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)

Sunday April 18^th – Blue Hills Reservation, Milton, MA

Don’t Run Boston 50K (14^th annual) – start time 8:00 am

Trail Animals Running Club 50 Miler (inaugural year) – start time 6:00 am

The 2010 edition of DRB50K and inaugural running of the TARC 50M are about 2 weeks away.  So here are the essentials for now, how you can help and there will be more updates to come as race day approaches. For now we’re trying to get a handle on race entrants, aid stations and volunteers.

This year we’ll be running the DRB50K and the inaugural TARC50M simultaneously. TARC50 starts at 6:00 am and DRB50K starts at 8:00 am. Both start from Houghton’s Pond Parking lot near the snack pavilion.

Who’s Running?

If you’re listed below we have you as running.  If you plan to run but aren’t listed below or if you are on the list but do not plan on running contact Howie and Bob immediately at breinan@alumni.stanford.org and imbc@comcast.net.

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Directions, Maps & Things

Click here to go to maps and detailed course directions for both the DRB50K and TARC50M that you can download.  VERY IMPORTANT: It is the runner’s responsibility to download, print out and bring these directions and maps with them to the race.

Volunteers, Aid, How You Can Help

Runners are mostly self-supported, but we plan to have plenty of water with a small amount of Gatorade or other electrolyte out on the course.  (We will assume most people are carrying electrolyte mix if they need it).  Generally everyone brings a little food or drink to contribute to the main aid station at Park HQ (miles 13/16/26)… with your donations there is always a wide variety there.  Alternatively, you can drop some water/electrolyte at one of the spots listsed below.   We’ll arrange so everyone can have a drop bag with special food/refills/clothing/etc. for yourself at HQ (13/16/26).  I will bring the 5 gallon water cooler (courtesy of Don Allison) and a couple of coolers with ice.  Now we need a place to put them (a car or truck, see below) and some volunteers to place some of the drops or staff the aid station.  I will cover two of the drops.   Amounts to drop will be decided by weather and total numbers.  For the 50 milers, you can access your cars at miles 31 and 37.  If there is interest, we may put a smaller version of the “aid car” in that tiny outer lot at Houghtons which is slightly more convenient than the big lot and would provide a small point of service.

If you want to fill any of the needs listed below, please let me know directly (Breinan@alumni.stanford.org).  If you see a need that is missing, also let me know.

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Major Volunteers/Items Needed:

“Aid station setup”

Person 1) To be present at 6 am start to gather drop bags/food for HQ aid station (miles13/16/26) and bring them to the “aid car” parked there.

Person 2) To be present at 8 am start to gather drop bags for HQ aid station and bring them to the “aid car” parked there.

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“Water/electrolyte drops and cleanup:”

Person(s) 3)  To drop water/gatorade on the Chickatawbut loop (easy if road is open, harder if road closed- I’m checking on it).  Likely on South side of road where race comes at miles 9,41, and 47.  A touch of food here would probably also be good.   Also, pick up or make sure someone else picks up after the race.

Person 4)  To drop water/gatorade at main 50K route 28 crossing (west side of road) (miles 5,11,28) .   Also, pick up or make sure someone else picks up after the race.

Howie Breinan:  To drop water/gatorade at parking lot north of museum (mile 20) .   Also, pick up or make sure someone else picks up after the race.

Howie Breinan:  To drop water/gatorade at low point of course at base of Coon Hollow Path (mile 23) .   Also, pick up or make sure someone else picks up after the race.

Optional Person 7)  To drop water/gatorade at MDC rink at far west end of course (44 and/or 45) depending on where it is put. .   Also, pick up or make sure someone else picks up after the race.

Optional Person 8)  Drop a jug at the house of poison ivy for any last minute crashes. .   Also, pick up or make sure someone else picks up after the race.

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Aid station “workers”:

Could be used any time after 8 am at HQ, after noon at Houghtons (Katzman could be there earlier).  HQ is more important.  It is nice to have someone there offering food and drink, finding bags, etc. and to check runners in unofficially with approximate times and have someone to report to if they drop.