wrr december 2012

The Wicked Running RegisterDecember 2012 • Priceless EST. JAN 2010

Ladies’ Night Out 5k in Newburyport (December 15, 2012)Melissa “MJ” Jaynes

Say what? Did you say road race, chocolate, champagne, and girl-friends? Count this cat in!

Some highlights (glows, as you might say): • The race was easy to sign up for.• You received multiple confirmation and updated information emails.• The course itself was a flat course through Newburyport with a segment

along the water and the mile markers were perfectly marked.• The volunteers were all men and were wearing suits (tuxes was the plan but

that is hard for a volunteer and suits seemed fine with most the ladies).• The finish zone included a red carpet where finishers received red carnations,

a commemorative wine glass, and a candy from Harborsweets in Marblehead (for those of you who are chocolate connoisseurs).

• Runners received a ¾ pullover (first couple hundred) or a cotton T-shirt • The post-run after party was complete with a DJ; champagne and wine from

Barefoot; fondue and other food including fuse drinks (a brand), mini cro-quettes (think spread on bread), chicken kabobs, and even pizza; and some vendors. The DJ was awesome!

Some areas for improvement (grows, as you might say):• This race was expensive. $65 bucks for a 5k is about 3x what I personally am

willing to pay…they had me with chocolate and champagne but it is still a bit too high for what was currently the delivered product so to speak.

• The race was untimed; this is completely fine for a fun girls’ night out, but it was a hidden detail, and for $65 might have been nice to know upfront. There was a clock at the finish so you knew your time, just no official results.

• No water. Yes, it is a December race, but maybe add just 1 stop?• I recommend race directors try on the shirts they order. As Treasurer I get

that shirts can be a huge financial issue, but the cut of the ¾ pullovers was weird (seemed sack-like with a tighter bottom hem than the rest of the shirt). The cotton T-shirts, however, were actually very nice from what I could tell.

• The post-party venue was a bit cramped. Maybe rearrange some of the tables or something? I am not sure, but just a thought if you wanted to expand. Capping the race with this in mind was a good idea for B&S. Picture 400 women shoulder to shoulder after running a race and fighting over chocolate and champagne (easy there boys!). Could get ugly…MEOWWWRRRR!

3.5 out of 5 cats

Caveat to this review: I vowed a few years ago that I would never run another B&S hosted race due to issues with multiple races and the response I personally received when I wrote a letter to them. This was such a nice concept that I decided to give them another chance. While still overpriced, even with the increased swag and with a few bumps, I think this race could be a very fun annual event for the queens (female adult cats—I swear, Wikipedia it!).

Looking fabulous at Ladies Night Out (l to r): Meghan Toomey, Melissa Jaynes and Paula Renzi Gibbs.

The Wicked Running Register • December 2012 • [email protected]

Presidential Perspective — OUTGOING Tim Short

It has been a tremen-dous year for our club and having the privilege of serving as President of the Wicked Running Club this year has been an

honor. This is a privilege that I’ve had two other times in my 6 years as mem-ber of WRC. In that time I’ve had the chance to work alongside some truly outstanding individuals to make Wicked into something pretty darn special. It’s hard to believe that tomorrow will start the club’s ninth year.

Now the time has come for me to pass the torch to our incoming President, T.R. Ramsdell. He is going to be a great leader for our club and the other elected Board of Directors that will be serving next year will do a fantastic job. I kindly ask that everyone give T.R. and the incoming Board of Directors lots of support and if you have a chance, drop

each of them an email and say “thank you.” The time and effort that each of them will give during 2013 will help continue the success of WRC.

I’d like to thank all 300+ members for making the Wicked Running Club a truly amazing running club to be part of. Though I’m stepping down as President, Webmaster and the liaison to the Road Runners Club of America, I’m looking forward to continuing to support Wicked when I can, and at-tending as many club events as possible. If you think you might be interested in volunteering for any of our club hosted races or events be sure to get in touch with T.R. or any other Board of Director. You can find their emails and pictures at this link: http://wickedrun-ningclub.com/about-2/the-wicked-running-club-board-of-directors/. Our club always needs members to step up throughout the year and its a great way to meet other members and make

lifelong friendships.

One final thank you to the current Board of Directors who served this year: T.R. Ramsdell (VP), Rich Tab-but (Treasurer), Dawn Cobak (Sec-retary), Tennille Doyle (Membership Director), Jason Carraro (Clothing Director), Alison Phalen (Member at Large), John Mahoney (Member at Large) and Shari Hewson (Past President).

Congrats to our club, the Frosty Four race committee and the Co-Race Direc-tors, Alison Phelan & Shari Hewson on a fantastic 6th Annual Wicked Frosty Four! 819 registered runners is a new record for our race.

GO WICKED! Keep on running Wicked Nation

Thank you, Tim Short

QUOTES ON THE RUN:

“Running is a big question mark that’s there each and every day. It asks you, ‘Are you going to be a wimp or are you going to be strong today?’”

— Peter Maher, Irish-Canadian Olympian and Sub-2:12 marathoner

“Somewhere in the world someone is training when you are not. When you race him, he will win.” — Tom Fleming’s Boston Marathon training sign on his wall

“Real athletes run others just play games...”— T. Alan Armstrong, author

The Wicked Running Register • December 2012 • [email protected] 3

Presidential Perspective — INCOMING T.R. Ramsdell

Well, simply put, I’ve got some big shoes to fill. Having to step in where the likes of Tim Short have been is no easy task. But I’m here to try my

best, and I’m looking for all your help to do so. I would like to thank Tim, the BOD, and the rest of the members for their support in my having been elected President.

By matter of introduction, I’m T.R. Ramsdell. I started running a little late in life. After being told as a 175lb, skinny guy, that my cholesterol was “through the roof ”, and that my exercise regimen was basically nonexistent (I thought being on my feet for 60-70 hours per week at my Auto Body shop qualified as exercise), I decided that I needed to change my life.

I wandered down the stairs one evening at about 10:00, in a pair of old sneakers that I’d found in the back of the closet, a pair of cotton gym shorts, and a tee shirt. My wife, Denise asked what I was doing. “I thought I’d go for a run” I said. “But you’re not a runner,” she replied. “Yeah, but I thought I’d give it a try. The Doc says I need to do some exercise”. So off I went. Once around the block, 1.6 miles. Next night, twice around the block. Next night, twice around, but even faster. This continued every night for 2 weeks, every night getting faster and faster.

I came home one night after my run and announced that I was going to run a marathon. No really, I did. I was going to run the Disney World Marathon and

raise money for The Leukemia Foun-dation. Well, long story short, I raised almost $10,000 and ran my marathon. It wasn’t pretty. I had LOTS of injuries including a major stress fracture in my right femur. Apparently starting a run-ning career in your forties was not the best idea I’d ever had. So after 12 weeks off to recover from the stress fracture, I got in exactly 2 long runs before my marathon, a 12 and 8 miler. It was the hardest and most painful thing I’ve ever done, but 5 hours and 13 minutes later it was over. This was a “one and done” for me. Until.....

I got the idea in my head that maybe if I were healthy, and were actually able to train “correctly”, I could do better in my next one. But where could I gain this knowledge? I stumbled upon the D5K, and met some great new friends. A few of them happened to be Wicked members, sooo the logical next step was to join the club. Well, 4 years later after joining at the Frosty Four on Jan 1, 2009, I’m now President of the club. What a long, strange trip it’s been (for you Amber Wolfenden). I’ve run over 100 races since joining, including a few more mara-thons, always proudly wear-ing my red Wicked jersey.

A series of injuries and sur-geries have sidelined me for the last two seasons, but it’s never dampened my spirit or enthusiasm for this club. I’ve continued to serve on the BOD as Member at Large for 2 years, and as your V.P. last year. I’ve been

on every race committee since joining, as well as taking over the Grand Prix Se-ries 3 years ago. You’ll find me at every Wicked event screaming my butt off for you as you approach the finish, or jump-ing in to pace you to a PR.

I love this club. No wait, I love the people in this club. You guys are my family. I tell everyone, that I now have 300 new best friends since joining. So as we approach the coming year, I’m asking for your help. Help me, help you. If you need something, or have an idea that will improve this club of ours, let me know. We all run this club. You, me, and the other 300ish members all run this club. I get the title of President (or as I like, The Prez), but we are all in charge. So, talk to me, let me know what you’re thinking. Together we can continue to grow this club into the Gold Standard by which other clubs are mea-sured. I look forward to a great 2013 as your President. C’mon, who’s in?

T.R.-Prez

Fun at the Frosty Four (l to r): Jason Carraro, T.R., and Mickel McClish.


Wicked Grand Prix Series Update T.R. Ramsdell

Well, here we are, the start of a new year. And you know what that means? That’s right, the start of the 2013 edition of the Wicked Grand Prix Race Series. We’ve still got a little time before the first race, which is The Olde Salem Greens cross country 5k (or as I like to call it, Doug’s Hilly Hell Climb Extravaganza). If you’ve run it before, you know why I use the colorful vernacular. If not, you’ll find out quick enough. This race is a perennial favorite, growing larger and larger every year, so it can’t be that bad. Or can it? Ok, it’s a little hilly. No, I cant lie to you, it’s a lot hilly, which is why we love it so. When you’ve finished this one, you’ve got major bragging rights. So, get out there and do it! Most of the remaining races in the series are set, but we still have a few “holes” in the schedule to fill. If you have a favorite race you’d like to see in the series, drop me a line, and we’ll see if we can squeeze it in somewhere. The complete schedule will be up after the February BOD meeting, so get those suggestions in there. If you haven’t participated in the Series before, give it a try. It’s a great way to test yourself against other runners. You’ll be out there with bunch of your Wicked peeps, who you can rely on for support, and get you to your next PR. At our Winter Banquet, we give out awards in all age groups, as well as team awards. Go ahead, try it. That’s it folks, just a quickie this month. Get those suggestions to me, and I’ll see y’all at the Salem Greens 5k. C’mon, who’s in?

Volunteer at the Boston Marathon!

WRC now has sole sponsorship for

volunteers at the Boston Marathon Gel

Stop. This has been very popular with

club members and it is open to the first

60 applicants.

This year, club members get first shot

at securing a volunteer spot. So, if you

have not renewed your membership,

do it NOW! Volunteer information was

sent to members in early January.

After 2 weeks, volunteer positions

will open to everyone, members and

non-members.

Everyone should note that volunteering

at the Boston Marathon has become

hugely popular. Over the last few

years, the BAA has had to turn away

at least 2,000 people who wanted to

volunteer.

If you have any questions or did not

receive the volunteer email, please con-

tact John Mahoney <john.mahoney@

miner.mst.edu>

MassEyeAndEar.org/marathonemail [email protected]

call (617) 573-6364


Wicked Board 2013:

President: T.R. [email protected]

Vice President: Kenny [email protected]

Treasurer: Melissa [email protected]

Secretary: Alison [email protected]

Membership Director: Tennille [email protected]

Clothing Director: Michael [email protected]

Member-at-Large: Doug [email protected]

Member-at-Large: Michele [email protected]

Member-at-Large: Mike [email protected]

Non-Board Positions

Newsletter Editor: Michele [email protected]

Grand Prix Series Co-Coordinator:T.R. [email protected]

Grand Prix Series Co-Coordinator:Rich [email protected]

Webmaster: Tennille Doyle [email protected]

Social Activities Coordinator: Tennille Doyle [email protected]

From Julie Arrison:Is there any way to keep water bottles from freezing up on long, cold winter runs?

Good Question!1) Try insulated bottles (nathansports.com).2) If using a belt, put the bottles in upside down so the

cap end doesn’t freeze.3) A little Gatorade mix may slow down the freezing process....maybe.4) When possible, plan your long runs so you can stop and top off water bottles

with warm water.5) Slip a hand warmer between your hand and the bottle.6) My favorite...If your water is freezing up, then it’s time to either run on the

treadmill or move to a warmer climate!

If you have a question for Mike, send it to [email protected] and it will appear in the next newsletter.

Q&AAsk the Coach With Mike Toomey

Join Coach Toomey for These Upcoming City of Salem Running Clinics:

8 Week Spring Running Clinics Session 1: 3/15 - 5/3

• Thursdays (6:30pm) • Cost is $75 ($65 for Wicked Running Club Members)• Ideal for ALL levels and will focus on events from 5k to Half Marathon

Session 2: 5/17 - 7/5• Thursdays (6:30pm) • Cost is $75 ($65 for Wicked Running Club Members)• Ideal for ALL levels and will focus on events from 5k to Half Marathon

12 Week Marathon and Half Marathon Running ClinicSession: 7/17 - 10/2

• Tuesdays (6:30pm) and Saturdays (7am) • Cost is $125• This is our most popular clinic• Workouts are on Tuesday and Long Runs are on Saturdays• Ideal for ALL levels and will focus on marathon and half marathon

Register online: http://www.salem.com/pages/salemma_recreation/indexor email Coach Toomey: [email protected]


FRANKLIN PARK CORNHOLE CHARITY FUNDRAISER

Sunday January 20th • 11 a.m. at Murphy’s in Salem

$20 per person, prizes for top teams and 50/50 raffle

Football will be on. Cash bar and full menu available.

Contact Jason Cararro for more information via scoobysnaxe@aol.

com, Facebook or call 978-317-9649.

HEY! It’s cold out there. Run-Salem is taking a hiatus until May — unless you want a private winter tour.Visit www.runsalem.org for details or contact [email protected].

north shore

guideROAD RACE

Join in the conversation about road races and running with North Shore Road Race Guide on Facebook! Check us out at facebook.com/northshoreroadraceguide

Second Annual Comedy for the Coalition Fundraiser

Sunday, February 17, 2013 • 6:30pm — 9:30pmCelebrate President’s Day weekend with Wicked members

Julie Arrison and Shari Hewson at Giggles Comedy Club/Prince

Pizza on Route One South in Saugus for a night of gut busting

between all-you-can-eat pizza and laughing at our expense as

nationally known comics discuss our insanity for running a marathon.

All proceeds from the night will go to supporting youth and

athletic programming for the Franklin Park Coalition (www.franklin-

parkcoalition.org). There will be a 50/50 and raffle with many

prizes including a chance for Shari and Julie to pick up your bar

tab for the night.

Tickets will be $20.00 in advance and $25.00 at the door. Tickets

can be purchased from Shari and Julie directly or by mailing a

check to Julie Arrison, 18 Leavitt Street, #3, Salem, Mass. 01970.


Wicked Kudos

From Julie Arrison: To the entire race committee for the Wicked Frosty Four. You guys did an amazing job with securing sponsors and volunteers, managing a record amount of runners, and starting off 2013 right for the local running community. To Andrew Bencal for being my Goofy training buddy over the past few months. You’ve made some rainy, long, cold runs much more bearable! To Kate Fox, Brian Chisholm, and Kyle Hewson for “mingling” with me during the 7:00 a.m. version of the Wicked Frosty Four.

From Alison Phelan: Thank you to all who volunteered, cheered and just supported the most recent very successful 6th Annual Frosty Four Race. Please know that Shari and I really appreciate all the help and work you all put into this race and realize it’s not an easy task to stand outside when

you have freezing winds at your face and back. But without our volunteers, this race would not be the success it is. As Shari and I step down as the Frosty Four race directors, we just wanted to let you all know, we have appreciated each and every volunteer member and loved every moment celebrating the success of the Frosty Four race. We know that the real winners in the end are those scholarship winners who benefit from the proceeds of the Frosty Four Race. Thank you and Happy New Year to all!

From Shannon Downey: I would like to thank the Hewson family - Shari, Kenny & Kyle - for hosting the second annual Hewson 5K on Christmas morning. What a fun way to start the day with fantastic friends! Thank you for inviting us into your home on a special day. Special thanks to Kenny for hanging at the back with me when I decided that running wasn’t as much fun as walking and chit chat-ting. And super extra kudos to Denise Ramsdell for keeping us fortified with Schnapps at mile 2 :-)

From Ann Sousa:To the organizers of the Festivus 5k for trying a never-been-done route in Salem and putting on a great event. Congrats to Cathy Bozek, Lisa Kelly and Ann Sousa for completing the Ironman Challenge at the Salem YMCA. Between December 1 and December 31 they each ran 26.2 miles, biked 112 miles and swam 2.4 miles. Way to go team!

Seen and Heard on the Run

From Beth O’Grady:Cheering at the finish line of the Festi-vus 5k, Chris Nolan knew the names of all the Christmas characters the racers were dressed as ... “Go Christmas Story!”, “Go Yukon Cornelius!” To which I asked if he just stays home and watches the 24 hour Christmas channel all day. “Yes, I have kids” was his obvi-ous answer.

Who knew Shari & Ken Hewson were married by Dr. Timothy Johnson- yes, THAT Dr. Timothy Johnson ... interest-ing tidbit!

If you live in Beverly and thought you saw the Baby Jesus in a manager out for a run Christmas morning, you certainly did, thanks to Rick Marciano who car-ried the Baby Jesus in a box for over 3 miles. Editors note: I suggested he use a bjorn.

From Ann Sousa:Lisa Kelly while running over Salem/Beverly bridge “it is amazing what you can do when you shut up and do it.”

Tim Short delivered gifts from WRC members to the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Salem. Thank you all who participated in the Holiday Toy Drive!


JESSICA CANEGeorgetownJoined Wicked because: I wanted to meet some people in this area.

Favorite race: 5 mile Wild Turkey Race

Favorite Distance: 5k

Goal for this year: Run a full marathon

Secret talent: Knitting stuffed animals.

When I’m not running I like to: Cook

NEAL GRASSODanversJoined Wicked because: I want to train and run with a team. A friend from

the Danvers Y, a Wicked member him-self, suggested I join the club. Now, here I am!

Favorite race: Lone Gull 10K.

Favorite Distance: Half-Marathon. Challenging enough to warrant a seri-ous training plan, short enough that you don’t feel too beat up after.

Goal for this year: PR at both the half marathon and marathon distances.

Secret talent: I can catch $5 worth of quarters off my elbow all in one shot (sorry, I’m not all that talented).

When I’m not running I like to: Bike and swim.

THANKS to Ann Sousa for helping with new member profiles. Contact Ann at [email protected] to be featured.

Member Spotlights:ANNETTE LOUIZOSSalemJoined Wicked be-cause: I am new to running but I have completed lots of 5ks and 5 mile races in

the past 2 years and wanted to meet oth-er people who enjoy running because I only have walking friends. So I joined to meet and run with great people!

Favorite race: Backshore in May

Favorite Distance: 5 miles and growing

Goal for this year: I have 2 goals this year so I just completed my first 10k in October so now I signed up for a 15k in February and then I’m signing up in September for a 1/2 marathon in Salem part of the Park and Rec series!

Secret talent: I am Super Nanny

When I’m not running I like to: in the win-ter I knit and in the summer I garden.

ROB FOURNIERSalemJoined Wicked because: I want to improve on my running. Hoping to get involved in

some of the group runs.

Favorite race: Any of the Obstacle Course 5ks (Spartan Race, Warrior Dash, etc.).

Favorite Wicked Race: Miles Over the Moon


Goal for this year: Looking to increase my stamina and improve my time.

Secret talent: I got nothing.

When I’m not running I like to: Work out and spend time with my daughter.Editor’s note: Rob doesn’t usually look like that. This is his “Kramer” costume from the Festivus 5k!

JESSICA CAPANOPeabodyJoined Wicked because: After three years of running on the treadmill, I thought it was

about time to start running outside so I joined Wicked. I also saw it as a great opportunity to meet new people.

Favorite race: The Lonegull 10k is my favorite race. The course and view are absolutely beautiful.


Goal for this year: My goal this year is to complete a half marathon.

Secret talent: Does being a klutz count as a secret talent? I’m really good at that!

When I’m not running I like to: I really enjoy cooking, baking, reading, and I love going to the beach in the summer. Embarrassingly enough, I’m also a re-ality TV junkie and I especially love the “Real Housewives” series on Bravo.


Where in the World is Wicked?Under water!

1st Annual Bonaire (next to Aruba) 50yd underwater dash1st Place – Patrick Smith – Team Wicked Running Club2nd Place – Denise Murphy – Team Wicked Running Club3rd Place – Steeeeeeeve the Sea Turtle – Team Bonaire Aquanauts (a distant 3rd)

wrr december 2012

Documents

road race

race directors

bs hosted race

wicked running club

dj champagne

ladies night

chocolate connoisseurs

fun girls night