North Country Endurance Challenge

Accident's (didn't) Happen

North Country Endurance Challenge

The idea started Memorial Day Weekend with a few beers on a beach. I was told of a new race in New Hampshire that consisted of a 40 mile mountain bike, 13 mile trail run, and 9 mile paddle; a true mountain, adventure race spread out in 9 stages. Since Crystal, my ace support person, would   

be 8 months pregnant on race day, attempting a solo race would be way too much. In comes my racing and outdoor buddy Mark Trahan. We were sipping some beers on that sunny day when I suggested racing the NCEC as a duo. Before I knew it, he had a mapped out game plan. I suppose he was in.

That night, sipping some more beers, our name 'Accidents Happen' came to be. Mark was also expecting his first child and, similar to Crystal, Marks support, Astrid, would be 7 months pregnant. Yet, and even though we had some good laughs, our future bundles of joy were no accidents!  Our name referred more to our accident prone nature.

As such, accidents did happen, Three weeks prior to race day, I took a fall off my mountain bike cracking 3 ribs. Then on the week of the race, Mark's wheelset got damaged and with no available fixes, he was forced to use Astrid's mountain bike.  All we could hope for now is that we could finish the race in 1 piece.

So then our adventure began, Mark, Astrid and kid to be, and John, Crystal, and girl to be made a plan to head out to the far North Country of New Hampshire to race in the wild North Woods.

The Drive

 Getting to Pittsburg and Colebrook from western and central mass is no quick chore, but the drive is beautiful. I would recommend taking the Friday off and  enjoy the scenic back roads and small towns. For the mountain biker, consider stopping in West Burke for some warm up laps in the Kingdom trails followed with an ice cream carbo load. We all agree that next year we would like to make the voyage to Colebrook a weekend getaway.

The Relay Breakdown

After given new information from the race meeting, specifically a lengthening of the second run leg, we decided to alter our initial strategy. Our plan was as follows

Leg 1  kayak 4 miles -Mark,                       Leg 5-Run 10.5 miles -John

Leg 2- Run 3 miles -John,                           Leg 6- Bike 9 miles- Mark

Leg 3- Kayak 5 miles-John,                        Leg 7- run/hike 3 miles- Mark

Leg 4- Bike 7 miles-Mark,                          Leg 8- bike 14 mile -John

                                                                     Leg 9  bike 10 miles-Mark

Mark got to have more legs, but I got the longest version of all the legs. We will forever continue to argue who worked harder.

Race day is not for a late sleeper. We were up at 4:30 in the morning to make a 6:00 race start. Given that we didn't actually get to bed by 11:00 this is a good time to say how awesome  our (pregnant) support crew is!

Earlier Morning Start 

Our drive out to First Connecticut Lake was picturesque. There was something special and significant about racing in the headwaters of a river I live right next to, but 300 miles south. Most of the roads between transitions points were on wooded dirt roads adding to the lure of the Great North Country

The Race

Stage 1. Kayak 4 miles: Mark

The race sets off with a grand start under the "Untammed New England" arch with a cannon launch. I always appreciate the theatrics of a race start and North Country didn't disappoint. Mark was giving the paddle a go in my West Side Exceed. The boat is old with plenty of dents, scratches and leaks but she stays afloat and can still keep up with the surf skis. Mark, coming from a strong whitewater background did fantastic edging out the competition given us a short lead heading into the 2nd leg.

Stage 2: Run 3.1 miles: John

Stage 2 is generally flat with only some technically and slippery single track at the beginning. The hardest part for me was my shoe coming untied 1 mile in. I was thinking to myself "this is exactly how we get our name" but still didn't bother to stop and tie it.  Solo racer James Kovac passed me about mile 2.5 but I choose to stay back saving energy for the much anticipated 2nd run leg.

http://www.strava.com/activities/194110714

Stage 3: Paddle 5 miles: John

I transitioned from the run right into the kayak. James Kovac was just in front, paddling a West Side Thunderbolt. As I came up on James I realized that I forgot where is was going. Note to self, look at the map a bit more before racing. Calling at James for directions, he told me where to go. Francis Lake is a long finger-shape lake with views of the surrounding Great North Woods . We paddled the full length of this pristine lake. Very beautiful. 

Stage 4: Mnt Bike 7 miles: Mark

The first bike stage was the shorter, less technical, but with a challenging steep climb. Some riders used cross bikes, some mountain bikes. Mark used his wife's bike. That didn't slow him down though as he was able to hang on to the lead. For future support crew, don't dawdle too long between transitions. We just where able to beat Mark to the next transition with just 5 minutes to spare.

 

Stage 5 Trail Run 10.5 miles: John

Wow! This run was intense. One of the most rugged 10.5 mile runs I have done.  The course was a mix of dirt roads and what seemed like abandon jeep roads with knee high grass, shrubs and ankle deep mud. The course at times felt more like bushwacking then trail running. If the difficult footing was not enough, the trail was covered in moose tracks and I counted at least 3 piles of bear scat

My GPS Data
http://www.strava.com/activities/194110877/overview

Assessing the hurt

Stage 6 Mnt Bike 9 miles: Mark

After the 10.5 mile run, Mark took the next two events given me a chance to recover before the 14 mile ride. Mark would start with a 9 mile mnt bike followed by a 3 mile run over the Table Top mountain. To be honest I don't know much about the bike except it was mostly jeep roads. Mark will have to fill me in later.

Stage 7 Mountain Run 3 miles: Mark

Truth is, I might have been a little jealous that Mark got to run this leg. I heard the climb had a great view from the top and a sweet, fast single track downhill. With that said, even though Mark is a self proclaimed "non runner", when it comes scrambling up and down mountain tops, he performs with the best of them.

Mark needs all the directional support he can get

Stage 8 Mnt Bike 14 miles:  John

The website course description described this leg as the most challenging and technical of the mountain bike legs. I actually thought it wasn't too bad. The leg does climb 1500 feet in 8 miles, but all the climbing was on non technical jeep roads. True, I did walk, but that was because I realized I could hike faster than spin/ The descent was more technical via a rocky atv trail. It wasn't single track, but I still yelped a few woots. One the biggest challenges was all the mud to contend with, My bike got a full mud bath, as well as my face. Once over the climb, this was a fun bike leg!

GPS Course:
http://www.strava.com/activities/194111420/segments/4565039732

Stage 9 Mnt Bike

Last stage went back to Mark. This was an easier mountain bike stage finishing in downtown Colebrook. Colebrook is a quaint town center with some restaurants and a few shops. The finish had a band and a few vendors. Unfortunately the rain came down hard just as we finished and the band and vendors had to pack it up. Given better weather,  I could imagine the finish to be a great place to hang out while cheering on other racers. We sat in the rain and  the car until our friend Josh Flanagan (winner of the solo division), finished up. After that, we both felt a bit of hypothermia kicking in, so off to the motel we went. 

Later that night all the racers gathered at the Dancing Bear Restaurant for a tasty dinner of cheeseburgers, hot dogs, potato and macaroni salad, cookies, etc. The ceremony part was short and I think the organization could work on adding some more excitement when announcing the winners, or at least give out some times. I have always enjoyed the 1st/2nd/3rd boxes used in many bike races.

Overall Review

I Loved this race and look forward to competing again.  This is my favorite type of adventure race, mountain biking, paddling and trail running! A few highlights

• Superb course, scenic, challenging, and fun
• Great Support throughout. Well marked trails,
• For the price of the race, you get your moneys worth and then some
• Good post race at the Dancing Bear.

My 2 cents in how to make the race even better!

• Since organizers require jerseys, they should provide at least 2 per team. Having to take off a teammates sweaty shirt and put it on your own back takes away from the excitement of the transition and seems unnecessary 
• Provide at least 2 bike numbers. Again, removing from one bike to another is a waste of team and is just annoying. In addition, I could see someone in a rush accidentally taking out a hydraulic cable.
• Finish the meeting a bit earlier...Its a real early start, we need our sleep
• We saw some moving class 1-2 water. Any chance to incorporate a downriver segment?

Team Accidents Happen are looking to coming back next year, but we may have to change our name to Team No Sleep with our toddlers. 

Link to Final Results

Crystal, John and our little Speedster

Inov-8 312 GTX Review

Inov-8 312 GTX Review

I found these shoes, along with other Inov-8 models on clearance at a "dog show" company. Apparently, trail runners are not the only ones that love the grippy-ness of Inov-8 shoes. The 312 gtxs will be my 3rd pair of Inov-8s, the others being the X-Talon 190 and Trailroc 245. I love my other Inov-8s so why not give the 312s a try (especially when on clearance).

The 312 gtx is much bulkier than the more minimalist Talons and Trailrocs. Yet they are still lightweight and comfortable, in spite of the 9mm heel to toe drop (I would prefer 3 mm). I have a wide, hobbit shaped foot and the shoes were able to fit me well enough. I would also prefer a bit more width in the toes, but I was able to adjust the lacing so it works.  The sole has a very pronounced lug grip much like the X-Talons and the material is Gore-Tex, excellent for keeping water out, but also keeping water in. The 312s have more toe protection too for those times you smack a rock with the front of the shoe, something the Trailroc and Talons lack. 

My vision for these shoes were for those colder winter snow shoe and trail runs that would grip into the snow and keep my feet warmer and drier. In the past I have used the Talons but would have inserted a bag in them to keep my feet drier in the snow.  Also, since they do provide more protection and Gore-Tex, I could see using them as a ultra lightweight shoe for hiking and backpacking trips. 

I was able to test them out recently on a Northern Presidential Traverse. We covered 15 miles with 7500 feet elevation gain.  The terrain is covered with sharp, unstable rocks. My friend  seemed doubtful that these 'sneakers' would provide enough protection on the trail. 

Mt Madison in the clouds wearing the 312 GTX

Rocky Terrain of the Presedentials

After 15 miles, the bottom of my feet felt 'ok'. I definitely hit a few rocks that sent some nerves up my foot, but generally not too bad and no worse than anything else I have used outside of a heavy duty hiking boot. I feel like the lugs in the shoe provided a protection barrier between the rocks and my foot. I also did hit my toe on a few rocks, and the toe protection on the shoe was excellent. The Gore-Tex worked exactly as it was suppose to, my feet were dry but not sweaty. I did not get water 'in' the shoes so I cant testify how well they drain. 

I did though feel that the shoes felt wobbly at times. This could be a combination of the lugs and the narrower sole. (apparently, the 312s's sole is not as wide as others). It could have been because i was getting tired, but I was feeling less confident in my foot placement down the Lions Head trail 13 miles in.  With that said, we ended up running the last 2.5 downhill miles and the 312 gtx felt awesome.

Overall, the 312s worked out great and I am excited to use them again on the trail and especially on the snow. If you want a lightweight trail runner that provides fair protection, these may be a great choice. 

2014 Seven Sisters Trail Race

 2014 Seven Sisters Trail Race

Its fun for some

The seven sisters is a challenging out and back trail race along the M&M trail on the Holyoke range. The trail is really never flat and you can forget about maintaining any consistent pace. The terrain goes from very rocky to smooth single track, steep climbs to blazing descents. There is scrambling, rock hoping, hiking because your heart rate is maxed out, and anxious self talk as you negotiate footing. This race brings  together adrenaline and endorphin's and is not a race for everyone. One fellow racer hates this race...too technical, mentally exhausting, and the flow too erratic. I LOVED this race. Mentally engaging, constant speed changes, using all limbs, and being in nature. 

With that said, my only complaint of the race is how they set the start. With 400+ people the organizers decided break up the start in 4 heats, each with about 100 runners. Runners submitted their times during registration which then placed them in their respective heats. At the time I registered, 2 weeks prior, the first 3 heats were sold out. For me, starting in heat 4 meant I had to pass 350 racers to get to where i would expect to finish. Though I found all runners extremely kind and courteous as i ran around and by them, I think it would be better for all runners if the organizers where able to sort times and at race day place runners in appropriate heats. I may be totally ignorant of how much work that would involve, but it seems like the database should be able to sort times very quickly, then assign numbers.

Overall,if you like the mental challenge of trail race, try this one out! If you want to be competitive, sign up early!! 

Photo Credit: Ben Kimball

Mark and I pre-race

Results: 

27th place out of 433 racers     

Time:  2:29:19

Link to my running stats.

http://www.strava.com/activities/137494915

2012 Greenway Challenge

Greenway Challenge Race Report

(and photo montage via tons of awesome greenway photographers!)

It poured cats and dogs Friday as I packed my gear and belongings into my old beat-up minivan. I was drenched to the bone, cold, and exhausted from an unrelentless workload from school and work. I have been suffering from chronic moodiness, grumpiness, and frequent grumbles as my regular routine of riding bikes, running miles, and playing in kayaks have all but ceased.  Yet, somehow  I was to head out in the morning for a 7 stage adventure race known as the Greenway Challenge,  A logistical challenge to say the least, I had to pack for mountain biking, road biking, 3 legs of running, and paddling. There was no time to checkout gear, organize clothes, or carbo-load. My diet consisted of toast, coffee, school lunch, more coffee, and overcooked leftovers. Crystal, my ace support crew, who also has been swamped to the bone with work orders, hasn't even looked at a course map, let alone know what state the race was being held. Yet, in all the poor plannings and preparations, i was still looking forward to 4 hours of exertion. I sure knew my head could use it.

The Greenway challenge is a very unique adventure race. The course is redesigned every year and incorporates cycling, running, paddling, mountain biking, and trail running. No one segment is overly long, but the combination will keep you on the course between 4-6 hours. Most competitors attack the challenge in teams such as defending champs Great Canadian,  led by the enthusiastic Mark Trahan and calculating David Mangori while others as soloists. I will be taking this challenge solo.

This year's race ordering of events was a 1.5 mile trail run , a 5 mile mountain bike, 3 mile flatwater kayak, 5 mile road run, 24.5 mile road bike, 4 mile trail run, then another 4 mile downriver kayak.

Crystal and I set up the kayaks, drove to check out the transition areas, and headed to the start. All that was left was to put the mountain bike at the first transition area. As i pulled the bike out of the minivan and began to ride it over, I noticed something wasn't right. The chain kept dropping off the small ring. Further inspection showed that the chain was bent. We had 10 minutes to the start of the race and i had no tools to fix my bike.   The race seemed to be over. Competitors were already lined up at the starting line as I looked for anyone that could help. Crystal was wildly doing the same. I bumped into Dave Fagnant, longtime greenway racer and super great guy. After hearing of my woes he called over a friend, John, a local mechanic who was supporting another team. What luck! I brought him to Crystal and wished him the best.  Then the gun went off.

The start!

 The trail the Greenway organizers set up was super fun, a technical, but not too technical, single track with a challenging climb and fast finish all within 1.5 miles.With no warm up, my legs immediately fatigued as we climbed the first hill. Josh, my biggest competitor went off in a blaze while I held back still wondering if i would have a bike to ride in the next leg. Would it be possible just to run the mt bike route?

Doug Guertin of Cyclonauts

Josh crushing the trail run

As i came out of the woods I found my bike ominously  hanging from a tree branch. I thought to myself, well, that cant be good. John, the mechanic from Union Cycle was able to break the chain and pull off the busted link. Then, when putting the chain back together he accidentally rerouted the chain outside of the derailuer so that, for you non bike folk, the chain had to be broken again and rerouted. Unfortunately  John had to leave to the next transition since he was supporting a team mate of his own. As i roamed around looking for some pliers, Crystal broke the chain with her bare hands (and super strength) and then reassembled the link with no knowledge of bikes or chains. Have i mentioned how amazing she is?. I got on the bike and went....yippeeee!!!

I began the mountain bike well in the back and knew i had to ride some pretty good lines to make up some lost time. I weaved around riders and got myself into a good groove. What a super fun course. Dave Fagnant, volunteer for the Greenway, designed a beautiful  single track course over diamond hill and with the recent rains, there was plenty of opportunity to get muddy.

John McCarhy

Mark Trahan of Great Canadian

Josh Flanagan, 2011 Champ

I came out of the mountain bike course to see Crystal cheering wildly and ringing her cowbell. She is a wild women, though since i was covered in mud, she was a little more than hesitant to receive a kiss.  At this point Josh was well ahead of me and Dave Fagnant about 10 mins ahead.  I ran hard trying to get back in the top 3 ironmen. I covered the 5.1 mile course in 31 mins, just about a 6 min mile average, 1 min faster than what Josh F covered it in, 9 mins faster than David.   Pushing the run though would ultimately result in more fatigue later in the race. I came to the kayak transition to see Crystal with my paddle and jacket. She told me that Dave just left the transition area, he was only 1 minute ahead.


Former Tuck's Teamate, Alex, all smiles 
as he burns the competition

 After a few minutes on the kayak i saw Dave's boat, a Cobra surf ski. I relaxed into the paddle focusing on a clean quiet stroke with good rotation and good paddle placement. I was feeling good and just pass the first portage i was able to pass him. Later he told me that he though i had the sweetest paddle stroke. Thanks Dave!

Mark showing how to carry a boat!

Mark and Dave Mangori making the trade

We pulled up on a river bank near the bike path. I carried my boat down the path 100 yds to where Crystal should be waiting to hand me my bike from her and give me my lucky kiss. Earlier in the day we planned to leave the bike at this transition but since there was no supervision, we decided it was safer to hang on to the bike. Crystal would drop it off later. As I dropped the boat, I looked around to  find no bike nor Crystal. A few minutes passed waiting while competitors proceeded to their road bikes, including Dave Fagnant. I saw Mark Trahan and Justin Deary loading their boats (Justin the support person for Josh Flanagan) and ran towards them. Just then i saw Crystal pull in.  The next 1.5 minutes were awsome. Justin and mark hopped in action, pulling my bike out of the van , grabbing gear, and helping Crystal. Crystal was upset for being late, but it wasn't her fault. The greenway staff where not letting vehicles into the transition area and Crystal had to explain to multiple people that she was supporting a soloist. The Greenway still needs to work on their transition areas.

Dave Fagnant still killing it at 50!

Feeling the hurt after 26 miles on the road

At this point fatigue was beginning to settle in, physically and mentally. Once again i had to push hard to get back into the race specially since I knew how good a biker David was. The bike was uneventful, just a tiring slog of rotating pedals. The mental fatigue was the most taxing

Back to the run, 4 more trail miles. Now I'm hurting. The pushing earlier in the race has caught up to me. I kept up my cadence as best as i could, but my pace slowed down quite a bit and i was feeling drained. The mind was beginning to play tricks, telling me to stop,  or some crap like that. In spite of the fatigue i saw Dave not to far ahead, so i kept pushing, passed him and tried to build my lead.




As I approached the last transition, a downriver paddle i was feeling wiped! Crystal set up the transition perfectly, with my 19ft racer ready to go. When i got to the boat, i determined the 19 footer was just too risky to paddle, as i was too exhausted to balance it around the tight turns of the blackstone. So we ran to the car to get the back up kayak, a kevlar wavehopper. In hind sight, the 19 footer would have been fine.

The downriver kayak run meandered down the blackstone river, portaging twice and finishing in front of a large grassy area. I kept my lead over Dave and was able to finish 2nd ironman. I was glad to be done!

DONE!

It was a great race  with Josh Flanagan finishing first in the ironman, myself second, and David third. Meanwhile, Great Canadian dominated the team division.! Of course i could not have done it without my best support, Crystal!

Great Canadian

Josh Flanagan



Me, Josh, and David

Crystal and John

Dave Mangori gives his winning prize kayak to a new racer! Awsome generosity!