Race Invitation: Stag Run Marathon 3/22

LeftRightRepeat · Mar 13, 2008

<div style="text-align:left;">Many of you know my nutty buddy Thor. Well, he's getting married. And he couldn't have a normal bachelor party with cigars and strippers and... Well, you know the kind I'm talking about. No... He's gotta have a marathon!!! So a marathon it is!!! Come join us next Saturday for all or part of Thor's "Stag Run" Marathon as detailed below. (RSVP if you would - so we know how many to plan on!)</div>
 <div style="text-align:left;">->>> John <<<-</div>
 <div style="text-align:left;">From: Thor Sent: Thursday, March 13, 2008 12:05 PM Subject: Stag Run - Sat. 3/22 Help me close out my bachelor days on Saturday, March 22 with a celebrational, most fitting Stag Run. You don't want to miss it. There will be an ongoing celebrational gathering that will, of course, include adult beverages.</div>
 
<div style="text-align:left;">With distance options of 10, 8, 6, and 2.2 miles, or any combination thereof, this is the perfect multiple loop course for a celebrational run of any distance. Training for Boston? Come on down. Looking for an easy 10 miles? We've got it. Want 2.2? Got that, too! You even get to sleep in. It doesn't get better than that.</div>
 
<div style="text-align:left;">Wait! It does get better... This is a can't miss event because John Intorcio has graciously volunteered to lend the warmth of his home for an ongoing celebration.</div>
 
<div style="text-align:left;">Schedule, Course Description, Amenities, and "What the heck is the Stag Run anyway?" follows...</div>
 
<div style="text-align:left;">Please let us know if we should look for you. And if you can please let us know the start leg so that we can be sure to wait.</div>
 
<div style="text-align:left;">Schedule</div>
 
<div style="text-align:left;">The Stag Run Thor's last marathon as a free man. Saturday, March 22 (day before Easter) 
Route: <a href="http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=1669893" target="_blank">http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=1669893</a> 
Start Time: 10:30 am (Loop #1 - 10 miles) 
2nd Start: ~12:05 pm (Loop #2 - 8 miles) 
3rd Start: ~1:20 pm (Loop #3 - 6 miles) 
4th Start: ~2:20 pm (Loop #4 - 2.2 miles) 
Finish: ~2:45 pm 
Water Stops: Water and Gatorade at my car. Gu's and bananas too! 
*Ongoing Gathering @ Intorcio House: Starting after 1st Loop.</div>
 
<div style="text-align:left;">Course Description</div>
 
<div style="text-align:left;">The four loop course starts and ends at the intersection of Marshall Street and Robin Road in North Reading: <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Marshall%20Street%20and%20Robin%20Road%2C%20North%20Reading%2C%20MA" target="_blank">http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Marshall%20Street%20and%20Robin%20Road%2C%2 0North%20Reading%2C%20MA</a> The non-certified near-marathon course has a variety of terrain, mostly comprised of rolling hills, and is broken into four loops of 10, 8, 6 and 2.2 miles: <a href="http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=1669893" target="_blank">http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=1669893</a> The four loops are run sequentially, each starting at the above location.</div>
 
<div style="text-align:left;">Loop 1 (10:30 am)</div>
 
<div style="text-align:left;">This 10 mile loop begins with a gentle climb on Chestnut in the first mile followed by two significant downhills leading to Lynnfield center. Runners will then execute the fist traversal of Thor's favorite Sagamore Hill, this time ascending the shorter but steeper side and descending the longer more gradual side, before turning onto Route 62/Elm St. for a relatively flat return to North Reading center along the Ipswich River. Runners will then pass the North Reading Town Common before turning onto Haverhill St. for a rolling climb up to Chestnut and a return to the start via Parker Dr.</div>
 
<div style="text-align:left;">Loop 2 (~12:05 pm)</div>
 
<div style="text-align:left;">The 8 mile Loop 2 begins immediately upon completion of Loop 1 with runners again exiting on Marshall street but this time turning onto Flint, Mt. Vernon, and Park before again following the Ipswich River on Route 62/Elm St., this time in an Easterly direction. Runners will ascend the more gradual side of Sagamore Hill and descend the short steeper slope before turning for the start location via the intimidatingly named "Long and Grinding Hill" on Lowell St.</div>
 
<div style="text-align:left;">Loop 3 (~1:20 pm)</div>
 
<div style="text-align:left;">This 10k or 6 mile loop begins immediately upon completion of Loop 2 with runners leaving the start location via Parker Dr., crossing Haverhill St. to Central, and then climbing the rolling hills of Central St. to Tamarack. Runners will negotiate the hilltop neighborhood before descending on Belmont Ln., crossing Haverhill St. to Foley, turning south on Duane Dr. and returning to the start location again by Park, Mt. Vernon and Flint.</div>
 
<div style="text-align:left;">Loop 4 (~2:20 pm)</div>
 
<div style="text-align:left;">The final 2.2 (ish) loop will see runners, immediately upon completion of Loop 3, again departing the start location via Parker Dr., turning North on Haverhill, and entering Ipswich River Park from the East side. Runners will then complete a single lap of the 1/2 mile running track in IRP before returning to the start along the same path.</div>
 
<div style="text-align:left;">Distances</div>
 
<div style="text-align:left;">Runners have many options for participation. Any combination of loops can be run or the race can be joined or depart at any point along the course. Combining loops can yield any of the following distances: 24, 18, 16.2, 14, 10, 8.2, 8, 6, or 2.2. Those seeking to participate for even shorter distances (non-runners or even kids on bike are welcome) can join for the traffic free loop at Ipswich River Park by parking in the park's lot and joining at mile 24.8 (ish).</div>
 
<div style="text-align:left;">Amenities</div>
 
<div style="text-align:left;">Race Headquarters (The Intorcio's home) at 31 Marshall Street will be available throughout the event. Bathrooms, shelter, and entertainment will be available as well as a variety of liquid refreshments suitable for before, during, and after the run. We'll even have some snacks! What the heck is the "Stag Run" anyway?</div>
 
<div style="text-align:left;">Glad you asked! The Stag Run will be my last marathon distance run as a free man. Why? Because I'm getting married on April 5th. And I thought of no other way I'd rather celebrate the amazing changes happening in my life than to go out and run 26.2 miles with my good buddies.</div>
 
<div style="text-align:left;">But why 26.2 miles? Are you crazy or just stupid?</div>
 
<div style="text-align:left;">Good question. Sometimes I am crazy and other times just plain stupid. Heather thinks it's more the latter while I think it's none of the above. Truth is I am toward the end of a really challenging yet cool streak to complete a marathon-a-month over the span of two years. The Stag Run will be month number 19 in my quest for 24. The original goal had been to do a marathon-a-month for a year, and when I finally reached that goal at the now-famous Quannapowitt Marathon last August, I realized it was so much fun and still challenging that I decided to give it a go for one more year. All of you, my running buddies turned good friends, have made this possible and even a lot of fun and filled with memories to last a life time.</div>
 
<div style="text-align:left;">So come on out and help make the Stag Run memorable as a celebration of the end of my bachelor days and my last marathon as a free man.</div>

em73 · Mar 13, 2008

will you guys be slow enough by the later loops that I can keep up?? <img alt="sad.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/sad.gif">

Kate60 · Mar 13, 2008

Ooh have fun. Sounds very fitting for Thor. Can't be there. <img alt="sad2.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/sad2.gif"> 
I will run in spirit and enjoy one or two adult beverages as well. <img alt="biggrin.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/biggrin.gif">

RunningForT3 · Mar 13, 2008

Do you at least have strippers for post-workout massages and stuff?

LookiLoo · Mar 13, 2008

Perhaps there should be a virtual 'stag run marathon' ??

hobey · Mar 13, 2008

Ooh. I like it. 
This sounds like a blast guys. Too bad I'm all the way on the left coast.

Dougie Fresh · Mar 13, 2008

Monica, you can hang BOP with me. <img alt="smile.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/smile.gif">. I am supposed to do 8mi next Saturday according to my plan. How perfect! 
For us non N. Reading-ers will the course be marked? I don't think any of you natives are going to be interested in running 10:30-11:00/mi for the 8mi LSD with me <img alt="smile.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/smile.gif">.

MBannon · Mar 13, 2008

Alas, I will not be able to attend, so sorry Thor! Sounds like a good time. Will there be a beer lap?

hobey · Mar 13, 2008

How are your knees? Easy pub run on the Waterfront to commemorate this auspicious occasion?

LeftRightRepeat · Mar 13, 2008

pace for each loop is that of the slowest participant. (Within reason.) You should be confident in the distance at, say, 12 min/mile or better. 
See above. We'll run as a pack. You'll do fine! 
Loop 4 will be the officially designated "beer lap".

Dougie Fresh · Mar 13, 2008

It sounds like fun. Now I just have to line up a babysitter since I just found out DW already has plans that day to attend a class.

neil donnelly · Mar 13, 2008

I would love to be able to join you guys but I am off for my annual Ski Trip on that day so will be in Switzerland - But I will be running here before I head to the airport and I will do a local loop here in England for you guys 
( ANd I will raise a few pints in your honor) 
Neil

COcarrie · Mar 13, 2008

I'll be skiing that day too, but not in Switzerland (next best thing... Colorado Rockies!). Two promises though.... I'll dedicate my run to the Stag Celebration and I'll raise an adult beverage to the cause as well! 
Have fun... sounds like a blast! (And what a good friend LRR is!)

em73 · Mar 13, 2008

alright, I just have to convince the husband.

Thor · Mar 13, 2008

Wow. Send a note to my little running club, and boom, it spreads like wild fire! 
2.2 mile beer lap?! I'm in! <img alt="smile.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/smile.gif">

LeftRightRepeat · Mar 13, 2008

Go big or go home!! <img alt="wink.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/wink.gif">

jkaiser20 · Mar 13, 2008

I will toss in a couple miles from the Scottish Highlands. 
Sounds like a good time. Pics and videos required!

juliemboyle · Mar 14, 2008

I am going to see if I can squeeze this in......Saturdays are hard with kiddies activities....but I really want to go!

TriAndStopMe · Mar 14, 2008

We will definitely have to do a Virtual Stag Run for all of us jealous folks not close enough to join in in person. 
April 5th just keeps getting closer and closer!

Thor · Mar 14, 2008

Knock it off... you're scaring me.

Race Invitation: Stag Run Marathon 3/22

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