Pack Monadnock 10 Miler 

-This race was put together with the effort of two running clubs:  

Gate City Striders  and the Monadnock Regional Milers.

The Pack Monadnock 10 Miler climbs 2,250 feet to the finish at the summit of Pack Monadnock Mountain.   I winced as I read this on the application for the race.  Let me make this clear: I can’t run uphill...downhill I approximate running though.  I can’t seem to get any rhythm and momentum on steep climbs.  My heart rate just spirals out of control.  So I made the decision to simply walk the last mile of this one.  Once I decided that, I felt a whole lot better preparing for this.  At Norfolk I ran 86 minutes for 10 Miles and felt fine.  This race the goal was 100 minutes.  I finished in 1:48:54.

 

I weenied out, I’ll admit it.

 

The day started with CRR’s John Goldrosen at my door and CRR’s Dave Malliaros right behind him.  Everybody drops a deuce and we’re good for the hour plus drive to…”Where we goin”? I ask.  John Laughs and says he’s got the map.  “Good” I say, cause I don’t have a clue (as usual).  Dave rides shotgun and I nod off in the back seat.

 

As we pull into Wilton, there are these scarecrow type things at every street corner, some bodies idea of quaint, or cute, but I’m thinkin’ Blair Witch Project weird.

 

We pull into the school it’s raining, foggy with temps in the low 60’s.  We’re early but the RAT’s are out in force.  I’ve been delegated to post the standings since the RAT Peter Wallan can’t seem to drive from some place in New Hampshire to… some place in New Hampshire?  I don’t know.  GBS’s Pete Buhl also plays it smart and avoids this killer of a course.  Speaking of old cranks, GFTC’s Ted Ridout is here, about to turn 65 and still kicking asphalt.  No RAT series is complete without Steve Lombardo.  We could all use a lesson from these two warriors about guts and determination.

 

The walking BFD’s Manny Arruda is here and is keeping an eye on the other walker, the immortal Jane Goodman.  She’s sneaky and slips out ahead of Manny.

 

The RATs await the arrival of NRA’s Mike Tammaro.  The witty amongst us have bad puns, clever barbs and bon mots about Mikes Plympton miscue.  To a person though everyone’s heart goes out to the guy.

 

I make my way through the crowd and find my competition for the day a rejuvenated Rick Jones who I almost caught at Plympton and Larry Morris who I’ve battled with at Stu’s and the Clinton Tribute Race – Larry tells me he injured his hamstring at Plympton and this race is for appearance points only.

 

With Larry is the indestructible Paul McDermott.  Paul is an inspiration for every runner.  CCR’s Gail and Dave Martin are here, Gail has just published a novel: Not Just Four Show. I have a copy and it’s worth a read.  Now if I can just find it again so I can finish it.  It’s J.G. Schneider’s turn to watch Tessa, so Nancy MacDonald is here – who looks great in the Rick Bayko singlet by the way.  CRR’s Tommy StraQ is here looking for the folks who are on the bubble, battling for the 35^th spot.  Tommy’s fast so his spot is secure.

 

Newly anointed GPS #6 points leader NMC’s Jeff Gould is playing it low key his partner in crime NMC’s Judy "Zach" Tibbetts keeps everyone at bay…to protect us from Jeff’s seemly endless supply of corny jokes. 

 

A suspiciously tan line free CMS Peter Orni is handing out invitations. Neither he or his better half Nancy is letting on any news about visiting any clothing optional resorts lately.  The Orni’s are hosting the post series party at their posh estate located in the yuppie enclave of Ashburnham. Sorry, only the top 35 can breathe the rarified air at that soirée.

 

It’s seems the entire Wampanoag Running club is here.  If only Don Burke ran the Marshfield 20K… by Don missing the Marshfield 20K race was every bit as pivotal in the series as Mike Tammaro’s "holiday".  Add seven points to Don’s total and 4 if Don "aired it out" at the Fort Erie race for extra insurance.

 

Somerville Road Runners GPS Points leaders Steve going postal Pepe, Barbara lean and mean Grandburg and Mike strollerman Quinn are on the scene.  Mike could a used that stroller to get down the hill after the race.  Hey?  What happened to Pete the terminator Brook and Caroline could a been a contender Ceailles?

 

The race director announces that there are still people jockeying cars around at the finish of this point-to-point race and there will be a delay of the start.  Good thing cause unbeknownst to me Mike Tammaro calls my cell and says the NRA crew he’s bringing is running late.  I catch the message later and acknowledge Mikes good fortune…this race.

 

With little fanfare we file out of the warm cozy schoolhouse and into the gloom to make our way a quarter of a mile to the start.  There is a certain amount of dread in air as runners muster up the courage for this onslaught.