Marj and I celebrated New Year's Eve by dancing the night away at First Night Boston and took a leisurely drive up to Salisbury Beach for their annual Hangover Classic due to start at 11:30 a. m. A storm was due to arrive at noon (snow/or rain) and the beach was raw and windy when we arrived. The race included both a 5 and 10K and we had planned to run the 10K. But, fortunately, you didn't hae to decide on the distance until race time and the races started 10 min. apart. We then decided on the 5K. The course was flat and along beach roads with a bit of slush, but otherwise runnable and no precipitation. The sleet started about the time I fininished and the 10 K runners returned drenched. (Some of the runners in both races did the annual ocean plunge-not us-brrrr). As usual Marj took off and I lost sight of her after the first 1/2 mile. I did my steady pace and she finished 2 min. ahead of me (as has been happening lately). Marj finished with a first in her age group-28:39 and I finished 4th-30:54-both PR's if you consider 5K times in the past year. We both are skeptical of the official times since our watches registered 2 mins. longer-but those are the times they gave us. We had fun meeting old and new friends. Denise (deez4boyz), who just started posting on 'Cool' recognized our photo from this site and introduced herself. We also saw Mary T. and Ted who were running the 10K. In addition there was a group of runners from my old Maine running club, many of whom I hadn't seen for over 20 years. As they passed (most of them ran the 10K) the called out my name. The runner who finished behind me asked me if I was the mayor of Salisbury since everyone seemed to know my name. Very good for my ego. We headed home and stopped for lunch. As we got back on the road conditions were miserable-snow and sleet until we reached Boston. Glad we missed it during the run.

What a fine way to start the New Year!!!!!!!!! I've taken the plunge before. It's understandable why some one would choose not to.

Hi Henry and Marj, I'm sorry I missed this race, since it is just a few miles down the road, but with all the holiday goings-on, it never made it to my radar screen. Besides, DW and I and a bunch of our friends always start the new year off by going underwear shopping ("new foundations" for the new year...), and I couldn't miss that! Despite the weather, you both ran very well - congrats on Marj's AG win, and on the PRs for both of you. Congrats also on being selected as the new mayor of Salisbury! Jay

A good way to start off the year, Henry and Marj!

Speaking of Salisbury, today while reading the classified ads I saw one of the best ads ever: GETTING DIVORCED? Live at the Salisbury Inn Motel. $150/week. 978-465-5584 Brief and to the point. Salisbury has the kind of motels you read about in the paper, with headlines like "Man Killed with Baseball Bat." Dark Horse

Congratulations and Happy New Year! This was a great report to read. Good racing for both of you and you continue to impress with your race schedule that takes you coast to coast and all over new England. The finish line for the Eastern States 20 miler is in Salisbury, MA (start in Kittery , Me and goes through Hampton, NH) Will you be doing that one as well? I am guessing you have probably run in that one in the past. As mayor, you probably need to show up every now and then? ha! I love reading your reports and hope to always feel the joy of racing as both of you obviously do. CNYrunner

I would vote for you for mayor any day! Great job! And especially impressive after dancing the night away. I am highly impressed.

Mayor Henry and Marj, That sounds like a fun race. Well-named for a January 1 event. Congrats on the 1st and 4th place finishes!! John