Ragnar Cape Cod 2013

Posted on May 13, 2013 by DrRachelRuns

You know what’s fun? Cruising around in a van with five friends on Cape Cod, one of whom occasionally hops out to run. That’s the basic premise behind Ragnar Relays and I love them!

A few friends thought Ragnar Cape Cod sounded like fun. I was quick to sign up, having loved Hood to Coast. The camaraderie, running fun, and adventure makes an overnight relay totally worth the lack of sleep. We planned and organized, rented vans and a house, and, finally, Ragnar was upon us. I packed using my super awesome Hood to Coast packing list and was ready to run the (slightly cooler) Cape Cod relay. I headed up to our rental house on the Cape the night before and met my team. Though I sort of knew most of the runners, it was pretty much a friend-of-a-friend situation and I had signed up to spend two days in a van with total strangers. Luckily, they were awesome and we became fast friends. Friday morning dawned bright and early, with Van 1 heading up the to start at Hull, MA.

It was freezing! We’re talking 45 degrees, cloudy, and 40 mile and hour winds. We underwent our safety check, flag distribution, and safety briefing and it was time for our first runner to start. Everyone else loaded into the van and I drove us to Exchange 1. Excellent. Ragnar was underway. I had 7 miles (which turned out to be 6.4 – the Rag Mag gave an update of the course that didn’t totally match what was online) of “very hard” running ahead of me. It turned out to be an amazing day to run. I loved it. I cruised along at a decent, but conservative, clip and finished my miles in what seemed like no time. I was having a great time!

After my run, it was time to hop in the van and cruise around some more. There was singing along with the radio – our van had XM!

Generally, we had a good time and made it to the first major exchange upbeat, happy, and bonded in the way only strangers trapped in a van together can bond. We decided on a trip to a nearby mall and dinner for our first van break. I bought gardening gloves because my hands were freezing. A teammate got some new tights. We were suited up, hydrated, and ready for dinner. A quick stop at a chain restaurant and we were back on the road. My view was pretty much the same.

Run two was a night run, so headlamp and vest were required. I suited up and headed out on a run that made our local runner shake his head. Never a good sign. I asked if it was flat and he snorted an evil laugh. Apparently there was some massive hill in the middle of my 6 miles. I got running and the course started going up around mile 2. “This isn’t so bad”, I thought. And then, in the distance, I saw the headlights way, way above me. As I got closer, I heard the steady stream of vans shifting into a lower gear, struggling to get up the hill with the cargo of runners. Let’s just say it isn’t terribly encouraging to know that vans are struggling to get up a hill you’re about to run. In the dark. I think the darkness might have helped. I couldn’t see how high or steep the hill was, only the tiny patch in front of me, so I put my head down and pushed up the hill. I passed a lot of people. Seeing their little blinking lights ahead was highly motivating and I cruised along into a town. After a quick run past some office buildings, my second run was done. Hooray! Time to sleep! Our van decided to head back to the house and sleep in our own (rental) beds and shower. It was a great idea. I plopped down in bed and was asleep right away. I got a whole hour of sleep. Actual, in-a-bed sleep. Then I woke up, took a hot shower, ate an apple, and got back in the van, ready to run.

My last run was supposed to be 5 miles, moderate. I was sore, but not terribly sore, so I trotted along and tried to focus on the rising sun. It was kind of pretty – being in the middle of nowhere and listening to the birds. I came up over a hill, and there was the exchange, 2 miles too early. My first thought was that I had blacked out. No. Not the case. My second thought was that I would just run through. There was no way my team would be there since I was only 20-something minutes into a much longer run. Imagine my surprise when I came up and found my teammate not only there, but ready and excited to run the extra two miles (making his leg 9!) that were added due to the change in exchange. I still don’t know why the exchange was moved, and I was a little sad I didn’t get my full mileage. Now that I’ve just written that I’m thinking – what a weirdo. I was sad to be shorted 2 miles in an overnight relay. I wanted to run more. Clearly I’m a crazy lady. Anyhow, I was overjoyed to be done.

My team made a morning stop at the most amazing French bakery ever. We had what I refer to as the French Food Orgy. We were all so hungry, and so tired, we ate pastry like animals. It was amazing. Before we knew it, it was time to head to the finish line at Provincetown and climb the memorial to the pilgrims. It was a gorgeous day, a well-organized course, and an overall fun adventure. I had an amazing time, met great new friends, and ran a little. If you have 11 friends, two vans, and a weekend, run a Ragnar. It’s an amazing experience!

Cox Providence Half Marathon 2013 – updated

Posted on May 12, 2013 by DrRachelRuns

Updated! I added the elevation profile, by popular demand.

Today, I ran in the UnitedHealthcare Cox Providence Half Marathon. It was not a great day. It was one of those runs were nothing works – it’s just too bad it happened during a race.

The day was dark, cool, and rainy. At race start it was 60 degrees with 100% humidity. It was foggy, grey, and sprinkling off and on. I appreciated the cool temperatures and overcast sky, but wasn’t very excited about the rain. High humidity is asthmatic hell, so I knew it would be a tough race. I got to the parking area bright and early and headed for the “Exchange Terrace” area, a little street across from a park where they have an ice skating area in the winter. According to my pre-race email and attached instructions, packet pickup was on Exchange Terrace. I wandered around for a little while, totally lost. There were lots of people, but not a volunteer in sight. There was no one to ask for help and no sign of an obvious packet pick up area. Finally, I saw someone with a goody bag and asked. Packet pick up was in the ballroom of the Omni Hotel, a block away. I walked on over to the Omni and waited in line. Wrong line. I waited in a second line and got my bib. When I got to the t-shirt station, a not-that-friendly volunteer barked “Only larges left. You want one?” Resigned, I accepted my large, men’s shirt. Not quite the extra small I was hoping for. Everyone around me milled around in a state of confused disappointment. No one got the shirt they wanted and all of us were lost. There were no volunteers to help. I pinned my bib and followed the crowd, hoping they would lead me to the starting line. They did and I got there with 15 minutes to spare until the 8am race start. It’s definitely a post-Boston world. I noticed lots of security staff. Men with huge guns wandered in the crowd, police were stationed on rooftops.

8:05 passed, then 8:10. There was no sign of an imminent race start. At 8:13 someone sang the national anthem. The crowd was getting restless. All of the pre-race materials had said 8am start. Thousands of people were standing in the rain. Finally, at 8:17 (?) the race was underway.

The first four miles went well. I was cruising along and feeling soggy, but fine. I’ve been having some trouble with my knee (the had-surgery one) and it began to stiffen up. It doesn’t like the rain, and really doesn’t like changes in atmospheric pressure. The front rolling through was not a friend to my knee. My poor knee was stuck in a half-bent state, totally stiff and not straightening well in the forward part of my stride. I didn’t think it was too much of a problem until mile 7, when my calf and hamstring started cramping. Not dehydrated cramping, but weird muscle spasm/charlie horse cramping. I resolved to slow down and start walking the water stops. A side note on water stops. What a mess! The pre-race guide said water stops would be every mile and a half. No such luck. There didn’t seem to be much of a pattern to the water stops, only that they were about 2+ miles apart. Most were understaffed, a volunteer or two per table, so runners were pouring their own water. There was no pattern to the Gatorade/water distribution. Sometimes Gatorade was first, sometimes not, and sometimes it was all mixed together with both in one area and in the same style cups. The cup styles weren’t even consistent so there was chaos at every water station. Runners were coming to a full stop to search for and find a cup that had the right liquid in it. It was a volunteer staffing and organizational problem.

I felt wheezy and asthmatic. The humidity was not kind to my asthma or my knee. The wheels fell off at mile 9. My leg muscles were firing at all the wrong times. I couldn’t seem to get them to coordinate with the bending of my knee. I felt like Phoebe from Friends when she runs in the park. I’m sure I looked normal, but I felt miserable. I trudged along. I’m sad to say there was a lot of walking while I tried to get things under control and avoid running with a limp. This race wasn’t worth an injury, or angering my funny IT band attachment point, so I slowed WAY down to avoid limping.

The course itself was well-marked, but poorly staffed. There were no medical tents or personnel along the course. The few volunteers I did see at points in the course other than the water stops were children. Children young enough that I began to wonder where their parents were and why their parents were letting them stand on a street corner on a race course in arguably questionable neighborhoods. There were plenty of police offices at major road crossings, but few volunteers. The course itself was winding, and passed through a few attractive, and a few unattractive areas of Providence and Pawtucket. Compared to the Rock N Roll Providence course, this course was more older neighborhoods with less gentrification.

Finally, mercifully, the race course curved past the river (there were swans!) and toward the finish line. I was grateful for the race to be over, but sorry to see the report from my Garmin (thank goodness I had my Garmin since the clocks were all set to the marathon time, not half). I was headed to a Personal Worst. Now, I’m always happy to run a slow race and pace a friend, or be sensible when I’m undertrained, but this PW hurt. I am fit. I tapered. I ate well. I got plenty of sleep. I don’t know what went wrong. Other than a perfect storm of bad weather + asthma + knee stiffness + muscle problems, I don’t have an explanation.

I’m still a little sad about the race. I don’t know what went wrong. I’ll go back to my training log and look for a lesson, but this just might be one race in which the lesson is that sometimes running is random. Sometimes a run just doesn’t work. Today was one of those days.

The look of resignation. A PW.

Updated – here is the elevation profile.

Cox Providence Rhode Race Elevation Profile – Half Marathon

Ragnar on the Run

Posted on May 3, 2013 by DrRachelRuns

I’m writing from Van 1 in the midst of a Ragnar Relay. We are just about done with our second set of runs in Ragnar Cape Cod. A full review will come later, but here’s what I know so far:
- The difference between a “very hard” leg and a “hard” leg is indiscernible.
- I can get lost even with flashing lights identifying every turn.
- A kids’ meal burger will taste amazing for dinner but may be a source of regret later.
- It is possible to join a van with only one person you know and make fast friends with four strangers.
- Night time pictures have a cool Tron effect.

So, in sum, we are having a great time and enjoying a total adventure!

Mini Race Recap: Hartford 1/4 Marathon

Posted on April 6, 2013 by DrRachelRuns

The Greater Hartford Quarter Marathon, hosted by the Hartford Track Club and benefitting Blazeman Foundation for ALS, was a great race. With wonderful weather, a big group of friends, and a beautiful course, it was just about perfect.

The race course is a two-loop course run around the paved trails in the MDC Reservoir in West Hartford. It’s a gorgeous course. The first couple (and middle couple since it’s a loop) miles have a number of what we New Englanders call “rollers”, gradual hills that make for a smooth up and down experience.

About 2 (and 4.5) miles into the race, the course comes around a bend, giving runners a picturesque view of the runners ahead as they pass beyond a lake and around a curve. It was gorgeous. The sun was shining on the water and the birds were chirping. Beautiful! The course was extremely well marked, with accurate mile signs and sand markings noting the course direction. It would be difficult to go the wrong way given that the course is a well-planned loop on paved trails. A runner would have to work hard to get lost in this one. The wooded views were magnificent and the lakes, ponds, and reservoir areas were the picture of New England beauty.

To check out the pictures from the event, head on over to the event’s Facebook page.

Details for Rachel’s outfit, above: Lululemon Pace Crops in black/frond, Lululemon Rise and Shine Pullover in frond, Lululemon Speed Demon Run Hat (best hat ever, by the way – it has a short, curvy brim that keeps sun out of your eyes from the side!), and Brooks Pure Flow shoes

Race Recap: Gasparilla Day 2

Posted on March 4, 2013 by DrRachelRuns

Last week, mom and I participated in the super fun, two-day Gasparilla Distance Classic. Missed my recap of Day 1? Check it out here. After having tons of fun on Day 1, mom and I ate at our favorite downtown Tampa eatery, Taco Bus, and then headed to the hotel for an early night – me tucked in tight with my compression socks on. In the morning, the fog was heavy, humidity high, and temperatures warm. The dawn of the half marathon felt like inferno temperatures to this New Englander (real temperature at race start: 76 with 98% humidity).

The course for the Gasparilla Half Marathon is lovely. The first 5 miles are run on Davis Island, an exclusive enclave of modest homes with beautiful views of a harbor. Too bad the entire 5 miles on David Island are run in the dark… but there are cheering residents and plenty of on course entertainment. The entrance to and exit from Davis Island present the only real “hills” on the course. The sole hill is the bridge that transports runners to and from David Island. After Davis Island, the course heads straight down Bayshore Boulevard, with its stately homes and waterfront views. On half marathon morning, I couldn’t see much of anything. The haze from the humidity was so thick, it was difficult to see the scenery. Six or seven miles into the race I was sweating buckets and feeling quite overheated. In fact, in the professional pictures I could see rivers of sweat running down all my limbs. Not a cute look.

Thankfully, at around mile eight, the runners reach the turnaround and head back on Bayshore toward the finish line. I was delighted. The humidity was easing and the sun was coming out. Though the weather was warming up (to the high of 86, 85% humidity), the break in the humidity was a great help for me. I intentionally slowed my pace so that I could be prepared for the 5+3k that I would do with my mom immediately after finishing the half marathon. At the finish line I was handed an icy cold washcloth (immense joy!), a banana, a super cool pirate medal (!), and a bottle of water. I skipped the real food and looped around to get in line with mom for the 5+3k.

It was hot, hot, hot, but we were ready for 5 miles of fun. If I’m being honest, by the time the 5+3k started, I was sick of Bayshore Boulevard. Running along the same route 8 times in two days was a little tedious, but, of all the routes that I might run 8 times in a row, this is one that I would pick. It really is very pretty.

My legs were shot, but I had 5 more miles to go, so I clutched my little washcloth and set off for the staging corrals with mom. She walks really, really fast. I had to jog to keep up, and she set a blistering pace. In no time at all we were rounding the corner and heading back. I couldn’t believe our race weekend was coming to a close. Before I knew it, we were in the finish chute and handed medals, food, and drinks. It was over. I had so much fun that it seemed to be over in a flash. The finish chute was efficient and organized and I was shuffled along in my slightly delirious state. The finish line highlight was the rice and black beans from my favorite Spanish restaurant, Columbia. Yum!

Beans! (and check out my super cool pirate medal)

All in all, mom and I had a wonderful time. The Gasparilla courses are beautiful, and the races are well organized and supported. The Gasparilla Distance Classic team really knows how to put on a great event. I recommend any, or all, of the races wholeheartedly.

Race Recap: Gasparilla Day 1

Posted on March 3, 2013 by DrRachelRuns

Last week, mom and I had a wonderful time at the Gasparilla Distance Classic. Our path to Gasparilla fun started last year. Last year, mom and I did the 5k and immediately after the 5k, mom said she had a great time and wanted to participate in 2013. Soon enough, registration day rolled around. I called mom to confirm that she wanted to run in the 5+3k (the Gasparilla version of a 5 miler) and she surprised me by suggesting that we both sign up for challenges. Gasparilla offers three challenges – events in which one runs multiple races during the two-day festival. Mom signed up for the Mini Challenge and I signed up for the Ultra Challenge. Mom would do the 15k and 5+3k and I would do all four races – the 15k, 5k, half marathon, and 5+3k. Yay!

After quickly and easily getting our gear at the race expo, we explored the shops. Everything at the expo was well organized and helpful volunteers were everywhere. We got some super cute loot.

Race day dawned bright, sunny, and humid. It was a hazy start to the day with high humidity and warm temperatures expected. We had stayed in a nearby hotel and were ready to go bright at early. We did have a few challenges with the water situation – the city of Tampa was in a boil water advisory thanks to a mischievous squirrel gnawing through a power line. Undeterred, we used our bottled water and headed to the starting line. As usual, everything at Gasparilla was exceptionally well organized. We easily made our way to the start line. There were rows of port-potties, helpful volunteers, and clear signage.

The 15k was really fun. The course was lovely. It was an easy down and back on Bayshore Boulevard – gorgeous homes on one side, the river on the other side, and the city of Tampa in clear view. The course was well supported, with aid stations every mile and a half. There were cheering fans, friendly volunteers, and clear course markings. I loved the course.

Mom had this to say about her first 15k:

The first race on Saturday morning was a 15 K, Rachel and I were doing it together dressed in matching Lululemon shirts. Usually I’m a person who likes to check out the route and the maps so I know where to go but this isn’t necessary at Gasparilla . We followed the crowd, stood around people who were weren’t wearing a Garmin, looking as if they might’ve dressed without looking in the mirror that morning (the back of the pack). A roar and we were off shuffling slowly to the front and then finally the pack opened up and Bayshore was before us. The Boulevard is lined with huge homes that overlook Tampa Bay making it a beautiful route. There was music and people cheering, encouraging those of us at the back of the pack. It seemed a long time to get to the turn around and then suddenly we were on our way back towards the finish line. Rachel kept me on my goal pace as my legs got tired and I began to wonder where the finish line went. People were cheering louder as we neared the finish. Rachel and I made the short dash and it was fantastic! I did a 15K! A finishers medal was mine and I wore it proudly.

Here’s what I learned:

1. Don’t sweat, there’s always someone to direct people.
2. You can pretty much tell just by looking, where you should be in the starting lineup.
3. Make use of the bathroom before the race and the water stops during the race.
4. Take time to look at the view, the race is over before you know it.
5. Have someone take your picture after you cross the finish line. There’s a certain smile that comes from people who successfully cross that line.

I had such a good time I’m already signed up for my next race. It’s in October, a half marathon. Let the training begin! (Go Mom!!)

Mom and I finished the 15k with smiles on our faces and I immediately lined up for the 5k. The 5k course was the same as the 15k course, just shorter. So, I headed back out, passing the same homes and scenery as the first race. I hadn’t made it back for the start of the wave of the 5 I was supposed to be in, so I trotted along in a much slower wave. I enjoyed the chance to take it slow and enjoy the view.

Both races were wave start, with very well organized starting lines and plenty of volunteers to ensure things went smoothly. The courses were well marked, properly supported, and extremely scenic. Overall, I loved Gasparilla Day 1. Stay tuned for my recap of Day 2!

Countdown to the 20th Disney Marathon

Posted on January 12, 2013 by DrRachelRuns

Let me first say – Eeeeeeeeeeeee! I’m here. In Florida. The Disney Marathon is tomorrow! It’s so exciting that I can’t stand it. As training has progressed and it’s gotten closer and closer, I have been progressing at the expected rate through Rachel’s Seven Stages of Race Preparation.

Confidence (“That training run wasn’t so bad. I can totally do this!”)
Denial (“I have plenty of time to train. The race isn’t for weeks.” Truth – race is less than a month/two weeks/etc. away -or- “My leg doesn’t really hurt that much.”)
Bargaining (“Gods of Running, if you let me survive this training run, I will give up candy.”, “Fibula, if you stay in place, I will never curse you again.”)
Paranoia (*cough* “I am sure I have pneumonia, or Ebola.”, “I am sure that the cramp is the first sign of gangrene setting in.”, “Maybe I didn’t even sign up for the race. Do I have plane tickets?”)
Sense of Impending Doom (“What the hell was I thinking?!”, “Something horrible will befall me and I won’t be able to race.”)
Existential Questioning ( at the start of the race – “Why did I think this was a good idea? This is very bad idea.”, “Running is really weird. Why do I do it?”)
Euphoria (post-race – “I LOVE running!”, “That was amazing!”, “I can’t wait to race again. Next time…”, “Woooo hoooo!!”)

Deep into the Paranoia stage of race preparation, I traveled to Florida earlier this week. I was sure my sore throat was the beginnings of this epic flu, or perhaps salmonella. Maybe malaria. I decided no homeopathic remedy was too weird to try. I have sprays and zinc lozenges and Airborne and vitamins. Luckily, I was distracted from my Chicken Little state by the expo. Yay!

The expo was super fun. In typical Disney fashion, everything was well organized and every detail anticipated. There was one door and staircase to get in, one to get out. There were individual computers and printers that printed waivers for forgetful folks (I printed mine twice but left it at home). There were helpful and happy volunteers and cast members at every corner. Tons of great vendors were in the vendor space – SPIbelt, Runningskirts, Run Team Sparkle, The Stick, and many clothing vendors. Mom and I had a great time shopping and looking around. We even spied Jeff Galloway. There were great picture opportunities.

Back at home, Paranoia gave way to Sense of Impending Doom. Luckily, there were plenty of distractions. I’ve been enjoying great Cuban food, fresh picked strawberries, and time with my mom and dad. Yesterday, the big task was putting the finishing touches on my costume (Cinderella) and developing a race-day plan. Mom made puffy cap sleeves for my Cinderella outfit and I sewed my tiara on my hat. The tiara is one my mom made for me when I was 6 or so, and totally in love with Cinderella.

Sense of Impending Doom wouldn’t be denied by daytime distractions. Last night, I had the most vivid dream that I woke up at 6:30am and missed the marathon start by an hour. It was so realistic that I woke up (at 3am) with a start. Being in my room at home didn’t reassure me. I thought that not only had I missed the start, but that I wasn’t even on Disney property. I had to look at my phone to check the date, and Twitter just to be sure that it was the half marathon today. Whew! Doom or not, tomorrow is the big day. Everything is done. All there is to do is run – and have a magical race!

Top 12 of 2012

Posted on December 31, 2012 by DrRachelRuns

2012 has been a busy year and it’s been the first full year of the existence of DrRachelRuns. This New Year’s Eve, I decided to reflect on some of the highs and lows of the year. My running life has been an adventure deserving of its own retrospective. Here are my top twelve running memories of 2012:

Hood to Coast – Hood to Coast has to be the best thing I’ve ever done as a runner. It was amazing. Challenging, crazy, hilarious, and downright unforgettable. Read all about it here and here.
Gasparilla with my mom - I’m March, I participated in the Gasparilla Distance Classic with my mom. It was her first real race and doing it with her was something I’ll always treasure. We had so much fun that we signed up for the 2013 races on opening day – and we’re both doing multiple-race challenges!
Fleet Feet coaching – This fall, I had the amazing opportunity to coach for Fleet Feet Sport’s half marathon training program. I loved my team, and I loved seeing new half marathoners succeed. The best part of the whole experience was pacing some of my team through a great first half marathon.
Lucy started running – Lucy, my non-running dog became my running companion. I am delighted to have her as a running friend and I’ve loved seeing how much she enjoys running.
First triathlon – In August, I completed my first triathlon. It was a wonderful experience. After nearly dying on the swim, and suffering from swim-related exhaustion the rest of the race, I learned that I could endure a surprising amount of pain and still run well. Triathlon has made me a better runner.
Dartfish analysis – In January, I had professional gait analysis. It was one of the best things I could have done as a runner. I saw imbalances and potential for injury. I also saw what I was doing well. Learning more about my running, and working with my trainer on improving in key areas, has been wonderful. I’ve been healthy – thanks to catching problems before they were problems.
I’ve traveled a lot! Which means I’ve run a lot, all over the country.
1. Salt Lake City - where I ran “at altitude” for the first time
2. DC – once to run the Rock N Roll DC with a friend, and once for work
3. Michigan in July
4. North Carolina for work
5. And I’ve been to Florida (where my parents live) a lot!
Running with friends – I have some really wonderful running friends and I’ve had a chance to run all over with them. We’ve done quarter marathons, runs in dresses and skirts, relays, and races.
I passed my two year knee surgery anniversary – I’m not sure why this felt like such a huge landmark, but it was. Hooray!
Accidental PRs – It happened once at Rock N Roll Providence (August), and then again when I was sick at Cape Cod (October). Surely there’s a lesson to be learned in my habit of accidentally running well.
Becoming president of a running club – I haven’t blogged about this one yet, but I was elected president of a running club. I feel so honored to have been trusted to lead, and revive, a club that’s faded in recent years.
And, finally, growing as a runner. As I read through old posts and looked at old pictures, I saw how much I have grown as a runner this year. Not only am I inching toward my pre-surgery speeds, but I’ve tried new things (triathlon and overnight relays), and shared my love of running with my mom and true running friends. This year has been a wonderful year and I’m so grateful for the amazing things that running has brought into my life.

Connecticut Race Report – December 2012

Posted on December 5, 2012 by DrRachelRuns

It’s winter in Connecticut, and though we don’t have snow right now, the cold temperatures and threats of bad weather mean that racing season is coming to an end. There aren’t many upcoming races, but there are opportunities to save on great spring events. I will highlight a few great events in this short Connecticut Race Report.

December Events

Hartford Track Club Indoor Track Meet, “Bring Back the Mile”, December 9, 2012, 7-10pm – The HTC is holding an indoor track meet at Weslyean University in Middlet5own, CT. Events include the mile and 5k. Races will be organized by age in the mile and by pace in the 5k. There is a youth quarter mile event for children. More information can be found on the Hartford Track Club website and the listing for the event on Active.com.

Save on Registration for Spring Events

Want to get a jump start on that New Year’s Resolution? Consider signing up for one of these great spring events today. Need a training plan or a coach to help you get (and stay) motivated? Check out my coaching information.

Bolton Road Race, Sunday, March 10, 2013, 1pm, Bolton, CT – Featuring both a 5 mile and 5k distance for the second year, the Bolton Road Race has something for everyone. The 5 mile race features a challenging hill at mile 4 and both races have lovely, rural loop courses. The race is well organized thanks to a great race director. Advance registration in the month of December is only $15 online.

Hartford Quarter Marathon, Saturday, March 30, 2013, 10am, West Hartford, CT – This annual event is a favorite of local runners. The unique distance, great finisher’s buffet (with homemade food!), and friendly crowd make it a fun event. Advance registration, before January 1, is a bargain at $25.

Race Recap: Monson Memorial Classic

Posted on November 11, 2012 by DrRachelRuns

On November 11, 2012, several members of my running club and I ran in the Monson Memorial Classic. The Monson Memorial Classic features three events – a half marathon, a 5k run, and a 2 mile walk. Monson Mass. was devastated by a huge tornado a few years ago and since then it’s become a popular running spot thanks to several benefit races. The Memorial Classic benefits a number of cancer awareness causes.

This wasn’t my first time running Monson, but several teammates were there for the first time. It was great fun to run the races as a team. Six members of our crew ran the half marathon and five members of our crew (plus one junior member) ran the 5k. I ran the half marathon last year, and decided this was the year to try the 5k. This review will focus on the 5k, but I’ve included some tidbits about the half marathon since I ran that last year and had some spies who could report on this year’s event.

The race begins and ends near the town hall, a lovely historic building. Race day was warm, about 60 degrees, and partly cloudy. The race got off to a rocky start. Packet pick up began just an hour before the race, and race day registration was available. A combination of a late start, plus no discernible organization to the check in/packet pick up area led to really long, disorganized lines.

After waiting about 10 minutes in line, someone came out and began trying to convince 5k runners to go inside. We went inside and found more people. I would say that there were lines, but it was really more a gathering of people standing in an area. No one seemed to know what was going on. We persevered and got packets. There was nice race swag. Everyone got a long sleeve technical t-shirt and a water bottle. Half marathoners got a pint glass with the race logo. In a somewhat odd move, the race organizers passed out finishers’ medals for the half marathon at race check in. I thought it was very strange (and anti-climactic) to get the finishers’ medal at the same time as the race number. It wouldn’t have taken much extra work to pass the medals out at the finish line and I’m sorry that the race organizers didn’t do this. The large crowds at check in were encouraging. I like seeing lots of runners come out for charity races, particularly challenging ones. I really had the sense that the organizers were surprised by the number of registrants.

Due to the chaos of packet pick up, the race started about 20 minutes late. At start time, a bagpiping duo led runners to the half marathon start in the middle of route 32. Traffic was temporarily suspended. The half marathon got started and the remaining runners voyaged to the nearby start of the 5k run and 2 mile walk. Several minutes later, traffic was held and the 5k began.

The 5k course starts on Route 32, the main roadway in the area, and proceeds about 1 mile up Route 32. Then, the race turned right on Route 32, and took another right onto a back road. It was a relief to be on the back road. Traffic was not stopped, there were no cones, and there were no race marshals or volunteers, so traffic was zipping by the runners. Given that Route 32 is a main road, there were a lot of cars. The back roads were lovely, slightly hilly, and scenic. One of the roads was in the path of the tornado that devastated the town a couple years ago, and it was nice to see the rebuilding in progress.

At mile 2, there was what I assume was meant to be a water stop. It was a folding table with several cups of water on it. It was totally unattended and on the opposite side of the road from the race. I wish the race organizers had secured a volunteer to hand out the water, or at least put the table on the right side of the road so runners actually passed it. By the time I realize that it was actually a water stop, I was past it. But, for a 5k, water isn’t essential for me so I didn’t mind.

Unfortunately, the 5k race course is not well marked, nor are there volunteers on course. There are no marshals, and very few signs. The signs that do exist are small pink papers attached to the odd pole. I counted just 4 signs. The course was overall very poorly identified and marked. Two members of my team got lost on the course, adding on a quarter of a mile. There were no marshals to direct them and they were lucky to have found their way back to the course. The making of the course could really be improved and marshals to help ensure the safety of runners and help with directions would have been helpful.

At the finish, there was professional timing and a small crowd. Runners were treated to a wonderful buffet post-race.

The food is really a highlight of this race. The Women’s Auxillary creates an amazing spread of all home cooked food. There were several gluten free and vegetarian options, and, what can only be described as the best minestrone soup ever. Ever. I got the recipe from the nice woman who makes it (that’s her in the blue shirt on the right). It’s that good. They also have a huge selection of drinks, both hot and cold, bagels and donuts, ice cream, apples, and the best non-pasteurized apple cider ever. Seriously. The food is amazing. It’s worth running just to get the cider. Despite the number of runners exceeding what was anticipated, there was plenty of food and portions were large. Complimentary post-race sports massage was available and a blue grass/folk band entertained everyone in the town hall.

Overall, Monson is a decent little race. The RD could make some small, simple improvements that would dramatically improve the overall quality of the race. But, the race experience is saved by the great food, nice amenities, and good race environment.

A few notes on the half marathon – my spies reported that the course was the same as last year, VERY hilly, scenic, and shaded. The first 8 miles are uphill and the race has a somewhat unpleasant finish. The last 3.5 miles are run on Route 32 and there is no effort to control traffic. The shoulder is very, very slim and non-existant in some areas. Runners who are up to the challenge of the hills should use caution in the final miles as cars are definitely present. Despite this, I like the half marathon course. It goes through some lovely countryside. And, what runner doesn’t like a challenge? My spies also reported that there were water stops every mile and a half or so (though some were unattended) and had nice, full cups of water. Chip timing was a huge improvement to the half marathon this year, and made times reliable. Overall, everyone who ran the half marathon reported that they had a good experience. And everyone enjoyed the post-race massage.

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