July 17, 2010 - The skies were lighting up like fireworks during the night at the Vermont 100 in Woodstock, VT while the trails were being burned up by numerous TARC members.  Runners were treated to a heat lightning display of oranges and reds on the horizon that provided a dramatic backdrop to the rolling Green Mountains in the distant.  Meanwhile the heavens opened to a galaxy of stars that guided the weary runners towards the finish - the big dipper hanging low just above the horizon.

TARC had a plethora of members toeing the line this year and all those hours of training runs and races leading up to the big event seemed to have paid off.  We witnessed not only an 85% finish rate but three finish their inaugural 100 miler!

Congratulations to Ron Farkash (20:23), Norm Sheppard (23:48) and Sherpa John LaCroix (28:58) as well as first-time 100 miler finishers Kristen Evan (27:54), Steve Latour (29:11) and Kevin “KZ” Zelechoski (29:14).  You guys showed us how its done and rocked it! [My apologizes in advance if I’ve missed other TARC member finishers).

Many Animals made the trek to Silver Hill for camping out and the race.  We had a “Trail Animal village” of sorts in the meadow.  In addition to the above Chris “C1″ Haley was volunteering at aid station mile 92 during the evening and treated himself to a couple of solo long runs in the backwoods of Vermont as part of his injury recovery regime.  Chris “C4″ Martin and Christine “C5″ Mathieu crewed and paced for Steve “The Rock” Latour, Michelle Roy, Emily Trepas and Bill Howard crewed and paced for KZ and Tim Reif ran with Kristen Evan - making it to mile 77 himself.  Bruce Giguere, just off his spectacular sub 24 Western States was crewing for a couple of Shenipsit Striders.  Pat Wheatley, Chris “C3″ Martin, Steve “Old Goat” Pero, Kevin Sullivan and yours truly all volunteered to pace runners starting at Camp 10 Bear (mile 70).  I know there were many more Animals volunteering but these are the ones I remember seeing!

All the results for Vt100 can be found here

Also congrats to Howie Breinan for his 25:32 finish at the Tahoe Rim Trail 100, finishing a blazing 12th place overall!

DRB 50K and TARC 50 Miler

By Josh Katzman

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood . . .

- Robert Frost, The Road Not Taken

In comparison to the dilemma confronting the immortal Robert Frost, runners of the 14^th Annual Don’t Run Boston (DRB) 50K and the inaugural Trail Animals Running Club (TARC) 50 Miler face an exponentially more daunting calculation. For they are, often, not faced with a mere two roads diverging; nay, they oft are presented four roads diverging at an intersection, further blessed with multiple paths, generally traveled only by deer, leading to hidden corners of the Blue Hills Reservation in Milton, MA, and all of these paths appear to double back, entering the same intersection at new angles. While Frost had the luxury of choosing the single path proving less traveled, at most of the DRB and TARC intersections, the majority of the paths are not traveled (save by those deer).

Last year I was a neophyte to the race, drawn by its sheer simplicity and price: no entry fee, no SWAG, just running. I got one piece of advice at the start line (following the creed of simplicity, drawn in the sand next to Houghton’s Pond by RD Howie Breinan): find someone who knows the course and don’t lose them! After finishing last year (by following said advice), I got some more advice at the finish: learn the course and come back next year. Following that advice proved key for this year’s 50K. However, I had signed up for the inaugural 50 miler, and had spent no time on the last 19 miles. Oh, Mr. Frost, how I envy the simplicity of your choice . . .

This year’s affair saw close to 50 adventurous souls toe the line in two waves – a 6:00 AM start for those tackling the 50 miler and wanting an early 50K start (this wave was marked by two things: remarkably cheery folks given the drizzle, and the introduction of SWAG – coupons for Eastern Mountain Sports), and 8:00 AM for those sticking to the 50K. An equally adventurous crew of volunteers stocked the main aid table (more or less the back of someone’s car), at miles 13, 16, and 26, made key drops for runners along the course, and didn’t seem fazed by the nearly continual drizzle all day. The two runs follow the same route for the first 50K – one that is completely unmarked and roughly resembles an anaconda wrapping itself around its prey. The one section of the course that follows a named/marked trail – the Skyline Trail - for any real length of time (about 6 miles) – and is therefore nearly impossible to get lost on – is also some of the most gnarled, rock strewn, root studded terrain you can find , with a few good climbs thrown in for fun (leading some to dub DRB the “mini-Massanutten”).

Despite (because of?) the challenges of navigating the course, DRB and the 50 miler bring out the true ethos of the Trail Animals Running Club: “No Animal gets left behind.” Looking at the finishing times, it is clear that folks work together – most people finish in packs of 2 – 4. Although I ran solo most of the day, I had the pleasure of running with Ken for the first 7 miles or so, and I was repeatedly buoyed by the volunteers at central aid station and by other runners at the intersections during the 50K. And then I started the last 19 miles . . .

Going into the final miles of the TARC 50 I knew my mindset had to change from the 50K, a course that I had come to know. I approached these last 19 miles (split into an “easy” 6-mile loop, and a circuitous 13 mile loop) more like a running scavenger hunt, expecting to accumulate significant “bonus” miles, while I searched the woods for the ever absent trail markers/numbers, and expecting to not see any other Animals. At least miles 31 – 37 would be an easy, flat and fast loop around Ponkapoag Pond at the southern end of the reservation. After spending nearly 5 hours diligently concentrating on navigating, I was confident I could follow a flat path clockwise around the perimeter of a large body of water. I am no Mr. Frost however, and for the first time all day got off course, at arguably the easiest intersection in the race (where, poetically, two paths diverge), and began running counter-clockwise (thinking the whole time, “I should be going the other direction.”). I recovered (after picking up my first half mile bonus), and enjoyed the calm, easy running around the pond – no roots or rocks to potentially cause bodily harm (there were a few golfers at one point, but they were on the green, about 100 yards away), not too many intersecting trails to confuse – and returned to the car in good spirits (and time), confident that I could break 8 hours for the 50.

The final 13 miles of the TARC 50 take runners on a journey to the far northeastern section of the Blue Hills, and come replete with a beautiful description, written by course designer Bob Crowley. Here are some highlights: “Another confusing intersection of multiple trails.” “There is NM [no-marker] for 4048 . . . Lots of downed trees to hop over. You’ll feel like you’re running in a riverbed.” “This trail too can be hard to follow.” “This trail will follow along the base of the rock (looks like a deer path).” The description does not do the trails justice however, as they proved to be immensely enjoyable and runnable (save for those downed trees, stopping to navigate, and deer droppings). I got into a rhythm of basically running between intersections, stopping, checking the map, reading the description, running, and so on. It took a lot of time (but kept the legs fresh throughout) and I came to accept I would be nowhere near 8 hours. Because of this narrative I only made a few errant turns that were easily and quickly corrected. My self-laminated map (with narrative) became my security and savior. At some points I would run for twenty minutes with it in my hand, almost believing it to hold special powers that could guide me in the right direction, much like a dowsing rod. Of course, at what should have been one of the easier sections – a road crossing around mile 47 – my map (not my weak mind/mounting fatigue) failed me and I stood/ran in circles for 16 minutes, thoroughly convincing myself that the map was wrong. I crossed and re-crossed the road. I followed this path and that. I felt frustration quickly mounting.

But perseverance (and bushwhacking) led to the covered picnic area next to Chickatawbut Tower, and what became my favorite stretch of the 50 miles. It wasn’t easy to follow or necessarily the most scenic – some of it was along a chain link fence, and the final mile or two parallel a road – but it was relatively smooth, I got a couple of pokes of sunlight through the clouds, and I finally knew where I was going if any “roads diverged in a wood.” Just to be safe though, I kept my map in hand, because I wanted to take the trail traveled by the Animals. And it led me to the pack, cheering and pointing the way for the final ½ mile – and a celebration that featured no awards, but a great pot of potatoes cooked by a TARC member who wasn’t even running.

14^th Annual Trail Animals Don’t Run Boston 50K and  Inaugural TARC 50 mile

Sunday April 18, 2010       Low to high 40’s.  On and off showers all day.

5000+’ of climb in 50K  Non-repeated winding trails.

About 6000+’ climb in 50 mile.

Official Race Results   DRB50K (Times truncated to the minute)

1.         Josh Katzman, MA                4:56 *@

2. tie    Jeff List, MA                         5:52

2. tie    Jeff Vogel, MA                     5:52

4. tie    Steve Pero, NH                     6:06

4. tie    Paul Funch                             6:06

4. tie    Bogie D, MA                         6:06

7.         Mike Camarillo, TX               6:18 #

8. tie    Howie Breinan, CT               6:20 @

8. tie    Mark Buongiorno, CT           6:20 @

10.       Greg Stone, MA                    6:48 #

11. tie  Chris Martin, MA                  6:52@

11. tie  Giles Gregory, MA                6:52@

13.       Eric Nelson                            6:54

14.       Paul Lanham, MA                 6:55

15. tie  Deb Pero, NH  (F)                 7:27

15. tie  Rich Collins, NH                   7:27

17. tie  Bob Crowley, CA                 7:39 #

17. tie  Norm Sheppard, NH             7:39 #

19.       Chris Shanley, MA                  7:47 #

20.       Damon Steed                         8:32

21.       Doug Caverly, MA                8:32

22.       Peter Copela                          8:33

23.       Al Catalano, MA                   8:35

24. tie  Tim Reif, MA                        8:57 @

24. tie  Kristen Evan, MA (F)           8:57 @

26. tie  Michelle Roy (F), MA           9:29 #

26. tie  Kevin Zelechoski, MA          9:29 #

28.       Randy Witlicki, VT               9:37

29.       Bradley Schwartz, IL            9:40 #

30. tie Craig Wilson, (ME) 8:20 (26 miles)

30. tie Charlie Zerbinopoulos, (NH) 8:20 (26 miles)

(?? starters)

*old course record:  Gary Harrington, Josh Katzman, 5:16, 2009

# = 6 am start with 50 milers

@ = 50 mile split with 6 am start

Unofficial Race Results   TARC 50 mile (inaugural official running)

Times truncated to the minute

1.         Josh Katzman, MA                8:47

2. tie    Howie Breinan, CT               10:16

2. tie    Mark Buongiorno , CT          10:16

4. tie    Chris Martin, MA                  12:00

4. tie    Giles Gregory, MA                12:00

6. tie    Tim Reif, MA                        14:00

6. tie    Kristen Evan, MA                 14:00

(18 starters)

TARC members cleaned up this past weekend with members finishing 1st, 2nd and 3rd in the 40 Miler at the Fells in Winchester, MA.  Thanks to Bogie for once again hosting a terrific event, in spite of the nasty weather.

Josh Katzman (29) finished first in a time of 6:15, averaging a blazing 1:15 per loop!  Josh also finished tied for 1st at DRB50K in April.  Garry Harrington (49) slid into 2nd with a time of 7:20, averaging under 1:30 a loop with 1:28 - motoring.  Garry also tied for 1st at this year’s DRB50K.  Christopher Cappellini (43) rounded out the top three with a time of 8:18, 1:39 average time per loop.

Other TARC members who finished three loops were:

Adam Wilcox (28)  4:56  5th place

Tom Parent (33)  4:59  6th place

Paul Lahham (30)  5:28 9th place

Michelle Roy (35)  5:37 10th overall, 2nd woman

Ben Keefe (28)  5:49  tied for 11th

Patrick Flaherty (49)  6:05  12th

Congratulations to all!

Blue Hills Reservation, MILTON, MA by Howie Breinan.  I had loved the idea of the TARC 50 since last Fall when Bob Crowley set up the new Trail Animals site and announced his plan to create a 19 mile addition to the Trail Animals Don’t Run Boston 50K course to create a 50 miler.  At the time I didn’t give much thought to actually running it, as I have found it hard to get above 20 miles a week for many years.  The Spring gave me new hope, however, as I recorded a string of 30 mile weeks and ran well at the 50K.  As summer rolled around I was able to further increase my mileage and had been averaging about 50 miles for several weeks.  When Bob announced that the “official” first running of the TARC 50 would need to be postponed because of the summer racing schedule (almost everyone was training for or recovering from 100 milers), I decided to make a go of it as an informal run and sought company from others.  On Aug 9,  I joined a large crew on a training run to cover the 19 mile addition, very little of which I had run on.  With the confidence of this training and a favorable long range weather forecast, Stephen Peckiconis and I decided to make a go of it the following Sunday.  Unfortunately, as the week went on the forecast got hotter and hotter, but we had already set the plans and figured we would still make the attempt.

The day started with Stephen and I making our way around the Blue Hills at 6:00 am dropping food, water, and even a little ice.  Our many drops proved critical because we never had to go more than 6 miles without resupply in the hot weather to come.  We pulled into Houghton’s Pond at 6:30, meeting DRB 50K veterans Norm Sheppard and Paul Lanham newcomer Dave Molt for the start.  Norm and Dave were just out for shorter training runs, but Paul wanted to do at least 50 K.  We got off at 6:40 and although it was already warm, it was pretty comfortable without the sun shining on us.  After running this course exclusively in April over the last thirteen years, it didn’t take me long to find out that that there are some differences in the summer.  As I was leading up Hawk Hill, I couldn’t remember where the main trail was.  In April it doesn’t really matter as there are many crisscrossing trails that all lead up to Skyline and any of them work.  However, the one I picked was so overgrown with the summer leaf growth that I couldn’t find the trail easily and we ended up having to push pretty aggressively through the brush.  Mantracker (Tim Reif) found us at the crest of the hill and joined the party for the section east of Rte 28.  The morning proceeded smoothly, but by the time we got to skyline the sun was pretty high and starting to take its toll.  Even at the early aid drops I was taking more time than I had planned to make sure I got plenty of fluids and food in.  After the skyline loop at Headquarters (miles 13 to 16, total time now just under 4 hours) Norm (recovering from Vermont100) and Dave decided they had had enough.  Stephen was also feeling the effects of the heat and decided that the full 50 was not in the cards, but he would stick around to “crew” and keep me company later in the run.  So Paul and I left for the infamously twisty “yellow and green” highlight portions of the 50K course.  I was running pretty conservatively and things were going smoothly, but Paul was already suffering from chafing.   We kept moving slowly and steadily, realizing we were not yet half way and were experiencing the hottest part of the course on the exposed ski hill and trail around Great Blue Hill.  After that point however, the course is mostly shaded so we had some relief some the sun.  Still, with the humidity and dead air, we were very glad we dropped water at both the museum (mile 20) and where the trail nears the road around mile 23.

Just after the mile 23 aid drop, Mantracker2 (Chris Haley) found us.  Chris was getting in his final long run/heat training for Cascade Crest 100 and his company was very welcome.  Chris was the originator of the Trail Animals and instrumental in its revival and laying out the addition to make 50 miles.  It is too bad that Bob Crowley had to miss this run after a change in his plans, as he was the major driver of the club revival and laying of the course.  We got back to HQ at mile 26 in about 6:20 with Stephen there to help and clean up the drop bags.  On the last loop of the 50K Paul was really suffering with the chafing and decided enough was enough.  Chris and I had some confusion over how the last section of the 50K course connected to the new 19 miles and we ended up wasting some time and running a short bonus section.  Stephen met us with a car first for aid, and after the delays we finally crossed the 50K line in 7:50.  Stephen then joined us for the 6 mile Ponkopoag loops, the flattest section of the course.  For me this was quite tough as I was at the longest I have run in 14 years and on the flat section there were fewer hills so fewer walking breaks. The highlight of this section was the crossing of the construction site over the highway.  Compared to the previous week’s training run, the area was more securely blocked off due to the fact that the first section of concrete was completely missing!   After “hopping” the barriers, fences, and caution tape, we had to cross either on the bare steel girder or some wooden ply lain over the open areas.  I chose the girder, figuring that it was more permanent and secure.

When we returned to Houghton’s at mile 37 (about 9:05) Chris left to do some hill repeats and I set out on the final 13 mile loop alone.  I was still running the flats and downs, just pretty slowly.  I felt I had a bad stretch after crossing Rte 28, slowing down even a bit more.  After the previous week’s training run I was confident that I could navigate this section without the map, but like so many others before me in the 50K, the course won.  I know I was looking for the turn from the pipeline to the CCC camp- it should be easy to spot since there is a sign on the tree-  but somehow I missed it.  The next turn also had a sign to the camp, so I took that one.   At that point I didn’t realize that I was running the loop the wrong way.  After some confusion at the end of the loop I realized what was going on and decided to just finish the loop backwards.  The confusion cost a few minutes and caused me to run a section of the pipeline that was not part of the course twice.  Anyone who has done the 50K has probably known this feeling at some point.  Fortunately, this mistake coincided with a pickup in my general energy and demeanor and I actually felt like I moved well from that point on.  After leaving the camp, most of the trail is extremely enjoyable single track or seldom used wider paths.   I stumbled on a couple lounging with a hammock between the poles on the “off trail” lookout from the top of Rattlesnake-  I took a quick look around and didn’t stay long.  I had been anticipating the “both hands and both feet” descent from Rattlesnake Hill since I saw the course design and it didn’t disappoint.  It was a fitting section for 45+ miles into a tough course.   The sky was getting noticeably darker as I ran some of my favorite trails on the course back to Chickatawbut, but the sun was still baking the open field after crossing the road in front of the education center.  I had some tired legs on the long downhill off of Chickatawbut Hill, but the closing adrenaline took care of that after I crossed Rte 28 the last time.  Here I was feeling pretty good and finally, after the long hot day, it felt like it was cooling off.  Stephen ran out to meet me for the last mile and got me to pick it up even more, somewhere I think under 9 minutes for the last mile.

Houghton’s was still mobbed at the finish after 7 pm.  I felt like my quicker pace earned me a little more respect than the slow jog I managed the previous time and a half around the pond hours earlier.  While I had cooled off since mid day, I was still eager to jump in the pond.  That got me thinking back to when people went in the pond after the DRB 50K.  Does anyone lay claim to that or remember others who did it?   I would bet water temp in April was a bit more “refreshing” than my dip into what Stephen said was 76 degree water.

Howie Breinan, creator and RD for the Don’t Run Boston 50K, achieved a feat unique to the ultra community and closed the circle of life with his accomplishment.

On a sweltering and steamy Sunday, Howie set out to be the first person test run and finish the entire TARC 50 Miler course.  He crossed the finish line after 12 hours and 28 minutes of enduring brutal heat conditions and set the course mark to beat.  It only seems appropriate that not  only Breinan -the first 31 miles of the course are the DRB50K -  be the one to attempt this effort but that it be done on the hottest day of the year.  In true Trail Animal style he pierced the heat, got”off track”, recovered and ended strong and in good spirit.  Hid account is below.  Congrats to Howie for again, showing us how we Animals do it right!

Howie Breinan’s account:

Came in feeling strong in 12:28.   I missed the turn to the CCC and ended up
doing the loop backwards plus some bonus pipeline twice (it is a trail
animal race after all, and someone had to do it).   I was able to run the
whole way, overall probably at least as good as the Ponkapoag loop.   I had
a slow stretch from 28 to the CCC, but then picked it up, especially the last 2 miles.  I really enjoyed the section after getting out of the CCC all the way to Chickatawbut.  Had a bit of a tough time from Chick to Rte 28 just because legs were a bit fatigued for a long rocky downhill.  Finally started to feel like I had cooled off some once I left the house of poison ivy.  Stephen ran me in the last 0.88 or so.  Overall it was a really good day for me.  I did jump in the pond… not quite as refreshing as for those in the past who did the same after DRB (can’t remember who…. maybe Craig?)

Stephen Peckiconis also writes:

Howie finished 50 (or more) miles in 12:28, running from 0641-1909 on a day with dew points regularly registering over 70.  I dropped at 16 because 70’s my limit, my body just can’t handle that.  Had thought it would be like Saturday but the temps on Sunday put things over the top.  Howie didn’t seem fazed and a good sign was the he was the only one regularly peeing, processing plenty of fluids.

Paul was there running with Howie through the 50K.  David Molk and Norm Sheppard also started with us.  Like myself, they decided 16mi was a good drop point, as it was a quarter mile from our cars.  Howie’s pace was faster than I expected.

Tim Reif again amazed me by finding us in the middle of nowhere to run for a couple hours.  Chris Haley ran with Howie from approx 28 to 50K, and then he and I ran the
6 mi Ponkapoag loop with Howie.  My favorite part of the course but Howie’s least fave.

After 4pm Howie was on his own, and that included the period from 5pm until Now with the dew point at 72 degrees!  I ran the last mile with Howie and he did it in around 8m30s.

There was some discussion/misunderstanding on the part of the course from 28-37, hopefully Chris Haley or Howie can explain that.

I thought I was drinking well before I dropped.  After that I drank more, rested, went home, drank more, and then weighed myself.  Down 4.5 lbs, or 3% after all that.  Not what I expected.  I think I was using my spring water loss rate and forgot that it just might be a little higher today.  Going to have to learn to drink until it hurts.

NEW GLOUCHESTER, MAINE - MAY 24  Four Trail Animals toed the line at the Pineland Farms 50 Miler on a beautiful sunny Memorial Day weekend.  Bruce Giguere (41) from

Tolland, CT took home the the fasted TARC time of the day at 8:39:41 finishing top 25 (22nd) overall and 10th in his age group.  TARC co-founder Chris  “C1″ Haley (53) of Medfield, MA posted a “getting ready for the Cascade Crest 100″ time of 8:45:33 finishing 33rd overall and 2nd in his age group.  Clinton Morse (47) of Tolland, CT crossed the line at 9:31:58 gaining 35th place and 5th in his age group.  And Paul Lahham (29) from Cambridge, MA came in right behind Clint at 9:34:08 in 36th place and 10th age group.  The combined TARC time was 35:49:10 which would have won third place for the team competition had there not been a registration glitch.  No matter, we know what the Animals are capable of!  Nice work gents!  Full results here

STAFFORD, CT - May 17, 2009  TARC member Clinton Morse defended his title at the

Soapstone Mountain Race 6K aka “The Sampler” this past Sunday.  Morse (47) covered the course in 25.21, exactly 1 minute ahead of Roger Durand.  Clint is also on the organizing committee of the race and runs for the Shenipsit Striders out of Connecticut.  But, despite his devotion and loyalty to his hometown running club, Morse decided to sport his fancy new Trail Animals tee and given the results, we’re hoping he has started a trend for our members who wear the pack’s logo in races!  Congratulations to Clint.  You can see more pictures and full race results by clicking here.

Shenipsit Striders

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April 19, 2009 MILTON, MA

Many thanks to our volunteers:  Don Allison, Bill Howard, and Dave James (and friend).   Here are the unofficial results.  Runners… please correct any misspellings or incorrect reporting of ties or times.  Also, please fill in or correct your states.

Congrats to Josh and Garry for breaking the course record.

Anyone who wishes to send along pictures or a runner report suitable for submission to Ultrarunning, please let do.

If you took GPS info, please send it along… I am compiling the data to find out the “average truth”.  Please let me know what model you are using and any settings that you think might affect the outcome.

Howie, RD

Click here to see pictures from Kevin Z

========================

13^th Annual Trail Animals Don’t Run Boston 50K

Sunday April 19, 2009 Mid 40’s to start. Dry, sunny, breezy. High was low 50’s.

5000+’ of climb Multiple loop trail course

UNOfficial Race Results

Times truncated to the minute

1. tie Gary Harrington, NH 5:16 *

1. tie Josh Katzman, ?? 5:16 *

3. tie Howie Breinan, CT 6:08

3. tie Chris Taft, MA 6:08

5. Steve Pero, NH 6:16

6. tie Steve Faluotico, ?? 6:40

6. tie Jeff List, MA 6:40

8. tie Bob Crowley, MA 6:44

8. tie Chris Haley, MA 6:44

8. tie Chris Shanley, MA 6:44

11. Paul Lanham, MA 6:57

12. Chris Martin, MA 6:57

13. Deb Pero, NH (F) 7:13

14. Bogie D, MA 7:13

15. Clint Morse, CT 7:37

16. Norm Sheppard, MA 8:48

17. tie Damon Lease, VT 8:48

17. tie Kevin Zelechoski, ?? 8:48

(24 starters)

*old course record: Steve Pero, 5:38, 2000