tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22601236902504792492024-03-13T09:55:49.136-07:00My Perfect RunUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger66125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2260123690250479249.post-74223818346958611042015-10-15T12:10:00.004-07:002015-10-15T12:10:54.685-07:00BAA Half Marathon Recap<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kdnoCdxy_DM/Vh_4m4NjPXI/AAAAAAAABpo/7GIx47u9lgQ/s1600/IMG_20151011_104027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kdnoCdxy_DM/Vh_4m4NjPXI/AAAAAAAABpo/7GIx47u9lgQ/s320/IMG_20151011_104027.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
During the long weekend I ran the BAA Half Marathon, the third and final event of the BAA Distance Medley.<br />
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The day was beautiful - a perfect fall day in New England and idea for a nice, long run.<br />
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This wasn't my first time running the BAA Half Marathon. I first did it when the course started and finished near Fenway Park, but now to accommodate more runners, it begins and ends at Franklin Park. This makes the course more challenging as you need enough energy for a big hill towards the end of the race, but it's the same great course that winds along the Emerald Necklace.<br />
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In this race more so than most others, it's critically important to run the tangents. The very windy road can vary in distance depending on how much attention you pay to cutting the corners, especially during the first 5-6 miles of the race.<br />
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There's also two areas where you go by runners ahead and behind you, so it's a nice opportunity to spot friends and family you're racing with, or didn't even know were running (both, in my case).<br />
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At the end there's the same great BAA finish experience, a wonderful medal and awesome shirts for all the runners. Plus, I completed the Distance Medley and finished third in my age group, so I'm awaiting a nice surprise that should come in the mail sometime in the next few weeks.<br />
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Overall - a great race on a great day!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2260123690250479249.post-67116679940898478692015-10-06T17:59:00.003-07:002015-10-06T17:59:55.104-07:00Doug Flutie 5K Recap<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j0yAVgWBBZw/VhRuXOhfTuI/AAAAAAAABkA/WdJxMDhBN04/s1600/Doug%2BFlutie%2B5K.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j0yAVgWBBZw/VhRuXOhfTuI/AAAAAAAABkA/WdJxMDhBN04/s1600/Doug%2BFlutie%2B5K.jpeg" /></a></div>
On Sunday I ran the Doug Flutie 5K, which I haven't run in a few years. The race hasn't changed - it's the same great course and the same great atmosphere as it has always been.<br />
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The course begins and ends at MetroWest Medical Center in Natick. The course winds through some beautiful neighborhoods in Natick, with a mix of flat and rolling hills. Along the entire route there are groups of spectators cheering everyone on and clear roadblocks, making it an easy run. The finish is a slight uphill, and has a crowd of people at the finish line - which is impressive for a small-town 5K.<br />
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After finishing there are several sponsors giving our snacks and drinks, which was highlighted by a Ben & Jerry's ice cream truck. And of course, the race is for a great cause.<br />
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Overall it's a great, low-key race for a fall day.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2260123690250479249.post-60500200605255260042015-09-07T08:50:00.002-07:002015-09-07T08:51:19.651-07:00Rave Run: Berlin<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a34gZ90dGh8/Ve2x-8b4LEI/AAAAAAAABVI/s8gmxk2ekvg/s1600/Berlin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a34gZ90dGh8/Ve2x-8b4LEI/AAAAAAAABVI/s8gmxk2ekvg/s400/Berlin.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Germany</td></tr>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2260123690250479249.post-45927600677877186132015-07-31T13:43:00.002-07:002015-10-07T10:40:35.704-07:00San Francisco 5K Recap<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eMByY43jP80/Vbupp8ozpdI/AAAAAAAABEs/gwB_P2tkqQo/s1600/SF%2BMatathon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eMByY43jP80/Vbupp8ozpdI/AAAAAAAABEs/gwB_P2tkqQo/s400/SF%2BMatathon.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crossing the finish line of the San Francisco Marathon 5K race</td></tr>
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Last weekend I was in San Francisco, so signed up for the 5K, which is part of the weekend's race festivities.<br />
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The race began and ended near the Ferry Building on the Embarcadero, which made for a flat and fast race, mostly along the water.<br />
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The race started a couple minutes late for whatever reason, and the start was a bit crazy, with a lot of slower runners starting up front. A little organization at the start would be very beneficial in the future.<br />
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After about a half mile, the race thinned out and I was able to enjoy a nice run in the morning, before hopping a plane back home.<br />
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The expo for the race was crowded, with a lot going on in the building. It took place overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge and had a lot of great vendors and race gear.<br />
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May years ago (probably 7-8), I ran the SF Half Marathon, which occurs the same day. It was a lot of fun, even though it was such a foggy morning I couldn't see anything. Overall, this is a good race to do, especially if you're in/around SF.<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2260123690250479249.post-85923580888263610812015-07-27T17:30:00.000-07:002015-08-01T07:35:51.348-07:00Rave Run: San Francisco<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ehLZ3pscAeo/VbbM7ujtEPI/AAAAAAAABEY/qdVPchmcQg4/s1600/SF.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ehLZ3pscAeo/VbbM7ujtEPI/AAAAAAAABEY/qdVPchmcQg4/s400/SF.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baker Beach in San Francisco</td></tr>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2260123690250479249.post-57263213297251504172015-07-20T18:23:00.003-07:002015-10-07T10:40:43.800-07:00Marathon Sports 5 Miler Recap<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UJKEMsGHyh8/Va2d7hD3zhI/AAAAAAAABD8/5xbNR7rjeTc/s1600/Marathon%2BSports.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="207" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UJKEMsGHyh8/Va2d7hD3zhI/AAAAAAAABD8/5xbNR7rjeTc/s320/Marathon%2BSports.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Last week I ran the Marathon Sports 5 Miler for the second time (though the race is now in its 40th year).<br />
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The race begins and ends at Weston High School, and winds through some beautiful neighborhoods, looping around the south part of Weston, before going through some fields and trails on the way to the finish line on the track.<br />
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Race day (Thursday) was by far the nicest day of the week, as the humidity suddenly disappeared and allowed for a beautiful day of running.<br />
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The weeknight race is a great one - it's a fun setting and is a great course for a race, tempo or just an evening run. There are light rolling hills, keeping it interesting but not slowing down times. And after finishing there is watermelon and pizza to reward your efforts - a win, win!<br />
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I look forward to running this one again next year.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2260123690250479249.post-20011690029946594282015-07-01T06:33:00.000-07:002015-09-07T08:51:50.919-07:00Rave Run: Paris<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s20nIrHBxoE/VYbYgF-AGoI/AAAAAAAABDQ/oRrDCEyuqBc/s1600/Paris.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s20nIrHBxoE/VYbYgF-AGoI/AAAAAAAABDQ/oRrDCEyuqBc/s400/Paris.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Le Jardin du Luxembourg in Paris</td></tr>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2260123690250479249.post-64511803030723291182015-06-24T09:30:00.000-07:002015-08-01T07:35:33.040-07:00Rave Run: Washington DC<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QKjEb_XzeSc/VYbYXNEQFYI/AAAAAAAABDI/BV8dPTuGhHo/s1600/DC.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QKjEb_XzeSc/VYbYXNEQFYI/AAAAAAAABDI/BV8dPTuGhHo/s400/DC.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The National Mall in Washington, DC</td></tr>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2260123690250479249.post-72336661022156010112015-06-21T08:19:00.002-07:002015-10-07T10:40:52.489-07:00BAA 10K Recap<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CyrADLjEjoM/VYbVBjTdn6I/AAAAAAAABC4/3Qc-hbRdSIM/s1600/BAA%2B10K.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CyrADLjEjoM/VYbVBjTdn6I/AAAAAAAABC4/3Qc-hbRdSIM/s320/BAA%2B10K.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The start and finish of the BAA 10K <i>(picture via BAA)</i></td></tr>
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Today I ran the BAA 10K - and it was a wet one. While there were slight tweaks to the course, it was more or less then same as the previous years, starting and ending at the Boston Common, with the turnaround point happening in the middle of BU's campus.<br />
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Before the race began and during the first two miles it was pouring, then the rain let up a bit for the rest of the race. However, that didn't deter many people from coming out, as the field was packed. It made the start a little more disorganized than usual, but with many people not racing for a PR today, it wasn't a problem.<br />
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This was actually the first time I've ever run this race without it being really, really hot out, which was kind of nice. Given the disorganized start, I focused on running negative splits, which was fun and allowed me to feel strong the entire race. Overall it was nice to get in a good run, despite the rain, and have the rest of the day to relax.<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2260123690250479249.post-62643450351374040722015-06-19T07:05:00.001-07:002015-08-01T07:36:34.865-07:00Rave Run: Amsterdam<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-csfnrqK0_wg/VYQhay6NH0I/AAAAAAAABCc/YDZ_P-7c-10/s1600/Amsterdam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-csfnrqK0_wg/VYQhay6NH0I/AAAAAAAABCc/YDZ_P-7c-10/s400/Amsterdam.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px; text-align: start; white-space: nowrap;">Huidenstraat in Amsterdam</span></td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2260123690250479249.post-30408462181150462122015-06-15T17:55:00.001-07:002015-10-07T10:40:58.757-07:00JP Morgan Corporate Challenge Recap<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V_kZpSS-co4/VX9yx9i06YI/AAAAAAAABB8/Ia-jyImUWmc/s1600/Pict.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V_kZpSS-co4/VX9yx9i06YI/AAAAAAAABB8/Ia-jyImUWmc/s320/Pict.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The start of the race <i>(picture via JP Morgan)</i></td></tr>
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Last week I ran the <a href="https://www.jpmorganchasecc.com/events.php?city_id=4">JP Morgan Corporate Challenge</a>, taking place on a weekday evening in Boston. The race - which is 3.5 miles - had over 9,000 runners, mostly in large corporate teams. Needless to say, it was a crowded.<br />
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The course was almost identical to the BAA 5K. The only difference is that the turnaround point was 0.2 miles further down the road (in Kenmore Square), and the route back was on Commonwealth Ave, rather than Boylston Street. It worked well because the road is wide and it was really easy for people watching to see runners go back and forth. The start and finish line was in between the Boston Common and Public Garden.<br />
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The only downside was that the race started about 15-20 minutes late, and the race organizers felt it was necessary to introduce several people from JP Morgan and other sponsors - which only further delayed the start. Otherwise is was a nice, flat and energetic run through Boston on a beautiful and warm evening.<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2260123690250479249.post-30352194751870646932015-06-07T06:21:00.004-07:002015-10-07T10:41:04.443-07:00Luxembourg Half Marathon<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fA84HiwWcX0/VXRE1mfeLpI/AAAAAAAABBY/Hqcn_RRCJy8/s1600/Lux.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fA84HiwWcX0/VXRE1mfeLpI/AAAAAAAABBY/Hqcn_RRCJy8/s320/Lux.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All smiles after the race</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">A</span>Last week we travelled to the small country of Luxembourg - nestled in between France, Germany and Belgium. While we were there (in Luxembourg City, the capital), we ran the <a href="http://www.ing-night-marathon.lu/en/">ING Night Half Marathon</a>, which winds through the beautiful city.<br />
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Since it's light out to late in Luxembourg (it get dark after 10 p.m. at the end of May), the 7 p.m. race start time meant we were running the entire half in daylight. It's a bit strange running at night rather than the morning, and changes the way we approached the day.<br />
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The race begins and ends outside of the city center, at LuxExpo, which is the convention center serving the city. It's about 3 miles from the center and there are buses that bring runners and spectators back and forth. The course goes through some neighborhoods located outside the city center, winds through the beautiful valley parks, then hits the city center. In the center (and several spots in the neighborhoods) the streets are lined with people - and they're really loud. It had the atmosphere of a major US marathon, which is without a doubt helped by the fact that people can have drinks and food before/while they watch the race (no need to wake up early for this one).<br />
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There were about 12,000 runners entered into the race (there was a full marathon as well - many of those folks were running when it finally got dark out). The start location wasn't quite prepared for that many runners and spectators, but once the race began everything was organized and ran smoothly. It was a great way to see a city, and for a city this small, we saw a lot of it. Plus, there's something very unique and special about running through a European city center, where there are cobblestone streets and stunning squares.<br />
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After the race there was essentially a carnival both at the finish area and in the city center - people were out and there was tons of food and drinks, making for a run environment. Overall it was a unique and fun experience.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2260123690250479249.post-84147644520166546272015-04-22T16:27:00.002-07:002015-10-07T10:41:09.853-07:00BAA 5K Recap<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-697rXcTb_dQ/VTgpuXt0xVI/AAAAAAAAA_8/8ctDkCAbYEg/s1600/BAA5K.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-697rXcTb_dQ/VTgpuXt0xVI/AAAAAAAAA_8/8ctDkCAbYEg/s1600/BAA5K.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A fun race and beautiful day in Boston</td></tr>
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Over the weekend I ran the BAA 5K. The first time I ran this race was in 2009, which was the inaugural race. The finish line in 2009 was the Boston Marathon finish line - which was awesome. However, due to huge demand (there were over 9,000 runners this year), the BAA switched the course a few years ago. Now it starts and ends at the Boston Common, but everyone still gets to run through the Boston Marathon finish line on the awesome - and very, very flat course.<br />
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As I said, this year's race had a LOT of runners, which made for a very crowded and difficult start, especially with three quick turns before reaching Commonwealth Ave. After that it started to spread out and I was able to get into a comfortable pace. The weather was amazing - one of those perfect spring days in Boston.<br />
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After the race we made our way over to the marathon expo to check out the scene. It was just starting to get really crowded (like always), so we didn't stay too long.<br />
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Overall, it was a great way to start the day, and weekend.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2260123690250479249.post-68456358987381872142015-03-27T04:52:00.001-07:002015-10-07T10:41:15.578-07:00Wellesley Turkey Trot Recap<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_m5cRTdvqNs/VRVC5Ce7gGI/AAAAAAAAA_U/VMmIyPzXGHo/s1600/Wellesley%2BTurkey%2BTrot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_m5cRTdvqNs/VRVC5Ce7gGI/AAAAAAAAA_U/VMmIyPzXGHo/s1600/Wellesley%2BTurkey%2BTrot.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The start of the race (<i>picture via SwellesleyReport.com)</i></td></tr>
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The past few years I've run the Framingham Turkey Trot, but with a new town comes a new race. So this year I signed up for the Wellesley Turkey Trot to get a fun run in before sitting down for a large meal.<br />
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The Wellesley Turkey Trot begins and ends on Linden Street, giving runners a slight uphill in the beginning and downhill at the end. The course goes through the center of town, before winding through the beautiful Wellesley College Campus, then loops back through the center and to the finish line. It's a closed course and brings out lots of people of all ages - it's a true family race.<br />
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And the finish line is about 25 feet from a Starbucks so you can get warm after the race.<br />
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Overall it's a wonderful race - it has some rolling hills, beautiful scenery and is serious enough for some runners while relaxed enough for others. I'm sure this will become a new annual tradition.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2260123690250479249.post-63612018191646470392014-11-02T07:03:00.002-08:002015-10-07T10:41:21.212-07:003 Beaches Minimum Half Marathon Recap<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qjTPdSwWlzI/VFZGlLpchVI/AAAAAAAAA9A/bijRFgHweHg/s1600/3%2BBeaches.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qjTPdSwWlzI/VFZGlLpchVI/AAAAAAAAA9A/bijRFgHweHg/s1600/3%2BBeaches.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The beautiful start and finish location</td></tr>
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The first ever 3 Beaches Minimum Half Marathon took place in Boston's South Shore and was a beautiful, winding course along the Atlantic Ocean. No knowing exactly what to expect, I figured I would give the race a try and see what this new half was all about. And I was pleasantly surprised.<br />
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Limited to just a couple hundred runners, this course was not closed to traffic. However, the beauty of the course (a long stretch was on Jerusalem Road) was stunning. There were beautiful views of the water, neighborhoods, and for a new race, a lot of crowd support.<br />
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The course is full of small hills and isn't prime for a PR, but the out and back race is enjoyable nonetheless. It was also a beautiful day, which helped a lot. It actually reminded me of the <a href="http://myperfectrun.blogspot.com/2013/04/fools-dual-half-marathon-recap.html">Fools Dual Half Marathon</a> because the course felt very similar.<br />
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I'm not sure if I'll run it again next year, but it is one that I'd recommend for everyone looking for a fun, small race.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2260123690250479249.post-20656830609707810802014-11-02T06:53:00.000-08:002015-10-07T10:41:39.634-07:00Weston 5 Miler Recap<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cyrd3Vltrko/VFZExE5a1_I/AAAAAAAAA80/7O2wrKb5Qcs/s1600/5%2BMiler.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cyrd3Vltrko/VFZExE5a1_I/AAAAAAAAA80/7O2wrKb5Qcs/s1600/5%2BMiler.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Runners take off downhill as the race begins</td></tr>
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This year I ran my first Weston 5 Miler race, which has been going on for several decades. I wasn't sure what to expect from the evening weekday race, but given that it's put on by Marathon Sports I figured it'd be fun.<br />
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It was a beautiful evening to run, and since it starts late in the day the heat wasn't too bad. The race starts and ends at Weston high school right next to the track. It then winds through beautiful neighborhood roads in Weston (towards Wellesley). The windy and gentle hills of the course make it interesting and fun to run, plus the houses we run by are stunning to look at. Then the last mile of the course winds through fields and trails along Weston High School, until the race untimely finishes on the track.<br />
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This was an absolutely awesome race to run and I'll be adding it to my annual running calendar in the years ahead.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2260123690250479249.post-74165341404578162022014-11-02T06:48:00.000-08:002015-10-07T10:41:50.116-07:00B.A.A. 10K Recap<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F3zAW2OcSLU/VFZDZdiQ59I/AAAAAAAAA8o/iFq4fiku_20/s1600/BAA%2B10K.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F3zAW2OcSLU/VFZDZdiQ59I/AAAAAAAAA8o/iFq4fiku_20/s1600/BAA%2B10K.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The stat of the race</td></tr>
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This summer I ran the B.A.A. 10K, a fast and competitive race through Boston's Back Bay. The mostly flat and straight out-and-back course is designed for people who want to shoot for a PR, and with the B.A.A. in charge, extraordinarily well organized.<br />
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This year's race was an absolutely beautiful day. In some past years, the heat and humidity has been pretty brutal, but this year it was an awesome summer day to race.<br />
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Overall rating: 8 (out of 10)<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2260123690250479249.post-84326328025850771302014-06-08T14:50:00.002-07:002015-10-07T10:41:56.758-07:00Runner's World Heartbreak Hill Half Recap<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mh0XpVc-YXo/U5TY_JCMPTI/AAAAAAAAA60/d3HAsCVYyMA/s1600/Heartbreak+Hill+Race.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mh0XpVc-YXo/U5TY_JCMPTI/AAAAAAAAA60/d3HAsCVYyMA/s1600/Heartbreak+Hill+Race.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shalane and I after the 10K</td></tr>
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This weekend ran in <a href="http://rw.runnersworld.com/hhhalf/">Runners' World inaugural Heartbreak Hill Half & Festival</a>. The races I did were the 5K and the 10K, which both took place on Saturday morning (which was called the Five & Dime).<br />
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The races all began and ended on BC's campus, with the 5K going around the Chestnut Hill reservoir and the 10K an out-and-back course on Commonwealth Ave. in Newton (along the marathon course). Overall it was a beautiful day and well organized and fun race - basically everything you'd expect from a Runner's World event.<br />
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I treated both races as a workout opportunity since I'm still getting back into racing shape following a few weeks off, plus my IT band was very aggravated following last weekend's half marathon. And it turned out I wasn't the only one doing that. Olympic medalist and elite marathon runner Shalane Flanigan also joined the races. She ran with a group of people about 10 seconds behind me in the 5K, but the 10K was an experience that was pretty cool.<br />
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For the first four miles of the 10K I was hearing cheers for Shalane from the crowd and fellow runners (after the turnaround point) and realized that she was about 15 meters behind me. Then at mile four she pulled up alongside me and we ran side by side for a mile. It was a pretty cool experience running with an elite, professional runner (even if it was just a workout for her). Between all the cheers (which she was giving back to the other runners), I told her I couldn't wait to see her win Boston. Then I managed to snap a selfie after the race.<br />
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Overall - a pretty awesome experience and a really fun race. If Runner's World decided to make this an annual race, I'd highly recommend one - or several of them - to everyone!<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2260123690250479249.post-13093706279677793592014-06-03T18:35:00.001-07:002015-10-07T10:42:03.785-07:00Covered Bridges Half Marathon Recap<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A5Fck6URB40/U45367VaY2I/AAAAAAAAA6k/XtF283vw6Bo/s1600/Covered+Bridge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="264" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A5Fck6URB40/U45367VaY2I/AAAAAAAAA6k/XtF283vw6Bo/s1600/Covered+Bridge.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A stunning covered bridge that the course goes through</td></tr>
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On Sunday I ran the <a href="http://www.cbhm.com/">Covered Bridges Half Marathon</a> in Vermont - one of most difficult races in the country to get into because it fills up in just minutes!<br />
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And the race lived up to the billing. It was one one of the most beautiful courses I've ever run, winding through stunning fields, neighborhoods, and down a winding dirt path next to a river. The course is also an overall net loss, so it's not too strenuous either. Since it was a hot day, the shade from the trees was also a welcome sight, so I was able to stay relatively cool on the course.</div>
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Fan support was also quite strong, especially for a small town race. There were pockets of crowds that made a lot of noise, especially in Woodstock.</div>
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The only negative is that we ran through just one covered bridge. Given the name of the race, I was expected to go through several of them. The <a href="http://www.elijahsrace.com/home_t1.aspx?event_id=83">Swanzey Half Marathon</a> in New Hampshire.</div>
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Overall this race is a must-run for any person within driving distance. And if you aren't, turn it into a vacation. The town of Woodstock is awesome and a great place to spend the weekend. Just strolling through town or going on an easy run is such a nice way to relax and get away from it all.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2260123690250479249.post-67081634712886493502014-04-23T18:14:00.002-07:002014-04-23T18:14:58.286-07:00My 2014 Boston Marathon<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-36lMJLttdlc/U1hj4KrYTDI/AAAAAAAAA50/zVWksZfu-g4/s1600/Boston+Marathon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-36lMJLttdlc/U1hj4KrYTDI/AAAAAAAAA50/zVWksZfu-g4/s1600/Boston+Marathon.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All smiles after the marathon!</td></tr>
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This winter was rough. Between snow, ice, freezing temperatures and darkness, training for the 2014 Boston Marathon was not fun. Even weekend runs - when the sun was out - were brutal. Add to that a nagging case of plantar fasciitis, and the challenges were even greater.<br />
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Throughout the winer my training for Boston was adequate at best, and probably closer to below average. My runs during the work week didn't exceed 35 minutes and I took two weeks off in March while on vacation. My two longest runs were 14 miles (three weeks out) and 21 miles (two weeks out). That was pretty much the extent of my preparation for Boston.<br />
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Needless to say, I was a bit unsure of what to expect on Patriots' Day.<br />
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Regardless, the 2014 Boston Marathon was about more then training, it was about making the race a celebration for the city of Boston and showing the resiliency of everyone who lives here. So on race day there were no nerves or second-guessing of my training (or lack thereof), instead I was filled with calm excitement about being part of such a special day.<br />
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When I got to the starting line the sun was out, with temperatures a bit warmer than I had expected. I focused on staying hydrated throughout the race, which ended up serving me well. I didn't really feel the heat until Heartbreak Hill, at which point I started dumping some water over my head, cooling down my body temperature (at least it was nothing like 2012!).<br />
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As I ran through Hopkinton, Ashland, Framingham and Natick, the crowds were full, loud and supportive. It made the first 12 miles more fun and interesting than in past years. Then I got to Wellesley, and Wellesley College was awesome! There were so many students cheering us on and I high-fives the whole line of them. The rest of Wellesley was out in large numbers, loudly bringing us to Newton.<br />
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Then the Newton hills. Rather than fear or anticipate them, my plan was to continue the same amount of effort through the stretch, and the entire race. While my calfs tightened up a bit on the uphills, the calf sleeves I had on did their job and kept them as loose as possible, so I could quickly recover on the flats or downhill. Around mile 19 I realized I had a good chance of running close to three hours, well above the 3:15 I anticipated for myself.<br />
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Once I got past Heartbreak, I let out a smile. The hardest part of the race was done, and it was all flat from here (with the exception of a few small inclines that would feel more like mountains). I made my way to Cleveland Circle, down Beacon Street and through Kenmore Square, right on Haverford and left on Boylston Street. As I turned and saw the finish line, I soaked in the 25.7 miles I had just run, the fans cheering us on and the view of that finish bridge. I'd be crossing under it this year, along with everyone else in the race.<br />
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I ended up finishing in 3:01, a personal best for the Boston course, and far exceeding my expectations. After finishing and catching my breath I turned around and tried to take in the scene a little bit. I was standing in a very special place and I wanted one last glance to remember it.<br />
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A few weeks before the marathon I told everyone this was my last Boston - there was <i>no way </i>I was going through that training again in the winter. But, there's something special about Boston. I'm not sure if I'll run next year or not, but there's a quality that pulls you back and makes it difficult to turn away from it. I thin part of it is Patriot's Day. Boston doesn't have a marathon early in the morning so that it can open up streets in the afternoon. The Marathon is the main event, and everything in the city revolves around it, in such an awesome way.<br />
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Unlike the other seven marathons I've run, this one was different. I was so clear - both mentally and physically - throughout the whole race, allowing me to stay consistent and even-keeled. I'm not sure why this was the case (maybe because I didn't have a set goal and therefore felt no pressure to accomplish running a certain time), but it worked to my advantage. I think I will look back very fondly of this race years down the road, remembering it for the special atmosphere and my relaxed state of mind, leading to one of my smarter and better races.<br />
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This one was a lot of fun.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2260123690250479249.post-28924472835068417182014-04-23T17:49:00.003-07:002015-10-07T10:42:14.830-07:00Hyannis Half Marathon Recap<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JOWOqPaj2dw/U1hfnRrr07I/AAAAAAAAA5o/S-mAQYR61Jc/s1600/Hyannis+Half+Marathon.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JOWOqPaj2dw/U1hfnRrr07I/AAAAAAAAA5o/S-mAQYR61Jc/s1600/Hyannis+Half+Marathon.jpeg" /></a></div>
In February I ran the Hyannis Half Marathon, for a second time. We got lucky, it was a beautiful day on Cape Cod, with the sun out and warmer temps - a very special day considering how brutal the winter was.<br />
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The race, once again, was well planned and executed. The police and volunteers did a great job at keeping the roads clear for runners. I was also amazed at how many people there were cheering us on. For a small race, it was impressive how many folks came out and offered their support.<br />
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The course itself was flat. There's a couple of tiny hills but nothing major. And the route brings runners on a picturesque tour of Hyannis, through neighborhoods and by beaches. The only thing that could make it better if if it were warm enough to jump in the water after finishing!<br />
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I used this race as my first tune-up for the Boston Marathon. I'm sure other runners did this as well. It's a great time of year to get a solid distance run in while getting used to heavy crowds (for at least a couple miles) and a narrow road. Plus, it's nice to get away from the snow and have a clear road to run on. This won't be my last time running the Hyannis Half.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2260123690250479249.post-80878634524124798462014-04-16T17:53:00.000-07:002014-04-16T17:55:26.844-07:00Product Review & Giveaway: OrthoLite Insoles<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3yDWsVOo9vw/U08jdMnsugI/AAAAAAAAA5c/bukS2xLmoSY/s1600/OrthoLite.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3yDWsVOo9vw/U08jdMnsugI/AAAAAAAAA5c/bukS2xLmoSY/s1600/OrthoLite.jpg" height="320" width="120" /></a></div>
Since 2012 I've been running with plantar fasciitis. Some days, weeks and months are better or worse than others, but I've kept on running despite the pain, for better or for worse. During this time I've tried several types of shoes and orthotics. Some work really well, others don't. Some work for a few months, others last longer.<br />
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Recently I was sent a pair of <a href="http://www.ortholite.us/">OrthoLite</a> insoles to try out. Right away my foot felt better. The support it gave me was noticeable right away and has helped during my training as the Boston Marathon approaches. They're comfortable and have the support that's needed for me, which I think speaks a lot given my recent foot problems.<br />
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Because the Boston Marathon is less then a week away, the folks at OrthoLite have offered to give away a pair of OrthoLite insoles to anyone who comments on this post, as long as they're a fan of OrthoLite on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ortholite">Facebook</a> and/or <a href="https://twitter.com/OrthoLite">Twitter</a>.<br />
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The contest ends at 6 p.m. ET on Monday, April 21, so comment before then for your chance to win! </div>
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<i>Note: winner will be randomly selected</i>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2260123690250479249.post-64211320792603113412013-12-02T15:38:00.000-08:002015-10-07T10:42:24.640-07:00Framingham Turkey Trot 5K Recap<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HtSgg5gPE88/UpvBIgYPbaI/AAAAAAAAA3k/5XBsnbCdrPE/s1600/Framingham+Turkey+Trot.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="289" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HtSgg5gPE88/UpvBIgYPbaI/AAAAAAAAA3k/5XBsnbCdrPE/s320/Framingham+Turkey+Trot.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Approaching mile 1 (I'm in the blue shirt)</td></tr>
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No Thanksgiving can be complete without a nice morning run, and there's no better way to get a run in than with a turkey trot.<br />
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This year I ran my third consecutive <a href="http://www.framinghamturkeyclassic.com/intro.html">Framingham Turkey Trot</a> (officially called the Turkey Classic Road Race). It's a 5K race that begins and ends in the center of town, and consists of a nice loop through some neighborhoods with a mix of flat and rolling hills. Overall it's a really fast course, which is a big benefit, as there's nothing like running fast before a Thanksgiving meal!<br />
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This year's race had just under 1,000 finishers and always gets some fast runners out of the house before a big meal. As always, the roads were well blocked off and race officials make sure the race starts on time so everyone can keep to their holiday plans.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2260123690250479249.post-16663626433040219952013-11-19T17:08:00.000-08:002013-12-02T15:38:50.781-08:00The Incorrect Assumptions in The Wall Street Journal's Anti-Runner ColumnLast week Chat Stafko, a writer living in Freeburg, Ill., wrote an anti-runner article for The Wall Street Journal that put down runners in every possible way. The piece, "<a href="http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702304448204579186401818882202">Ok, You're a Runner. Get Over It</a>,"was full of confused and incorrect statements, so much that while reading the article aloud to my wife, I couldn't help but laugh and chuckle at several of the points he was trying to make.<br />
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I don't usually like to focus on these types of people in this blog, but I wanted to clarify a few things.<br />
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Chad writes, <i>There is only one reason running aficionados display the stickers. They want the rest of us to know about their long-distance feats. So let me be the first to offer my hearty congratulations. I'd even offer to give them a pat on the back—once they're done doing it themselves. </i><br />
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I have a 26.2 sticker on my car, which I put on the bumper six years after running my first full marathon. But I didn't do it to brag. I put it on there after the 2013 Boston Marathon because I wanted to show support for the marathon. I'm sure there are lots of runners who put the stickers on to share their experience as well - not everyone is trying to brag.</div>
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Chad writes,<i> Or these runners, when they're not running, can go shopping—at a running store. There's one such store less than 15 miles, or better said, just a bit over a half-marathon, from my house. It sells only running equipment and apparel. The store has been in business several years, so apparently it is making money. This "equipment," of course, is nothing but shoes and clothes. You can buy these same shoes at a sporting-goods store or online, probably for much less.</i></div>
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Running stories don't just have clothes and shoes, there's ton of other random items that are important. And besides, you can order anything online, but stores exist to people can buy things in person. And lots of people go to stores.</div>
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Chad writes, <i>Why would someone want to get up at 5 a.m. and run 10 miles adorned with fluorescent tape to avoid being</i> str<i>uck by someone who has the good sense to use a car for a 10-mile journey? I have a theory. There is no more visible form of strenuous exercise than running. When runners are dashing down a street in the middle of town or through a subdivision, they know that every driver, every pedestrian, every leaf-raker and every person idly staring out a window can see them.</i></div>
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This was the first time I laughed while reading this. People run because they want to be in shape and exercise. And if you ask any runner, every person will say they'd rather run down an empty road or peaceful trail than on a busy road. However, not every runner has access to those types of areas and if it's dark, that can be really unsafe. Fluorescent colors are used so we don't get hit by a car!</div>
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Chad writes, <i>Many of my friends who regularly run have done so for years, decades before there was a thing called social media to put humanity's self-absorption in overdrive. These folks also tend to be infatuated with fitness anyway. If they're not out on the streets showing the sedentary world how it's done, they're at the gym or in a spinning class.</i><br />
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Again, I laughed here. I'm pretty sure I'm not the only runner who hates - despises - the treadmill. Why would I want to workout inside when I can get some fresh air and enjoy the spring flowers, fall colors or a beautiful day in this world? Seriously Chad, even you must know that statement is crazy!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2260123690250479249.post-60387930616778850822013-11-19T16:45:00.002-08:002015-10-07T10:42:31.863-07:00Philadelphia Half Marathon Recap<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3I4bDzNP8E8/UowD4_3hQTI/AAAAAAAAA3E/BM8832ClWb8/s1600/Philly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3I4bDzNP8E8/UowD4_3hQTI/AAAAAAAAA3E/BM8832ClWb8/s320/Philly.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Post-race picture with my brother and cousin, who came to watch</td></tr>
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Over the weekend I ran the <a href="http://philadelphiamarathon.com/">Philadelphia Half Marathon</a>, which came six years after running my first full marathon in this very same event.<br />
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The first thing I noticed was how much larger this race is now than it was in 2007. There were about 30,000 runners between the full and half marathon and the organization was much improved. There are now corals and a very organized starting line, in addition to well blocked off streets, lots of fans lining the streets and a larger, more conveniently located expo.<br />
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The half marathon (as well as the first 13 miles of the full) wind through Philly's mostly flat city streets, giving runners a historical tour of the city. I ran right by the Liberty Bell, City Hall, plenty of museums and the heart of the city. It also went by the fraternities at Drexel University, which had rowdy and very excited college students cheering everyone on.<br />
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Following the race, I (along with many other runners) ran up the "Rocky" steps and snapped a few pictures, including the one with my brother and cousin, who came to watch.<br />
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The biggest negative to the race is the quality (or lack thereof) of Philadelphia's streets. There weren't potholes, but the pavement was really uneven, making it difficult to stay balanced at some points. However, that was overshadowed by the positives - if you're on the east coast and looking for a fun race in the late fall, this is the one!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0