WRR June/July 2013

The Wicked Running RegisterJune-July 2013 • Priceless EST. JAN 2010

Race ReviewTough Mudder • June 1-2, 2013

Angel Green

Well the Mudder was really fun, my team were all ready for the challenge. 12 miles and a large variety of obstacles in 94 degree temperatures. My favor-ite was mount everest and the funky monkey. Most obstacles were not as challenging for my fitness level, but with a little help from friends they were all very doable for anyone. What was the most challenging aspect of the course, was the constant ascent and decent of the mountain. Our wave began the course at 10:45 AM. I made it up and down without pain or problem,. Rick Marciano had signed up solo but joined in with my team “DTA” and stuck with us the whole way, He was very instrumental with informing us on the best way to approach each obstacle and was the definition of team work, he was even removing huge rocks out of the trails so people wouldn’t twist their ankles. He probably saved a lot of people from injury Saturday. My team mates Lillian and Paul were great on the ascent of the mountain, although I was not as quick on the ascent, I was still passing many people on the way up, and had the ability to

endure it. I have an advantage on the down hills because I’m quick and seem-ingly avoid any knee pain, so it was easy to sprint down the mountain. My quads and knees were and still are just fine! We did log carries and buddy carries, and that was easy for me, I’ve had plenty of practice working out with the “Stone Tower Spahten fitness” group in Lynn Woods. Unfortunately So many very fit looking people were not up for the chal-lenge because of the heat or because they were pushing too hard. Participants were bending over or laid out all over the sides of the mountain. Heat exhaus-tion, severe cramping, ankle injuries were very common. The Medics were up and down all day picking people up. I have to say, I’m quite impressed with myself and my team. We were pretty much unaffected by the weather condi-tions, and we all completed the course with only a few nicks and scratches.

The obstacle that I was most worried about was the arctic enema, but by the time we got upon it, I was ready, and lemme tell you, it is really cold, and I will never opt to do a mudder in the Spring or Autumn because that is one obstacle I would bypass! I wear con-tacts as you might know, so I shut my eyes under the water but the shock was so great that I opened them for a sec-ond, and could see the greenish dark-ness of the ice and water.. DISGUST-

ING. Part of this obstacle is to swim underneath the

board that’s in the ice and emerge from the other side, I jumped in as close to the board as possible, so I was able to swim under it quickly and got my head back above water, my muscles were fro-zen but there was Rick to pull us from the water. It was hard getting out of that tank! There was one obstacle that they shut down, “walk the plank” either there were issues with it’s design, or the water was too shallow and deemed unsafe so it was closed, I wasn’t really looking forward to it anyway, but when I saw what it looked like, it really wasn’t that bad. The electric eel and shock therapy voltage seemed not to work, I was not shocked at all on either ob-

Angel Green and Rick Marciano covered in mud.

continued, next page

The Wicked Running Register • June-July 2013 • [email protected]

Tough Mudder, Continued

stacle, I was a bit disappointed in that, as I was looking forward to feeling what its like to be shocked and thrown to the ground. I know that sounds a bit crazy but it’s true.

Another obstacle I was looking forward to the funky monkey obstacle because I have been practicing my upper body strength, and I almost made it to the middle of the bars, but unfortunately my gloves were so wet and full of grit that my fingers slipped, I was a bit dis-appointed because my goal was to make it to the end which I very well could have, but alas I fell into the murky water. The Tough Mudder is pretty well or-ganized for the most part and I would consider doing it again in the future. Team Work first and foremost made this a great event! I love the fact that there were no time constraints, and every one helped another. If everyone helps another, everyone is able to succeed!!

I would give this 5 Cats! The team-work aspect makes for a great time, get a bunch of dedicated individuals and everyone can complete the challenge. I do recommend that people have a good level of fitness to complete it though, just don’t roll out of bed and head to the course one day. I think Wicked could have a decent team.. “Wicked Muddy” or “Wicked Mudder Fudgers.”

Mary Bruno and I kicked off our Chicago Marathon training together with a fan-tastic jaunt through Appleton Farms with Amber Woolfenden and about 200 other intrepid runners for the Ipswich Rotary Trail Rumble. Runners have the choice of a 5K or 10K that starts and finishes on a stretch of asphalt, but other than meanders through farms, forests, and fun in the Trustees of Reservations Ipswich site.

The race is a shotgun start and sans chip timing through a rolling road in Ipswich. Runners spend a short amount of time on 1A and then take off into Appleton Farms past herds of onlooking cows in the pastures. Though the day was quite warm and humid, the route was shaded for most of the way. There were also an im-pressive number of race officials or well placed signs at every turn that gave runners ample instruction of where to go. There were a few challenging hills, but most were rolling and enjoyable. The trails were also easy to navigate and would be ideal for a novice trail runner to try.

The 5K split from the 10K at the one water stop on the course so that there wasn’t the dreaded double loop. The 10K loop allowed us slow chicks to cheer on some very speedy trail runners on their way to the finish and see some off-the-beaten-path parts of the farm. Even though we were dead last, the volunteers were funny and encouraging and Mike Page even gave us a big shout out at the finish.

The finish had a “family fun area” with a balloon animal maker, tons of refresh-ments, and music for the start and finish. If you are dragging some poor spectators along, it will certainly keep them entertained!

I would give this race 4.5 cats for the lack of water on a 10K course and a 10:00 a.m. start time for a late June race. Other than that, I hope to sign up with the girls next year for another run through the pastures of Ipswich and support a great cause!

Race ReviewIpswich Rotary 10K • June 22, 2013

Julie Arrison

Photo left: Jane Mosco, Amber Woolfenden, Mary Bruno, and Julie Arrison. Photo right: Showing the ‘tude.

The Wicked Running Register • June-July 2013 • [email protected] 3

Presidential Perspective T.R. Ramsdell

Last months column was a little heavy. And rightfully so, consider-ing what we had all been through. But in the 3 months since the attack at the marathon,

so many good things have taken place. There have been so many fundraisers to help the victims, or support group meet-ings to help sort through our feelings.

One thing I want to mention, is some-thing that I took part in recently. It was the One Run For Boston event. For those of you that might not know, it was conceived by a trio of Brits, Danny, Kate, and Jamie, who came up with this fab idea of running a 3300 mile relay across America to raise money for the victims of the bombings. The run began on June 7th, crossed 14 states, 24 hours a day, and finished up on Sun-day evening the 30th, when the baton (coincidentally nicknamed Miles) was handed off to leg 319, the last leg, my leg. Myself and about 25 Wicked mem-bers (along with about 500 new running friends) took off running.

What a thrill it was to run the very last leg in such an epic event as this. Even better, was that I got to run with the baton for a little while also. There were a lot of people, so we had to keep passing it around. We traced the last 8 miles of the marathon course begin-ning in Newton, and ending at the finish line, where everyone that had already finished, stopped to cheer in the rest of the runners.

I can’t begin to tell you what a feeling it was to have been part of this. So many others that were there have similar sto-ries to tell, so I won’t take up any more space here. All I can say is that it truly was life changing.

Wicked Grand Prix Series 2013 T.R. Ramsdell

Okay gang, you had plenty of rest since our last race way back in May. Remember that little run through the woods up in W. Newbury? Remember how cold it was? Well, we didn’t have that issue this time. Because this race was hot. I knew it would be hot. How did I know? Because it is ALWAYS hot.

The most recent race in the series was The Yankee Homecoming 10 miler in Newburyport, on Tuesday evening, July 30. Now, there were 2 races that night. A 5k and the 10 miler. Guess what? You had to run the 10 miler to be in the series. It wouldn’t be any fun if it were easy, right?

I hope you all heeded my warning about the water on the course. It is always un-drinkable. I don’t know what pond they scooped it out of, but it is horrible — you definitely had to carry your own. You don’t want to stop for one of “those” visits while running 10 miles. Nuff said.

We had 26 runners from Wicked take on this challenging course, with half of them being new to the Grand Prix Series. Our resident super fast guy, Dave Long, was our top finisher placing 34th overall breaking the one hour mark. WOW! Nice job to everyone! Check the Wicked webpage for results, and if you see any errors, give Don Gallucci ([email protected]) a shout and he’ll get it fixed.

Next up, we move on to my favorite race of all time, The Derby Street Mile on Friday night, August 16 at 7pm. Start is on Fort Ave near the entrance to Winter Island. It is flat and fast, and tons of fun. We finish at Pickering Wharf on Derby Street. Now don’t be worried that you aren’t a sprinter. It’s a blast just running all-out for one mile. Ask me and I’ll share a secret that Mike Toomey told me about some strategy. Don’t miss this one.

Also coming up quickly is the Lynn Woods Relay on Wednesday August 21, at 6pm. This is a lot of fun. Each four-member team runs the same 2.5 mile loop. Alison Phelan is collecting names now. This is worth bonus points in the WGP series, so if you’re a little behind in your points, this is a good chance to catch up. Wicked pays your entry fee, and we also buy all the post-race pizza at Prince’s Pizza. Hit up Alison at [email protected] to get signed up.

Well that’s it for this issue. Hope to see y’all out there running, and don’t forget to wear your Wicked gear! I can’t cheer you in if I cant quickly pick you out of a crowd of runners. Contact Michael Harvey at [email protected] and get some Wicked gear today!

REGULAR race series: March 17 Olde Salem Greens 5k

Cross Country, Salem.May 2 Pipestave Hill 5k trail race,

W. NewburyJuly 30 Yankee Homecoming 10

miler, NewburyportAug. 16 Derby Street Mile, SalemSept. 15 Lone Gull 10k, GloucesterOct. 20 Baystate 1/2 or full mara-

thon, Lowell (your choice, both will be scored)

Nov. 28 Wild Turkey 5 miler, SalemDec. 15 Festivus 5k, Salem And the relays: Aug. 21 Lynn Woods RelaySept. 7 Lake Winni RelayDec. Mill Cities Relay

For more on the series: http://bit.ly/16PRKmF


Rich TabbutMy favorite song: “Hammer to Fall” is a 1984 song by the Brit-ish rock group Queen. Written by guitarist Brian May, the song is the eighth track on their 1984 album The Works. It was the fourth and final single to be released from that album, although the single version was edited down by thirty seconds in contrast to the version on the album. Different sleeves were used to package this single and the live picture sleeve is now a collector’s

item. The song harks back to the Queen of old, with a song being built around a hard angular and muscular riff. The song features Freddie Mercury on lead vocals.

“Hammer to Fall” was a concert favorite, and was the third song the band per-formed at Live Aid in 1985. The song features in the setlist of both The Works Tour and Magic Tour. The full album version of the song appears on Queen Rocks while the single version appears on Greatest Hits II and Classic Queen. Information from Wikipedia.

Lindsay Dorman More running reference than about running...but I love Sara Barielles’ “Many the Miles” and Florence + the Machine’s “Dog Days Are Over.” Both are on my running playlist.

Elaine GoldmanQueen’s “Another One Bites the Dust.” This isn’t a song about running, but it plays in my head when I run. Each mile I con-quer during a race or a long run (or whenever I pass a runner that looks like they should be passing me) the chorus and that sweet, sweet bass line go thru my mind. It makes me smile and keeps me going in some silly way just so I have an excuse to replay it again in my head at the next mile.

Dave LongHard to pick just one... How about one each from the 90s, 80s and 70s?

The Pharcyde “Runnin’”A Flock of Seagulls “I Ran”Pink Floyd “Run Like Hell”

Meet Casey Morgan Carter, Wicked’s newest member, born on July 2. Congrats to parents Annie Rose and Shaun!

Annie Rose Carter before Casey was born, with Wicked friend Patrick Smith at New England Running Company.

???The Question Is ... ... What Is Your Favorite Running Song?


Race ReviewKeybank Vermont City Marathon, Burlington • May 26, 2013

Mike and Tara Paulin

This past Memorial Day weekend, Tara and I ran the Keybank Vermont City Marathon in Burlington, Vermont... along with several other Wicked mem-bers. This was our first time running the Vermont City Marathon, and we were very much looking forward to it. Unfortunately, as we arrived on Saturday morning to hit up the Expo and pick up our bib numbers... we arrived to tem-peratures in the upper 30s, heavy rain, and winds (and reports of snow in the

area)... just perfect for Memorial Day weekend!!! And the forecast was for the same on race-day Sunday. Thankfully a large Wicked group was also in town for the race, so we all gathered together for a nice pre-race pasta dinner to load up on carbs. As expected, we awoke on Sunday morning to heavy rain and wind pelting our hotel window... great. As the shuttle bus dropped us off, the rain continued... and we all commiserated together... what the heck did we sign

up for?! As it turned out, as the race went on... it really wasn’t that bad once we got running (other than the heavy streams of water flowing across the streets, which had our sneakers soaked by Mile 1). The temperatures were perfect for running (mid-40s), the rains had lightened, and it was certainly better than what could have been a 90 degree sunny day. We especially loved starting the race with some close Wicked friends (Chris Nolin and Brad Gates.... in his marathon debut), which kept the good times rolling and passed the time on the course quickly. Hours later... we had all successfully completed the journey... and celebrated with some post-race food and drinks around Battery Park, and later on Church Street. All-in-all, the weekend was a great success... and the most fun that Tara and I have had with a marathon in a long time. We would definitely do the Vermont City Mara-thon again (or maybe just the Relay?)... and we give it FIVE CATS!

PHOTO TOP: The pre-race carbo load party group at the Comfort Inn.

PHOTO BOTTOM: Mike (far right) and Tara (center) with finisher friends.


From June 7 to the wee hours of July 1, epic happened. Wicked was there. This relay from LA to the Boston Marathon finish line was created and operated by three new friends from England: Danny Boy Bent, Kate Treleaven and Jamie Hay.

This 3,300 mile, 319-stage non-stop event brought people together from all over the country, inspired new friendships, helped the running community heal and raised more than $83K for The One Fund to support Boston Marathon bombing victims. Along the way, there were hugs and tears, high emotions, difficult runs, some much-needed laughs, and unexpected challenges. But, all runners involved proved they were Boston Strong by bringing “Miles” the baton home and taking back the Boston Marathon. Here are some of your friends’ stories:

MELISSA JAYNESThere is no feeling like crossing the fin-ish line of a marathon. While all mara-thons are 26.2 miles long, some are just special. Boston is super special and so I was overjoyed when asked to help pace two amazing friends at the 2013 Boston marathon. They helped me through the heat of 2012 and to my own qualifying time for the 2014 race (race regulations made my fall 2012 marathon just shy of qualifying me for 2013). I joined the crowds on marathon Monday and jumped in with these women for the last half of the marathon—loving every minute of running alongside friends and logging memories more than miles. I crossed the line alongside my friend and celebrated her amazing return…she ran well and pushed hard to see her smiling 7 month old at the finish. We hugged, took photos, and I raved to anyone who would listen about how amazing she was. Some probably thought, “wow maybe I could run a marathon” while I admittedly though “wow babies don’t

ruin your athleticism”. We gathered our belongings and shuffled through bar-ricades and volunteers—part of what makes Boston special is you can’t turn back for what feels like miles. We were both guided along and sought alterna-tive side streets to meet friends and family. That was when we heard the bombs—thousands had crossed after us—and yet thousands more were still to come. Those two crashing sounds changed everything. Regardless if you finished or not, you were changed. Even be-fore I could process my thoughts, as I learned of friends who were safe and sadly friends who were not, I became defiant. I wasn’t sure what the bombing meant, and I’ll never understand how someone can do something like this, but I never questioned how I would sort through it—I would run. I ran the next day even though it felt empty, I needed it, and I kept up with my own training. While the runs always help, I still felt

insignificant and longed to help. Then…the op-portunity to join the One Run for Boston landed in my in-box. One Run was a 3,300 mile, 24 day, and 319 leg relay from Venice Beach California to the Boston marathon fin-ish line (check out OneRunForBoston.com). I signed up for legs 317, 318, and 319 covering the last 20 miles of the marathon course. After weeks of an-ticipation and bonding with fellow relay runners over Facebook, on June 30th I trekked into Boston as planned. I fol-lowed the same logistics as on marathon day, but this time I stayed on the train a little longer and ironically watched the sun set over the city.


Just as the sky turned to dark black, I saw the unforgettable view of reflective gear and an American flag that were headed straight for me. While in this small group, I talked to Danny Bent, the (British, yes it took a Brit to bring this to Boston!) relay organizer, and thanked him for all he and his co-organizers were doing. I even “babysat” two 7 year olds desper-ate to run a couple of miles, but whose Dad was running behind and racing to catch the pack. In Wellesley, where I started on April 15th, the pack more than doubled for leg 318, and contin-ued to grow while the streets gained brightness from city lights. While there were no official water stops nor packs of spectators, there were little pockets of cheers from cars, one or two people each couple of blocks out on the streets watching for us, and one awesome guy with coolers and wonderful ice cold Gatorade and water (it is way hotter in Boston in June than April). We picked up a few police escorts whose flashing lights mesmerized me against the dark sky and bounced off the baton and flag ominously. We passed the overpass into Newton (it stands out), charged by the hospital, and through where my running club “owns” the GU stop at mile 17

each year. I smiled broadly as I remem-ber screaming for them and pointing to my friend as we cruised through months before.

Before I knew it we were heading into the town hall in Newton where 650 peo-ple waited under floodlights to take over the streets for the final 8 miles. I found some running club friends (it is amazing how you can find people you need in a sea of spandex and wicking fabric—one of my biggest fears of failure on marathon day while I searched to jump in with for my friends). We took some photos, I tried to dry off a little (I think I rang out my shorts), and I downed two of the four water bottles handed my way (I love my Wicked Running Club friends). As we moved as thick around me as that on marathon Monday, I recalled where my friend found an extra gear when I encouraged her up and over the sacred third hill. Sacred even in June at 11 PM—Heartbreak Hill demands respect. I saw the famous Citco sign that never gets closer and remembered the 2012 marathon where my friend wouldn’t let me look at it until she declared it “safe”. Soon, we turned left onto Boylston where I always feel like I own the corner and brace myself for the final push to the finish line. This time, I saw Boylston differently. Normally you

just see people 5-8 people deep against the barricade and feel as well as hear the buzz of their cheers. Instead, at almost 1 AM, I was keenly aware of the bright red Lenox hotel sign and the row of restaurants where my friends had been. I overlaid images from the news on top of these relatively quiet dark streets—images that make me gut wrenchingly sad. I realized that night that they make me sad because those images took away the freedom runners love and the feeling of crossing the finish line for many. Lucky for me, those images are defeated by the happy memories I have from marathon Monday. Because that feeling is so amazing, on this dark street in the middle of the night, I did what I couldn’t on marathon Monday—I turned around. I went back down the street and cheered and screamed for fellow runners. I watched people’s reac-tion as they too crossed that finish line, some for the first time despite toeing the start line on April 15th. I saw my friend whose life had changed forever that day in this very spot where I wait-ed. She was smiling and proudly yelling my name “Jaynes” as I yelled hers. I thought of the burden she carried as she ironically also carried the baton as I saw her pause only briefly before she carried on. That is what marathoners do…we carry on…and we finish.

Left: MJ rolls into the finish line after 20 miles of One Run. Right: MJ with her two new tiny running pals.


JOAN MEAGHERIt’s difficult to explain just how amazing this One Run For Boston (ORFB) relay has been. I have done things I didn’t know I could do and created memories that will last me a lifetime and beyond.

When T.R. first told us about ORFB I thought it was a crazy idea but a very fitting and fun way for runners to show solidarity and support for the victims of the Marathon bombings, so I signed up to run the last leg. At first, I didn’t really think much about it - the relay was still a few weeks away and the loss of my mom and everything that happened on Marathon Monday and after consumed my thoughts. As much as I tried to put my emotions into a little locked box, I was failing miserably, was struggling to make sense of everything and was starting to lose hope that things would ever feel better again. Running, which had been a source of comfort prior to my mom’s death and Marathon Monday, became something I struggled with and dreaded because it was too much time alone with my thoughts. Then suddenly, in an instant, my life was completely changed.

It was June 7 and ORFB began. From the moment it started, I couldn’t seem to tear myself away from following each of the runners and the progress of the baton (lovingly referred to as “Miles”). Since the relay was non-stop, updates were pouring in from all of the runners and the race organizers on Facebook all hours of the night. When I found myself unable to sleep (which was of-ten), I would open Facebook and spend hours looking at pictures and reading stories and comments. I was completely

drawn into this crazy, ridiculous relay and before I realized what was happen-ing, ORFB and everything it stood for began to replace so much sadness with happiness, fear with triumph, despair with hope. So many horrible images and memories replaced with funny, inspiring stories and photos. As Miles made its way from city to city, state to state, I found myself laughing out loud, incredibly moved by the showing of such enthusiastic support from runners all over the country and felt inspired to do more.

For the first time in my life, I didn’t think about what I was doing. No over-analyzing, no second guessing and on an absolute whim, opened the ORFB reg-istration page and looked at what states the relay had already run through and where they were headed next. I picked what was about the halfway point and clicked on Indiana. I had never been there before but I was excited to go (especially since Melissa Jaynes is always talking about Indiana). I figured the weather would be significantly warmer than it had been in MA so I looked to see if there were any early evening legs that I could try to join so I wouldn’t totally melt. I ended up choosing leg 215, Rt 40 (Cartersburg) to Bridgeport, scheduled to head out on June 23rd at 8:10 PM. I sent a message to the person who had committed to running that leg, Garvin Adamson, and asked him if he would like some company on his 8 mile leg. I told him who I was, where I was from, that I had never been to Indy before and what I thought I would

run for a pace. It took a day for him to respond and when he finally did, I was terrified to read it. That response was like getting a college acceptance letter. I was afraid yet excited to open it and see what it said... did I get in or would I have to apply somewhere else? Much to my delight he said he would love to have company and we exchanged informa-tion so we could start making plans. While booking my flight, I decided that since I was going to be there anyway, it would be a great experience to run another leg with more people and joined up with leg 217, White River Park to Celebration Plaza.

I flew into Indiana on June 21 and settled in. It was late and I wanted to make sure I got a good nights sleep but I was too excited and spent much of the night following Miles on Facebook. The next day, I went exploring got to see a little bit of Indiana. It rained like I have never seen it rain with the loudest thunder I had ever heard and lightening that was so intense it was like watching a private light show on steroids. There were moments throughout the day when I would find myself in awe of where I was and would just smile this ridiculous

Joan’s Indiana hug with new friend Garvin and One Run founder Kate.


smile because I was really there, I had actually done it. A week before I had been sitting at work reading updates on ORFB and suddenly there I was, in a strange and awesome state getting ready to run with someone I had never met before and could hardly contain my excitement. By the time Sunday ar-rived, I was ready to burst at the seams. Once again I had been unable to sleep, too excited about what was happening and what was still to come. During the day Garvin and I decided to meet up at Trivetts Welding (where the baton ex-change would happen) about 45 minutes before our hand-off time. The relay was running about two hours behind at that point so we knew it was going to be a late night. As it had been the day before, the skies were dark and stormy and as much as I had hoped for good weather had to prepare myself to run in some really wicked rain and thunder. The day seemed to fly by and with each passing minute, I was more and more excited about running.

When I arrived at the meeting spot, it had suddenly stopped raining and was nothing but blue skies. I just sat back in the car, closed my eyes and thought about the enormity of what I was participating in, the cause I was running for, my friends affected in so many ways, and what I was about to do. After taking some time to reflect, I got out of the car and waited for Garvin to arrive. About an hour into my wait, a car pulled up and three people got out. I recognized Garvin the moment he stepped out of the car from his picture on the ORFB website and went right up to him and hugged him. I wasn’t sure if he would be OK

with that, hugging a complete stranger without even exchanging a single word but he hugged me right back. He then introduced himself and the other folks with him, his son Jonathan, and Kristin, another runner who would be joining us. Garvin and Kristin had never met each other, either, but you would never know the three of us were strangers. There were more hugs, more laughs and photos as we waited for Miles to arrive. Shortly before we saw the runners who would be handing off to us, we heard sirens from their police escort. We crossed the street and began cheering and waving at the runners. They waved back and ran up to us. We exchanged some hugs, took more pictures, and suddenly we were off! We had a police escort in front of and behind us. Our route was a straight shot down a major

roadway so having the police escort was huge. Garvin, Kristin and I were smiling the entire time, unable to believe we were really there. We talked about our families, about our friends, about running, about the marathon, about the crazy huge moon, all the while passing Miles between us. I almost dropped Miles twice because that baton gets really slippery with our sweat but thankfully managed to hang on. Before we knew it, four miles had ticked right off and we were making great time. Around the five mile mark, we noticed two people on the side of the road and I swear my heart started beating so quickly I thought it would burst out of my chest - it was Danny and Kate (two of the organizers)!! Danny ran right up to us in his American flag shorts and hugged us mid-run. His energy and

Team Indy after leg 215: One Run founder Kate, Kristin Zemke, Joan, One Run founder Danny, and Garvin Adamson


excitement was infectious and our pace reflected it. I couldn’t contain myself, I was so excited and adrenalin took over. When the 8 miles were finished, it felt like we had only run 2 miles and I felt like I could have just kept going and going and going. It went by so quickly and the three of us hugged the tightest hug, not caring that we were beyond disgustingly sweaty, and couldn’t believe it was over. Danny and Kate joined us for more hugs, more photos and to have us sign the banner that they had been carrying since the relay began. There wasn’t much time to linger because both Garvin and I needed to get to the start of leg 217 so we said a heartfelt goodbye to Kristin and made our way to White River Park.

By the time I got to White River Park, about 50+ people were already there lined up for a photo. I got out of the car and ran up to them waving and introduced myself. Then I heard someone say “I think that’s Joan from Boston”. What happened next is a mo-ment I will never forget. 50+ strangers walked up to me and hugged me, high-fived me, kissed me, offered words of support for me, for my friends, for Bos-ton. It was all I could do to hold back the tears, so many people who were here for nothing more than to show support, many of them with no ties to Boston or the Marathon. A reporter I had spoken with a few days before who was joining us for the run picked me out of the crowd and asked if I wanted to say a few words. At first I didn’t really want to say anything but I had come all this way and I knew if I didn’t that I would regret it. I was barely hanging on

to my emotions at that point but I just took a moment to just thank everyone for being there, for taking time out of their lives to come together for such an amazing cause. I told them that what they were doing, what this relay was doing, was helping me and so many others back home start to heal and their support is overwhelming and so appre-ciated. It was one of the most meaning-ful moments of my life. Our five and a half miles was run along the canals in downtown Indianapolis. At one point in the run, Garvin found me and we ran the rest of the way together. Finish-ing my Indiana journey with Garvin by my side was the perfect way to end an amazing experience. Before Miles was handed off, I gave that baton the biggest kiss and bid it farewell until we

would meet again in Boston. There are so many amazing memories I have from that group stage and I have never felt so much love from so many people. Those 50+ strangers instantly became my friends. I flew out of Indiana early the next morning but a piece of my heart remains there.

When I got back to Boston and shared my experiences with some of my friends they, too, decided to join the relay. One of my girlfriends asked me if I would run with her, so I signed up for another leg in Massachusetts, leg 312, Douglas to North Uxbridge. I’ve never been to that side of the state but I figured it was nothing compared to traveling half way across the country to run. There were about 15 of us on

Boston Marathon Finish Line: Indy friends Edward M. Cooning IV, Jessie Meranda, Ana Traversa, with Joan.


that leg and it was super hot and humid. The relay was about 5 hours behind schedule at that point, so we had a lot of time to sit around and talk. I met so many amazing people, got to meet their kids and spouses and significant others, and heard some incredible stories. The feeling from the MA crowd was much different than the Indy crowd... these people were there, knew someone who was there, and it was personal. When Danny and Kate arrived in the “stink mobile” they had a surprise for us. James Hayes (the third of the dynamic trio of organizers) had joined them and it was so awesome finally meeting the guy behind the scenes. We posed for pictures, shared more hugs and got ready for another baton exchange. When Miles was handed off to us, I got to carry the American flag. I felt so much pride as we headed out for our 6 mile jaunt through the hills of Doug-las. For those of you who have never been to Douglas, the quick description is this: really pretty homes, huge hills, a dairy farm that makes their own ice cream, monstrous hills, two churches, crazy hills, and a lovely downtown. Did I mention there are hills? Big ones? At least half of our run was either extreme uphills or treacherous downhills but much to my surprise, it was unbeliev-ably fun!! I have always had a difficult relationship with hills, never been a fan really but on this day, with these amaz-ing people, carrying that flag and run-ning for such an amazing cause, I loved the hills. Much like in Indiana, these six miles were over as quickly as they began. I had the honor of handing off Miles to the next group of runners and I cannot tell you the pride I felt doing so. More

pictures, more hugs and I said goodbye to my new friends and made my way back to the city for the final part of my journey, leg 319 Newton to Boston.

By the time I got to Boston and parked, it was only a few hours before the final leg of the relay. I met up with fellow Wicked’s (Michele, Amber, Debbie, Rich, Sue, Val, and many, many more) and headed over to the green line. It was a little longer train ride than I had expected and when we got off in Newton, we still had a little bit of a walk to the final meeting place. The mood was upbeat and there was definite excitement and anticipation in the air. When we arrived at Newton City Hall, there were already a bunch of runners, including more Wicked’s, waiting on the steps. We had some time to wait so I walked to the top of the steps and sat there just taking it all in. As more and more runners arrived, I started to feel overwhelmed with all of this, hard to believe that this journey was coming to an end, hard to believe how many people were here, and hard to believe how many were affected by the events of that fateful Monday in April. Yet everywhere I looked I saw smiles, heard laughter and was once again reminded of the impact this relay has had on so many people. A few minutes before Miles made its way into Newton, I was able to meet up with three of my friends who flew in from Indiana. They gave me the biggest hugs and said I had inspired them to be there. They knew after our group run in Indy that they just had to be a part of this final leg, to support me, to support my friends, to support Boston. I cannot explain

how awesome that made me feel. The crowd of people was so big when Miles arrived that it was hard to see the handoff. I had already witnessed many exchanges so I knew what those who were able to see it were feeling and I couldn’t help but smile. Then we were off... it was a surreal experience running along the Marathon route, a route that I had become so familiar with from watching countless Boston Marathons growing up yet I learned a few new things: Heartbreak Hill isn’t nearly as intimidating starting 1/2 a mile from it; the route to the finish is either uphill or downhill...there are no “flat” stretches; and, there is nothing that can compare to the feeling you get when turning onto Boylston Street and hearing the crowd cheering for you. I will never forget running those 8 miles with 600 other runners, including my Wicked mates and my new Indy friends, watch-ing Miles being carried across the finish line, seeing so many runners enjoying the moment, feeling all the love and support from so many people and see-ing so many smiles.

I’m not sure if Danny, Kate and Jamie realized when they decided to put this event together that they were doing so much more than raising money. They have helped and are still helping heal the hearts of the running community, the city of Boston, and all who were affected. As for me, personally? They have helped heal my spirit and have given me the greatest gift of all... they have given me back running...running inspired, running happy, just running.


ELAINE GOLDMANI still haven’t completely wrapped my head around how to best verbalize the experi-ence. I guess I’ll be uncharacteristically brief and just say this was a wonderful and beautiful experience to be a part of. I may have honestly been a little hesitant when I found out leg #319 would be 5 hours behind schedule, but in the end it worked out for the best and just made it even more memorable and special. I am so lucky I got to be a part of this beautiful demonstration of the human spirit with some wonderful people.

MICHELE CAMPBELLOne Run For Boston leg 319 was truly the first time I felt happy since April 15. I ran in the dark down Commonwelath Avenue in a light rain at midnight and felt free — shedding layers of grief with every step. Seeing the group come into New-ton with the baton, being there with Wicked friends and strangers who were all on a mission to take back the Boston Marathon, was beyond special. We did it. We took the Boston Marathon back for the city, for runners, for spectators, for volunteers. We ran in the dark to bring light. We shared sweat and tears. Crossing that finish line, knowing leg 319 runners were the last of the relay that started in California was the most amazing feeling. I have never in my life been a part of something so big, so epic, so special, so meaningful. I will carry this experience with me always. Thank you Kate, Danny and Jamie for thinking big, and bringing a nation (and a world!) together for the common causes of caring, healing, and looking to a bright future. I needed this run; we all did. I need this extended and awesome running community that is now a big caring family. I thank everyone who helped make this amazing relay truly unforgettable. I am still very emotional about it all and it is hard to express my feelings.

DEBBIE SHAHIDII don’t even know what to say about the One Run For Boston, except that it was an amazing experience from beginning to end. I had so many mixed emotions that night. Running down Commonwealth Ave at 11:30 that night I couldn’t help but think about the runners running that same route the day of the marathon. I’m sure many of them were stopped right where I was running, and I was wondering what they were feeling. I can only imagine. When I followed the other runners towards the finish line, you could hear the cheers from the runners who were already waiting there. It was probably close to 12:45 am and many of them had to work that day, but no one seemed to care. This was the culmination of a cross country relay where runners ran non stop in support of our city, and I think everyone was so proud to be a part of that. It is something that I am so glad I took part in and something that I will never forget.

Donna Greenberg and Debbie Shahidi


Darla (left) with Elaine Goldman and Beth Griffin and One Run baton “Miles.”

DARLA KILROYJust 8 milesI love to run, I’m not a fast runner, and I’m okay with that for the most part. I always say that I’m pacing myself for the 70yr old age group so I can collect the bling at the YMCA race series. Run-ning is my release, and whatever good or bad is going on in my life I can count on my running always being there for me. Then our world changed. I can’t fix what happened, and deep down I wanted to, I wanted to bring us back to before it happened, to make it right, but I can’t do that. So instead I tried to focus just on good. I would avoid bad news, negative people, and focus on people who were making a difference and the heroes of this world and being thankful for each day. I was filling my soul with story after story of good; I just had to fill that hole I felt. Then I learned about the One Run For Boston, and signed up immediately…first for leg# 318, but then later changing to just leg# 319 to be with my Wicked peeps. I was so excited and absorbed in the Facebook posts and liking every photo of every runner who posted their pic. When “Miles” finally got close, it didn’t matter how off schedule it became, there was nothing that would have stopped me from participating in this, I just had to. I felt a sense of obligation for all those leg’s before, to complete what they started, to carry their strength forward. Now, remember for the first part, I’m not a fast runner. The year before, I had participated in the 2011 Boston Marathon, and I didn’t get to finish due to complications at Mile 17, and an EMT who decided it best I head to Newton Wellesley instead of the Gel Stop with our Wicked team mates and

finishing the race. So now fast forward to 11:10pm June 30th we started our leg shortly after that, I don’t remember exactly what time, but it was great. I felt so honored to be in this group, to be part of history, to be making a stand for our freedoms. Then for some reason, I started thinking about the 2011 Boston Marathon and all those negative emo-tions I had been pushing down from my failure of completing came back. I had not expected that, but there they were and I had to figure out how to deal with them. When I stopped to walk on one of the heart break hills, Beth Griffin was running along and stopped with me. We had been given one of the Miles relay batons, and we each ran with it and we took our photos. Beth pointed out “It pays to be a slow runner sometimes.” I don’t know how she did it, but Beth somehow got my negative thoughts to go away, and then I just had

to struggle with running in the humidity but it got better. Beth was meeting Kelly Thomas Pheulpin and Annette Louizos at Coolidge Corner, and from there I had all the Wicked support I needed. Then the CITGO sign was there, and I had this rush of how amazing it must have been to run and see that sign, and then we turned onto Boylston and were within the finish line. I have to say I love being a part of the Wicked com-munity. I will never in my life forget how it felt to run down Boylston Street, to hear the cheers of those who had finished before us (again, another posi-tive to being a slow runner) and feeling the warm, the love, the freedom, we did it, me and a lot help from my Wicked Angels. I don’t feel that hole inside like I used to, and I think I got those mara-thon demons to go away as well. Just 8 miles that was the best of my life.


NEAL GRASSOWow, what an experience it was to be part of the One Run for Boston! I was part of a group of about 100+ runners who ran the second to last leg (Leg 318 from Wellesley, MA to Newton, MA) of this incredible relay. Lots of love and sweaty hugs!

My emotions ran high, as did those of so many others! All I could do was keep saying how incredible this was. I met incredible people, I felt connected in a positive way, and I knew that what I was doing meant so much for the victims and their families. I am so humbled to have done my small part in this journey!

The relay ran a little late, so we had to wait around for a while. This gave me and my fellow runners some time to get to know each other. We were supposed to start at 5:30pm. Instead we started our 6 mile run more like 10:20pm!

Miles, the nicknamed baton with built-in GPS that was carried, by hand, from LA to Boston, had other plans. I think as emotions started running high in New

York, Connecticut, and Massachusetts (the last three states of the relay), and the weather became unpredictable, things started slowing down. A few hours is not that bad for a journey that began on June 7th! It was worth every minute of lost sleep to know that I was a part of this historic event!

Since my kids could not go with me I got plenty of hugs and kisses before I left the house. They knew I was head-ing out to do something important. My daughter said to me “you’re an awesome guy”, and my son gave me a high five! Awesome!

While waiting to run my leg I met Mela-nie Eversley of USA Today. We had a great exchange. She posted this tweet:

“Neal Grasso, waiting at Wellesley handoff 4 @OneRunForBoston: ‘This event is taking something so horrible and making something great.’”

Funny thing, I let her borrow my car. It worked out perfectly for both of us! She got a ride from Welleseley to Newton,

and I had my car waiting for me! Thank you again Melanie! It was awesome meeting you!

I also met Cheryl Morin Greeson, who was interviewed on NESN during the Red Sox game on Friday June 28th. It was so cool talking with her and sharing stories. Cheryl, I’ll see you running the Boston Marathon in 2015!

Needless to say, my emotions are still running high and I am just so proud of the running community and this coun-try. We will never let the horrible events of April 15, 2013 be forgotten, and we will never let terror win. The world is a better place if you believe it and you stand up for peace, love, and good will!

Thank you to my new ORFB running family!


One Run Fun


One Run Fun


Rich Tabbut – Runner, Top Fundraiser Team Wicked Nation for the North Shore Cancer RUN

Rich Tabbut, Courtesy of the North Shore Cancer WALK/RUN Blog

Team Wicked was instrumental three years ago starting the North Shore Cancer RUN as part of the annual Cancer WALK. I first decided I would participate in the RUN in honor of my mother-in-law Mary Rossiter Duffy who was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in December 1991. We thought she successfully beat that cancer, but in the summer of 1995, she had a relapse. Unfortunately, Mary died just before Christmas that year. It was very im-portant for me to honor Mary, and the Cancer RUN seemed like a perfect way to do that.

Running has always been part of my life. I’ve been part of the Wicked Run-ning Club for several years, and before that I was involved with the North Shore Striders. While running is often an individual endeavor, our local run-ning clubs have helped me forge very strong friendships.

One such friendship that I’m thankful for is with Gary Freedman. The extent of my participation in the North Shore Cancer RUN expanded when I found out that my friend Gary was undergo-ing treatment for cancer. He is a very private person by nature, so much so that when I asked if he’d be doing the RUN, he said he was going to do his best, but would have to see because he

was undergoing chemo. I had no idea, and many people close to him didn’t either. Right then, I knew I had to support him and run in his honor

as well. Thanks to the generosity of so many people, I was pleased to be able to raise more than $2,000 for the North Shore Cancer RUN in 2012.

Gary is an inspiration. Not only did he participate in the North Shore Cancer RUN by running the race, but he then did the WALK course right afterward. This is a man who has had a notable running career, including 26 Boston Marathons, and yet, I can think of noth-

ing more impressive than seeing him out on the course that day in 2012.

Gary is a true reminder of why I run, not only in general, but also to raise money for such important causes like North Shore Medical Center and Mass General / North Shore Cancer Center.

The Wicked Running Club’s dedica-tion to North Shore Cancer RUN is so important to me. Each step I run takes on greater meaning when I think about Mary and Gary, as well as the countless other people who have fought cancer. Doing the RUN is my small way of con-tributing and it’s something I feel very fortunate to be a part of.

Rich Tabbut (far right) representing Wicked at the North Shore Cancer Run.


Where in the World Is Wicked?

Wicked Philly: TOP: Friend to Wicked members Michele and Gifford Campbell (aka Gichele), Donna Gatewood is a Boston native now living in Philadelphia. She wanted to purchase a Boston Strong shirt to support marathon bombing victims. So Donna ordered a shirt from Michael Harvey and Gichele sent it to her. Here she is in Philly, going all out Rocky style! Love her spirit, and that Wicked is now being repre-sented in another great city! Thank you Donna and all others who bought a shirt to support the Woolfenden Family Fund.

Wicked Sesame Street:BOTTOM: Lily and Tim Short on the steps of 123 Sesame Street having a great time on a recent family trip.


Running Dead Zombie 5K, SalemSeptember 28, 2013 starting at 5:30 pm Gallows Hill Park in Salem Benefiting NSMC Cancer Center and onefundboston.org.

The goal of the race is not best time so much as survival… Runners will follow the designated course while the zombies try to “kill” them. Runners will be wearing a flag belt, similar to the ones worn in flag football. The zombies will try to grab the flags off the belt, which “kills” the runner. Once a runner loses their flag, they are “dead” and become a zombie who also tries to “kill” other runners. As the race goes on, there will be more and more zombies. The new “runner” zombies won’t look like the course zombies so runners in the race will always have to be on guard for people trying to “kill” them whether they look like zombies or not.

Everyone who finishes will receive a medal, a “Survivor” medal for people who still have flags and “Victim” medals for the poor souls who are killed.www.runningdeadz5k.com

Get Out and Race!

Derby Street Mile August 16, 2013, 7:00pmTime to register for the Derby Street Mile which is the next race in the Salem Park & Recreation Road Race Series. Please visit www.derbystreetmile.com. Email [email protected] to volunteer.

3rd Annual Salem Run@Work Day Friday, September 20th, 12:30pm at Salem Common. FREE. Presented by Salem Park, Recreation & Community Services and the Wicked Running Club. First 75 registrants re-ceive a tech t-shirt. Sponsors and a small group of volunteers are needed for this

run. Please contact [email protected] or [email protected]. Register at www.salemrec.com.

North Shore Road Race Guide Monthly 5KJoin us on Monday, August 26 at New England Running Company in Beverly at 6:45 for our next run that features a post-run raffle for free race entries and 15% off your food order at Not Your Average Joe’s. Earn rewards like 25% of a pair of shoes from NERC for running monthly. Details and info at: northshoreroadraceguide.com/north-shoreroadraceguide5k or email [email protected].

5 Mile Race


Race Review26x1 Relay at Tufts University

Elaine Goldman

I am a newbie Wicked member (and technically still a newbie runner) so the idea of participating in a team relay was simultaneously intriguing and nerve wracking. I mean, the last time I was on an actual track was over 20 years ago when I decided I’d try out for my high school track team. I did not have fond memories of this (very brief) moment in my personal history. The embarrass-ment of watching every one else sprint meters ahead, literally eating their dust, is still palpable. A week of shin splints and wounded pride meant I quit just two weeks in and I wouldn’t reunite with running for over a decade.

I am also used to running for myself and being accountable only to myself. Like most runners I believe, I run MY race (whether it’s an actual race or just a morning run). I can be fairly introverted (uh... selfish?) in this regards though- which is part of the reason I joined Wicked to begin with. I wanted to break out of the comfort zone of the solo selfish runner and be a part of a larger running community.

Another good way to break out of your introverted comfort zone? Run a relay - where you are accountable to OTHERS.

I was placed in the Wicked Milers group (the slower of our two teams) and was pretty relieved. I did not want to relive embarrassing high school memories - track or otherwise. I was simply looking forward to being a part of my first team event and getting to know some fellow members/runners a little bit better.

Things seemed well-organized (thanks Tennille!) from the carpool option to making sure people knew when they were running so they would be lined up and ready to go. Knowing things were under control definitely helped ease some of the newbie jitters. During the wait for my turn it was fun to chat up fellow Wickeds, cheer for those on the track and just stare in slack-jawed awe of the “hard core” teams zipping by. My soul for the speed and perfect form of one of those Sommervillians! (Sommer-villains?)

Perhaps foolishly, I volunteered for two legs when we had some unexpected cancellations. What was I thinking? I haven’t even been on a track in two decades, I’m recovering from plantar issues, I’m incredibly clumsy and I sign up for not one but TWO relay legs? Two opportunities to drop a baton, fall on my face, collapse in the midday sun, crash into another runner... the possi-bilities are endless in my neurotic mind! But this is not about me (not entirely anyway) this is about helping out my

team. So stepping into an abandoned leg seemed a logical contribution. I wasn’t promising much, just an extra pair of slightly under-pronating feet to help us complete our mission.

For my first leg I waited nervously with Darla, Annie and Beth. We were all a little antsy and excited about our turns. More importantly, we were all incredibly supportive of each other. I had never met these ladies before but they instant-ly put me at ease.

Of course, this ease quickly disappeared as I realized I was up and I saw the baton coming toward me. OMG the nerves - I could have possibly thrown up but before I realized it, that sweaty piece of metal was in my hands and I was off. The first lap was difficult just because I was so nervous my knees were knocking together while running. I didn’t even think that was possible. I felt like a newborn giraffe - only less graceful. Luckily, that was only the first lap and I was able to enjoy the rest of my leg once I got rid of newbie nerves.

continued, next page


Seen and Heard on the Run

From Shannon Downey: In response to my Facebook post about my attempt at doing the Toomey core circuit, Michele Campbell posted:“Morning glories suck ass. Humans aren’t meant to form “U” shapes. For the love of God, who invented this exercise?”

Wicked Kudos

From Rich Tabbut: Thank you to Mau-reen Duffy Tabbut for supporting us last night at the One Run for Boston. Kudos to Julie Arrison for driving Maureen back to the finish line and letting me borrow your reflective vest. Apologies to T.R. for taking us down to the Boston Common and making us double back to the finish. Big thanks to Wicked Running Club for giving me the opportunity to cross the Boston Mara-thon finish line at last!

From Tim Short: Great job to everyone who ran in the Firecracker 4 Miler on July 4th! It was great to see so many Wicked Runners that morning.

From Mike and Tara Paulin: Congratula-tions Brad Gates on running a Boston Qualifying sub-3:05 at the Vermont City Marathon in his marathon debut!

From Doug Bollen: I want to thank the following Wicked members who partici-pated on the Boys & Girls Club Reach the Beach Team: T.R. Ramsdell, Beth Griffin, Jackie Washburn, and Beth Crowley. I also want to thank all the Wicked Members who donated to our Reach the Beach Team on behalf of the Boys & Girls Club.

(I thought I’d be fine for leg two but found myself having the same anxiety right before being handed the baton).

In the end the Wicked Milers may not have been as badass as the Sommer-villains in terms of speed, but we were badass in other ways. I didn’t see anyone else with a woman 7 months pregnant on their team. How about an adorable little spitfire of an 8 year old girl that whipped out of the gate like Flo Jo and reminded me of the pure innocent joy running can bring? Yeah, we had one of those too - her name was Sabrina and she was freakin’ awesome. And yeah, we may have finished last, but we ran our last lap together as a unified team - smiling and high-fiving each other at the end as if we had actually won. And let’s face it, if there were a prize for “Most Heart,” we would have had it in the bag.

I really enjoyed my first relay experience with Wicked, look forward to more and would encourage anyone who might be hesitant to sign up for one to just do it already! Trust me, you’ll have a blast.

Overall, I give this race 4 Cats. Grant-ed, I have no other relays to compare it to, but I thought it was: well organized, had a positive and encouraging environ-ment, had real bathrooms with flushing toilets vs. portajohns, provided lots of unexpected free food (including pizza!), upbeat tunes, great company... all on top of a gorgeous summer day.

Why not a perfect score? As others commented we maybe could have bene-fited from a little crash course on proper (or at least better) baton handling. Also, once the pizza came I couldn’t help but think “what, no keg?” A cold brew would have been a nice way to end the day and toast to our accomplishments. There’s always next year...

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:Don [email protected]

Webmaster: Tennille Doyle [email protected]

Social Activities Coordinator: Tennille Doyle [email protected]

Documents

WRR June/July 2013