August 2023 Newsletter
Note from the Editor
Read on to find out about upcoming UVRC events and how to volunteer next month, check in about UVRS updates, learn about the Couch to 5k experience, get to know a fellow UVRC member, and work through the frustration of canceled races with another member. Be sure to read all the way to the end to dive into a world of poetry with submissions from several club members!
Editor
Nicole Losavio
UVRC Newsletter Team
Article Collection
Robert Jones
UVRC Newsletter Team
Table of Contents
- UVRC News & Announcements: August 2023 by Robert "RJ" Jones
- UVRS August Update by Geoff Dunbar
- Call for Volunteers: Vermont 50 by Bill Young
- Reflections on C25k by Erin Wetherell
- Not a Race Report by Kevin Hartstein
- Runner Profile: Alyssa Godesky by Matt Sherman
- 2023 Poetry Contest by Various UVRC Members
- August 2023 Calendar by Robert "RJ" Jones
UVRC News & Announcements: August 2023
By: Robert "RJ" Jones
Racing News
See Geoff’s Update for full details on the UVRS but just a reminder that the Hurricane Hill race has been postponed until August 26th
No NHGP races in August but check out what our neighbor the Central Vermont Runners are up to: https://cvrunners.org/
Club News
August Runner’s Night Out will be August 8 at 630 p.m. at Hanover Ramuntos.
Club Announcements
Tuesday Night Track: We’ll be at Dartmouth hopefully all of August. Remember the entrance is on the northwest side (the backside of Alumni Gym).
UVRC Summer Picnic: Our annual summer picnic will be Wednesday, August 30, time and more details will be forthcoming but go ahead and mark your calendars! This will also include our fun run!
Join our Strava Club!
Word on the street is that Strava is rolling out some cool club features that hopefully we can adopt. So get ahead of the curve and hop on the UVRC Strava club train! *toot* *toot*
UVRS August Update
By: Geoff Dunbar
The Upper Valley Running Series had a brief hiccup in July, as the Hurricane Hill 5K/10K was postponed due to trail damage. However, that works out OK for the series, as the new race date is August 26, and there previously was no UVRS race in August.
Upcoming Races:
- August 26: Hurricane Hill 5K/10K in Hartford VT
- September 9: Sprouty 5K/10K in Sharon VT
What is the Upper Valley Running Series? A collection of local running races recommended for all running club members, with prizes for “series finisher” status.
If you did full-series registration, and you previously planned to run the Hurricane Hill race, and now cannot for scheduling reasons, you are eligible for a refund! Get in touch with me (Geoff Dunbar) at geofftdunbar@gmail.com and I can make it happen.
Call for Volunteers: Vermont 50
By: Bill Young
The annual Vermont 50 is just around the corner (Sept 24th) and the community is gearing up to help! They need willing hands and an energetic community to help ensure that the race goes safely and smoothly for all the runners. While you can sign up as a general volunteer here, consider also volunteering to help out at the UVRC-specific aid station “Ralph’s Runner Support Station”.
The UVRC has owned Ralph's Runner Support Station early on beautiful fall mornings for many years. I (Bill Young) am seeking someone to pick up the leadership for Sunday, September 24, 2023.
The job is easy, fun, and satisfying. It is the first aid station on the 50k, runners are still smiling, and you wrap up by about 10 a.m.
Please contact Bill Young and Amy Rusiecki (vt50volunteer@gmail.com) to sign up as a support station volunteer.
2023 UVRC Volunteers
2019 UVRC Volunteers
2015 UVRC Volunteers
Reflections on C25k
By: Erin Wetherell
Another Couch to 5k in the books! This was not my first go-around, and I think at this point I may be a groupie. But I credit C25k with so many positive improvements in my life that I’ll wear that identity with pride. I asked Ravina Handa, a fellow C25k alum, what surprised her most about this round. She shared “How easy it is to make friends with someone new at C25k. Everyone is there to run but to be social too.”
Saturday of week three, Keri told the group some insight she had once received from a soccer coach: it takes three weeks to form a habit. At that point, it still felt like death when I ran, but the pay-it-forward encouragement helped me keep going. And even if I didn’t notice any improvement, I’d been running consistently for three weeks as had the other 40+ C25k participants. For me, it was week seven when I finally felt like perhaps this running thing wasn’t so bad.
Speaking of our coaches, extra big shout-out to our fearless leader Keri! Thank you Jackie, Kristen E., Kristen C., Matt, RJ, and Scott. I am sure I am not the only one who finds the distraction of conversation and hearing “walk” at various increments motivating and hugely helpful. And thank you for Lebanon Recreation, Arts & Parks for continuing to sponsor the Upper Valley Running Club & C25k. We are very lucky to live in a community that supports these opportunities for Lebanon residents but also the greater Upper Valley.
Running the Red, White & Blue was much more enjoyable than I anticipated, made especially lovely by the pina colada snow cone at the end. Given the humidity, I was tempted to dump it on my head–but I figured that may not be socially acceptable and/or could make for an especially sticky ride home.
On a personal note, this is the first time I’ve done the C25k program and continued to run on my own once it was complete. I don’t know how long this will last, but for now, I’m running 2-3 times/week.
See you all in the fall!
Not a Race Report
By: Kevin Hartstein
Well, last month I made a promise to follow up with a race report from the Vermont 100. Things went differently than planned. I was able to redirect some of the fitness - and gels - I had built up toward another goal, but did not get the satisfaction of running 100 miles through the dirt roads of Vermont. With only 4 days to go and just a couple of easy shakeout runs on the calendar before the race a torrential rain storm hit the state and washed out large sections of the course. Despite my crossed fingers and desperate hopes, the race director’s email hit my inbox with the bad news and shattered my illusions. It wasn’t a close call - Vermont was under a state of emergency and lots of folks were dealing with flooded homes and businesses. The local police and medical volunteers who would have assisted with the race had more immediate concerns. Watching the footage of downtown Montpelier under feet of muddy water was particularly sad, since Vanessa and I lived there during my last year of graduate school and know those streets and businesses well. I feel sad for all those affected and fortunate that New Hampshire did not fare so badly.
I wish I could say that these were the only thoughts weighing on my mind, but grief over the missed race opportunity also hung heavy. This is the 5th hundred miler in a row I have registered and trained for without ultimately running. COVID canceled one outright and kept me from another by way of a rescheduled wedding. Wildfires and smoke in Oregon account for another and the move back East last year took priority over the registration that rolled over from the smoke year. Setbacks and frustrated efforts are part of running ultras, but I’m starting to feel particularly unlucky!
After considering replacement races in Ohio, Virginia, Oregon, and even Kansas I realized that I really want to run this race in particular and decided to accept a spot in next year’s event. That’s miles and miles in the future though, so - with some guidance from my smart and thoughtful wife - I decided to conquer another local challenge: the Dartmouth 50. This route follows the Appalachian Trail from Robinson Hall on the Green to the top of Mt Moosilauke, finishing with some steep downhill miles to the Moosilauke Ravine Lodge on the Gorge Brook Trail.
It was definitely not the route I trained for. Instead of runnable dirt roads with lots of aid stations stocked with Oreo’s and PB&Js I found myself stomping through mud and scrambling up and down wet rocks, running with poles for the first time in about 10 years and filtering water from streams along the way. This is not a race report about that effort, but if you catch me at TNT or Ramunto’s some time I would love to tell you about it. The change of plans really lowered the stakes and I was able to have fun and get the race effort out of my legs. Oh well! I am optimistic about next year and there are plenty of other goals to shoot for in the meantime. Next up - the Vermont 50 in September.
Runner Profile: Alyssa Godesky
By: Matt Sherman
Name: Alyssa Godesky
Town: West Fairlee, VT
Where are you from originally and what brought you to this area? Born and raised outside of Annapolis, MD but I moved to the Upper Valley from the Charlottesville, Virginia area in 2021.
What do you do professionally? I’m a retired professional triathlete who is now full-time coaching and dabbling in trail running adventures, adventure racing, and other endurance sports.
How long have you been running? I think my dad entered me in my first local 5k when I was ~8 years old.
How long have you been running competitively? In college I picked up ultramarathons, and that is when I started to get competitive with running. Prior to that, I played club sports in college (lacrosse), and I played soccer through high school.
Why do you run? I love the simplicity of it. I love the challenges it presents. It’s a great way to be able to move through the outdoors.
Recent memorable moment while running? I’m training for a Swim-Run race in August so I am doing a lot of my running while wearing a wetsuit and carrying paddles and a pull buoy, which makes a lot of the running memorable based on the looks you get! I recently had some friends come to the area to train, and we created a swim-run route starting at Crystal Lake, running up to and swimming in Cole Pond and Butternut Pond, then dropping down to Eastman Lake and swimming in the lake and running the lakeside trail. It was a pretty awesome day!
Best athletic accomplishment and why? I currently hold female supported Fastest Known Times for Vermont’s Long Trail, the Adirondack High Peaks, and the New Hampshire 4000 Footers. I raced a lot of triathlon in my career but these stand out to me as my most meaningful accomplishments because they were all a huge team effort with the crews that came to get me through each one.
If you like to race, favorite race distance? Why? I’ve always loved the full Ironman distance. For one thing, it tends to suit me since I’m more of a diesel engine than a speedster. But there is something so pure about the endurance it requires to race an Ironman and push yourself to the limits. It really pushes boundaries of human endurance, and watching how fast it has become in recent years is really inspiring.
Training partners? I run the most with my boyfriend (Matt) and our dog (Max). But I come to Tuesday night track for speedy women to run with!
Cross training activities? As a triathlete, I do a lot of swimming and biking as part of my training. I also hike a lot, and strength train a couple times a week.
Favorite local running route? We live out in West Fairlee and there are a lot of great dirt roads. Running around Lake Fairlee is always a favorite though.
Favorite post run treat? Mostly just food :) Ice Cream, Pizza, an IPA… I don’t think I am too picky on my post run treats!
Are your reasons for running now the same or different than the reason you first started? There has been a definite evolution from a pure competitive motivation to one that now is rooted in places to explore or adventures to be had. But it’s always been a great way for me to relax and stay centered no matter how busy life gets.
Why did you join UVRC? For the social aspect, as well as the speedy folks to help push me.
Ever run in a costume? I think a lot of people might say a tri kit is basically a costume :)
Ever been injured? How did it happen? Currently! At the end of May, I stepped onto the treadmill for a workout and tore my posterior medial meniscus root off the bone. I’ve been managing it with PT and a creative training plan to get through a swim-run race in August, then will be getting surgery in September.
Hot or cold weather runner? Both!
Morning or evening runner? Morning!
What is your favorite race? Any turkey trot, and Ironman Wisconsin.
How about favorite work out? Even though speed really hasn’t ever been my strong suit, I love a good track workout, especially in a ladder format. But if a long run/hike in the mountains counts as a workout, that would probably be my #1.
What is your diet like? I eat just about everything and anything! I try to source as much locally when possible, but definitely not perfect on that - it’s a work in progress. And our snack pantry is full of everything from trail mix to oreos, nutella and bread…lots of carbs for sure.
If you like to race, what is your favorite type of race? I love watching the Fastest Known Time website and getting inspiration from those vs. a formal race. I think it’s really cool to be able to create your own challenge and get to see places in the outdoors that official races never take you to.
2023 Poetry Contest
By: Various UVRC Members
An Upper Valley Haiku
By Helene Sisti
Franconia Notch
How you challenged me today
Planning my next hike
A Runner's Awakening
By Jim Burnett
The deep cord of the almost lost, almost gone restless beneath,
The turning point, the blink of an eye, the almost missed,
The never to be forgotten, the final fearfulness, the closing door,
The dark shadow, the fading light, the whisperings.
Floating through the door to space, stillness awaits,
Uncountable miles trail behind, blurred, each a drop in a vast sea,
Squinting into the rising sun’s fire now, exhaling,
Arms dropping down, loose, an awakening smile curls gently upward.
Crunching gravel sliding under,
Blood and breath and foot all one,
Round the corner full and empty,
Every step a fateful leap.
Slippery bank leads to the crossing,
Generations close behind,
Time to push or just move over,
Time to sow or time to sleep?
Doesn’t matter not to worry,
Breathing in and breathing out,
I am dreaming I am running,
Be ye first or be ye last.
See the body at its function,
Feel the wind and steel the pain,
Fluids flowing heart a‘beating,
Welcome raindrops snow and ice.
Still the doorway swings wide open,
Now the runner dreams and runs,
Into space and into stillness,
Generations close behind.
Haste
By Kali Smolen
Running through life
you cover more ground.
But in slowing down
magic can be found.
Perhaps under your feet
is a four leaf clover.
Not to be seen
if your feet keep turning over.
Sometimes we run away,
other times we run towards.
To find sweet escape
or to win fancy awards.
If you must run
then think about your why.
Your own special reason,
don't let life just fly by.
In a moment- just one,
so much can change.
Flooding, loss, and trials,
our worlds rearrange.
But we people excel
at shifting when needed.
And sometimes going forward slowly
means we have indeed succeeded.
So run for your why
run fast or run slow.
If we keep chasing hope,
who knows where we will go.
Coming off the Mountain
By Michele Maxon
Verse 1)
She’ll be rolling down the mountain when she comes
She’ll be rolling down the mountain when she comes
OH She’ll be rolling down the mountain
She’ll be rolling down the mountain
She’ll be rolling down the mountain when she comes
Verse 2)
She’ll be packed tight as a snowball when she comes
She’ll be packed tight as a snowball when she comes
OH She’ll be packed tight as a snowball
She’ll be packed tight as a snowball
She’ll be packed tight as a snowball when she comes
Verse 3)
She’ll have trashed quads at the bottom when she’s done
She’ll have trashed quads at the bottom when she’s done
OH She’ll have trashed quads at the bottom
She’ll have trashed quads at the bottom
She’ll have trashed quads at the bottom when she’s done
Verse 4)
She’s got blistered purple feet now as she goes
She’s got blistered purple feet now as she goes
OH She’s got blistered purple feet now
She’s got blistered purple feet now
She’s got blistered purple feet now as she goes
10K
By Mike Vecchiarelli
Socks,
Shorts,
Shirt,
Shoes,
Tracker?
Hat, no hat?
Hydrate and (evacuate)
Start, Too fast but...too fast
Cadence and settled breathing
Across stride
down stride
Up push
Cadence, cadence
Good rythme
Hot sun
Cool shade
Hard road
Soft shoulder
Watch step
Catch breath
Good rythme
Passing here
Passed there
Up and
down and
Nice hills
cute cows
water cup
face splash
near end
last push
bit tired
BIG KICK
SPRINT IN
catch breath
AH
The Grind
By Natalie Wainwright
I love the grind
I love waking up and facing a challenge
The feeling of that first step out the door
The halfway point
The final stretch
The instant pride that fills the air
I love the good and the bad
The stings and the floats
The uphills and the downhills
I love it all.
I love feeling strong
I love feeling confident
And I love feeling nervous, too
So I can prove my own brain wrong.
Each day I run is a day I accomplish a goal
No matter how short or how long
How slow or how fast
How terrible or how wonderful
I am a runner
I chase my dreams
And I am victorious.
Run for fun
By Scott King
Run for fun.
We tell ourselves this.
Week to week.
Rewarding?
Only you can say.
I think so.
Come join us.
Find out for yourself.
Be the judge.
Run this fall.
Meet some new people.
Change your life.
We all have.
I don't regret it.
Run for fun!
Community
By Scott King
Farm, Hunt, Fish.
We all need to eat.
Do your share!
Take, take, take.
When will you give back?
Volunteer!
Help wanted.
How can you help out?
Get involved!
Look around.
Who makes it work now?
Someone is!
If not you.
It must be someone.
Lend a hand!
