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!

Yoga for Runners: Volume 1

Posted on March 12, 2013 by DrRachelRuns

For those of you not in the know, in addition to my super fun work as a running coach, I am also a Yoga Alliance registered yoga teacher. I love vinyasa-style yoga and enjoy teaching yoga for runners. Yoga is amazing for runners. It links mind and body, which can result in great performance gains. The increase in flexibility provided by a regular yoga practice can reduce injury risk. Sold on yoga? Ready to get started? I’ll share with you a few of my favorite poses for runners and athletes of all levels.

Half Kneeling Lunge – Psoas Stretch

Psoas stretch.

This pose doesn’t have a nice Sanskrit name, but it’s highly effective. Most runners have tight hip flexors (the illiopsoas group). Tight hip flexors are made even more tight by frequent sitting, a problem for most of us who work desk jobs.

To perform this stretch, begin in virasana (hero pose). Raise up using the quadriceps muscles. Extend the right leg to place the sole of the foot on the mat, knee at 90 degrees. Hips are square and abdominal muscles are engaged and mulabandha is engaged. Gently tilt the pelvis up toward the belly button by drawing in the abdominal muscles. Shift the hips forward until a stretch is felt in the front of the hip and the psoas group is lengthened. Extend the left arm over the head. To stretch the TFL and its attachment site, shift the hits three to five inches to the left, maintaining the hips and abdominals.

Spend 20 seconds to one minute in each pose. Return to kneeling and then to hero pose to rest. Enjoy!

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!

Found: Nemo

Posted on February 11, 2013 by DrRachelRuns

Connecticut found Nemo. And we’re hoping whoever lost him will claim him soon. This weather is insane! After weeks of record-setting cold and single digit temperatures, it had finally reached a suitable run-outside temperature last week. Then we had a monster wind storm. And then, the predictions of Nemo began. Nothing good comes from a storm that is predicted, days out, to be “historic”, “epic”, or “catastrophic”. As if poor New England didn’t suffer enough with Irene and Sandy, we were getting Nemo. It’s always bad news when the weather reporters name a winter storm.

In preparation, I went to the gym and did a brick workout. I washed running clothes and bought some spinach for salad. Priorities. Nemo came through with the expected record snowfall. We got about 30 inches at my house. It was so much snow that the town had to send some sort of terrifying road grader/plow and front end loader to clear the snow.

Yikes! It was a lot of snow. Undeterred, I went out snowshoeing. I had 13-15 miles on my schedule for the weekend and I figured a nice snowshoe hike would have to do. I made it about 10 feet before I realized – three feet of snow is a crazy amount of snow. Snowshoeing in a foot of snow is lovely. Two feet of snow is doable. Three feet is practically impossible. Clearing trail by myself, I could only make it four or five steps before I had to rest. Although I was up on top of a foot and a half of snow, I was having to move another foot and a half with my feet. It was like walking in quicksand.

I’m on top of about 4 feet of snow here. That’s my normal height lamp post, all but buried in the snow.

24 hours after the snow stopped, I was finally able to leave the house and set up a snowshoe date with some local friends. Most roads were only barely passable, so we kept it close to home. Working as a team of three, we took turns breaking trail. It was tough going! Our hard work was rewarded with great views, amazing animal tracks, and a nice workout. The snow is deep and mushy, so it will be here for a while. Looks like me and my SportsCenter treadmill workout will be spending extra time together this week.

My next big race, the Gapsarilla Distance Classic, is less than two weeks away. I’m hideously undertrained, thanks to this terrible winter weather, but I’m counting down the days. Nothing will feel better than to leave all this snow and freezing rain behind and run in gorgeous Tampa!

My Poor Fibula

Posted on January 4, 2013 by DrRachelRuns

A lot of people have found their way to my blog recently by searching for “stuck fibular head”, “fibular head pain” or some variation. If you’re one of them, welcome. Now that my fibula seems to be done behaving badly, I thought that sharing my experience might help others. Here’s my injury story.

- Side note – the Dr. in DrRachelRuns is a PhD, not a medical doctor, so this post in no way represents medical advice. Talk to your own doctor. The medical kind. And read my disclaimer, below. -

A little over a month ago, I was suddenly struck with intense pain in my leg. The pain was in a weird spot, and it came on just as I was getting out of bed. I thought this was odd because I had run the night before and had a lovely, pain-free run. But, I woke up on Thanksgiving morning with a weird feeling in my leg. Right about here…

Undeterred, I set off for my turkey trot. I could barely run the 5k. The pain was not joking around. The next day I tried a walk with my mom. No pain! I attempted a run and within a few steps the pain was back. Crazy, stabbing, tingly nerve pain that only happened when my leg was bent at the knee and my foot was in dorsiflexion. I figured some rest and a massage would be a cure. When that didn’t work, I saw my wonderful athletic trainer who I’ve been working with since I had my gait analysis. He deemed it a problem with my fibular head and suggested physical therapy.

At physical therapy, my therapist agreed with the fibular head diagnosis. Apparently a stuck fibular head is a common problem among athletes. It most often occurs following a high ankle sprain, but can sometimes come on suddenly. Physical therapy focused on mobilizing the poor, stuck head. My therapist taught me how to mobilize it myself, which I proceeded to do about 10 times a day. Here’s a neat video that describes exercises you can do at home.

When two weeks of physical therapy failed to cure me, I decided to try a chiropractor. He was amazing and adjusted the fibula and several bones in my ankle. After four or so chiropractic treatments, I felt cured!

Just to be on the safe side, I contacted KT Tape (makers of the wonderful kinesiotape that I love) about taping options for fibular head tracking problems. Their head taping guy, Joe, suggested a taping application. I tried it and it was very helpful to me. I’m now taping for most long runs just to be safe.

Overall, the injury wasn’t as bad as I had initially feared. I wasn’t too happy about taking an entire week of running, or about the decrease in mileage for several weeks, or the timing so close to the Disney Marathon, but I feel lucky. It could have been much worse. Fingers (and toes) crossed I can stay healthy for a while now.

Tips for New Runners

Posted on December 7, 2012 by DrRachelRuns

My sister in law recently started running and I couldn’t be happier. Dreams of family races are dancing in my head. Yay! Last week, she called me to get some running advice. Turns out she was struggling with running, and, most of the reasons were completely preventable. Inspired by her questions, I submit to you my best advice for new runners, including you Couch to 5k runners in training.

Q&A for New Runners

Why are my toenails bruised?

The short answer – your shoes are too tight. Most new runners start running in old trainers (probably the ones used for mowing the lawn, or going to the gym) and it’s an important rite of passage to buy proper running shoes. If your nails are bruising, your shoes are likely too small. Most runners like shoes at least a size larger than their shoe size (ladies – a size larger than flats, at least a half size larger than pumps). Another common culprit of bruised toenails is bad socks. Socks are largely an issue of personal preference and most runners are quite passionate about socks. Synthetic, wool, or blended socks are your best bet. I’ve written about a few different kinds of socks in my reviews. It’s a good idea to buy socks specific for running that are made from high quality materials. Wicking socks will also help prevent blisters. If new socks and the proper shoes don’t help, bruised toenails may be the fault of your running form or where you run. Downhill running can increase the likelihood of bruising. Consider consulting a running coach or staff at a running specialty store for more help.

How do you tell what pace you’re running and how do you run a consistent pace?

There are lots of great apps and devices for keeping track of pace, but that’s just numeric pace. I think the best way to manage pace when starting as a new runner is by feel. Runners and running coaches often talk about “conversation pace” runs, or the “talk test”. This means that you should run most of your runs at a pace at which you can have an intelligent conversation with a running partner. If you’re panting and can only sputter out phrases, slow down. You’ll be more comfortable, and build fitness faster, if you run most of your runs at a conversation pace. Once you have a good foundation of running, you can increase speed and challenge your fitness with different runs. If you want to keep track of numeric pace, consider downloading a free or low cost app for your phone (RunKeeper, Endomodo, MapMyRun), investing in the Nike+ system (its has an app, too), or making the larger investment in a Garmin Forerunner. The Forerunner line has a GPS-enabled running watch for everyone. Keep track of your runs and pace, using any method that works for you, in a running log. Then, you can review your log to learn more about what works for you as a runner. It also feels great to see evidence of your improvement.

What should I do about post-run soreness?

Rest, ice, and stretch. Self massage also helps. I love my foam roller and The Stick for self massage. Foam rollers are available everywhere and using them is easy. Basically, you lay on top of it and roll your body across it. It’s great for large muscle groups like quads and hamstrings. Google foam roller for instructional videos, helpful tips, and shopping. The Stick is an innovative self massage tool that has rolling washers attached to a longer post. Using it is simple – roll the Stick across sore muscles. Self massage is wonderful for post run soreness.

Are walk breaks ok?

Of course! There are a number of popular methods of running that include planned walk breaks, including the super popular Hal Higdon method. There is no shame in taking a break to walk, stretch, or lower your heart rate to maintain a comfortable pace. Running should be fun and if talking a walk break makes it more comfortable and fun, then do it! There’s also no shame in stopping at stop lights and standing still. Don’t feel compelled to run in place or dance around. Rest is good.

What can I do to control skin breakouts?

My best advice is to change out of sweaty running clothes as soon as possible, but I know that doesn’t always work. Running in sweat-wicking clothing helps. Running clothes that are primarily cotton trap sweat and dirt and that contribute to breakouts. I find it also helps to exfoliate frequently and to wash my face and skin with products that contain salycilic acid. I love the Neutrogena pink grapefruit line and the St. Ives skin clearing line (for a slightly less girly smell). Neutrogena makes skin and body wipes in the pink grapefruit line and they’re wonderful.

What stuff do I really need to make running more comfortable?

You don’t need much to run, but a few small things can make your running life much more comfortable. Invest in quality shoes. They are the most important part of your running life. Clothing that’s made specifically for exercise and has wicking material will make your runs significantly more comfortable. Target has a low cost line, RoadRunnerSports.com carries everything you could imagine, and specialty retailers like Lululemon, Lucy, Oiselle, and Athleta make great products for women. Don’t run in cotton if you can help it and select seamless or flat seam garments. Body Glide is a wonderful invention that prevents chafing. I slather it on my feet in wet weather, on seams, and on any body parts that might touch and chafe. Buy some immediately. Purchase some nice socks, particularly if you’re prone to blisters. The blister-prone should also consider getting a box or two of Band Aid Brand Blister bandages. They’re specially made, cushioned bandages that last a long time, are impervious to sweat, and heal blisters. Finally, get a nice water bottle and keep it full. Be sure to hydrate enough, particularly if you live in a hot climate. Some people prefer a handheld bottle (I love mine and wrote about them on the blog), others prefer to stash a bottle mid-run. Either way, a nice bottle helps.

(And one from my brother) How do I stop my nipples from bleeding?

Two words. Nipple Guards. They’re nifty little yellow caps for the nipples. They really help (or so I’m told). Band aids are good (and much less expensive), and, in lower sweat conditions, Body Glide can help. Bloody nipples happen when the water and salt in sweat chafe the sensitive nipples, rubbing the skin off and making them bleed. Protect the nipples with a topical guard and wear proper fitting, wicking shirts.

There you have it. My best advice for new runners, couch to 5kers, and everyone else who’s new to running and has questions. Have a question I didn’t address? No problem! Contact me using the handy link above, tweet me, or find me on Facebook. I’m happy to help.

I Love To Trot

Posted on November 22, 2012 by DrRachelRuns

That’s right. I confess. I love Turkey Trots. And Santa Shuffles, Reindeer Runs, Resolution Runs, and Fair 5ks. I love every possible iteration of holiday running event. If it has a cutesy name, all the better. I love a theme race, and a race that involves a costume contest, turkey calling competition, or watermelon seed spitting. The kookier the better. What I love most about these special holiday races is that they always seem to bring out the best of the running community. If it’s done right, a holiday race will have great competition for speedier runners, fun for kids of all ages, and opportunities for new runners and walkers to participate.

Today, I ran in the Seniors First Turkey Trot in Orlando, Florida. It had everything a great holiday race should have – great cause (including a donation drive), costume contest, turkey calling competition, and a division for walkers. It even had an interesting course – weaving through downtown Orlando and along Lake Eola. I wore my turkey hat.

Here’s what I love about holiday races – you see the good in people and get to witness people experiencing the joy of running. I saw people finishing their first 5k, hugging and giving high fives. I saw a woman who had clearly lost a great deal of weight cry when she crossed the finish line. I saw a runner in a head scarf, wearing a sign that said she finished chemo yesterday. I saw hundreds of families, many running hand in hand. Adorable moms and dads were cheering for and encouraging their children, who positively glowed with pride wearing their new 5k t-shirts. I saw runners encouraging other runners. I saw a fit man in his 30s pushing a man who must have been his grandfather in a regular, not racing, wheelchair. Grandpa was wearing a race number and had his hands held high in triumph as he crossed the finish line. There’s something wonderful about the way everyone comes together and supports one another and instant friendships are formed. And, today, all these people are runners. Runners who got to experience the joy of accomplishing something special. It’s that joy that makes running special. Today, I am thankful for running and for all the joy that running has brought to my life.

Connecticut Race Report: November 2012

Posted on November 8, 2012 by DrRachelRuns

It’s November in Connecticut and, as if we didn’t notice the colder temperatures and blustery weather, we got a Nor’easter last night that dumped inches of snow on the area. Yuck!

November is also the end of the busy fall racing season in Connecticut. Races will be few and far between until spring, but there are some options for the hardy few who want to get out there and race.

Monson Memorial Classic, Monson, MA, Sunday, November 11, 2012 – The Monson Memorial Classic features three events: a half marathon, a 5k, and a 2 mile fun walk. The half starts at noon, the 5k at 12:15 and the fun walk immediately after the 5k. The Monson Memorial Classic road race was started in 1996, shortly after the deaths of Kelly Waldron and Kathy Waldron Perry. These sisters died eight months apart from different types of cancer. This race is in their memory, and proceeds to Griffin’s Friends and Melanoma Education Foundation. I’ve run Monson before and it’s a fun, challenging race. Both the 5k and the half marathon have largely uphill courses. The first 7-8 miles of the half marathon have an overall uphill profile. But, the course is lovely, run on back roads and country lanes. Be forewarned that traffic is not blocked from the race course, including the final two miles of the half marathon and the finish line on Route 32. There will be cars on 32, and caution is merited. This year, there will be chip timing, free massage after the race, and prize money for individuals and teams. As an added bonus, this race has wonderful, home cooked food post-race. I thought the apple cider and chili were fantastic! I enjoy this race and recommend it if you’re looking for a challenge. Fees are $55 for the half marathon and $35 for the 5k. For reference, here’s the elevation profile for the half marathon.

Freedom Run, Hartford, CT, Sunday November 11, 2012 at 10:00 am – This popular 5k is a production of HYPE (a great organization) and the MetroHartford Alliance. It’s a measured 5k course that’s run on well maintained park trails. The course starts in front of The Riverfront Boathouse and runs north through the Riverside Park trail system. The course is a loop and ends back at the Boathouse. This event is run to honor the men and women who serve our country. Registration is $25 in advance, $30 race day. There is a discount for students and children. There will be professional timing and runners will get a t-shirt.

8k Cross Country Challenge, West Hartford, CT, Saturday November 17, 2012 at 10:00 am – Sponsored by the Hartford Track Club, this trail race features a rolling course with gravel, trails, fields, and minor asphalt. It’s a unique distance, perfect for a PR. The race is also a bargain at $10 in advance and $15 race day. There will be few amenities, but expect a well organized event.

Finally, no race report would be complete without mention of the Manchester Road Race. This great race needs almost no introduction. It’s on Thanksgiving Day, in downtown Manchester, and is a wonderful, spirited race. Learn more about the race and its storied history on their website.

Race Recap: Danze Half Marathon

Posted on November 6, 2012 by DrRachelRuns

On November 4, 2012, I ran the Danze Half Marathon, a great little race put on by Ocean State Multisport. I’ve featured Ocean State Multisport events on the blog before, as part of my upcoming events series, but never participated in one. That changed when, in the midst of Hurricane Sandy, I won a Facebook contest and got a free entry into the Danze Half Marathon. Here’s how it happened. I had lost power due to the hurricane and was updating my Facebook status accordingly. Because, really, did anything happen if it wasn’t recorded on social media. As I was refreshing my feed, Gary popped up with a little Ocean State Multisport contest. I love contests, though I rarely win, so I entered. And, I won! Yay. I was super sick, but I would not be deterred. I was going to run in the Danze Half Marathon.

Half marathon day dawned clear, cool, and sunny. It was great racing weather, albeit a little cool. At race time it was about 34 degrees and sunny. It warmed up to just about 40 during the course of the race. Having never run an Ocean State Multisport event before, I had no idea what to expect. Race check in and packet pick up was at the YMCA in Seekonk, MA, just over the border from Providence.

The race was a very low key affair. There were only about 50 people registered and most of them were found milling around in the (heated!) gym at the Y, waiting for the race to start. There was plenty of room to warm up, stretch, and lounge in the heated gym, and a full locker room available for use. Gary, the director of Ocean State Multisport gathered everyone and ushered us out to the start line, a little spray painted mark on the sidewalk next to the YMCA. He welcomed everyone to the race, explained the course, and sent us on our way.

The course was a lovely, rural and suburban course. It began running through what I imagine is downtown Seekonk, if there is such a thing. There were a number of homes and subdivisions. Then, the race turned into a wooded, rural, residential area and the course wound past a lovely subdivision with huge, stately homes. Next, the race course headed out into the country. We ran along rural roads, past cow pastures, fields, and great New England scenery. The roads were not closed to traffic, but drivers were kind, waving and honking. Drivers seemed to be driving safely and obeying the speed limit. There were uniformed police officers with cruisers at ever turn and volunteers with flags on each corner. The course was extremely well marked. Gary had spray painted markings on the road and large black and white signs on telephone poles. The uniformed officers marked every major intersection and turn. It would have been very difficult to get lost. I was very impressed with the course and the clarity of the course markings. I was also pleased to see so many police officers and felt comforted by the police presence. I have run many much larger races and not had such a strong police presence. It was wonderful.

The course was relatively flat, with just a few small hills. It was what I generally refer to as “New England flat” (though the elevation chart doesn’t look like it – there wasn’t much elevation change so the little changes look large) with a nice downhill finish.

Water stations were well marked, and just where Gary said they would be. Each water stop was staffed with a few friendly volunteers.

At the finish line, Gary himself greeted each runner. He was cheering and friendly. There were snacks – oranges, bananas, and an amazing tray of sweets from a local bakery. Finish line amenities also included complimentary massage.

Overall, I loved this race. I liked Gary, and I was impressed with Ocean State Multisport. Though the race had only 50 or so participants, there were perks that I often don’t even see at much larger races. Every finisher got a medal, a t-shirt, wonderful food, and free massage. The traffic was well controlled and the local police had a strong presence. The course was well marked, scenic, and fun to run. It ‘s worth note that the race also seemed to attract a fast field – many of the finish times were below 2 hours. Not me, of course, as I had spent the whole week sick. It wasn’t my finest finish, but it was a finish.

I will definitely make plans to participate in another Ocean State Multisport event.

Tag Archives: walking