NETT's M+Ms Go Over (to) Niagra Falls

NETT's Mini Ponies raced well in two countries this weekend (including one race that actually spanned two countries!).

On Saturday Eminem and Eminem Jr. (aka K-M-M and N-M-M) headed to Niagara Falls for the Niagara Falls International Marathon and Half Marathon. Initially, things were not looking hopeful for the younger of the duo, who suffered a para-spinal lumbar sprain about 10 days prior. The question was...would he run or wouldn't he? Dr. Ron determined that running would not create further injury...the decision would wait for a game day assessment. Well...with the help of a few pain patches, a lot of optimism, and unbelievable determination, he completed the half in a very respectable 1:37 (7:28 pace) and won first-in-age-group for his effort.

The senior member of the family team was ecstatic about her race, finishing in 3:57:05, about 3 minutes faster than her Boston Qualifier in very strong headwinds. Her brief report: "I ran the first half, from Buffalo, across the Peace Bridge and into Canada, comfortably and confidently with the 3:50 pace group. Stayed with them through the 30k (18.6 miles) when the headwinds along the Niagara River really picked up. It felt like we were running carrying weights for the last 8 miles. By that time I was a little depleted and slowed my pace down by nearly 35 seconds per mile until the finish. So my second half was just over 5 minutes slower than my first. That said, I had no doubt that I'd finish, and couldn't wait to see my support crew by the roaring Falls at the finish line. Exciting day!" Her run earned her 6th place in her age group, a medal with a rotating Canada-US flag, and tea from Tim Horton's!

Back in the USA, one of this fall's most prolific runners, Ilya Bass, completed the Canton Fall Classic 10k in 47:41 (a speedy 7:41 pace!) placing him 8th in his age group. Congrats!

Stay tuned for next weekend's results, when a sizable crew of Mini Ponies heads to the Busa Bushwack Trail Race.

Mini Ponies Crash the Age Groups at Ravenswood, Scarecrow races

NETT Mini Ponies had a very successful weekend, taking multiple age group awards at the Ravenswood Trail Race and the Lincoln Scarecrow race.

First, here's Bobblehead Bob's report from Ravenswood:

The Hall family did quite well today at the very technical Ravenswood 4.1 mile trail race in Gloucester. Andy and Bridget ran together, pacing her to second place in her age group. Meanwhile, Kristin, who owns this race it seems, finished first in her age group. And on top of that, during the post-race raffle, the Hall family won a family membership to the trustee organization that sponsored the race. They can go to all their parks and conservation lands for free! In my firdt North Shore Trail Series race of the season, I was happy to come in second in my age group. Beautiful crisp fall day and lots of goodies afterward.Full results posted here.

Meanwhile over in Lincoln, Paddlah Steve took the 60+ age group at the Lincoln Scarecrow 5K race, edging out his age-group nemesis (and all around good guy) Joel B.

And lastly Beet Juice Zack crushed the filed at the Pam's Run 10K in Wayland, running away with the race in 33:28, a cakewalk for Zack. Results here.

Mini Ponies Roll Onto Wayland

The NETT XC specialists headed to the Wayland XC race for the umtheenth time and had a ball racing around the fields and trails of Wayland High School. On on the men's side, the Mini Ponies rolled out their more veteran squad and made the top 10 teams (okay, there were only 10 teams). Not bad. The trio of Steve, Marshall, and Patrick all finished in sequential order, a great XC team strategy. (Andy dropped in the first quarter with a bad hamstring).

On the ladies' side, our newest member Steph had a ball in her second trail race and Katie did double-duty as runner and mom/coach shuttling between the youth races and her own 5K. 

On a more historic note I'm pretty sure NETT has had some representation at Wayland every year since it's inception. It's a great race. 

Video: NETT Wings moves up to 9th place at Reach the Beach

Breaking news in the NETT newsroom: The Wings team somehow moved up to 9th place overall in the final results for the Reach the Beach relay (one of the top teams must have been penalized in the final results).

Also, here's a fun video that documents our journey through the wilds of New Hampshire. Enjoy!

Perseverance Personified: Marshall and Bob go 1-3 at Houghton's Pond Trail Race

Huge congrats to two of NETT's most senior members for overcoming injury issues and successfully returning to trail racing. 

Marshall and Bob took 1st and 3rd in their age group at the Houghton's Pond trail race this weekend, both having worked their butts off in the past months (and more, in Marshall's case) to rehab and recover from nagging injuries. Here's Bob's report:


"On a cool, clear perfect day to run in Milton, the NETT masters division was well represented in the 6.2 mile trail race with Marshall Randolph running a blistering pace to finish first in his age group and 31 overall. Bob Segal completed the NETT sandwich around Segey Borisov by finishing third in the age group. Stephen Peckiconis ran a fine race himself and was kind enough to take this photo of the top three 60-69 finishers."

Whether it's training, charity work, racing or injury recovery, these two guys lead by example and NETT is lucky to count them among our members. 

Full results here:http://www.coolrunning.com/results/15/ma/Oct4_Hought_set2.shtml 

NETT takes overall, age group wins at Bird Park 4 Mile Trail Race

Congrats to Young Patrick and Bobblehead Bob for their performances this weekend. Here's Bob's report:

"\Pat and I decided independently to sneak in a quick 4 miler Saturday down in Walpole. I think we were both surprised to see each other there.

It was described as a trail race but it was really more of a cross-country race, similar in terrain to Elm Bank, with a mixture of mostly flat grass, dirt trail, and pavement. I told Pat he was my favorite to win the race, and he did! He got a real nice plaque for winning overall and he was first in his age group as well.

Full results posted here.