Races

This is it. For so long I have allowed myself to get so horrendously out of shape, I have forced myself to do the rediculous. I am making an attempt at qualifying for the Boston Marathon.

For those that do not know, Boston is the only World Major Marathon that has a qualifying time, and to make it is an honor (also, I have to register before it fills up).

In the spirit of getting ready, I have a summer series of races scheduled. Starting with very short, to pretty long.

Heartbreak Hill 5K

Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts

12 June 2010

Anyone who knows anything about the Boston Marathon knows about Heartbreak Hill. Part of the Newton Hills that happen between 18 and 21 miles into the race, they are a killer. I can think of no better race to begin on this. It is right around the corner from my house, and a prominent part of my goal for next year.

Running with the Wolves 10k

Marlborough, Massachusetts

28 July 2010

I picked this race because of its location. I grew up in Marlborough. It is my hometown and this is a small 10k on familiar ground. In high school, I have run nearly every inch of this town in 5 years of cross country and track and field, so to have a comfort level this early in my training will be good for morale.

Cigna/Elliot 5K

Manchester, New Hampshire

12 August 2010

My firm runs this race every year, and I have done worse and worse every year. Make no bones about it, I am finishing this race sub-16. The course is fairly flat for about 1 1/4 miles before sinking for 1/2 a mile and ends on 1/4 mile hill.

Moose on the Loose 10 Miler

Nashua, New Hampshire

22 August 2010

This race I knew nothing about. It's in the dead of summer, so the good news its in the woods, out of direct sunlight, and I have an affinity for trail blazing. Apparently its a pretty big race for New Hampshire

Laborers Labor Day 10 Miler

Marlborough, Massachusetts

6 September 2010

Remember when I said I was familiar with the roads of Marlborough. Well turns out this race starts right where I started my first ever 10 mile run in high school. This should be an experience. The roads are mostly covered in trees, so should be good and shady.

Wicked 1/2 Marathon

Salem, Massachusetts

25 September 2010

In the leap toward attaining the status of Marathon Runner, one must first run a 1/2 Marathon. This race is pretty close to the marathon I am going to run in October, but to get a decent time in a race longer than 10 miles is important, and unfortunately, there aren't many half marathons this time of year. Pace and effort to be determined.

Bay State Marathon

Lowell, Massachusetts

17 October 2010

The Bay State Marathon is widely considered one of the best organized races, creates some of the fastest times, and is the best chance at qualifying for Boston, also it's in October, and is plenty of distance away from Boston. I ran this back in 2004 with some pretty dismal results. At mile 18 my knee decided that enough was enough and led me and my face straight to the pavement. Hands bleeding, knee impossible to bend, I hobbled off to the side and waited for the Red Cross van to pick me up. 2 weeks on crutches and some PT after that, walking was a breeze, but I pretty much stopped running there. Now I am back to conquer the race that beat me, and to do it in less than 3 hours.

MHS Alumni Frozen Toe (2.67 Miles)

Marlborough, Massachusetts

25 November 2010

I ran this race every year from 2000 to 2008. I won it in 2000 as a member of the MHS Cross Country team, and every year since then has been worse than the last. I am looking for a great time.

PR 14:44

This race is a combination on road and trails. It features a long daunting half mile up hill exactly 1 mile into the race. Contains another short but very steep hill at right around 2 miles in. 2 loops, cold days (ran in 8 inches of snow once) and ends with beer and clam chowder in the parking lot. THEN ITS THANKSGIVING DINNER! I am looking forward to it. I think the winning time last year was under 14 so it is some good competition.