2008 Trot Your Turkey Off

November 29, 2008
Barrington, RI
5k
19:12
6:12 pace

Despite the name of the race, who really feels like running the weekend of Thanksgiving?  The legs weren't over that last marathon three weeks ago, and reminded me most of the way.

2008 Manchester Marathon, Manchester, NH

Full Marathon

3:45:04 Gun Time

3:44:26 Net Time

8:34 Pace

Manchester, NH

November 2, 2008

I ran this race as a make-up, after I was unable to run in one I had planned a few weeks prior. My training had come to a halt, and my goal was to run the entire race at an even pace, and keep my form together. I had noticed in other races, the more tired I got, especially after 21-22, I would tend to lean forward and shorten my stride. This led to more discomfort in my legs, and usually a whopping cramp in my right hammy.

The good news was I didn't cramp up. I kept my head up, shoulders back, and hips forward for the entire race. I can't say I felt great, and my time reflects that, but I was happy with the experience. I know I can finish a race without cramps, and I know what I need to do to make it.

The course was fairly easy. Quite a few small hills, mostly on main roads. Not too much for scenery, and not too many spectators.

I had driven there the night before, so I just drove home after the race.

2008 Rhody 5k

July 1, 2008
Lincoln, RI
5k
19:42
6:21 pace

This race is held at the Lincoln dog track and casino.  It was pretty damn hot there, and much of the route was on open road around roasting parking lots.  The best part of the race had to be the last 50 yards on the dog track.

2008 USATF Mini Meet

1 mile outdoor track race

5:40.7

MIT, Cambridge

May 21, 2008

This was a track meet. Four times around. As fast as I could. And this is what I did.

2008 Boston Marathon, Boston, MA

Full Marathon

April 21, 2008

3:41:46 Net time

Boston, MA

This was the Boston I was least looking forward to. I qualified last year in Virginia Beach, and felt like I had to run. I'll say it was worth it, starting up in the 6000's, rather than the 20,000's I had run with before. All morning before the race, it was perfect running weather. Cool and cloudy. As the gun went off, the sun came out to greet us. Perfect...Boston...figures.

I know the route very well, having run the race twice before, and training countless times along various sections of the course. I have my nicknames for different sections, and checked them off as I went. Parkerville, where my friend used to live in Hopkinton. Assland, because I know it is still so far from Boston. The Framingham doldrums that seem to go on forever in a wide-open road along and over rail tracks. The Sirens of Wellesley College - honestly, I can't imagine any sporting event with a more deafening crowd. Then there's the hills of Newton. Yes, they are as bad as you've heard. Followed by the downhill to Boston. Every time I run this stretch I think it's the hardest section of any race I've run. After 21+ miles, and just off some big up-hills, my legs just didn't need any more beating. It seems like the last 4 or 5 miles are all downhill, and it's the reason this course it so difficult.

I finished the race with some long waterstops the last few miles. I keep thinking, I get what I deserve, undertraining for marathons. That's why they hurt, but I still love running them.

I've run Boston before, and someday, I may run it again, but this one will always be memorable.

2008 New Bedford Half Marathon

13.1 miles, Half Marathon
1:33:37

New Bedford, MA

March 16, 2008

I ran this with my running team, as pace preparation for the Boston Marathon. It was a challenging course, with some good hills, particularly the last mile ascent back to the city.

Overall, a good time, good post-race chowder, and decent weather for March. Just look out for that blast of cold air along the ocean stretch.