BAA Half Marathon Recap

During the long weekend I ran the BAA Half Marathon, the third and final event of the BAA Distance Medley.

The day was beautiful - a perfect fall day in New England and idea for a nice, long run.

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.

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.

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).

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.

Overall - a great race on a great day!

Doug Flutie 5K Recap

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.

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.

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.

Overall it's a great, low-key race for a fall day.

Rave Run: Berlin

The Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Germany

San Francisco 5K Recap

Crossing the finish line of the San Francisco Marathon 5K race

Last weekend I was in San Francisco, so signed up for the 5K, which is part of the weekend's race festivities.

The race began and ended near the Ferry Building on the Embarcadero, which made for a flat and fast race, mostly along the water.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Rave Run: San Francisco

Baker Beach in San Francisco

Marathon Sports 5 Miler Recap

Last week I ran the Marathon Sports 5 Miler for the second time (though the race is now in its 40th year).

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.

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.

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!

I look forward to running this one again next year.

Rave Run: Paris

Le Jardin du Luxembourg in Paris