I heard, but did I listen?

Zona, Dave, and Matt reflected in 'The Bean'.
Photo courtesy of Zona.

By Matt Story

"Are you yessing me?"

That was a familiar question from my Mom back in my youth.  I heard she was talking and had asked a question.  Since I wasn't listening I just answered "yes" to placate her.  She saw through that pretty quickly.

Revenge is a dish best served cold.  I now have a 10 year old boy of my own who doesn't even bother with the yes.  Pretty much everything that doesn't interest him goes in one ear and out the other.  With him we try to stress the difference between hearing and listening.  Hearing is passive.  It is just the act of your ears picking up the sound.  Listening is active.  It requires your attention.

I found out this summer that I am no better a listener than my 10 year old.  Not when someone is talking to me -- although I'm sure I still need work in that area.  No, when my own body is talking to me.

I started off training for the Chicago Marathon back in June.  I had a very solid two months of training.  I watched my weekly mileage, ramping from 35 to 55 but mindful of the 10% rule.  I bonked on one long run but everything else was feeling good.  I was rolling every night and getting regular massages.  But come August some bad runs started creeping in.  I would get an occasional run where my legs had no bounce.  "Just tired legs," I thought to myself.  The next run I would bounce back.

Mid August we went up to Lake Winnepesaukee for our summer vacation.  The bad runs progressed from every other to two out of every three.  I lost the ability to hit on my marathon pace runs on the road.  I blamed the hills and thought my legs would come back after vacation.  So I kept plugging and things kept getting worse.  I started having runs where my left leg would have no push.  Breaking 9 minute pace was a struggle.

Come the end of August I skipped my first long run and needed to adjust.  Started to get lower leg pain that moved around, which was eerily reminiscent of the injury I had leading into Boston 2014.  The difference was that I had three months before the race to recover from that one, including five weeks of PT.  I was down to six weeks this time.  Out of stubbornness I followed the same pattern that I did before Boston.  Reduce mileage and cross train.  It had about the same effect.  Cross training felt good, running felt bad.  I was able to hit my track workouts and somehow win a 5K in this time, but I knew 26.2 was going to chew me up and spit me out.  I hit a low after bailing halfway through a track workout.  That Friday I was resigned to not finishing Chicago.

But Saturday was a new day.  I woke up and started actually using my brain.  Teri, my massage therapist, had mentioned that my left fibular head was stuck during my last few massages.  Maybe I should drop that puppy into Google.  This blog post came up.  It mentioned that a chiropractor was able to solve the problem in pretty short order.  So I called and made an appointment with Dr. Doug on Teri's recommendation, but I couldn't get in until Friday -- 9 days before the race.  But I at least had some hope.

Friday came and I met with Dr. Doug.  He checked me out for a few minutes, watched me walk, and agreed that my fibula was jammed, likely due to collapsed lateral (outside) arches.  In addition my pelvis was stuck forward on one side and back on the other, causing more impact on my left leg.  He did some adjustments on both my leg and pelvis and we scheduled three more appointments for the next week.  Over the week it seemed to get better, albeit slowly.  The leg was sore but would move.  But my last run before Chicago still left me with some doubt.

How did Chicago go?  Here is my Strava writeup:

Fought through a fibular issue (official term.. not sure) if my left leg to make it to the starting line of the Chicago Marathon. Why do injuries always happen in the races I need to sign up for far in advance? More about that some other time.  Despite most of my training being for 3:10ish I decided to run the early miles with Dave and aim for 3:20. I felt this was a safe goal despite the spotty training in the last month and a half. We were consistently clocking 7:3x through the early miles. The only blip was when the 3:15 pace group essentially ran over us which forced a slight speed up. Mentally that was the group I wanted to beat. But after that mile I started to get that bonkish feeling. WAY too early for that. Dave pulled ahead in the next mile as I tried to get my groove back. I kept him in sight for a few miles and then lost sight of him. Just tried to keep plugging, following that blue line. Pace was still OK, but had a doom is coming feeling. Dave caught up to me (potty break) around mile 14 or 15 and we were able to run a couple more together before he stepped off to stretch. I was able to hold it together mostly until 19 when the wheels started coming off. Pace slowed, left calf tightened (surprised it took that long). Pace group after pace group started chewing me up and spitting me out. Kept plugging, though, knowing it was a LONG walk from there. Tried to feed off the crowd and all the 'Go Lowell' calls. Sang Josie, did a lot of fist pumping, anything to get the crowd going. It didn't help the legs but made the time pass faster. Finished in zombie mode, but finished. Failed to PW by 30 seconds or so. Given two weeks ago I couldn't run without pain I'm happy with the finish. Not surprised the wheels came off due to the missed training. As always, swore off marathons immediately afterwards. But it's hard to go out on one like this. Have some things to figure out with my legs before even attempting training for another, though.

I was able to fight through to a 3:35:04 finish.  In a vacuum the time is disappointing, but given the obstacles encountered on the way I'll take it.

Hopefully this experience can help someone else who might have the same problem.  I haven't gone the orthotics route yet to address the arches.  I'm more comfortable with the devil I know versus the devil I don't.  Of course I'm debating training for another marathon.  Hopefully I'll listen better this time.

Greater Lowell Walk for Hunger

The Greater Lowell Road Runners are proud to support the Greater Lowell Walk for Hunger.  Now in its 33rd year, the GLWFH provides funding for several vital charities that battle hunger in the Greater Lowell area. The donations that are raised by the walkers and runners through this single action are distributed to support eight local community organizations: The Alternative House, The House of Hope, The Lowell Transitional Living Center, The Open Pantry of Greater Lowell, The Merrimack Valley Food Bank Mobile Pantry, the food pantries in Westford and Chelmsford and our national outreach program, Sharing, Inc.

Runners are invited to participate as well with 2 additional distance options available for the 1st time this year.  There are be 3 loops available run along a scenic route through Westford and Chelmsford -- 4.2 miles, 8.8 miles, and 13 miles.  Crossing guards are posted at all street intersections, with first aid services, a peanut butter and jelly lunch at West Chelmsford United Methodist Church, and van rides (if needed) back to St. Mark's throughout the day.  Water will be available at a well stop and all three churches.  This could be a great supported training run, situated two weeks before Boston and after the GLRR Boston training runs.  Plus, raising money to help fight hunger in our area would be a great way to build some positive energy going into your race.  Or, if you're not running Boston (like me), do it because it makes you feel warm inside to raise funds for eight important charities with just one running event.  Oh, and did I mention peanut butter and jelly?

The 33rd Annual Greater Lowell Walk & Run for Hunger is Saturday, April, 4th, 2015.  Act locally through participation in this “Race Against Hunger”. Support the local charities that battle hunger in our Merrimack Valley Communities!  Registration starts at 8:00 A.M. at St. Mark's Church, 75 Cold Spring Road in Westford.

Please visit www.glwfh.org for more details and to download a pledge sheet.

Rachel's Run

By John Morrison

Race Day November 29^th
Rachel’s Run

It was Rachel’s goal to have an alumni run at her high school so every year after she graduated from the Academy of Notre Dame in Tyngsboro in 2005, she contacted her cross country coach (Harry Mann) and as many of her classmates as she could to invite them to run on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. I was invited to participate and bring the canned goods that Harry donated to a local food pantry. We only had a handful of runners every year but Rachel was not deterred and we always made the trek to run the cross country course at the Academy of Notre Dame. Rachel was also a water stop participant for the Baystate Marathon every year that she attended the Academy. She was a twelve season runner who ran cross country, winter and spring track. She was the class valedictorian and received the scholar athlete award in her senior year. 

We received permission from the Academy of the Notre Dame to use their facilities on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. We received a lot of help from Lisa Zappala, the athletic director of the Academy, and a long time runner herself. We also received a lot of help from the Greater Lowell Road Runners in terms of timing (Glenn Stewart), registration and course support. It was a great day even though we were challenged with a few inches of snow that arrived on Thanksgiving and was there for the walk and run on race day. It was not a day for personal records but a day of celebrating Rachel’s life and for that we are thankful for everyone’s support.

Ron Desmaris and Scott Casper following the tracks.

Due to the snow, the original cross country course was altered since the start and the finish were in the snow covered field. In terms of overall results, James Sullivan was the first male finisher followed by Jason Bui and Scott Spence. Kara Haas was the first female finisher followed by Lisa Zappala and Simonetta Piergentili. Jacob Fudge (Ben’s grandson) won the under 19 age group followed by Ben Rossano and Sean Morrison (my nephew). Sean did two loops and is 10 years old. Need to do an under 12 age group next year. James Tyler (Dave’s son) was third in the 20-29 age group. Jeff Maistrosky was second in the 30-39 age group. Dave Neary was first in the 40-49 age group followed by Matt Story and Scott Casper. Marli Piccolo was first in the 40-49 age group followed by Jocelyn Thibeault. E.J. Hrynowski was first in the 50-59 age group followed by Peter Floss and Ken Goodin. Liane Pancoast was first in the 50-59 age group followed by Deb Kirkwood and Colleen Casper. Tom Peters won second in the 60-69 age group. Nancy McCarthy won first in the 60-69 age group followed by Rita Labella and Susan Lamontagne. Jim and Jean Barry won the 70-79 age groups With the golf event we held at Vesper on the last Monday of September and this walk/run we had at the Academy, we have been able to establish a scholarship fund at the Academy in Rachel’s name. We are not done yet as we hope to increase the size of this scholarship fund and hope to see you at the either the golf tournament on Monday, September 28^th or Saturday, November 28^th. Thank you for your support.   

Full results at: http://www.coolrunning.com/results/14/ma/Nov29_Rachel_set1.shtml

USATF Jr. Olympic Cross Country Nationals

Coach Joe and team.

Coach Joe with the 7-8 year old boys team.

Greater Lowell sent 9 young athletes to Myrtle Beach for the USATF Jr. Olympic Cross Country Nationals.  The boys 8 and under team came in 10th, led by Seamus Tully in 9:21 for 2K.  Cassidy Paige came in 52nd out of 223 8 and under girls in 9:02 for 2K.  Riley Clark finished 205th out of 315 in the 9-10 year old girls.  Makayla Paige finished 129th out of 422 11-12 year old girls, overtaking a whopping 49 places in the last 1K of the 3K race.  Devyn Veits finished 91st out of 384 13-14 year old girls.












Full results at: http://branchsportstech.com/2014_Meets/xc/12-13-USATF/Web/Timetable.php?EID=ae7db743c9fa4a8d82b64307ff0ff1f2.

2014 Mill Cities Relay

GLRR Team Photo by Jimmy Shelton

Greater Lowell fielded 22 teams for the 31st Mill Cities Relay on December 7th.  We landed one first place brick (J.A.C.K.S - Female Sub-Masters), two second place bricks (Team 321 - Male Vets & 210's - Coed Super Vets), and two third place bricks (Magnificent Masters - Female Masters & Blood, Sweat, and Beers! - Coed Sub-Masters).

Magnificent Masters - Bethany, Jill, Sue, Karen, and Jill
Photo courtesy of David Connally

 Unfortunately we missed out on the overall brick by three points to SRR.  Next year we'll get it back!

Total Points for GREATER LOWELL ROAD RUNNERS

Team Name                                          Div Time    W Pts    
================================================== === ======= = === 
SENIOR CHICKS                                      FS  2:11:19 B   6 
LADY AND THE TRAMPS                                CV  2:18:51 B   4 
100% ABV                                           MO  2:37:34 A   7 
GLRR MALE SUB-MASTERS                              MX  2:45:17 A   9 
GLRR MALE SENIORS                                  MS  2:49:07 A  11 
HASTES LIKE CHICKEN                                MM  2:49:36 A   7 
BLOOD, SWEAT, AND BEERS!                           CX  2:52:16 A   8 
GLRR COED OPEN                                     CO  2:54:27 A  12 
210'S                                              CA  2:57:30 B   1 
HELL ON HEELS                                      FO  3:00:32 A   7 
J.A.C.K.S.                                         FX  3:04:15 A  12 
THREE MIKES AND TWO LADIES                         CM  3:07:53 A   9 
TEAM 321                                           MV  3:14:08 A   6 
MAGNIFICENT MASTERS                                FM  3:14:30 A  10 
SMAK'M                                             CS  3:19:20 A   6 
                                                                Total: 115

Full results can be found here:  http://www.coolrunning.com/results/14/ma/Dec7_31stMi_set1.shtml.

USATF Club Cross Country Nationals

Mark Reeder making it look easy.
Photo courtesy of Michael Scott.

The USATF Club Cross Country Nationals were held at Lehigh University in Bethlehem, PA on December 13th.  Greater Lowell sent down 17 runners.

We had two podium finishes (at a National level!!).  Mark Reeder was second male 55-59 in 35:10 for 10K, as well as 4th overall age graded among the men.  

Trish Bourne was third female 50-54 in 24:36 for 6K.

Trish smiling and crusing.
Photo courtesy of Michael Scott

A special shout-out to Emily Stover -- who showed the open girls what an angry chicken can do.  She took down at least four of them gals in the last 100m.  She was on fire!

Emily kickin' it.  Photo courtesy of Michael Scott.

 Another shout-out to Bob Kearns - who was recruited last minute to complete masters team and ran quite well - despite no real training.

Bob getting it done.  Photo courtesy of Michael Scott.

The Men's Masters (with Bob's help) were 26th and the Male Seniors were 10th (with an injured John Barbour gutting it out for 5th man).  The Lady Seniors were 7th with Trish, Liane, and Mary.

Full results can be found here:  http://www.usatf.org/Events---Calendar/2014/USATF-National-Club-Cross-Country-Championships/Final-Results.aspx.