Sunday, December 19, 2010

The Mother-Son Running Streak Club


Nancy Shohet West is a freelance journalist living in my hometown of Carlisle, MA. She writes for many publications, including the Boston Globe, and has authored an excellent account of her experiences as a "streak" runner bonding with her then 9-year old son.

I first met Nancy as a 12 year old piano student of mine in 1979, and our paths crossed years later when she wrote a Boston Globe article about me in 2005 as I approached the 30th anniversary of my other (non-Boston) running streak, never missing a day of running at least 1 mile. She revisited me for another Globe article when that running streak came to an end in 2007 at 11,687 days, 1 day short of 32 years, due to a heart attack .

Her curiosity about the concept of streak running and the United States Streak Running Association (USRSA), her decades-long commitment to running, and the challenges of a mother raising a young son all coincided to inspire this marvelously readable book. It can be obtained at Amazon.com by clicking on the title of this post.

BAA is caught in a numbers game - The Boston Globe

A major news story today in the Boston Globe regarding the Boston Marathon-the crises it now faces and some excellent information on what many of us faced in trying to register for the 2011 race. A difficult time for the BAA, the QCC members in particular, and runners everywhere looking ahead to the future.Click on the Title link for the article. Unfortunately, you now have to sign up for a free account to access this article.

40 Bostons...A QCC Farewell to Martin Duffy

A sad time for the QCC...another stalwart has passed away. Reprinted below is Martin's obituary. He is one of only 5 people in the Boston Marathon's 114 year history to have finished 40 consecutive Bostons. Please read the earlier article about Martin in the QCC Blog. I have sent every member running Boston next April a special wristband to wear during the race, honoring Martin...not only his achievements as a runner, but also in recognition of the wonderful human being he was. Heartfelt condolences to his wife, Rusty, and daughters Brianna & Katie.

Martin E. Duffy of Belmont passed away peacefully at home Nov 29, 2010 following an illness with cancer. He was the beloved husband of Rusty Stieff, loving father of Brianna Duffy and Katie Duffy, father-in-law of Randy Morin, and grandfather of Evie and Liam Morin. He is survived by his siblings, Janice Kirkman, Arthur Duffy, Tom Duffy and Anne Kenney. A lifelong runner, Martin began running at Durfee High in Fall River where he was captain of the track team. At Tufts University, because he carried six courses on a full scholarship, he had to temporarily put his track career aside. Years later, Martin completed 40 consecutive Boston Marathons, ran in the Philadelphia and New York Marathons and completed a personal best time of 2:37.11 in the Ocean State Marathon finishing second in the Master's Division. After earning an MBA from Wharton, Martin was an economist and consultant at Data Resources Inc. before founding his own firm, The Perseus Group. He was proud of his contributions as adjunct faculty at Emmanuel College and Suffolk University and within the town of Belmont, serving as both town meeting member and beloved soccer coach for many years. Martin's inclusive nature and his ability to interact with people in many circles on a wide range of topics allowed him to touch the lives of many. He was a friend, mentor, confidante, coach, teacher and role model all rolled into one. As one friend wrote, "His friendship was genuine and his smile was a reflection of his heart." His contributions, substantive character and life-loving spirit will be remembered and missed. He brought out the best in many of us. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in his memory to the Foundation for Belmont Education P. O. Box 518 Belmont, MA. 02478 or to Holy Union Sisters c/o Sister Barbara Kirkman P.O. Box 410 Milton, MA 02186. Be well.