Franks Leads an Estabrook Exploration That Goes Off the Edge

Frank was kind enough to lead a few hearty NETTers on an Estrabrook Exploration run. Here's a few pics to tell the tale.

The "before" shot.

A couple Wylie Coyotes in the snow.

Very soggy shoes.

Huh.Frank appears to have fallen.

He's rolling off the edge of Punkatasset Hill. Should we help him? "Watch out for for that rock, Frank." 

I'm sure he'll be fine. 

Bob Nabs Second....the Hard Way

Congrats to Bobble Head Bob who took second in his age group at the recent Stone Cat Trail Marathon...the hard way. Here's his report:

"Well, I managed to come in second in my age group as I completed another Stone Cat trail marathon up in Ipswich. It was the last race in the 9-race North Shore Trail Series. I was well ahead in points for the series and didn't need this race in that respect but I still wanted to at least do better than last year time-wise, which I did by a few minutes. So, that's the good news.

https://ultrasignup.com/results_event.aspx?did=27400

The "bad" news is that after the first loop I was on a PR pace to finish a good 40 minutes faster, until the following occurred during the second loop:

• Fell twice, tripping on leaf-covered roots
• Sprained my left big toe
• Ran an extra 5-10 minutes off course when I missed a turn (course was well marked, but sometimes you zone out and get tunnel vision when you are by yourself)
• Developed a severe cramp in my right calf that wouldn't quit. (I switched from heavier gloves to lighter running gloves at the halfway point but the weather actually got colder and windier instead of warmer such that I could barely use my fingers to open zippers, protein bars, etc.during the second half of the race. As a result, I didn't take in enough electrolyte capsules as I should have, which probably led to the cramps.)

I also learned again that despite all my successes this season on the track, roads, and trails, if you don't dedicate your training specifically for the marathon distance for at least 2-3 months, you may struggle during the latter stages of the marathon, as I have done two years in a row now. How do I know this? Because my first Stone Cat was my best---because I trained specifically for the Nipmuck and Stone Cat marathons (which were a month apart) that year. Training and running  1, 5, and 10-mile intervals and races all season and then throwing in a few longer runs the last month before a marathon won't get it done.  

But perhaps I'm being too hard on myself. It was a good season me overall and for many of my NETT comrades, so let's just celebrate that!"

Veteran Mini Ponies Look Ageless at Busa Bushwhack

A couple of the more seasoned NETT runners took to the trails at the Busa Bushwhack with great results.

Here's Bobblehead Bob's report from the 10 miler:

Weather was dicey but ended up not being too bad --- all things considered --- for my first Busa Bushwhack ever. It's a 10-mile (or can choose 5 mile) trail race in Callahan State Park in Framingham. Was around 38 degress, damp, and windy with a bit of snow spitting intermittently, but the woods blocked most of the wind and the trails had only a few muddy spots.

I guess the course has changed here and there over the years but, regardless, except for the beginning and ending miles, the middle of that race was pretty technical, so it was a good workout and prep for Stone Cat Marathon this Saturday.

Had a good run and came in third in my age group and in the top third of all finishers. My age group winner was Bob Sharkey, an almost legendary trail runner I had never seen or met until that race. He ran 7:45 miles. I ran 8:50 miles.

Anyway, it was lots of fun. Richard Busa was there handing out pint glasses and celebrating his 80-something birthday. Greater Framingham Running Club did a good job and the course was well marked."

Congrats Bob. In the five-miler, Steve Yankum finished 14th overall. Here's his report:

"I got bushwacked by a guy from NH.   When I signed up for the race I saw that they had special "valuable" prizes for under and over 60
in addition to the age group trophy's.   I checked all the past results and nobody over 60 could touch my times.  I was going for the prize!

Before the race I saw this older guy with long runners legs and thought "not good".  So I get out there and shadow this guy for the first 3 miles.  So here I am knowing who I have to beat and I can keep up with him.  But I lost by 40 seconds and shook his hand afterwards.  New Hampshire!  But I had a good time and a good run.  Bob S. did good in the 10 miler.  Nice trails for a race.  Next year after Frank trains me more on the hills I am going to kick ass.

Full results here:
http://www.coolrunning.com/results/14/ma/Nov2_11thAn_1_set2.shtml