January, 2007

Teammates & Friends:

The Indoor Season is now in full swing and the BU Mini-Meets really got us off and running. As you will read below, Mass Velocity has assembled a fantastic relay team that hopefully will receive an invite to the 100th Millrose Games in Madison Square Garden. The BU meets attracted a large number of MVTC competitors (what Charlie Kelly refers to as the "older red set") and you can read all about it in his commentaries on the three December meets.

We've added even more new members to the team and it's time to get your USATF membership and affiliation in order so we will be able to count the points you score at both Indoor and Outdoor Nationals.

I was going to wait until after the Dartmouth Relays to upload this Newsletter but it's already filled to the brim. So expect one or more mid-month-missives. 2007 is going to be a great year for the Mass Velocity Track Club and I hope all of you (teammates and friends) have a happy, healthy and fast New Year!

Now, onto the news ....

Kim Williams Henry DeForest Russ Heisner


Ken Effler

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I'd say that membership has snowballed into an avalanche but with no real snow yet in New England all I can say is that we are gaining new members at a record pace. We now number over 60 members. Here are your new teammates, in random order:

Susan Wiemer - from Freeport, ME. "Larry; I'm looking forward to the upcoming year with Mass Velocity. I'm planning to do both the indoor and outdoor Nationals. See you soon."

Ian Smith - from Wenham, MA. Last year's M45 Champion in the 800m at the Masters Indoor Nationals (and no slacker in the 400m either!).

Eric Bucher - from Wayland, MA "I met Tucker Taft at last week’s BU developmental meet and he gave me a card for your club. I checked out the website and decided to join. Looks like a great club. I would be interested in joining in some relays in the future."

Jon Tetherly - from Chicopee, MA Last year took the M60 Bronze in the 800m at the Masters Indoor Nationals. Formerly with the Greater Springfield Harriers.

Mike Needham - From Kingston, MA. After a brief stint GBTC, Mike has re-joined Mass Velocity and we're all very glad to have him back. "Thanks for the warm welcome. I want to compete with Mass Velocity."

I know there are many more folks out there ready to join us. Why wait? You know you'll run faster in a red speedsuit - and even if you don't, you'll look fast. Geography is not a barrier, capability is not a barrier. Mass Velocity is more than a community - it's a state of mind.

Anyone can be a member of Mass Velocity. Although we started out as a core of sprinters, I'm glad to see that our numbers now include some middle-distance folks. Membership in our club does not automatically make you officially affiliated with MVTC for competitions in the eyes of USATF. Affiliation is something that allows you to represent Mass Velocity at USATF championships and entitles you to compete on club relay teams and to score points for the team.

Affiliation requires that you are a member of the club, a member of USATF (in good standing and in the case of meets in 2007, a paid member of USATF for 2007) and have notified USATF of your desire to be affiliated with MVTC (club 02-0273). If you were a USATF member affiliated with MVTC in 2006, your affiliation continues with us when you pay your 2007 dues.

If you have been competing unattached and have/had a USATF membership in the past, you must also contact the office to add MVTC as your affiliation. However, if you were affiliated with another club and have joined MVTC you must be aware that you must wait a 90-day period from the time you last competed for a different club and the time you request your affiliation be changed to MVTC (this prevents individuals form joining clubs on a whim throughout the year). Your request for a change of affiliation must be in writing and can sent to Steve Vaitones at USATF-New England at PO Box 1905, Brookline, MA 02446 or via e-mail.

One last thing, if you are a member of a USATF association other than New England (because you are living in any state except the four making up the New England association - MA, NH, RI, VT), you must get the permission of the other association in order to switch your association to New England because MVTC is a NE association club. In all recent switches, we encountered no difficulty with the switch. If you do not know the contact person for your home association, contact Steve and he can forward it to you.

Below is a list given to me by Steve Vaitones of Mass Velocity members who, assuming their 2007 USATF membership is in order, are considered affiliated with MVTC:

That's only 37 names and we have over 60 members! If your name is NOT on this list, be sure to renew, or please contact Steve as soon as possible to make the affiliation change to MVTC. Remember, your 2007 USATF dues must be paid.

The first of the three BU mini meets was held Saturday, December 16, at 10:00. On this balmy fifty-degree day they could have held the meet outdoors. Of course we were glad they didn't, as that would have deprived us of the opportunity of competing on this state of the art indoor track known as: ‘The launch pad.’ When running hard on this rubberized, raftered, and banked surface you often feel like a marble in a bowl being shot around the turns by centrifugal force. There is a bounce to the surface that seemingly adds energy to your foot strike, propelling you forward.

There are five opportunities for master’s runners to share in the quality of this track during the indoor season: The three consecutive Saturday mini meets, the BU Valentine Invitational, and the BU Terrier Classic.

Many Mass Velocity team runners participated in this meet. Roger, Warren, Tucker, Ralph, Jonathan, myself (and some whose names I should know). A number of runners expressed interest in the club, and were met with enthusiasm and encouragement.

I was taken by the number of runners I met today who had not competed on a track in many years, and who took that first great leap of faith and showed up to compete. It takes a bit of courage step out into that arena. There is a certain intimidation in competing with auto timing, on a finite loop, in plain view of all spectators, against a group of competitive runners. One often feels a bit like a Christian in the coliseum about to meet the lions.

This was the first meet of the season for many of us. An opportunity to establish a baseline for training, to access fitness levels, to soak in the atmosphere, feel the juice, get remotivated, check the status of that scar tissue, see how gracefully you are aging…
I for one am glad that I made the leap today. Although perhaps not reflected in some measures of my performance, I walked away feeling that I applied all the effort and ability that could be mustered.

Looking forward to the next competition, Hope to see you there!

The following week Charlie added:

"I was at the meet today (Dec. 23rd) and watched strong performances from: James /54; Carroll /56; Terrence and Roger /58.5

Warren, Tom, Terrence, James, Carroll, Bob, Eric, Jonathan, Roger, Ralph, Paula, Gail and myself were all present today." Results for 12/23/06 [Note: James Morton missing from the results]

James Morton added "I want to say that MVTC had a great day, collectively, at the 2nd BU mini-meet. We had 12+ members present, and we're very supportive of one another. Everyone ran extremely well; we were fast, strong and smooth. Many of us recorded times that suggest a banner season is ahead for our team. It is worth noting the one of our sprinters was exceptional in his performance. Terrence ran the 3000 meters - WOW. As we all know, "T" ran a very fast 200 and 400 two weeks ago. Hum - could it be his training regime? Good job Terrence."

This years BU mini series was well participated by the older red set. No fewer than sixteen Mass Velocity sprinters, in events ranging from the 200 through the 3000 meter have graced the “Launch Pad” in this pre season debut.

The posted results have been entertaining. Lauren Graff (Warrens twin sister?) reportedly ran 26.8/200; Neil Stewberg (isn’t he the cook for Sprint Force) blazed to a 25.09/200; and Roger Pierce apparently broke some kind of record allegedly running a 24.9/200. [Editor's Note: For those who are not sure what Charlie is joking about - it's the typos & errors on the meet results]

James Morton continues to set the standard for excellence with his easily summoned 54 sec/400. Carroll Blake, already bored with his stellar early season performances in the sprints (25:/200,55:/400) showed off his all-galactic genetic inheritance by cruising to a 2:17/800, off of 400 meter training!

Roger is still waiting for a race that means something. For entertainment he has been seen over anticipating the starter’s pistol and running races in those ageless yellow sneakers of his. One of the newer additions to our sprint set is Eric Boucher. Eric has been breathing quietly down my back in every heat of every race. Thankfully he is racing with a standing start and distance spikes; and still doing a bit of heel to toe running. Bob Pomeroy has been showing off his range with great performances in the 400/800 and mile.

Warren and Ralph have shown great early season form pushing the minute barrier and blasting fewer than 27 in the 200. Terrence, giddy from his success in the shorter sprints, actually ran a 3000-meter race, probably his last. Tom’s new training approach has been to duct tape machine parts to his torso and run 800-meter races, in very respectable times.

For my sake, I’m taking Rogers ‘how to start’ seminar for the third time. Two false starts, a stumble, and a hesitation later… Jonathan continues to impress with his string of sub 2:40/800’s.The womenfolk, Gail and Paula, continue to impress as they push the limits of the 200/400.

In the last installment of the series, the Mass Velocity Millrose Games hopefuls were able to stage a 4x400 relay event in order to demonstrate a qualifying performance standard for this years Masters relay event. The Greater Boston Track Club demonstrated an extraordinary gesture of good sportsmanship by entering a team for the sole purpose of pacing the Mass Velocity masters entry through it’s goal pace, resulting in a 3:41.17 effort (Needham,Neumann,Morton,Haynes).

We are extremely fortunate to have this truly world-class track venue as a playground in which to initiate the start our indoor season. The mass participation of so many Mass Velocity sprinters bodes well for the upcoming season. The power of this collaboration of sprinters was evidenced by the generous display of support and camaraderie shown throughout this series.

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With little time left to assemble a 40+ relay team to qualify for the Millrose Masters 4x400, Mass Velocity was successful in every aspect. We put together great team and with the assistance of USATF's Steve Vaitones who added a 4x400 to the BU Mini-Meet schedule, our club came up with what should be a top seed time. Here is a report (with photos) from Warren Graff:

"The Mass Velocity relay team of Mike Needham, Dave Neumann, James Morton, and Terrence Haynes ran a spectacular 4 x 400 at the 3rd and last Boston University Mini Meet for 2006 in order to qualify for the upcoming 100th Millrose Games February 2nd, 2007.

The goal was to run close to 3:40, and the attached finish line photo verifies that this goal was met. Last year's race was won in 3:40.68 by Synergy Track Club. We owe a hearty THANK YOU to Dave Callum and the other members of the Greater Boston Track Club relay team, who agreed to pull our team through.

We watched each relay leg with great interest, and it became apparent that Mass Velocity was going to hang right there with the younger GBTC team and was also right on the mark for meeting the required splits.

Our team deserves a well-earned congratulations on performing so well this early in the season. The attached photos speak more for the intensity and effort expended than can written."

Mike Needham Starts in Lane 1


Mike Passes to Dave (unseen) with GBTC in Lane 2


Dave Passes to James


James Passes to Terrence (Anchor)


Keep Your Eye on The Clock as Terrence Passes The Finish Line
(Great Shot Warren!)


Our 4x4 Relay Team, From Left to Right:
Dave Neumann, James Morton, Terrence Haynes, Mike Needham
[I promise to have Dave and Mike in MVTC uniforms in time for Millrose]

I am submitting the MVTC 40+ relay team (above) for inclusion in the Millrose Games Masters 4x400 relay. We probably won't hear until sometime after the Jan. 9th submission deadline. I will send out word as soon as I hear back. I want to echo Warren and Charlie's thanks and praise to our good friends on the Greater Boston Track Club who were willing to help us in our quest to qualify for Millrose. Stay tuned ....

"I woke up Christmas Eve morning realizing that something special happened yesterday for me at B.U., and I didn't think of it at the time. Something that only a handful of masters sprinters who go through what it takes to run the 400M would care about, but after 11 years of training and competing I finally did what is called 'running my age' (61.17). So I thank all of my training partners who pushed me this fall, and Ralph especially for pulling me through yesterday. Not a big deal, but certainly another goodie that makes the effort worth it. - Warren Graff"

"Hi Larry, I didn't make it to the Northeastern Meet because I am struggling with Lyme Disease. I was sick ALL of November & finally went for blood test on Dec 1. It came back positive & I am on anti-biotics until DEC 27th. I can't run because I am always dizzy and pressure in my head gets worse with elevated heart rate. I will be back but it will be a while. Good luck @ Dartmouth & Happy Holidays to all at MVTC. Also tell everyone I am there at all the meets in spirit rooting for my Mass Velocity teammates. - John Novak

"I thought I would bring you an update on my fight with this disease. After an entire November with a headache & dizziness I started 21 days of doxyclycline in hopes that it would knock it out of me. I am about 80% which is NO GOOD because it WILL come back. Plan B: I am off to a specialist on Jan. 5th for a restart. I miss my workouts and long for the day when I can get back to sprinting. All through the fall I had so many excellent sessions at my local high school track. Many times I would hop into my car to drive home with a runners high and a big smile. There is no better feeling. Best wishes for good performances and a healthy 2007 to all of my teammates at the best track club in U.S.A."
- John Novak [John can be reached at jon207us@yahoo.com]

"Hi Larry, Thanks to your efforts and behind-the-scenes skills which allowed us this chance (for Millrose) in the first place." - Dave Neumann

"Larry, The opportunity for us to field a team at the Millrose Games is yet another example of the incredible leadership you provide to our team. We are lucky to have you as the spirit-head of MVTC. As a result of your continued effort, we are one of the fastest growing masters track teams in the country." - James Morton

"Larry, If you run for President of the United States in 2008...You have my vote!! Wow you're a national treasure." - Terrence Haynes [Note from Larry - I don't know why James and Terrence are so effusive in their praise. I strongly suspect Terrence sent that e-mail while still light-headed from a hard practice!]

"Wow, great job by everyone! Sorry I couldn't make that meet to root you on but I hope to be at future events to join in the cheering! - Bob Segal [Note: Bob has been sidelined with an injury]

In last month's Final Thoughts I wondered why road races had so many Masters and what we could do to attract more of them to running in circles. Warren Graff suggested creating a T&F calendar similar to those road racing calendars that are all over the place. Kim Williams came up with an even better idea - giving the long distance, cross country and road racers reasons why track is better than road racing:

1. A bathroom is always near.
2. No hilly courses and no potholes.
3. You can legitimately compare your time to anyone else’s at the same distance.
4. You can’t get lost.
5. Don’t have to eat GU. [“GU” is a brand name of energy gel]
6. You always know where the race starts an finishes.
7. You don’t have to learn to drink from a paper cup while running.
8. There are no walkers lined up in front of you.
9. There’s no one running with their dog.
10. No one pushing a baby in a fifty pound stroller will ever beat you.
11. No angry or clueless drivers pull into your path.
12. No unguarded intersections that someone forgot to cover.
13. No sag wagon following you.
14. No camera truck leading you.
15. You can hit the wall in 400 meters, no need to run 20-plus miles to accomplish it.

Send me your reasons why track is better than road racing.

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Perhaps you've seen the e-Bay TV advertisement for "it" - goes something like "whatever 'it' is, you can find it on e-Bay." Re-reading a Rob Porcaro message (March, 2005) which I placed in a box on the MVTC Home Page, I realized that Rob was way ahead of e-Bay. In part, he wrote "Myself, I'm running primarily for the same reason I did 35 years ago: it just feels cool to get it going - whatever "it" I happen to have. It's no different than putting on that brand new pair of sneakers when you were a little kid and right away wanting to run, fast, no stopwatch required."

I keep thinking about "it" and realize that very few people know what it feels like to run as fast as they possibly can. Kids run, there's no doubt about that. Do they run as fast as they can? Unlikely. Does it take all you've got to get under a pop fly ball? Do kids run top speed in the school yard or playground? If there were ever the opportunity for most people to run full-out, it's in their youth.

As adults, opportunities to sprint are few and far-between: running across a street, trying to catch a bus, running to first base in a beer-league softball game. Even then, I doubt they really give it their maximum effort. Long distance runners and road-racers might give maximum effort when they kick to the finish, but they won't get to the maximum velocity they're capable of. That only occurs during a short sprint of 60-100m.

So, I am of the opinion that we are amongst a very short list of people who have and continue to experience the joy, rush and exhilaration of running flat-out as fast as your body is capable of going. You can't describe it to someone who hasn't done it, because "it" can't be described, only experienced - whatever "it" you happen to have.

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