May was a fun month for racing! The Sawyer's Neighbors Helping Neighbors run was held on a picture perfect day. Bob Underwood ran a 5:30 pace to out distance the rest of the 74 racers. Karen Provencher was an impressive 10th overall. But the winners were not the only people to impress me that day. Ahead of me for most of the 3.2 miles was Elizabeth (Little) Hogan age 36, pushing a large two toddler baby jogger. I admit I am a better distance runner that a sprinter, but for the life of me I could not seem to catch the "Baby Jogger," not even on the gravel path. If it were not for the steep uphill from the parking lot to the hospital I would not have gotten past the three of them. It turns out that Elizabeth did run track for Saint Mary's Academy in high school. She won her age group that day and the respect of many runners who trailed behind her.
The Prospect Mountain Road Race took place on another excellent weather day. Roger LaFountain fired the gun to start the race. He and wife Lena are the former owners of Martha's. Proceeds from the race go for an ACC Nursing Scholarship in their daughter Michele's name. Michele's brother Robert and sister-in-law Debbie were among the racers. The temperatures were great at the top as were the views of the Adirondacks and Lake George. A new woman's record was set by 31 year old Nikki Kimball of Elizabethtown with a time of 42:13. There were 247 runners who received an engraved pen and a Great Escape pass for finishing. New race director, Heidi Underwood, helped with the timing on our up-to-the-minute Run Score Time Tech system. Heidi also took over as awards presenter. Many thought they were, perhaps, at a stand up comedy show. Heidi's quick wit and insightful comments kept the audience entertained. (Rumor is the Battenkill Club is trying to book her for their next awards presentation.) Dotti Harrington, Shirley Venner and crew did a great job in the kitchen with the pasta, salad and cookies. And I can't leave out Brian Teague who artfully captured the day on film for our web sight. The race is sponsored in part by Glens Falls Business Machines. Owner Larry Mancini completed his 14th race up the road. Dan Olden, Brian Teague and he are the only three to have completed the course every year since the race's inception
On behalf of the club I would like to thank Dave Harrington for the tremendous job he has done directing the Prospect Mountain Race for the last 11 years. He is turning the reins over to Heidi and Deana Endiveri. He is leaving the job in capable hands, but knowing Dave, he won't be to far away from the sidelines. Dave is the consummate Adirondack Runner's volunteer. Our club would be lost without him.
My breakfast run was well attended, as it was held on another fabulous weather day. Mike Burdeau, member and new Boston qualifier, traveled all the way from Lake Placid to run, eat and share running stories. Teri White and Cynthia Muriatori, licensed massage therapists, were on hand to knead our tired muscles. My daughters Erin and Brie, did a super job with the crepe (that's pronounced Krape not crap, Ernie) cooking.
Our April meeting at the Meeting Place Restaurant (Day's Inn) was very well attended. I take that as a positive sign. The June 26 meeting will also be scholarship awards night. Desserts will be served in the banquet room (where the Grand Prix awards were held) of the Day's Inn at the beginning of the meeting. Between now and then, the scholarship committee has the difficult job of sorting through 14 applications to choose the scholarship winners. I hope to see you all there. Until then take advantage of this great running weather.
Whiteface and Mt. Washington, here we go again!
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