August 2026 Newsletter

By Paul Coats, UVRC Board Member

What do you call someone who chases a goal for 26 years before accomplishing it? Tenacious, underperforming, persistent, stubborn, dedicated, obstinate, zealous, silly? I may be one or all of those adjectives, for good or for bad; but one thing I definitely know, accomplishing my marathon goal felt very very good. 

The Upper Valley Running Club played a pivotal role in my extended journey. Not only did the club provide an ample supply of running partners to help with training, great coaching with creative workouts at TNTs, but more importantly with a community of people … friends who provided encouragement, training ideas, and who helped make running fun. If it weren’t for the UVRC, my wife Kristen’s constant support and encouragement, and consistent training partners like Colin Smith, I may still be gazing down the road at that same dreamy desire that was set in my brain 26 years ago. 

How about you? What goals have you set, or did you set long ago that you want to dust off? For some of us the goal is to just get up and get going. The UVRC Couch to 5k can help with that. Maybe you want to make it to that next distance, or nail a time, meet some new friends, or give back to your community through volunteerism. The UVRC can help with all those goals … and more. 

Perhaps your goals aren’t running related at all, but are connected to career, family, education, or other facets of life. Establishing a habit of setting goals, along with a plan for how to accomplish them, can begin small and blossom into the more meaningful. I set goals that build upon one another and create a sense of accomplishment that gives me the courage to set bigger life goals. For example, my goal was to do the TNT workout every week for 3 months, which lead me to an overall weekly mileage goal, which helped me accomplish a marathon time goal, which helped me qualify for the big event, all of which provides me with the bravery and stamina to do what is needed in my career, home, social life, and spiritual life. 

I hope you get excited when you envision crossing the finish line of your own goal, even if it takes a minute to get there.

At 4AM on July 18th, a few hundred intrepid folks switched on their headlamps and toed the starting line of the Vermont100, with pleasant temperatures and rain in the forecast. Twelve hours later, an intrepid crew of UVRC volunteers arrived at mile 94.5 of the course, ready to set up Polly’s aid station to ensure that those runners had the fuel they needed to cover the last 5.5 miles of their adventure. 

Polly’s is short for Polly’s All-Nite Diner, which, of course, is not so much a diner in the traditional sense as it is a collection of pop-up tents along the side of a dirt road. Under those tents is where the magic happens. It was there that we met Harvey, our aid station captain/fearless leader, who gave us instructions. It was not his first rodeo at Polly’s, and he had valuable tips to share. After instructions, Jim, Scott, and Michael began hooking up string lights, griddles, and, because no diner is complete without one, a neon Polly’s sign to our electrical sources. Amy was elected to the all-important job of writing out the menu, which was more for the volunteers than anything, as most runners are not likely lucid enough at mile 94.5 to read a sign, no matter how beautiful Amy’s penmanship was. (And see for yourself, it was indeed beautiful.) Julie and Jean teamed up at the griddle, prepping quesadillas and grilled cheese. Junhie, Sean and I greeted our lead runners, who, unsurprisingly, did not need much at that point. Most had crew (family and friends who had been meeting them at aid stations all day) who took care of most of their needs, but we filled some bottles, gave them some water, electrolytes, and Coke, and they were on their way.  

The first runners through were running the 100k distance, and had started at 9AM. However, not too far behind them, we got to see the first 100-miler come through. Sean and I talked to one of his friends who was waiting for him, and it just so happens that he is a Vermonter! Given that this race is a major national race and part of the Grand Slam of 100 milers, it attracts runners from all over the country and world. It had been many years since a Vermonter won the men’s race, so it was exciting to get to see it happen this year, and to have a front row seat to the action at Polly’s!

The aforementioned UVRC crew continued slinging quesadillas, heating broth, filling bottles, and providing words of encouragement as the sun set. As the night progresses and the front of the pack moves through, later runners tend to linger a little longer at aid stations, taking advantage of the snacks and energy of the volunteers. As someone who has been on both sides of this scene, I can say that as a volunteer, I have never felt more appreciated than when helping runners at the aid station of an ultra. You can hear the genuine appreciation as runners thank you, and if they are too tired to get the words out, you can see it in their eyes as you help keep them moving along the course. As a runner, I can vouch that the appreciation is genuine; it can sometimes bring tears to my eyes to know that a stranger took time out of their life to help me chase a crazy goal, and is willing to give me a sweaty, stinky hug and words of encouragement when I’ve hit a low point, or quietly point to a sign that says, “Suck it up, buttercup” when I need a little kick in the pants to keep going.

Shortly after the lead 100-miler came through, Sean and I bid adieu to the UVRC crew and headed to our next duty. Cara had asked us to assist in tearing down aid stations along the course as they closed, and we couldn’t say no to our kind, quietly badass, inspiring friend Cara. We spent the next hours driving rural dirt roads in a UHaul, loading up drop bags, empty water jugs, bins of food, etc, as aid stations closed. We were on the opposite end of the race from before, following the back of the pack as they pressed on to make it through aid stations before cut-offs. We met a man named Rich at the back of the pack, who shared that he last ran the Vermont100 prior to being diagnosed with breast cancer, and that he wouldn’t be upset if he didn’t make cut-offs, as he was thankful for every mile that he did get to spend on the course that day/night. Pretty incredible stuff. 

We wrapped up our “weird-ass date night” as I came to call it, around 3AM, tired and fulfilled. I hope more UVRC members will consider coming out to help next year. Maybe you’re considering signing up for a 100 and are curious about what the scene is like. Maybe there’s no way in hell you’d ever consider running 100 miles, but you’re also curious about what the scene is like. Maybe you like spending time outside and helping others. Whatever your reasons, we’d welcome your participation. The world of long ultras is a wild, weird, and wonderful one, and you don’t have to run them to be a part of it.

By Jackie Albanese

It all started June 2018. I was frolicking in a field with my dog, and we had a miscommunication about what direction we should be going, leading to me laying in the grass with a broken fibula. (He is still the best boy though). I had recently moved here full time and had pledged that this would be the summer of making local friends. A real commitment for a quiet person who works remotely. Those plans were postponed until fall. Four months later, with uneven calf muscles and zero stamina I decided to go to my first TNT. It was not a tremendous success. After TNT, at 6:30pm, another group arrived at the track that seemed more my speed, literally. Recommitted to my make local friends pledge, and also the desire to even out these calves, I talked to a bunch of strangers who told me this was the Couch to 5k group, and that I could email Leb Rec to see if I can sign up late. I’ve been part of Couch to 5k in some capacity ever since. Over the years we’ve celebrated big birthdays (80 years!), seen children go from babbling babies to talking kids, traded gardening tips, and everything in between.    

Every spring, including this one, we begin the session with some cold early mornings and sometimes rainy afternoon – impossible to imagine we’re training for a race that almost always is the hottest one of the race series – the Red, White and Blue. This spring was my first session as head coach, joined by the other coaches, Matt, Scott, Meghan, Kristen, and Jess (most of whom started as participants, like me). We had nearly 40 participants who worked diligently every week to increase their running distance and time. A handful are alums who set themselves up with new goals each session. This spring session we added a speed workout once a week which led to race PRs, changed some of the stretches and bodyweight exercises, and promoted more integration with the rest of the running group. On race day, we had a great showing of runners – despite the heat and humidity. I would list their names, but this pictures is more fun.

This summer you should see a few C25k folks at TNT and Saturday morning running. Our next C25k session starts mid-August. If you are interested in joining as a coach, let me know. 

The 2026 Upper Valley Running Series (UVRS), brought to you by BE Fit Physical Therapy, had the 6th race in July, the Red, White, and Blue 6.2 (5K/10K). Happy Independence Day!

https://runsignup.com/Race/Results/Overview/210533

You can find UVRS standings on the UVRS website (email me with any corrections):

https://uppervalleyrunningclub.org/upper-valley-running-series/

The 7th UVRS race is August 30th in Perkinsville VT: The Triple Dam 10K. See the website for full details:

https://www.runlikeardy.com/races/triple-dam-10k/

So, what is this UVRS that you’re hearing so much about? It’s our club’s series of local road races. Full information: 

https://uppervalleyrunningclub.org/upper-valley-running-series

As an up-to-date UVRC member, you can participate in the series, just by signing up for each race through the normal race registration (even day-of is OK). You’ll get credit as a series participant.

For 2026, you need to run 6 (of the 11) races to get the finisher prize. You got this!

If you don’t want to race, or have a family member along, who doesn’t want to run, consider volunteering. Prizes available. Volunteering into:

https://uppervalleyrunningclub.org/volunteering