deer, but as I ran it down from behind and flew by it, I got kicked in the leg!
OK, that is a pretty big fish story. Here’s what really happened. The spooked deer tried to jump from a banking height of about 8 feet across the path at the same time I was going by and ran into me. I held my spot, and a forearm shove to try to avoid a collision sent the deer tumbling down the embankment on the other side, but one hoof did catch my left leg.
As many marathons as I’ve run, I can truthfully say that this has never happened to me before!
Win # 2: Me vs. The Dwindling Number of People in My Age Bracket
Now in my second year of the 65-69 age group, I’m finding that I seem to have basically outlasted my competition. With my age group generally comprising one percent or less of the overall field, I have been known to win my age group while simultaneously finishing last in my age group.
At Catalina I managed to win my age group, even though I wasn’t the only one in my age group! The race obviously attracts more “mature” runners, as this time my age group comprised a whopping three percent of the overall field.
Win # 3: Just an Overall Fun Weekend with Good Friends
What has always been the best part of running for me has been the camaraderie with the other runners. I can’t begin to tell you how many hundreds of friends that I have made over the years through running. So whenever I run if there are friends there, and sometimes that is even friends made during a run, I definitely feel like a winner.
There is an interesting story behind the two friends that are pictured with me, Arthur Cookson from California and Tom Burns from Virginia. Years ago while running a marathon in Barbados I met Mark from Irvine, Calif. We formed an instant friendship and so swapped contact information. When we subsequently got together for a run he introduced me to Kim from Rossmoor, Calif., who immediately recognized me as a Catalina Marathoner.
A couple years later Kim introduced me to Arthur of Redondo Beach. A few more years and Arthur introduced me to Tom from Virginia. Last fall the circle was completed as Tom introduced me to John who lives about 1.5 miles from me in Naperville, Illinois!
Enjoy the roads and the many friendships that you make along them!
Thanks for sharing, Jerry!
Do you have an interesting race report to share with your fellow Striders members? Please let us know by contacting alicia@macleay.com.
Do you have an interesting race report to share with your fellow Striders members? Please let us know by contacting alicia@macleay.com.
- Published on
Below please find the 2015 annual financial report for Central Maine Striders, courtesy of the club's treasurer, Ron Peck.