Olga’s Video. Thanks Olga.

Max finding the Charles River pedestrian compared to the famous Miller’s Run he and Olga did as part of Mocke Training Camp a few months ago.

The Run of the Charles has been a staple for most of us for years. The late Bill Baker who passed a few months ago had raced the 19 mile race for over 30 years. We missed Bill this year, but I am sure many of us had warm thoughts about Bill sometime this Sunday.

Wesley and Bill at start of ROTC 19 mile a few years ago.

I drove up with Chris Laughlin of Think Kayaks this year to a half full parking lot. The attendance was way down this year due to the long winter. The High Performance Kayaks(HPK) which is 90% surfskis, made up the largest class. The skis are just so versatile as we all know for flat water or ocean. As Craig pointed out below, you get a good measure of who has been training over the long New England winters. While Greg downplays his training, we know he is training hard even if it is polishing his literary skills. Second place finisher, Chris Quinn and 3rd place finisher in last years SurfskiRacing.com Race Series, is getting stronger everyday and now has 2 years in his ski. It typically takes a couple of years for to get acclimated to racing surfskis. I remember Mike Dostal when he started a few years ago, huge engine, limited K1 or surfski experience, but now a force to be reckon with. Hope to see Mike at the Sakonnet River Race. Chris Chappell placed third with one of his best performances. Chris has been training hard and he loves to grind out the flat water miles at pace on the Sudbury River. Chris is the best starter of the New England racers and this was evident today. I don’t believe Greg caught Chris until shortly after the 1st buoy turn.

Chris Chappell at finish of ROTC.

Leslie Chappell takes 1st Place in the Women’s event edging out Mary Beth, 2nd.

Leslie leading Marybeth with Ryan Bardsley following.

While I have been training hard, I came into the race a little tired. Chris Laughlin was in town on Friday so we went for an easy 7 mile paddle while I had put in another 3 miles before paddling with Chris and ran another 2 miles. So my goal was to keep my heart rate at a defined goal for the race which I did and that was good enough for a 7th place finish.

Wesley, finish of ROTC 6 Mile Race.

Craig Impens’ Post about his race from his facebook page.

Tough race against the New England crew at The Run of The Charles 6.18 mile race. These guys are moving very well after an abnormally long winter with vicious winds and frigid temps.

Craig and Chris early in the race.

I like to use this race as a scouting mission to check my fitness (and theirs) and also see if there might be new competition. Let’s just say I learned a lot today. It seems that everyone is upping their game and some new faces are fast as well. (Awesome for the sport!) My race went pretty well with a strong start settling in tied for 2nd with Chris Laughlin behind Chris Chappell. I gained the lead for a minute or two after the race motorboat caused a little havoc with some chop but then the chase was on. Chris Chapell was fit and paddling at a great clip and dropped me easily. Then Greg “The Locomotive” Lesher came past me shortly after (eventually winning) and some New Blood to the NorthEast Christopher Quinn passed me as well. I tried to keep pace briefly but knew my limits and accepted that they had a higher gear that I did not. I put forth a strong effort and had a time just off of my expected result but hats off to the top three of Greg Lesher, Christopher Quinn, and Chris Chapell With myself finishing 4th Overall and Chris Laughlin rounding out the top five. Well done Gentlemen! On the ride home my Quads were tight, my Back was sore and my Lungs had a burning feeling from over exertion after giving more effort than anything in training. It was a good day and makes me want to train harder!!