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At what sport can you have your cake and eat it? The answer is trail running, only for ‘cake’, read apple pie and for ‘your’, read Shellygirl, who at the Nipmuck Trail Marathon yesterday maintained a consistent streak (not literally) and won her age group. Not only that, she placed 3rd lady finisher overall. Some would say her running was pure talent, Lefty however, might suggest it was because he caught her just before the second turnaround and fired up her competitive instinct! At the finish line she was just ahead, did the faster runner win, or did chivalry play a part?
The 2009 Nipmuck was a smaller affair than past years. Nipmuck Dave restricted the entry process and with several no shows on the day, the atmosphere was noticeable low key. The pre-race briefing was as entertaining as usual though, with Dave singing ‘no matter if you’re fast or slow’ and with that we were off.
Concerns that the weather might make the going hot were real but there were ample opportunities to stay hydrated and with just 4 DNFs reported, more due to slow pace, it doesn’t appear as if any major problems occurred. The winner, Ben Nephew blazed the trail and passed everyone well before they were near the final turn, his time just over 3 hours was impressive to say the least. Loopy, Ticket and Suds ran a bandit northern half, while the field headed south, they were well on their way back to finish as we made our run north and they were at the finish to welcome everyone home.
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Shellygirl was well up in the ladies race the entire way. On the outbound northern leg it looked like she might be capable of catching the leader, but it turns out she suffered a purple patch that didn’t ease until Lefty passed her. That caused a competitive fire to ignite and she was soon back on focus and once the marital order was restored, she didn’t let go! For her efforts she got to take home one of the Nipmuck apple pies. It didn’t make it to the car however, before Ultra and Mr. Wonderful spotted it and soon we were all digging in!
Besides myself, Shellygirl and Lefty running, Snobody wearing shorts and a bandanna looked decidedly overdressed, Ultra battled despite sore legs, Iggy ‘breezed’ it and Sandy overcame a twisted ankle. By the time we departed, the day had been a success, good weather, good company and a good time running. The limit on entries looks like it is here to stay, but watch out next year as I think the rates will increase, not that an increase will be a problem, the Nipmuck is still worth the trip.
Nice report Bimble – we got a great day out there! I missed The Bounces… I am certain they improved my time last year going out on the first half! Thanks for the cheers at the finish everybody – I know it took me a while to get back but I thoroughly enjoyed the day and getting to see everybody coming and going and everywhere! Loopy, Ticket & Suds great to see you guys out there too…what is next????
CONGRATS SHELLY GIRL!! Congrats everybody!!
IGGY
(Wind in my hair, air in my lungs the earth spins below my feet.)
Hi,
Lefty here and not Shellygirl, having trouble logging in as Lefty. Let us clear this up once and for all. Everyone knows Shellygirl is a stronger long distance runner than I am. In fact, as my students would say “she rocks”. That being said, in a sprint finish I am faster. Come on, give me something for my male ego! So, it is neither chivalry or the faster runner. The bottom line is , yesterday, fate had me pass her to help her find the truth within. What came next? She passsed me right back within a mile or two! That is my girl. She rocks!
Congrats to all. That is what I love about extreme trail runs. Whether you are the first to finish or the last, each of us is a winner. At whatever level we are, we all responded to the demon within, that said “you can’t , stop fool”, Yes we can! See ya down the trail.
Lefty
Twas a lovely day to celebrate NATIONAL TRAILS DAY weekend with being at the oldest GRAND TREE race–I had fun running the Wicked Witch of the North part!! And….I think Shellygirl and Lefty will never REALLY tell the secrets that go on behind the scenes of the races they run….they have been known to “tie” before at races!! Just makes it more romantic if you ask me! 🙂
Great report, and it sounds like everyone had a great time. I got a little more update from Mr. Bimble on the trail this morning. Special kudos to Shellygirl, who deserves entry into ANY race she chooses. An RD would have to be a fool to not admit her. I really think this is her year for the 100…
This is actually Shellygirl and not Lefty! Nice race report Bimble. I really like the ‘bowtie’ nature of the race because it allows the runners to see each other at least 2 additional points. The encouragement from everyone really was a big help to me and I have to admit that Lefty’s unexpected passing at the last turn around provided additional motivation for which I am extremely grateful! It was also SO nice to see Ticket, Loopy and Suds on the trail. That 3rd section was the worst stretch for me and seeing their smiling faces really made it easier. As far as the last .4 mile and what REALLY happened out there on the trail when Lefty caught up to Shellygirl…..let’s just say “What happens on the trail, stays on the trail”. If anyone wants to read what Scott Livingston had to say about the race AND see a video clip of Nipmuck Dave in action check out Scott’s blog at http://scottlivingston.wordpress.com/