Off the Couch
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FINAL-1 Mon, Nov 11, 2019 11:25:37 PM FEASTER FIVE 2019 PROFILES • RACE HISTORY • COURSE MAPS 32nd year BY BILL BURT [email protected] erry Fennessey was in his mid-60s when another GFeaster Five Road Race FENNESSEY had come and gone in his hometown of Andover. AT THE The retired owner of a print- FEASTER ing company had lived there for all 25 or so of those years, and Gerry Fennessey’s he always wondered what the results since he started big deal was, causing the early running the Feaster morning traffic issues every Five 5K: Thanksgiving. ` 2018: .........32:53 (min) Yeah, he heard about the Gerry Fennessey, ` 2017: ....................30:22 ` excitement it “allegedly” cre- a member of the 2016: ....................33:56 ` 2015: .....................34:10 ated. Then, in 2011, he literally Merrimack Valley ` 2014: ....................33:53 got off the couch and decided to Striders, has ` 2013: ....................35:34 give it a try. competed in the ` 2011: .....................36:23 He labored through the first annual Feaster Five one, jogging and walking, prob- since 2011. ably more of the latter, finish- ing in 36 minutes, 23 seconds. The next year he saw a story in The Eagle-Tribune about a six-week training program, hosted by the Merrimack Val- ley Striders, to prepare non- runners who wanted to run the Feaster Five. Called the “Couch to 5K” program and coached by the OFF THE COUCH, photo Staff HUTTON/ RYAN Striders, who sponsor the race, a group meets on Sunday morn- ings beginning in early October for training runs, advice and HEALTHIER THAN EVER instruction. “I’ve never been much of an athlete, and I was getting fat,” said Fennessey. “I just wanted At 72, Andover man credits Feaster Five to get a little healthier.” The first training run training program for newfound health started at the nearby bagel joint in downtown Andover, where a few Striders talked you start running. Do some his first race. Fennessey joined the Striders harder and try to beat him. I about the training, mapping exercises to stretch and open He also found another ben- track program, which includes guess I still have that competi- out a few options with different up your hips … and don’t run efit, beyond the improved times speed workouts two nights a tive spirit.” distances. with your head down. — they got even better — and week after work. Indeed. His first run was about two “Then there’s the mental health. Fennessey joined the It’s an impetus to keep In 2017, after turning 70, Fen- miles. His second was the same. side, like picking out telephone Merrimack Valley Striders and improving. The competition nessey finished the Feaster Then he was ready to run the poles and breaking the course made some friends, some of helps, too. Five 5K in 30:22, third among 5K distance (3.1 miles). up,” he said. “I really learned a whom are among his best pals “We were training and I those 70 and older, and break- “There’s little things they lot about running.” today. met this guy who I thought ing his previous best by 31/2 help you with, what you’re Thanks to the program, he “That’s been the best part,” was younger than me,” said minutes. doing wrong,” he said. “Get finished his second Feaster Five he said. “You realize these are Fennessey. “I realized he was What’s also helped your heart going early, before in 35:34, knocking a minute off great people.” older. It made me want to work See TRAINING, Page S2 FINAL-1 Mon, Nov 11, 2019 11:25:39 PM S2 TRAINING Continued from Page S1 Feaster Five hoodies Fennessey was joining the Striders’ Iron- man Runner Series, which encourages members to run at least one race per get some color for 2019 month. BY BILL BURT “We have plenty now, but will continue a tradition One of those races was the Mt. Wash- [email protected] only for the first 9,000 regis- started a few years ago by FEASTER FIVE 2019 FEASTER ington Road Race in June, which is 7.6 tered,” said Licciardello. “So, providing a dedicated “walker miles up an incline of 4,650 feet (0.88 Never mind the weather we encourage folks to enter lane,” a rarity for competitive miles). He finished in 2:42:30. —and that’s tough to do soon.” road races. In 2017, the first “It’s by far the hardest thing I’ve ever around here on Thanksgiving One of New England’s larg- year of the walker lane, about done in my life,” he said. morning — there will be a big est and most festive running a third of the participants pre- Fennessey said running is his hobby, difference in this, the 32nd events, the Thanksgiving Day ferred it, making it a popular not an obsession. He runs about twice a Feaster Five Road Race. Feaster Five Road Race is just addition to the event. week, covering about 7 miles per week. It’ll be the brightly colored, a couple of weeks away. Returning as the presenting He runs a little more often if he’s pre- sports tech, long-sleeve hood- Each year is different, as a sponsor for 2019 is Schneider paring for a race. ies guaranteed to the first football coach based in Fox- Electric, a global specialist An unintended benefit has been his 9,000 entrants. borough often says. For the in energy management and inspiring members of his family, includ- “In an effort to always go Feaster Five, the variation is automation with its North ing his and his wife Anne’s only son, bigger and better, this year’s mostly due to weather. American headquarters in Jason, and Jason’s wife, Leah, to join the hoodie features a soft cloth As for the race staples — Andover. Feaster family. apple pie, refreshments, Kids “Schneider Electric has Courtesy Photo feel, full zipper, pockets and In fact, Jason, 36, has been participat- The 2019 Feaster Five hoodies look thumb hole sleeves,” said K, etc. — all are back. stepped up as a phenom- ing in the “Couch to 5K program” the Tom Licciardello, one of the Proceeds from the race enal financial supporter of spectacular. Showing them off here last two years and is improving every race organizers from the benefit the Merrimack Valley the Feaster Five,” said race session. are the Lippman family, daughter Lexi Merrimack Valley Striders, YMCA, Challenge Unlimited director Dave McGillivray, of “It changed my life,” said Fennessey. on left, mom Crissy in center, and the host running club. “It’s at Ironstone Farm, Bellesini DMSE Sports. “This company “I know it sounds funny, but at 72 years son Zach. Crissy’s parents are Tom really a top-shelf commemo- Academy and the Merrimack is so dedicated to the health old, thanks to the Feaster Five, I’ve never and Lyn Licciardello, both of whom rative jacket that we think Valley Striders. and wellness of its employees, The Eagle-Tribune and The Andover Townsman • Townsman Andover and The Eagle-Tribune The felt better. Hopefully, focusing a little bit were instrumental in starting and participants — adults and For those planning to walk and many of them take part in on my health will keep me around a few organizing the Feaster Five. kids —are going to love. the course, the Feaster Five the Feaster Five.” more years.” November is Eye Health Month Stop in to SEE us this month! We have a wide selection of frames and lenses for every budget. Good luck runners and walkers! We’ll be sending you some positive energy on race day! 100 Milk St * Suite 202 34 Sunset Rock Road Andover, MA Methuen, MA www.pikeschool.org 978-854-5090 FINAL-1 Mon, Nov 11, 2019 11:25:40 PM S3 The Eagle-Tribune and The Andover Townsman • Townsman Andover and The Eagle-Tribune The Holiday Open HouseLooking for an innovative solution Enjoy Light Refreshments & Cheer for your bathtub? Thursday, December 5 FEASTER FIVE 2019 FEASTER 6 - 9 pm Holiday Decor & Gifts Custom Draperies • Furniture • Rugs • Lighting • Home Accessories Re-upholstery • Blinds • Shutters • Full Service Design Center 10 Essex Street Andover, MA 01810 • 978-273-9717 • [email protected] Looking for an innovative solution for your bathtub? BEFORE AFTER * Save 10% up to $ off on a complete Bath Fitter System 500 (†For as long as you own your home. See location for details). SPECIAL FINANCING AVAILABLE** Get your new tub or shower and one-piece seamless wall system installed in as little as ONE DAY. 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