Tri-Valley Front Runner - Race Results August 2011

Timberman Half Iron Man - Lake Winnapausakee, NH - August 21, 2011 - From Don Basso: What a blast! Considering the size of the field (1700) and the scope of the event, this was the best-run event that I ever competed in. The swim was in a picture-perfect setting; the bike very challenging with a vew nasty hills. It was out and back, so there were fast downhills as well. The run was along the lake shore in a double loop, with refreshments about every 3/4 of a mile. Looping twice made the run seem shorter, and also allowed for more contact with friends. Cold wet sponges were the best of all. I put one in my hat each time I passed a water stop. Gatorade, water, gels, bananas and oranges were available, so there was little need to plan out where and when to get stuff. Special thanks to the man along the race course blasting out Jethro Tull music, and another playing Santana. (Never heard the "Rocky Theme.")

I swam well (top 17%), got waxed on the bike (watched about 75% of the competitors pass me on really nice bikes), and did ok on the run. My time of 6:07 was good for 985th place out of 1,692, with only 73 in my age group or older. This was truly a highlight of my athletic life!

TARC Summer Classic - 6 Hours - Medfield, MA - August 13, 2011 -   From Sherry Brown: On Sat, Aug 13th, I headed out on a fall-like morning to run an amazing race.  This race, the TARC 6 hour/ 12 Hour Summer Classic Trail Race, was an inagural race hosted by the Trail Animals Running Club (my very first trail race to boot) and it was run "Fat-Ass" style....meaning no frills, no metals, and all fun. A total of 40 runners took on this challenge with roughly 2/3rd's running the 6 hour race.

The course was moderately difficult 6.5 mile looping course full of rocks, knarley roots, bolders bigger than my house and with plenty of hills and rapid declines. It was reported that we climbed a total of 600 ft elevation per loop.  I ran completely alone, with no other runners in sight for about 95% of the race. Was definately not easy!  However, it was so beautiful and relaxing.  As a person that always runs with music, I could not even stand to hear the music while running this course....I was spending so much brain space just concentrating on staying on my feet.  Took a couple headers while looking up to find the trail markers, which at times gave me an "uh-oh" feeling when I could not see them.  I manage to only get lost once....how convenient, I got off trail at the very finish!

I manage to run 3 loops, 19.5 miles in 5 hours and 20 minutes.  The rules state that you cannot continue back on to the cousrse if you do not have enough time to make the 1/2 way cut off point, or a complete loop in the alloted time left.  In my case, 40 minutes was not enough time for me to run to the half way point. So, my race was over at 5:20:00.

Without a doubt, the most difficult race (course wise) that I have ever run but the most enjoyable!  The volunteers were supportive, as were the other particpants. Trail ultra runners are a different breed...and I loved them!

I did not technically complete the "ultra" distance but I certainly gave it my ultra effort.  I will definately do this race again...with a bit more practice on the downhill running technique.