Pocono 70.3 Update

Just got an email from Ironman today:
"Due to the hazardous river conditions which have developed over the last few days, the National Park Service and event organizers have jointly decided to cancel the swim for Sunday's race.



Heavy rains this week have caused the river to crest at an extremely high level and currents to run at speeds too dangerous to allow athletes in the water. After reviewing the river forecast, we've determined it will not recede to a safe enough condition by Sunday.


We know you've trained hard and we've worked tirelessly to bring you a first-class race...and there is still a race to be run on Sunday. Ironman 70.3 Pocono Mountains will proceed as a bike/run on the course as planned with athletes starting in a time trial format."
 
No swim? Duathlon? Not great for Amber as she is a TRIathlete and actually benefits from the lead she gets from the swim. However, for me this is a blessing as now I am only one sport away from actually doing well at Sunday's race. If there is some way that we can prevent the bike from happening, I am sure I can qualify for the 70.3 Championships for next year. Hmmmmm... where I would then finish last because I'm sure they'd have the bike and swim at that one.
 
In addition to finding out that little nugget, we also found out that several more professional women have decided to enter the race. The official pro start list is:

1)Jessie Donavan
2)Amber Ferreira
3) Desiree Ficker
4) Stephanie Jones
5)Missy Kuck 

6)Heather Leiggi
7) Sharon Schmidt-Mongrain
8) Karen Smyers
9) Jennifer Tetrick

10) Magali Tisseyre
11) Mirjam Weerd
12) Kristin White

So 12, instead of the seven that were originally listed. Any many of the late entrants are excellent bike-runners which means it will be even more challenging for Am. However, I suspect she will step up to the challenge.

Up Next: BIG breakfast tomorrow morning, then POCONO 69.1 on Sunday.

Yasso 800's Ironman Style- A Great Race Predictor

Almost everyone is familiar with Bart Yasso's 800 workout. It's a simple concept. Intersperse one day per week during your peak weeks before a marathon  interval training with your weekly run schedule.

Want to run a 3:00 marathon? Then run ten 800s at 3 minutes/800meter. Between the 800s, jog for same duration it took you to run your repeats. If you're able to maintain a steady pace for all ten repeats, then you're likely going to hit your marathon mark. Fizzle out after five? Time to re-think marathon goals(I should have done that at the Adirondack Marathon).

Yasso 800's have been shown to be pretty effective in predicting marathon run time(within 5 minutes). That's why I've devised the Ferreira 2x800's for predicting Ironman Bike-Run times.

Want to finish a six hour bike followed by a 3 1/2 hour marathon? Then bike 2 miles in 6 minutes, transition quickly and run a 3:30 800m. Repeat that 10 times and you've got it.

So after this workout you will have:
 -Biked 20 miles at 20mph which is about 1.4mph faster than you'll have to do during the Ironman.
 -Run 5 miles at 7min/mile which is about 1 minute/mile faster than during the Ironman.
 -Run all those miles transitioning from the bike.

Unlike the Yasso 800's, the Ferreira 2x800's have no rest except the transition from the bike to the run. This entire workout should take less than two hours but will certainly give you a good idea of where your Ironman fitness is.

I will be using this workout as a key workout for my prep for Mont Tremblant.

Skeptics: try it out and let me know what you think.



Up Next: Pocono Mountain 70.3 October 2nd for Amber and Danny

Adirondack Marathon- Fun Weekend, Not So Fun Run

Amber and I headed up to the Adirondacks this past weekend so that I could do the Adirondack Marathon. I am training for the Cape Cod Marathon and wanted to use this race as a predictor on how well I could do. We went up Saturday, drove through the devastated towns of Killington and Rutland, VT. If you haven't been out on Route 4, it is worth the trip to see the havoc Irene left on these towns. It was also amazing and touching how it appeared the town came together to help each other. All throughout these towns were signs, hand-written, printed and sometimes spray-painted on whatever medium they could that conveyed their appreciation of the help they received.

Once we arrived in Lake George, we hit the outlets upon Amber's request. Not exactly my idea of a fun pre-race activity but actually turned out to be somewhat so.

Amber hugging the biggest pumpkin she had ever seen

After having an excellent dinner at the LogJam restaurant, Amber challenged me to a game of bowling. Had it been a swim, the results would have certainly turned out differently but I was able to hold off a late-charging Amber to secure the win.

Amber waking away after hitting just one pin down

Amber quickly consoled herself by winning some candy.

I never see people win at this but Am did!

And that would be the last anyone would be winning for the weekend.

The morning of the marathon started out innocuous enough with us leisurely having breakfast and packing our stuff to head up to Schroon Lake, which Mapquest stated would take us 30 minutes to get to. Well about 50 minutes later thanks to construction and its subsequent lane closures and traffic, we made our way there. We were directed to park in a lot that was full, but with some creative maneuverings we were able to get the car situated. Having now only about 30 minutes before race start, I wanted to get my packet, head to the bathroom and have a chance to warm-up. Plenty of time right? Right, if you don't lose your chip. Or supposedly lose your chip.

Packet registration went seamlessly enough: went right in, got my packet, a nice jacket and the ubiquitous bag and walked out. I was, literally outside the door, when I realized that I had my bib number but not my chip so I went back in, was directed to the "questions guy" and had this conversation:

Danny: Where can I pick up my timing chip?

Questions Guy: It is in your bag.

Danny: Ummm, I just checked and I don't think it's in here.

Questions Guy: Let me check[not finding it in there]. You must have lost it.

Danny: Ummm, I literally just got it and haven't gone anywhere... Okay so I lost it, what now?

Questions Guy: Find it.

Danny: Find it? [Mind you this is now less than 15 minutes before the race start]

Questions Guy: Find it, you probably just dropped it.

Danny: Ummm but I literally just got it and haven't gone..... Okay I'll look for it.

Danny upon returning without chip: I can't find it.

Questions Guy: (Sigh) Well, it looks like you'll have to pay for that if it doesn't turn up.

Danny: What if it wasn't in the bag?

Questions Guy: It was in the bag.

Danny: Ummm but I literally just got it and haven't.... Okay, so can I get another one for now?

Questions Guy: Yeah, fill out this form.

Danny: Now?

Questions Guy: Yes



Suffice it to say, it was not the relaxing morning that I had planned and by the time I had finally gotten everything in order I was all riled up. So riled up in fact that I apparently didn't notice the substantial increase in temperature. I had surveyed the course a little online and it seemed a little hilly but I figured it would just be a better training run. Plus, it's in September in the Adirondacks-nice cool temperatures to run in. Well, it was a bit more than a little hilly and was hot and humid. While I was hoping for a day in the 60's, by the end of the race it had gotten all the way up to the low 80's. That didn't help.

What also didn't help was my desire to run a PR on a course that is challenging than the first eight miles of Pack Monadnock. To describe it as hilly would be an understatement. In reality, however, this is me just making excuses. No one made me run the first three miles at 6 min/mile pace. And no one told me to do this race in the first place. I just can't remember the last time that I wanted to quit a race within the first 1/26th of it. Every mile was a painful compromise with my body.
First, okay just make it to the 5k and you'll be able to get a drink.
-- Still was thirsty but now had the three cups of water sloshing around in my stomach.  
Then, okay make it to 5 miles and take a GU.
--Didn't help.
And, okay make it to 8 miles and you only have Pisgah ahead of you(Crap!).
--Certainly didn't help.
Okay, if you make it to the half marathon, maybe someone can give you a ride home.
--No one seemed willing.
Okay, make it to mile sixteen and you can swim across the lake to get home.
--Thought twice of it. What if I swam to the wrong section and STILL had to run ten more miles.
Okay make it to mile twenty and you can walk the rest of the way.
--Certainly would have done this but the darn half marathoners kept cheering for me that I felt obliged to keep running(ever so slowly).
Okay make it to mile twenty three and you can really walk from here.
--They were still here! Did have several extended "water stops" though where I walked while drinking and purposely took several cups and "savored" every moment.
Okay don't let this guy pass you! You're in fifth place still somehow.
-- That's not going to happen. Sorry

Danny after the race

So I ended up finishing about 25 minutes slower than I had wanted to run, but (mainly due to size of the race) did manage to come in 6th overall  and first in my age-group. So while I didn't have the race that I wanted to, I am glad that I finished it and got a long run in. And despite all my complaining and besides the "questions guy", the race was actually quite nice.
 Good aide stations, nice fan support, and a beauiful course makes it a nice that I may come back to. Also makes me look forward to running a fast half-marathon this weekend at Pocono's.

Up Next: Danny and Amber: Pocono Mountain 70.3

Pocono 70.3 Race Preview-From the Eyes of SlowTwitch

So I've been doing some research on the pro triathletes that are doing this race on October 2. I have just started, however, to actually look at the race itself and what it will entail. WTC describes it as such: "The event will take place in and around the scenic Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area with a fantastic finish down Main Street in historic Stroudsburg, PA. The race marks the first Ironman event in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania."

However, doing a quick search found that not everyone was thinking that the race would be so fun.


This one blogger wrote:
"1) October in the Poconos has a high probability of COLD! Changes are it will be in the 40s, maybe high 30s at the start of the race, and highs are likely to only get into the 50s.
2) Chance of rain or bad weather is high, and wind and rain in October means WET LEAVES on the road. If you have traveled on these roads (I used to drive through there several times a year going to and from Lehigh), they are lined with trees.
3) Chance of animals, especially DEER crossing the course is high, especially since this has a lot of protected areas that don't have hunting. I have also seen two bears traveling through the Delaware Water Gap that basically runs by this course.
4) There is either going to be a long walk to start the race, or a long run to T1. Maybe they are planning a long run to warm up the swimmers.
5) Did I mention cold? You might want to practice riding in your wetsuit, saving time in T1 and then strip it off in T2.
6) The bike course looks "forced". As pointed out, in one section as laid out there is one of two areas in which cyclists cross over each others path. How many courses have you seen where a race CROSSES over itself on the bike. Out and back is fine. INTERSECTION? Not so good. "

Another author wrote:
"I was thinking of doing this race but....



1) It's the first year
2) I was nervous they didnt have courses months ago...
3) Its October and its up in the Pocono Mountains
4) River swim..meh. "

A third writer gave some warnings as well:
"Not much you can do on the swim. You will either have a long walk to start the race or you will have a long walk/run to T1. The river is only so wide and you are really pretty much doing the around .8 Miles or more length wise. Maybe they can add in a dozen buoys and have people zig-zag across the river to shorten the distance.


Given the amount of time they have had to "plan" this race, it seems like a pretty much "forced" course, and to still be fiddling with the course 3 months out?

One other fair warning. Looking at T1 and T2 and just having been through this area, not sure if they will be running shuttle buses to the start, but I am thinking that this will be more like Timberman and long waits than Longhorn, which though separate Transition areas, was really just a couple miles and really along 1 road. "

As expected with most inaugural events, there are sure to be some snags, but with some planning(like getting to the race as early as possible and wearing a full-sleeve wet-suit->Amber) we hopefully can eliminate some of the logistical concerns of these writers. I am interested to see what becomes of the areas where we are supposedly intersecting other riders(it may end up not being an issue) and am excited about the potential for a nice cool fall day for a run. Both Am and I run better when it's cold, so bring on the FROST!
 
I also like WTC's description of the run course:
"A couple of hills are present early in the course, which flatten out for the majority of the first half. A gradual incline approaches just before the turnaround, and then you will have a good downhill to kick start your return. As you head towards Stroudsburg you will have one small hill at mile 11 then you'll go through the quiet neighborhood streets welcoming you towards the finish. "
 
Can't wait for the false flats!
 
Up Next:Adirondack Marathon for Danny then POCONO's the following week.

10 Questions With Jeremy Woodward

1) Anyone who's seen you shirtless (lucky devils) may have noticed a little scar down the front of your chest. If you don't mind us asking, what's that from?

 The 11 inch scar that runs down my chest is from a run in with a Black Bear and Mountain Lion. Recently, while out on a ride with Amber Ferreira we encountered these two amazing creatures. I actually had to intervene in the middle of these two creature as they were about to go to battle over who gets Amber’s Cliff Bars and Gatorade. I was able to subdue the Black Bear with a “Bear Hug” technique that I learned from my years of martial arts training. The mountain lion… instea d of it chasing the two of us, Amber chased the mountain lion for miles. True Story!

In all seriousness, the 11 inch scar is the result of two open-heart surgeries to have my Aortic Valve replaced due to a bicuspid Aortic Valve that I was born with. I had my first operation in 2000. At that point I received an Aortic Tissue Valve and Aorta reconstruction. These valves come with no warranties other than the hope that it works for a few years. Mine failed shortly after and it sent me into Severe Congestive Heart Failure and I nearly died. Thank god for my stubborn wife that insisted she drive me to a Boston hospital ER the morning of July 18th 2007. If we didn’t go t hat morning it would have been lights out for good if you know what I’m saying. After a 6 week stay at a Boston Hospital I was the lucky recipient of a newly implanted Mechanical Aortic Heart Valve. These Mechanical Valves are designed to last a lifetime. However, I have to take an anti-coagulant drug daily called Warfarin to prevent clots and bleed outs. If this is not managed properly it could have devastating effects.

2) I know you played AAU ball with Matt Bonner on the same team my younger brother, Andrew, played for. You also did martial arts, right? Tell us a little about your athletic background.


I have been involved with athletics much of my life. I was fortunate to play for the Granite State Raiders AAU Basketball team for 6 years with Matt Bonner. I learned a great deal from him. His work ethic and drive were second to none. Last time he was at our house he broke a rim! This October I will celebrate my 18th year of being involved with martial arts under the direction of Jeff Hardy of Bodyworks Karate School. I currently hold a rank of 4th Degree Black Belt in combined Kenpo and I have a Black Sash in Kung Fu. To be honest Martial Arts have played a huge part in my life and a great driving force. Aim high, set a goal, make it happen!

 3) Amber has long been a fan of utilizing functional strength training and varying exercises for muscle confusion and eliciting optimal strength gains. Your program epitomizes this practice. Tell us a little bit about your program and philosophy for training.

Functional Strength training is so important to a properly designed fitness program. It may sound crazy but this concept is relatively new to the fitness industry. The old school “body builder” type of program doesn’t exist anymore with me.My feeling is that if you are going to commit 2 or 3 hours a week of strength training you want to get the most bang for your buck and your time! You need to add in the dynamic warm ups, core, power, balance and anaerobic training. Next time you are in the gym working out look around you and notice how many people are still of the old school mentality. Now get out and push some sleds, slam some power balls and do some band work.

4) In addition to the famous Amber Ferreira, you train some well-known local celebs. You working with anyone currently?

Yes, my boy Nazzy from the 105.5 Morning Wake Up Show is a ROCK STAR! He has been my inspiration this year! In late 2010 during a radio interview I challenged Nazzy off the air to do a triathlon with me someday. At first I thought this guy will never take me up on the challenge! He called me a few months later and said “It is GAME ON and lets do this together!” On August 20th 2011 at the Timberman Sprint Triathlon he finished his first triathlon smiling and wanting more! Look out 2012!!! Speaking of the famous Amber Ferreira…I was doing the math on some of my recent races and I have determined that she could just about lap me on any distance race out there!


5) Speaking of tri's, you, yourself, did a little triathlon last year. Tell us a about Ironman Lake Placid, how you got into triathlons, how you trained, what your goals were and whether you met them, and what will you change and what are your goals for IM Lake Placid 2012 which you recently signed up for?

Finishing the 2010 IRONMAN Lake Placid was a dream-come true for me. Given the grave situation I was in while in the hospital I never thought in a million years I would get the opportunity to participate in an IRONMAN race. The training started in 2007 with one lap around the Intensive Care Unit the day after my surgery, then two laps, and three laps and so on. Then 3 years later 140.6 miles… that’s a lot of laps around the ICU at TUFTS Medical Center!My goal was to just finish the race. I really didn’t care if it was 11 hours or 16 hours 59 minutes. I just wanted to finish under the 17 hour cut off time. My big goal was the fundraising that I did leading up to the race. I wanted to make an impact on our community in some way. I had this crazy goal of raising $140,600 ($1000 for every mile of the IRONMAN) for the NH Chapter of the Nature Conservancy. We ended up raiseing close to $202,000!

I’m currently signed up for the 2012 Ford IRONMAN Lake Placid and will be signing up for the 2012 Ford IRONMAN Arizona to take place in November 2012! Still my goal will be to just finish both races and stay out of the Medical Tent. Training for both of these races will prove to be a challenging as I will have a 6 month old and an almost 4 year old. Family comes first! This year and going forward I will be dedicating my racing to the IRONHEART foundation. www.ironheartracing.com This is an incredible group of athletes and individuals that have been to hell and back and then some! We also have some very exciting news to share in the near future relating to 2012 IRONMAN Arizona and the IRONHEART Inspire group.

6) Can you gives us any info yet?

I will be hosting the IRONHEART Classic 5K run/walk presented by Keller Williams Realty and JEREMYS BOOTCAMP. This will take place on Saturday May 5th 2012. Christine Tatro and I are really excited to bring this event to the Concord region. Website… http://www.livelifetothefittest.com/


7) What would you say to someone who said they couldn't do a triathlon?

I would tell them to go on You Tube and search the IRONMAN…You Will Do This video. Within 5 minutes of watching the video I can almost guarantee that they will find a triathlon and get signed up.



8) Your wife and you are expecting your second child. How does crossing the finish line after an IM compare to bringing your progeny into the world?

My wife and I are expecting our second daughter on November 1st 2011. If our new arrival gets antsy like her sister did she will be here in the next few weeks. Crossing the finish line was special but being a dad is the most amazing and rewarding experience in the world! There is nothing that even comes close to trumping that! Funny story here…I took my daughter to a local 5k race just recently to watch. They had a kids race going on and I asked her if she wanted to do it. She responded back to me with “Daddy I can’t do the big race because I don’t have my Dora Watch on”

9 We view the 1 and 1/2 hours that we spend in your class as some of the most valuable time spent training. What would you recommend for someone, not training for a competition, but rather to be "fit for life"?

Just get out and do it! We only get one chance at this thing called life. We can make a hundred different excuses and why we can’t do something. Find a class that’s right for you and make the commitment to get fit. Remember this is a lifelong journey!



10) Last question. What would win in a battle: a black bear or a mountain lion? Feel free to cite real-life examples as well as your knowledge about combat, fitness, etc.

See answer to question number 1.

What a Weekend! Getting Lost at Pisgah, Shark Fishing, Violin Lessons and a Wedding!

This past weekend was fun. Amber and my friend Jen Bonia(nee Bergeron) from Northeastern got married this past Friday. Am and I took the day off, Amber to get her hair done and do bride's maids stuff; me to go for a run. I managed to make my way over to Salem, MA just in time for Run at Work 5k which is part of the Mayor's initiative to get more people active. Judging by the turnout, it may be working. I ran into Nick Sousa, the NH10 winner and we ran the course together taking it easy as it was just a fun run. Since I had the day off and he didn't have to be at work until that night, we decided to extend the run a bit. Having never run through Salem, I let him do the leading. What a pretty town! As we crossed a bridge, I realized we had made our way over to Beverly which is where my older brother lives. We ended up running right by his house, but as it was mid-day he wasn't home... After about ten miles of me huffing and puffing to keep up with Nick, I decided I had had enough using the excuse that I wanted to make sure I didn't get ticketed for illegal parking.

After parting with Nick, I quickly headed to the hotel to get showered then made my way to Jen's wedding. It was at the Castleton in Windham, NH and they got married outside in front of the lake. It was beautiful. After I do, I do, toasts, dinner, cake, etc. the party began. Dancing. Yikes! To optimize the impressiveness of my dance-moves, it behooves the viewer to consume vast amounts of alcohol and dim the lights very low. Apparently the lights weren't low enough.

Northeastern Alumni Shakin' Their Money Makers

After the party was the after-party, which for Amber and I was cut short due to inability to stay up beyond seven pm. We certainly made a show of it but as soon as we made it home we were done.

What Amber looked like when her head hit the bed.

At five am the next morning my phone buzzed- my brother and dad picking me up. Time to go Deep Sea Fishing which I have renamed DSF or Dan Scares Fish. Last time I went DSFing was in Portugal and not only did I not catch any fish, but my side of the boat did not catch anything. What did everyone do? Moved me to the other side and they then started catching fish. Would Saturday be any better? Yes. If you like Dogfish. Not the IPA, unfortunately, but the shark that apparently can't be eaten since all we did was reel them up, unhook them and throw 'em back in. We didn't want to eat them, just make them late for something.

It was such a gorgeous day that even if we hadn't caught a thing it would be fun. We did end up catching a few edible fish which does make for a better dinner and picture.

Sunday morning. What to do? One last long run before Adirondack marathon next weekend? Sounds good. Amber and I decided that we'd make the trip out to Chesterfield, NH to do the Pisgah 23k. Neither of us had ever been out then before but as it is the NH's largest State Park we decided it would be worth the trip. Upon arriving, we saw the usual suspects of trail runners including, Kevin Tilton, Ben Nephew, Jim Johnson, Justin Fyffe, Brandon Baker, Ryan Welts and many other familiar faces.

"I didn't realize that this would attract this many runners."- Danny
"Already making excuses?" -Amber
"Errr, no, just making an observation"-Danny
"Okay, sure."- Amber
"Well, I think they're all doing the 50k anyway."- Danny

Both the 23k(which by the way is 14.2 miles not the half marathon that I told Amber), and the 50k started together and ran alongside each other for the first mile or so. As it so happens, most of those runners were running the 50k and were pacing for that distance. That worked out nicely for me because I otherwise would not have been able to hang on. As it was, I caused a little mayhem at the split, cutting off Ben Nephew nearly bowling him over. Ahead was a lone runner. I kept running my own pace but soon caught the leader who had been looking back(I soon realized to have company not due to early onset fatigue). It was Justin Fyffe who had ran 25 miles then day before and was just out for an easy run. We ran and talked for a while putting a nice separation on any of the other runners. At about minute 25 we came to an aide station and a fork in the road.

"Which way do we go?" - Danny
"You weren't supposed to come from that direction." -Aide Station Worker
"We made a wrong turn?" - Justin
"Looks that way." -Helpful Aide Station Worker
"Crap"- Danny and Justin

As this dialogue ended a third runner, Clint Joslyn, came to the aide station.
"I thought we were supposed to make a turn back there but I saw you guys go straight so I followed."-Clint
"Crap."- Danny and Justin

Being the largest NH state park, how could we not get lost?

So off we went again, this time at a more aggressive pace. While both Justin and I were saying that it didn't matter as the minutes ticked by and we still hadn't made it back to the turn off, I could tell we were both getting annoyed with ourselves. The only difference was how we took our annoyance out. Justin calmly just kept picking up the pace to the point when we finally made it back to the turn off(11 minutes back on an uphill trail), he had put a nice gap on me. My way of coping with this annoyance was to let him go and slow down the pace-Or it could have been out of necessity due to my wheezing provoked by trying to keep up with him. He was soon out of sight and I was left alone.

But not for long. As it turns out, it was somewhat of a blessing to go off course. I was able to cheer on all the runners as I caught and passed them. It was also fun for me, because the further into the race I got the faster the people I was passing became which in turn made me run a bit harder when I would have, probably, otherwise taken it easy. I didn't push myself so hard, though, to see how beautiful of a course we were on. Some of the views were amazing and the course(which alternated primarily between dirt road and fire roads) was a great change to the mostly pavement I have been recently running on.

I ended up finishing around the Top 10(results aren't yet posted) despite the detour and it was nice having Amber there at the finish cheering me on. However, I soon found out that she didn't beat me, but also got lost by going on the 50k course by accident. When she realized her mistake she just turned back and came to the start.

All in all, Pisgah was a great race and will definitely be on my list for next year. Hopefully the Ferreira's can stay on course.

I took my first Violin lesson last night and realized that I cannot supinate(turn my wrist palm up) to play. So I am learning the violin backwards. Can't wait to see how that turns out.

Up Next:  Danny: Adirondack Marathon this weekend. Amber and Danny-Pocono's 70.3 October 2nd.

Winter Wild Championship- A Fun Race for EVERYONE!

Provided you are not allergic to snow, you most likely are able to participate in the Winter Wild Championships at Bretton Woods on St. Patty's Day 2012. Whether you downhill or cross-country ski, snowshoe, run, snowboard, hike, or just plain walk you can always participate in the Winter Wild Series.

New to the series this year, though, is the Challenged Athlete division which allows people in wheelchairs to utilize adaptive mountaineering equipment to climb the mountain, and monoski down. This year the racers will have to obtain their own equipment, but we're trying to see whether for future years we can get an adaptive company out on the slopes to let racers demo their products.

aR and Winter Wild will also be working with the "Let's Move Campaign" and will be offering  free entry to Winter Wild for school-age children in our region.

So young or old, competitive or non-competitive, skier or snowboarder, Microspikes or yaktrak, or in and out of wheelchair can all enjoy at beautiful day on the mountain.

For those competitive folks: There will be a special prize for first male and female to reach the summit so start you uphill training!

For everyone else: There's an extensive raffle during the awards ceremony.

Come join us:

Register for Winter Wild Championships here.

Winter Wild Championships at Bretton Woods

Mark your calendars! On St. Patrick's Day, March 17th, 2012, I, along with Rich Lavers, will be making my race directing debut. We will be hosting the Winter Wild Championships at Bretton Woods and it will be presented by acidotic Racing.

Bretton Woods- Course with run counter-clockwise traversing entire mountain

Chad Denning addressing the crowd before the race

Winter Wild, started by Chad Denning formerly an adventure racer on TEAM EMS , is a unique mountain race. As featured on WMUR last year, it noted that unlike the typical mountain racing, seen through the Mountain Race Series, Winter Wild allows participants to get up(and down) the mountain using any(non-mechanical) means they choose. You often see snowshoers, runners in Microspikes and cross-country skiers all competing for the front of the pack.

However, some brave souls use downhill skis which are pretty slow on the uphill but fly on the downs. Also snowboarders have the option to run up, carrying the board, and board back down. 

Those runners usually catch the skiers on the uphills

In the past, the skate-skiers have won the races but I would like to see if we could get some of the faster mountain racing guys out there whether a runner could win overall. It would be pretty amazing to see some CMS and aR runners competing against the NordicMeisters and the likes of the Freeman brothers to truly determine the "most fit" athletes.

This course definitely has the makings of a fair course as there will be several ups and downs to ensure those skiers cannot get too much of a lead.

Amber Ferreira about to Summit Pat's Peak last year

Danny Ferreira pushing past a skier

As with all acidotic Racing events, we will be sponsored by Red Hook brewery as well as several other great sponsors and will be expecting to host an excellent post-race raffle. Additionally, any one racing the entire series will be vying for awards for overall finishers within their category.

Should be a fun and competitive race and hope to see everyone there!

A link to the race's registration can be found here.

Up Next: Danny: Adirondack Marathon, Danny and Amber: Pocono's 70.3

Danny Ferreira Training for a Marathon? Sort of.

For Pocono Mountain 70.3 Race Preview click here.


So Danny is at it again. Psyching himself up for some big fall marathons. Currently signed up for Adirondack Marathon September 25th and Cape Cod Marathon on October 30th. His goal for Cape Cod is to qualify for Day 1 registration for the Boston Marathon(2:45:00) which would be a 2 1/2 minute PR. Additionally, he would like to post the fastest GCS time of the day. A 2:45? On a hilly course? How's the training coming?

Well the training started off well for the first week. He increased his mileage to 25 with a track workout and a mid-distance(8 miles) run. With about 12 weeks to go, he was confident that he would have time to ramp his mileage up to the 40-50 miles/week that he has heard works slightly better than his previous marathon plans. One week down, eleven to go. He's committed, he'll be all set right? Well.... Along comes Munich.
Danny's sister and her boyfriend are traveling around Europe for the summer and Danny's mother and he decided that they would visit them while in Munich, Germany. Danny had very little knowledge of Munich other than what happened at both the 1936(Owen's kicking some Nazi butt despite some racism) and 36 years later in the 1972 Olympics with the Palestinians massacring the Israeli athletes and Pre coming in a disappointing, yet heroic, fourth place at the 5k. Not to sound flippant about such serious events, but Danny knew nearly nothing about Munich.

One of Danny's favorite Munich pictures, despite not needing the water while over there.

Yet despite that, he and his mother made the trip over the big lake to visit with his sister. A nicely written report of his trip written by his sister can be found here. What she doesn't mention is that besides one harrowing run at night that Danny gets utterly lost in a foreign speaking country for over an hour, Danny didn't get any of his prescribed runs in. Okay 3 weeks down, 9 to go. Looking okay.

So back on track now that he's back in the States. He did approximately 30 miles last week and has already done 35 miles this week. He's signed up for the NH 10 on Saturday so could likely be in the 50 mile week range by Sunday. Not too shabby. Eight weeks to go and he has a 10 miler, a marathon and Pocono's 70.3 that he can all use to continue to get some meaningful miles in before Cape Cod. Perfect!

Well not so perfect. Danny has decided to go to Shanghai, China for his peak running weeks. China? Doesn't he realize the amount of smog he is going to have to contend with? Doesn't he remember the 2008 Olympics and how Haile Gebrselassie pulled himself from the race because he feared pollution's effect on his lungs?

Danny does realize this may pose a threat to his (hopefully) new fitness that he will have worked so hard the last few months to achieve. However, he also realizes that this may be a  once in a lifetime opportunity to see some of the world's most ancient and wonderful landmarks. How could he pass them up?

So, while a bit unorthodox, Danny continues to pursue that 2:45 marathon time while not sacrificing all those other life experiences that make life complete. Can't wait to see how that turns out.

Up Next:  NH10(Danny), Adirondack Marathon(Danny), Pocono 70.3(Am and Danny), Cape Cod Marathon(Danny) and Ironman Arizona for Am