MEET MYSTIC RUNNER LESTER FRIEDBERG

Posted Friday, March 12, 2010

Approximately three and half years ago my wife Jane and a friend were walking around Lake Quannapowitt on a balmy summer evening. We noticed a group of runners congregating at the Lord Wakefield Hotel. My wife inquired about the group and a lady named Karen was quite informative and encouraged me to join the Mystics.

I did join and attended a barbecue at a swim classic. The food was excellent and so was the company. Lo and behold I started running immediately with the Mystics. I have been running all my life but never with a group. Shortly thereafter I met Tammy Moschella during a Lake Quannapowitt run. She suggested we establish a running schedule, because we both reside in Peabody. Subsequently we were meeting three mornings per week at 5:00 a.m. all year long to run. During the winter, the chill factor would be 15-20 below zero, However, Tammy was a dependable, steadfast runner who really encouraged me to run more aggressively. Since then I have completed three half marathons, countless road races, and eight full marathons. Presently I am in training for my second Boston Marathon.

Rick Collette and Ken Skier have been positive influences for me to achieve my objectives. I never anticipated running marathons. I find all the Mystics encouraging and positive. They have made me a driven individual who wants to reach my goals and go above and beyond my comfort zone. I have recently acquired a desire to do triathlons. I did my first triathlon at Cranes Beach on July 28, 2009, Now, I'm taking advanced swimming lessons at the Peabody Y. Last summer I bought a Specialized Allez triathlon bike.

I truly find running leads to other activities. Hopefully, this year I will complete my second Boston Marathon, the Providence, Hartford marathons, several triathlons, and a Half Iron Man. I never thought that I would be establishing all these goals for myself at age 66.

I respect and hold dear to my heart all the Mystics.

Fondly,

Lester J. Friedberg