Getting to Know the TARC DFL Episode #1 Justin Contois

Howdy Folks,

I think that most of my running friends LOVE running blogs. I’ve learned SO much from the different blogs and podcasts that Mike, Eric, and Tony Henderson listen to. As for myself—I’m a writer by day, which entails lots and lots and lots of reading. So, when I get home from a day at work, I would rather do anything than read a blog about running! There is an exception… I love Justin Contois’ blog ‘Getting to know the TARC’. It was great reading what local, everyday runners do for training, what gear they wear, whether they listen to music. I even spent more time reading some of the people’s blogs that Justin interviewed. Then Justin moved! Long story short, I need my TARC fix, so I went and asked Justin if we could attempt to continue his amazing idea. I didn’t think he would say yes, but he did and so we will try to do it some justice. Of course, we could think of no one else but Justin to be our first interview. So hopefully you like it, and you will want to be interviewed too,  and tell us a little about yourself =)

Without further ado!

Justin,

Thanks for joining us here at DFL. I hope you are well! And winter isn’t too cold down in the Virginia area

How has the move been? How are the trails down south? Is there a local running club that you have hooked up with?

The move has been great. We have all adjusted well, have jobs, and my daughter has started Pre School. We are currently looking for a house/townhouse right now, as we are living with my “win-laws” right now.

The trails and trail running scene down here is very similar to what we have up north. The terrain is a bit different, as there isn’t much elevation, at least near DC, but there is no shortage of trail systems. A few that stand out are the Bull Run Trail, the Potomac Heritage Trail, Rock Creek Park and the C&O Canal Towpath. Many of these trail systems can be linked together for an ultra runner’s paradise.

I’ve hooked up with the Virginia Happy Trail Running Club since I’ve moved down. They are just like the Trail Animals in that they have awesome members, the care about the community and environment, and they put on sweet races like the Bull Run 50 and the Massanutten Mountain Trail 100.

Are there any races besides the Hudson Highlands that you are eyeing this year? Will you be headed back this way, maybe for TARC 100?

Yup, the MMT 100 will be my first 100 of the year in May. I’m coming back up north during my April vacation (I’m a teacher), to run the mid-state trail in its entirety. I’m really looking forward to this attempt, as it will give me a chance to catch up with some old running buddies. If that and MMT goes well, I may sign-up for Old Dominion in June and then have an entry in Grindstone locked up in October (it was cancelled last year due to the government shutdown…). I don’t think I’ll be able to make TARC 100 this year, but that buckle will not elude me forever. Maybe next year!!

How about your training regimen? How does that look? How does it compare with other years?

Since I’ve moved down, my mileage is down. I used to run, on average, 40 miles per week over the last 3 years, but since the move (August), it’s been more like 20-30. However, I’ve PR’d at the 50 mile distance in November and came in second at 50k in December. I guess less is more for me. Other changes in my training include way more road miles. Up north, roads would probably consist of only 10-15 percent of my weekly mileage, now it’s the complete opposite. I get to the trails on the weekends and my joints thank me for it.

 What are you most memorable races in New England that our readers need to try out? And Why?

I’ll try to cover an array of distances starting with the 100-mile distance. The Vermont 100 is unmatched and should be run if you plan to run a 100 miler. The course is beautiful, not technical at all, has great aid and volunteers and is for a good cause. I highly recommend this race. At the 50-mile race, I’m going to go with the Wapack 50. This is the race that I love to hate. It was my first ultra and was extremely challenging. I ran it three years in a row, but only completing the 50 miles that first time. The trail is relentless, has great views, and is fairly technical in spots. Norm Sheppard did a great job at the helm and I know the new RD’s will pick up where he left off. At the 50k distance, I can’t really choose a race. The pemi-loop in NH is the most beautiful 50k distance run that I’ve ever done. I’ve run and hiked it three times apiece and it never gets old. For the marathon, it would be the Bear Brook Marathon. Kristina Folcik and Ryan Welts put on a great race with solid elevation on a non-repeating 26-mile course. That is unheard of up north!! Finally, for the shorter races, the Wachusett Mountain trail race, which is included in the New England Mountain Series, is a great lung buster.

You lived in Central Mass? What are some hidden gems for trails that you ran? Are you a fan of the Midstate?

Central Mass has some great trail systems that I truly miss. The mid-state is obviously the cream of the crop. One can hop on that trail and run Wachusett Mountain and Crow Hill for some solid elevation (for Massachusetts standards). Rutland State Forest is another gem, as is the Wachusett Reservoir and its many fire roads. I used to work in Grafton, and its many conversation properties can be connected with few street crossings was also one of my go-to spots.

10 Questions in 60 seconds... (Ok we made 11)

1.       Music? Rarely, but if it’s on, its Electronic Dance Music

2.       Do you believe in Hokas?  Yup, all I run in.

3.       Favorite aid station snack? Boiled potato and salt

4.       Favorite post-race meal/beer? Pizza and stout

5.       Electrolyte? S caps, they are life savers

6.       Favorite Race? Vermont 100

7.       Most dreaded race (TARC 100 =)? Wapack 50

8.       Do you use a pacer for 50 or 100 milers? I did, but going solo style now

9.       Handheld, backpack, waste pack?  Varies, depends on distance between aid and course layout

10.   Dude, have you ever read ‘Born to run’…Just kidding, I couldn’t resist! yup, it was the gateway drug, so to speak

11.   If you could run on any trail, where would it be? There is a stretch of trail that runs right along Lake Ripple, which is in Grafton, MA and right behind the high school I used to work at. I ran this trail 100’s of times, mostly before the sun came up. I could probably tell you every footfall, root and rock on the trail forwards and backwards.