The Great Bay 5k / Race for a Healthy Estuary in Stratham / Greenland, NH

 Champlain Islands Marathon in South Hero, VT Updated.  

Last Blog update: 11/12/24

Please Note:  I am behind  with posting several races.  Been quite
busy lately, but this is just to let you all know more IS to come  for
this ever-evolving running story!!

This  particular  post  is for the Great Bay 5k / Race for a Healthy Estuary in Stratham / Greenland, NH -- which  took  place  on  Saturday, October 26, 2024 -- 17 days ago!!

This post is still being edited ...  

5K RACE RESULTS

Below are the results for men in the 75-79 division

 

Below are the results for women in the 70-74 division

 

 

 

 

 

The Champlain Islands Marathon in South Hero, VT

 15th Annual Abby's House 5k in West Boyleston, MA  Updated.  

Last Blog update: 11/12/24

Please Note:  I am behind  with posting several races.  Been quite
busy lately, but this is just to let you all know more IS to come  for
this ever-evolving running story!!

This  particular  post  is for the Champlain Islands Marathon in South Hero, VT -- which  took  place  on  Sunday, October 20, 2024 --
about 3 weeks ago!!

This post is completed

As was mentioned in the previous post, Donna had been giving serious thought to doing more marathons, but with a safe, longer-term plan in mind.  

FULL MARATHON RESULTS

The weather was quite chilly at first and wind was an issue.  This map (from her Strava) shows the course with Donna's very respectable finish time and pace at the bottom.  She placed 1st in her division (of 1).  She was taking care not to run too hard, but it's worth noting her finishing time was very close to the current Boston Marathon qualifying time for women in her age group (not considering the cut off times for entry).  That time has not changed this year for 2026 entry and is 4:50:00.  Her time was 4:53:17.

   

 

Some beautiful scenery 

 

The course on the way through some farmland

 

 

 

A before-race picture

 

15th Annual Abby's House 5k in West Boyleston, MA

Cape Ann Half Marathon Updated.  Last Blog update: 11/12/24

Please Note:  I am behind  with posting several races.  Been quite
busy lately, but this is just to let you all know more IS to come  for
this ever-evolving running story!!

This  particular  post  is for the 15th Annual Abby's House 5k in West
Boyleston, MA -- which  took  place  on  Saturday, October 19, 2024 --
about 3 weeks ago!!

This post is completed.

On Saturday, October 19, I wanted to race, but didn't feel quite ready to tackle another half marathon. The last 13.1 miler was as many days ago and I felt I needed a few shorter races prior to a planned Half on December 8th - The Frosty Half in Raynham, MA.  

Donna has very recently been entertaining FULL marathons (again) -- not as "all out" races, but as "stepping stones" -- run at slower than qualifying paces -- in order to prepare for a more ambitious racing plan in 2025 and beyond.  Her endeavor involves several other states in the country.  The "plan" it turns out is QUITE a popular one -- even to senior runners!  Running a 26.2 mile marathon in ALL 50 states CAN be done with excellent training and consistency.  Bob Kennedy, our past New England 65+ Running Club president did it 4 times in 4 years before his unfortunate bicycle accident in July which took his life.  He would have completed his 300th lifetime marathon on the weekend following his accident!  

So, while the idea and plan are still in its formative stages, Donna will be running the Champlain Valley FULL marathon in South Hero, Vermont tomorrow.  I ran this 3.1 mile race in West Boyleston, MA today.  The weather was cool and sunny!  I had a good day!  Recent hamstring issues  seemed not to effect my pace, so I was happy about that!

FULL RACE RESULTS

This picture is (obviously) a selfie taken prior to my heading out the door to West Boyleston.  I had picked up my bib prior to the race. 

   

A race photographer took this picture as I crossed the finish line.

 

 

This textual recap was typed and placed on the back of my running bib -- 2828 -- after getting home.  I placed 2nd out of 6 men in my division.

 

 

Around Cape Ann Half Marathon - Gloucester, MA

Overall Race Results

Male 70+ Division

 

  Female 70+ Division 

Yesterday morning Donna and I ran the [Around] Cape Ann Half Marathon in Gloucester, MA.  The weather was a slightly breezy 57 degrees at the start. We arrived at 7:00 AM at the bib pickup area (O'Maley Middle School), about 3 miles from the actual start of the race.  The warm sun was in and out of the clouds over the ocean.  It warmed up quite a bit though...

We, along with 281 other runners, were then bussed to the start (3 miles away) after getting our assigned bib numbers and YuKan light blue Tee shirts.

The start of the race was set for 9:00 am, so we had about an hour to try to stay warm.  Donna brought a space blanket (mylar and extremely light) which we laid out on the grass to sit on so we could make the necessary "clothing adjustments" to insure we would not get too cold (or too hot!) while out on the course.  I wore a long sleeved "tech" tee (light weight) as well as a singlet. For safety, I wore compression sleeves on my lower legs for both warmth and calf stability.  Donna wore an extra upper layer which (like me) had "pockets" for replenishment gels  Here is a picture of what I took with me.  As it turned out, I used only the Mandarin Orange GU at the water stop at mile 9. 

Below, is an image of Good Harbor Beach.  This was the actual location for the START of the race.  Shuttle busses were used to bring us here from O'Maley Middle School in Gloucester, where we picked up out bib numbers for the race -- about 3 miles away. 

This morning view above is to the east where the sun was hiding behind clouds. The view below is more to the southwest

 

As the start time for the race approached, we took this selfie.

The race begins!!  

On close observation below, I can be seen, in bright yellow, checking my watch shortly after the "gun" went off. It was quite breezy and therefore quite chilly.  Donna, wearing a grey-hooded top and being more sensitive to the cold and the wind, was amused (by this image) as we were both looking down here. She was bundled up completely to protect herself from the upcoming half-marathon wind and ocean air!! 

At about mile 8, I took a fall which luckily did not "incapacitate" me.  I was running at what I THOUGHT would be a safe distance away from the tail end of a pick-up truck parked in a driveway.  Its rear bumper was sticking out OVER the white line designated for biking.  "No problem," I thought as I swerved slightly to the left closer to a woman running on my left side.  BOOM!!  I took a rolling fall onto the pavement running at a fairly steady clip.  My right leg *just* impacted the bumper "well enough" to completely cause the start of 360 degree body roll!  At first I had no idea what "hit" me, but as I came (fortunately) out of the roll -- and back onto my feet, I collected myself well enough to be able to actually go right back into a continued run!  The nice woman next to me saw me go down (it was hard to miss) and immediately asked if I need help.  "Are you OK?" and "Do you need help," she asked with much concern.  I thanked her and said I "thought" I was still OK to run.  And so... I kept on going.  After another quarter mile or so, I realized I had not actually broken anything!  "Wow, I certainly dodged a bullet with THAT one," I though to myself.  On later observation, I apparently got some road rash just below my left knee.  Amazingly, other than a few knuckle scrapes, that was all that happened.  

 

 

 Here we area following our wins having a snack.  It was a good day!!

 

 

 

Footrace For The Fallen 5k - Manchester, NH

Race Results (select M75-79 and F70-74)

Donna and Chip

Another before race picture

Last night, at a time when the "common cold" can and does "turn a corner," Donna decided to participate in this Sunday's 5k.  I had recovered enough from my own cold -- and my running the 5k on Saturday DID seem to insure a better race on this next day's 5k. We both took it easy -- considering our needed time away from running. All went very well and the results were again not too shabby!  This picture was taken about 5 minutes before the start at Gill Stadium in Manchester, NH.  I am "christening" my Winner's Circle Club singlet (note my "FLY HIGH BOB" pin). Donna wore hers as this was a "Grand Prix" race for the club.

 

 

Trying to break 30:00 minutes here, Close but no cigar!

Donna, seen close behind me finished 3/9 in her DIV with a time of 30:08. Finishing together, our paces were identical.  I placed 1/9 in my DIV. 

 This is a closeup of the shirt we got at the race

 

 

Here we see a "BEFORE" picture of my first place glass award - next to my #621 bib

 

And what would this post be without an "AFTER" picture of my glass award?  Here we see a frozen banana smoothie (plain yogurt and 2 frozen ripe bananas) made the following morning! Mmmm!

The Wicked Half Marathon in Salem and [the] Run Medford 5k in Medford, MA

Men's Race Results 

Women's Race Results

A day or two after my running the Manchester by-the-Sea Half Marathon on 9/15, I caught a virus of some sort -- not Covid, but something which required me NOT to participate in the Wicked Half Marathon in Salem, MA on 9/22.  A low grade fever and a head and chest cold eventually lessened enough to warrant some continued training runs.  I went to work and managed to take just one half day off for more needed rest.  There has been some remaining throat irritation and a cough, but it appears to be going away!

HOWEVER:  It is worth noting Donna's performance in this race we had both planned to run!  The "Wicked Half Marathon in Salem for Donna was an incredible race.  She absolutely crushed it with a time of 2:00:58 for a first place win in her AG. Her pace was 9:14 per mile!!  The weather was cool and the course was really scenic!

Here we see Joan and Mark Roby with Donna (in teal) before the race waiting near the start.

Donna on her way to an amazing 2:00:58 half!

********************************

As the week progressed, my cold seemed to slowly get better!  I began to re-consider doing one -- and possibly TWO -- 5k's (back to back) beginning with today's race in Medford, MA.  That actually DID happen today, but to both Donna's and my unfortunate surprise, DONNA began to develop cold symptoms which (last night) led to her calling off her own participation with me in today's race!  The sources of our (hopefully brief) virus remains a mystery!  We so wanted to do these last mentioned races together, but nature would have the last say!!

Today's results for me in the Medford 5k are below. 

Group photo before race above. I am standing under the word "New."  

Male 70-79 results

 I am finishing here, stopping the watch at the mats.  This photo was taken my Elizabeth Hastings. She is a NE65+ State Director for Massachusetts.  Thank you Elizabeth!

Part of the race course. 

I used to live in this area in 2014. The roads (fortunately) were very familiar.  Now, to find coffee and a snack AFTER the race at a Dunkin' I used to frequent a lot? That was a different story!

My awards... and bib

     

Manchester By-the-Sea Half Marathon

OVERALL RACE RESULTS

On September 15th, I ran another half marathon in Manchester, MA.   The weather was perfect again last weekend!  It turned out to be another *real close* time difference at the finish -- with only a second to spare between me and another New England 65+ runner, Stephen Schlicting -- pictured below in red.  My friend Donna finished with another win in her age group. We had fun sharing about the friendly battle after we crossed the finish line mats.  Here are some pictures of the 9/15 race. 

Our friend,  Jimmy Walsh, #5001 in light blue, volunteered and also ran this race.

 

 

Jimmy, Donna and Stephen Schlicting (in red)

 

 

This first image of the Male results shows just how close Stephen and I were at the finish  I tried to catch him in an all out sprint, but didn't quite do it.  Also a NE-65+runner, Stephen showed his strength and endurance for sure!  Donna, Stephen and I all crossed the finish line mats with amazingly close times!  Congrats to us all!!  I place 2nd in my AG with a time of 2:08:38.  My pace was 9:50 / mile.  Note: Due to "Chip Time" vs. "Gun Time" differences in this race, (I will avoid the explanations here) Stephen captured first place out of 4 in his AG.  I came in 2nd out of the 4 in our M70-99 AG

 

Above, we see Donna's finishing time stats for her AG. She placed first out of 2 with a time of 2:08:37.  Her pace was 9:50 / mile for the 13.1 miles.

 

This image is of me #5553 and Stephen Schlicting #5440 near the finish of the race.  (Donna is out of view to the right.) For the last mile we were exchanging leads until, at about mile 13 (with 0.1 mile to go) Stephen sustained a winning sprint -- which I could not match.  While this was occurring I did not actually know he was the man I was supposed to "beat" to maintain a first place finish,  All was in good fun though.  We enjoyed meeting up and sharing our well-earned  awards together afterwords.  Donna, Stephen and I really had a great time in all respects! 

 

 

Here we see Donna crossing the mats in winning time -- always with her happy smile! Stephen can be seen to the left -- crossing just ahead of me, pictured in the middle-rear.

 

Here we see Donna with her happy smile!! When runners (fast ones) run well, SOMETIMES they float!  Check this out!  Yup, she's floating!  The cool thing about this picture is that you would never know she's pushing the peddle to the metal right here!

 

This is a "finishing" picture of us after being presented with our "hardware."  Let's see ... another half marathon in the making for Sunday, September 22, 2024?  We have signed up for "The Tache Wicked Half Marathon in Salem, MA.  The weather is expected to be cool, cloudy and a bit breezy.  I will be taking this one slow due to a short-lived (we hope) head and chest cold I've had for a few day earlier in the week.  The wind is not something Donna likes (as she is light and it's sometimes hard to compete with it!).  It's an early race, too. How does 7:00 am grab you? Ouch!!   

The Black Goose Half Marathon

Race Results

Today, (September 8th) I ran the Black Goose Half Marathon in East Providence RI. See map below.  I was fortunate to place 1st out of 3 in my AG with a time of 2:11:08.  My average pace was 10:01 per mile.

I'd been working up to doing a 13.1 miler for several weeks. Last summer's hamstring, knee and calf issues slowly got better with rest and PT work, some biking -- and yes, running at the track in Harvard.  Donna, now 72, who also ran the race today, finished with me -- only to learn she was not alone in the 'speedy female' runner category.  We learned there was a mystery woman (VERY FAST) named Kathleen Richards, 71. Her time was 1:56:11 (pace 8:53 per mile) -- or 15 minutes faster! Donna usually crushes these races, but today Kathleen Richards took the 1st place prize.

Donna and Chip

I have had a tendency to go out too fast in races -- something Donna has helped me watch more closely.  Today we both called out the mile split paces to see how close to 10:00 minutes per mile  we could stay. This helped! I was pleased to not have any leg issues after the race.  Just some usual aches.

Donna after the race

 

Me 

Close up of my hardware

Map of the 13.1 mile East Providence, RI course

 

22nd Randall's Run/Walk for the Gym 5K RACE

On Saturday August 31, I ran the 22nd Randall's Run for the Gym 5K in Springvale, Maine. This was a NE65+ endorsed race.  I placed 2nd in my M75-79 division with a time of 26:16.  Pace was 8:24 per mile.  Donna placed 1st in her DIV with an identical time and pace! I was pleased with this time since it was a 24 second improvement in pace over last week's race pace of 8:48 per mile for a 5k.

 RACE RESULTS 

Our club was well represented for the 5k  This is a "before race" pic.

This image was taken by one of the two race photographers.  Rick Wehrhan, #56, was someone I had passed just moments before this was taken.  Donna was also "in contention" as we headed for the finish.  At this instant, I was feeling I had succeeded in "holding Rick off" a bit, but as we all approached the finish, Rick surged past me and Donna at an "impossible looking" pace!  He placed 1st out of 22 men in his age group (M70-74)  Donna, who also ran extremely really well, finished 1st in her F70-74 division.  It's worth noting, Donna ran the Swanzey Covered Bridges Half Marathon (13.1 miles) the next day on 9/2 placing 1st in her division in a time of 2:07:04.  In this 5k, she and I finished with the same 26:16 time.  I was 2nd in my M75-79 DIV. Donna was 1st in her F70-74 DIV.  Our pace was 8:24 per mile.  Not too bad for a 5k!!

Donna and me, running at a pretty good clip!

Donna receiving her award

Me receiving my award

Following the race, Donna and I visited family and friends in York, ME.  We saw the Cape Neddick Lighthouse in our travels.  Very nice spot!

 

Donna and I with the lighthouse