OK, so I'm a lazy blogger. But better late than never, especially with a race the caliber of the Sybil Ludington 50K. It was held on Saturday, April 21 on a single loop road course starting and finishing in Carmel, NY. The race pays tribute to Sybil Ludington, a 16-year-old girl who rode her horse through the area, roughly the race course, warning the area colonists of approaching British troops in 1777.
The race has a long history itself, with the 2012 edition being the 34th straight running. It was only my third running, however, with a 4th and a 3rd place finish behind me. The weather looked good at the start, and we were off. I ran the first dozen or so miles in a small front pack that included Tomasz Kochanowicz, a Polish native living in North Carolina, and Scott Delongchamps. After about 13 miles, just as Tomasz was pulling away from me, Aaron Heath comes flying by as if I were standing still. I wasn't going to try to catch him, as I was running under 7:00/mile pace, about as fast as I wanted to, knowing I'd have to have something left for the upcoming hills.
And up they came. From about mile 16-26 the course makes some tough climbs, and my pace slowed. But I was still able to keep Tomasz in sight, about 100 yards ahead. Aaron was too far ahead to see. And every time I thought I was pulling closer to Tomasz, he managed to pull back ahead to keep me at bay. I knew I'd be happy with a 3rd-place finish and hoping for a course PR, but I also glanced behind me to see if anyone was catching up, especially Byron Lane, who has a habit of doing that to me! But this time he wasn't to be seen.
So that's how the race finished, with Aaron winning with a time of 3:37:25, Tomasz second with 3:40:58, and me third in 3:41:32. I was, however, disappointed to realize that it wasn't a course PR - I ran 3:39 in the cold rain of 2006! Byron finished next with 3:56:20.
For the women, Taconic RR member Emmy Stocker won on her home course with 4:52:57, followed by Barbara Sorrell and Jennifer Tibangin.
As usual, the best part is chatting with the runners before and after the race at the Carmel VFW hall. Ultrarunners are such a great community! Big thanks to David Farquhar and Tony Galfano, RD's, for their amazing work! Also to Tony Trujillo for the post-race massage, and Rich Innamorato for the ride. Those in the NYC metropolitan area who haven't run it should give it a try next year.
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Race Report: BUS 6-Hour Run
Better late than never, here's my report on the BUS 6-Hour Race, held on March 31 in Crocheron Park, Queens. The race was held in conjunction with the annual New York Ultrarunning Grand Prix awards brunch (or lunch), where top local runners of 2011 are recognized.
But before the awards, there was a 6-hour race to run. The weather was cold, considering the warm late winter and spring, low 40's, some spotty rain, and fairly breezy conditions, especially on the backstretch by the gazebos. Of all the races I've run in Crocheron Park, this is the first time the start/finish has been near the tennis courts. This was done because we were given permission to use the indoor space there, which was small but very welcome, being heated!
Oh yeah, the race. I came in hoping for a PR (currently about 47.6 miles), and hoping for an outside shot at 50 miles, and I started out aggressively on about a 50-mile pace. Tommy Pyon still ran ahead of me, but I fell into second place behind him. I ran a while even with Aaron Heath (who beat me at the 6-Hour Birthday Run last October), but I pulled ahead of him eventually. I was able to keep on the same fast pace for about the first half before slowing down. And as I slowed, Byron Lane eventually caught up with me, and we ran together for a couple of laps before he pulled ahead. Eventually Aaron passed me as well, and Tommy lapped me a couple of times. My energy was lapsing, but I still finished with a good total of 45+ miles and 4th place. Tommy, Aaron and Byron were 1st, 2nd and 3rd. For the women, Jodi Kartes-Heino won in a close race with Shannon McGinn, who was really pouring it on at the end.
But this was my first race of any distance this year, so it was good to be back out there, chatting with friends, and taking a stroll through my home away from home (away from home), Crocheron Park.
At the Grand Prix awards lunch, I also was blessed with the 2011 Grand Prix Championship, my third time winning the award. Jodi took home the women's honors.
But before the awards, there was a 6-hour race to run. The weather was cold, considering the warm late winter and spring, low 40's, some spotty rain, and fairly breezy conditions, especially on the backstretch by the gazebos. Of all the races I've run in Crocheron Park, this is the first time the start/finish has been near the tennis courts. This was done because we were given permission to use the indoor space there, which was small but very welcome, being heated!
Oh yeah, the race. I came in hoping for a PR (currently about 47.6 miles), and hoping for an outside shot at 50 miles, and I started out aggressively on about a 50-mile pace. Tommy Pyon still ran ahead of me, but I fell into second place behind him. I ran a while even with Aaron Heath (who beat me at the 6-Hour Birthday Run last October), but I pulled ahead of him eventually. I was able to keep on the same fast pace for about the first half before slowing down. And as I slowed, Byron Lane eventually caught up with me, and we ran together for a couple of laps before he pulled ahead. Eventually Aaron passed me as well, and Tommy lapped me a couple of times. My energy was lapsing, but I still finished with a good total of 45+ miles and 4th place. Tommy, Aaron and Byron were 1st, 2nd and 3rd. For the women, Jodi Kartes-Heino won in a close race with Shannon McGinn, who was really pouring it on at the end.
But this was my first race of any distance this year, so it was good to be back out there, chatting with friends, and taking a stroll through my home away from home (away from home), Crocheron Park.
At the Grand Prix awards lunch, I also was blessed with the 2011 Grand Prix Championship, my third time winning the award. Jodi took home the women's honors.
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Bridge of the Week #81: Meadow Lake Bridge #2
This week's bridge is the second near Meadow Lake in Flushing Meadows Corona Park, that spans the mighty Flushing River. This one is at the southern end of the lake, near Jewel Ave. It's a basic steel and concrete bridge like the other. It does have a sidewalk, but the roadway is so seldom used by motor vehicles (to which access may be restricted I think) that there's usually no problem just running in the roadway.
This bridge you would run across if running a loop around the lake, roughly 2 miles, or could be used if running into Flushing Meadows from the Kew Gardens area to the south and west. Many ultras have been staged near and around Meadow Lake, including the Sri Chinmoy 6- and 10-day races every April.
Meadow Lake, and Willow Lake across Jewel Ave. to the south, are both man-made lakes created for parkland in accordance with the 1939 World's Fair. Meadow Lake is actually the largest lake in New York City, at 93 acres. There are drainage issues, however, and the surrounding land does frequently flood, especially on the western edge.
Monday, March 12, 2012
Bridge of the Week #80: Meadow Lake Bridge #1
This week's bridge is one of two in Flushing Meadows Corona Park in Queens that cross the Flushing River in the area of Meadow Lake. This one is on the north side of the lake, where the water flows out towards Flushing Bay. I was originally not planning to include these bridges, as I generally am not interested in footbridges over park ponds, but decided to include these because they are accessible to motor vehicles (although I believe somewhat restricted), and the Flushing River is a genuine natural waterway, although it is routed underground through much of the park.
This bridge itself is a simple concrete and steel bridge. It's not very long, as you can see from the picture above. It has a wide sidewalk that is separated from the vehicular traffic by a concrete barrier. There are picnic areas and nice park facilities in the area, the Amphitheater, built for the 1964 World's Fair, is just to the west. It's a nice place to run, and can be included in a loop around Meadow Lake.
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Bridge of the Week #79: Rockaway Blvd. Bridge #2
I may have gotten behind, but I haven't forgotten about the bridges. This week's bridge is the second bridge on Rockaway Blvd. in the Rosedale-Brookville area of eastern Queens, east of JFK Airport (the first being the last reviewed bridge).
This really isn't much of a bridge at all, something between a culver and a bridge, but I decided to put it one here anyway. The water that flows below is an offshoot of Thurston Basin, part of the network of tiny waterways at the eastern end of Jamaica Bay.
This section of Rockaway Blvd. between Springfield Gardens and Meadowmere Park looks like it's little-traveled by anyone on foot, but it is a couple miles of straight, flat sidewalk uninterrupted by intersections, so for runners who live in the area it could have some training benefits.
Friday, February 17, 2012
Run Report: 10 Years of Ultrarunning
Today, February 17, 2012 marks the 10th anniversary of my first ultra – the Kurt Steiner 50K, held in Central Park, NY, in conjunction with the famed Metropolitan 50-miler. So I thought it would be a good time to go back and think about my 10 years of ultrarunning. To say it’s taken me places and given me unforgettable experiences I never dreamed I’d have is the understatement of the year!
First, the numbers, since I’m a numbers junkie. I’ve run and completed 69 ultras, plus one DNF (Rocky Raccoon 2007). These include 18 50K’s, 12 24-hour runs and 11 6-hour runs. Most-completed races include 7 times at the Caumsett Park 50K, 7 times at the 6-Hour 60th Birthday Run, and 4 times each at the New York Pioneer Memorial 100 Mile Trek, Joe Kleinerman 12-Hour, the Knickerbocker 60K, and the IAU 24-Hour World Championships (held in four different locations). My most-visited race location, my home away from home, is Crocheron Park in Queens, where I’ve raced nine times on its 1,709-yard loop for a total of 474 miles. My busiest year was 2008 with 10 ultras. Total miles raced in ultras is 4,890. I’ve run ultras in 10 states and 5 foreign countries. I’ve managed to win 17 ultras, my first win coming at the Extreme Workout 50/50, a 50K and 50 Mile race held on the East River Esplanade on Feb. 19, 2005. In that low-key race, 6 runners signed up, 3 started, and I was the only finisher, at 7:28:20. My wins also include two 24-hour national championships (2009 and 2011) and a 48-hour American record.
It’s hard to remember much about my first ultra, the 2002 Kurt Steiner 50K. I’d run four marathons prior to that (New York Marathons in 1997, 1998, 2000 and 2001) and I figured that I probably wouldn’t get too much faster, but I could always go farther. So, seeing the Metropolitan 50-Mile/Kurt Steiner 50K on the NYRRC calendar, I thought I’d take the leap. I don’t remember too much from that race, except that it was pretty cold, it was a different experience running the 4-mile loop in Central Park eight times (almost), without the hype of the New York Marathon. I remember the novelty of eating cookies during a race! And of course, I remember how glad I was to be finished! Back then, the NYRRC let us into their building before and after the race, and after they had hot tomato soup and hot chocolate. I didn’t chat a lot with the other runners, except for an Italian runner living in New York who finished a little bit ahead of me. Of course, I remember Richie Innamorato getting us going at the start and giving out awards at the finish. I finished 16th male and 18th overall with a time of 4:30:31.
I had a good time, but it was tough for me, and I don’t remember getting “hooked” at that time, or even thinking I wanted to keep doing this. But I think even then I had Badwater in my mind, and I was hoping to work my way up to that some day. So basically I built my way up to longer distances and more races.
Looking at the big picture, it’s interesting that many of my best races, especially early on, happened when I was an unknown and flew in under the radar to surprise people. Notably, I’m thinking of the 2004 Joe Kleinerman 12-Hour, when I finished second and became competitive locally, the 2006 Ultracentric 24-Hour (national championship) when I finished third and became competitive nationally, and the 2007 IAU 24-Hour world championships when I finished fourth and became competitive on the world stage. Unfortunately, or fortunately, it’s getting harder for me to fly in under the radar, but in a strange way, it’s reassuring that it’s still possible for me to be overlooked sometimes.
Just about every race was exciting and memorable and had its own highlights, but overall, the best part of ultrarunning is the community. It’s the other runners, volunteers and other people who keep you going when running loops over and over again, when cold and wet, when battling extreme heat, exhaustion, blisters and sleep deprivation. Everybody’s going through the same pain, suffering and challenges, and everybody reaps the rewards when the race is done.
And I feel so proud especially to be a part of the New York ultrarunning tradition, home of the founders of modern road racing and ultrarunning, and to have gotten to know many of the people who had a part in building that history, and continue to do so.
I know that over the next ten years my times will get slower, but the runs will be no less exciting or less rewarding. I can’t wait to see what lies ahead!
First, the numbers, since I’m a numbers junkie. I’ve run and completed 69 ultras, plus one DNF (Rocky Raccoon 2007). These include 18 50K’s, 12 24-hour runs and 11 6-hour runs. Most-completed races include 7 times at the Caumsett Park 50K, 7 times at the 6-Hour 60th Birthday Run, and 4 times each at the New York Pioneer Memorial 100 Mile Trek, Joe Kleinerman 12-Hour, the Knickerbocker 60K, and the IAU 24-Hour World Championships (held in four different locations). My most-visited race location, my home away from home, is Crocheron Park in Queens, where I’ve raced nine times on its 1,709-yard loop for a total of 474 miles. My busiest year was 2008 with 10 ultras. Total miles raced in ultras is 4,890. I’ve run ultras in 10 states and 5 foreign countries. I’ve managed to win 17 ultras, my first win coming at the Extreme Workout 50/50, a 50K and 50 Mile race held on the East River Esplanade on Feb. 19, 2005. In that low-key race, 6 runners signed up, 3 started, and I was the only finisher, at 7:28:20. My wins also include two 24-hour national championships (2009 and 2011) and a 48-hour American record.
It’s hard to remember much about my first ultra, the 2002 Kurt Steiner 50K. I’d run four marathons prior to that (New York Marathons in 1997, 1998, 2000 and 2001) and I figured that I probably wouldn’t get too much faster, but I could always go farther. So, seeing the Metropolitan 50-Mile/Kurt Steiner 50K on the NYRRC calendar, I thought I’d take the leap. I don’t remember too much from that race, except that it was pretty cold, it was a different experience running the 4-mile loop in Central Park eight times (almost), without the hype of the New York Marathon. I remember the novelty of eating cookies during a race! And of course, I remember how glad I was to be finished! Back then, the NYRRC let us into their building before and after the race, and after they had hot tomato soup and hot chocolate. I didn’t chat a lot with the other runners, except for an Italian runner living in New York who finished a little bit ahead of me. Of course, I remember Richie Innamorato getting us going at the start and giving out awards at the finish. I finished 16th male and 18th overall with a time of 4:30:31.
I had a good time, but it was tough for me, and I don’t remember getting “hooked” at that time, or even thinking I wanted to keep doing this. But I think even then I had Badwater in my mind, and I was hoping to work my way up to that some day. So basically I built my way up to longer distances and more races.
Looking at the big picture, it’s interesting that many of my best races, especially early on, happened when I was an unknown and flew in under the radar to surprise people. Notably, I’m thinking of the 2004 Joe Kleinerman 12-Hour, when I finished second and became competitive locally, the 2006 Ultracentric 24-Hour (national championship) when I finished third and became competitive nationally, and the 2007 IAU 24-Hour world championships when I finished fourth and became competitive on the world stage. Unfortunately, or fortunately, it’s getting harder for me to fly in under the radar, but in a strange way, it’s reassuring that it’s still possible for me to be overlooked sometimes.
Just about every race was exciting and memorable and had its own highlights, but overall, the best part of ultrarunning is the community. It’s the other runners, volunteers and other people who keep you going when running loops over and over again, when cold and wet, when battling extreme heat, exhaustion, blisters and sleep deprivation. Everybody’s going through the same pain, suffering and challenges, and everybody reaps the rewards when the race is done.
And I feel so proud especially to be a part of the New York ultrarunning tradition, home of the founders of modern road racing and ultrarunning, and to have gotten to know many of the people who had a part in building that history, and continue to do so.
I know that over the next ten years my times will get slower, but the runs will be no less exciting or less rewarding. I can’t wait to see what lies ahead!
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Run Report: Winter Group Long Runs
This is a week after the fact, but it's definitely worthy of mention. Last weekend I joined some friends for group long runs on both Saturday and Sunday. Saturday I led a group on a 32-mile run across all of the bridges of Manhattan Island, and Sunday Dave Obelkevich led his annual 32-mile run around Manhattan in honor of Ted Corbitt.
My bridge run is a repeat of a run I organized last March, which is why I called it the "2nd Occasional", since it's just basically whenever I feel like leading it. I first ran it solo a number of years ago, and thought it would be fun to have a group doing this urban "trek run" as I call it.
Posting the run on meetup.com and facebook, I got a good response with 17 runners joining us at least part way. 12 started at the George Washington Bridge Bus Terminal: besides myself there were Dave, Deanna, Louis, Amy, Maria, Leslie, Bill, Denis and three Mikes - A, O and S. After an out-and-back on the GWB, we proceeded to the Henry Hudson Bridge to zigzag across the Harlem River bridges between Manhattan and the Bronx. At first, the bridges are spaced apart a bit, but by the time you get to Yankee Stadium they're pretty close together until you cross the Triborough Bridge (I'm still calling it that). We had some runners stop partway, and some join us along the way - Grant joined us at 207th St., Susie and Brittany at Yankee Stadium, and another Mike O. and Elizabeth after the Triborough. The East River bridges are bigger and farther apart, so it can be exhausting, especially the Queensboro Bridge for me! But that just makes it all the more special to cross the Brooklyn Bridge into Manhattan for the finish!
We had five runners go the whole distance - Denis, Deanna, Dave, Michael S. and myself. But the best part was just running with the very cool people, making new friends and chatting and getting to know these fine folks better. And it seemed like the other runners had a good time, so I might lead another "trek run" soon.
Same thing with Sunday's run around Manhattan. This was a different crowd, many runners who I already knew well, like Dave O. and Alicja. But Dave's been holding this for many years, starting at his apartment on West 97th St., and going clockwise, taking three breaks roughly every eight miles. It was schedule to coincide with Ted Corbitt's birthday on Jan. 31, and when Ted was still alive he would meet the runners at their first break at 218th and Broadway. Our second break was at the apartment of Dave's friend Susan on East 86th St, and Susan put out refreshments for us. It was the least I could do to play a little Bach for her, even with my cold, stiff fingers! Our final break was at the Staten Island Ferry terminal, then on up back to Dave's apartment.
I love these winter group runs, because it gives motivation to get out there and go long in the cold, dark days, and makes it fun. So a big thanks to the 30-odd runners (NOT 30 odd runners) who I ran with last weekend. Happy running to all!
My bridge run is a repeat of a run I organized last March, which is why I called it the "2nd Occasional", since it's just basically whenever I feel like leading it. I first ran it solo a number of years ago, and thought it would be fun to have a group doing this urban "trek run" as I call it.
Posting the run on meetup.com and facebook, I got a good response with 17 runners joining us at least part way. 12 started at the George Washington Bridge Bus Terminal: besides myself there were Dave, Deanna, Louis, Amy, Maria, Leslie, Bill, Denis and three Mikes - A, O and S. After an out-and-back on the GWB, we proceeded to the Henry Hudson Bridge to zigzag across the Harlem River bridges between Manhattan and the Bronx. At first, the bridges are spaced apart a bit, but by the time you get to Yankee Stadium they're pretty close together until you cross the Triborough Bridge (I'm still calling it that). We had some runners stop partway, and some join us along the way - Grant joined us at 207th St., Susie and Brittany at Yankee Stadium, and another Mike O. and Elizabeth after the Triborough. The East River bridges are bigger and farther apart, so it can be exhausting, especially the Queensboro Bridge for me! But that just makes it all the more special to cross the Brooklyn Bridge into Manhattan for the finish!
We had five runners go the whole distance - Denis, Deanna, Dave, Michael S. and myself. But the best part was just running with the very cool people, making new friends and chatting and getting to know these fine folks better. And it seemed like the other runners had a good time, so I might lead another "trek run" soon.
Same thing with Sunday's run around Manhattan. This was a different crowd, many runners who I already knew well, like Dave O. and Alicja. But Dave's been holding this for many years, starting at his apartment on West 97th St., and going clockwise, taking three breaks roughly every eight miles. It was schedule to coincide with Ted Corbitt's birthday on Jan. 31, and when Ted was still alive he would meet the runners at their first break at 218th and Broadway. Our second break was at the apartment of Dave's friend Susan on East 86th St, and Susan put out refreshments for us. It was the least I could do to play a little Bach for her, even with my cold, stiff fingers! Our final break was at the Staten Island Ferry terminal, then on up back to Dave's apartment.
I love these winter group runs, because it gives motivation to get out there and go long in the cold, dark days, and makes it fun. So a big thanks to the 30-odd runners (NOT 30 odd runners) who I ran with last weekend. Happy running to all!
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