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Race Report for Half at the Hamptons

RunFasterDaddy — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 02:25:46 +0000

Got up this morning after only four hours of sleep, so I could jump in the Jeep and drive out to Hampton, NH for the Half at the Hamptons half marathon. This is the second race in the Will Run for Beer Race Series. I wasn’t sure what to expect out of myself from this race. I don’t feel that my training is quite where it should be at this point in my overall marathon training plan for the RI Rhode Race Marathon in May. So, today was somewhat of a test. It was a test of my fitness and a test of my left leg. So, how did it go?

Well, the race started at 11:00 and in typical Denis fashion I showed up with little time to spare. I ran to the Ashworth Hotel and grabbed my bib number, timing chip, and race shirt. I headed towards to the Men’s room - Holy crap! Look at that line! No way I would make it through the line in time. So I headed upstairs and looked around for a public restroom on one of the hotel floors. No luck. I saw a cleaning lady in the hall and asked her where I could find a bathroom other than the one downstairs. She said something in Spanish, smiled, unlocked a vacant guest room and motioned for me to go inside. I thanked her in my best Spanglish and “took care of business.”

Best thing about running in a series called Will Run for Beer

Justin and I met up with less than 10 minutes to spare and waited for the air horn to sound. When it finally did, it sounded like a dying duck (turned out to be prophetic). The first 4 1/2 miles were straight into the wind. As much as I hated that, it brought me comfort because that would mean we would have the wind at our backs for the last 4 miles, or so I thought. Justin and I were pretty casual. We chatted a good bit in the beginning and talked to some other racers. My leg was achey, but nothing too too bad. More importantly, it didn’t seem to get worse during the race. Where my race suffered was that I just got tired early. My splits were all over the place, although some of that had to do with water aid stations.

Splits - 7:53, 7:53, 8:11, 8:32, 8:26, 8:37, 7:59, 8:58, 9:01, 8:27, 8:44, 8:28, 7:48, 0:53

I ended up finishing in 1:49:56. To put that in perspective, that’s 10+ minutes slower than my PR, and only 2 minutes faster than the last half that I ran in November, but I ran that one with TWO KIDS IN A STROLLER!!!!

So, while it’s not a terrible time, it’s not anything that I feel too proud of either. I’m not competing against the other racers as much as I am competing against myself. And before you chime in with “You can’t run a PR every race” - I know. I’m just whining a little. OK. I’m done now.

I ended up finishing in the top 1/3rd today, so my rank in the series standings should improve. I was ranked 135th out of 528 series racers. We’ll see how much I climb. I’d really like to finish the series in the top 10%

I got to run with some race royalty today. Team Hoyt was there inspiring the rest of us. This was the second time I’ve run with them in the last 4 months. I also met a very nice runner after the race by the name of JoEllen Cameron. She came up to me because I was wearing a Monson Memorial Classic Race shirt and she was there too. Turns out she’s the real deal. Here’s a very nice write up about her. And last but not least, I finally got to meet Chris Russell in person (from coolrunning.com fame). Justin already knows Chris. They ran a Ragnar relay together last year.

Anyway, it was a great way to spend a February morning. I may not have run as swiftly as I would have liked and my fitness probably has slipped a little since last November, but in the big picture I think I’m on track for a successful marathon in May.

Here’s some picture. (click to enlarge):

Justin at Starting Line

My ugly mug

Bandit? I don't know what you are talking about.

Took this over my shoulder while running at mile 5ish

Shedding outer layer after finally escaping wind

If you're gonna screw with my camera, I'm gonna post it.

Random shot around mile 8

Nice ocean shot

More ocean shots

Locked Out = New Opportunity

RunFasterDaddy — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 21:06:50 +0000

This has never happened to me before.

Probably one week after the Cape Cod Marathon last October I started looking for my next marathon to run. It was then that I found the Hyannis Marathon scheduled for February 28th. So, I went about picking a plan, started my training (which admittedly has NOT been going quite as smoothly as my training for the CCM) and began counting down the days to my next marathon. This past Friday marked the early registration deadline for the marathon. Registering after that date would mean a price bump of $5. So Friday night I went on to the Hyannis Marathon website and was rudely met with a big black box message stating that the marathon, half-marathon, and marathon-relay were all full.

How does that happen? How do all three distances fill up on the exact same day? How do more people (2000 limit) register for a marathon in February than in October (only 793 marathoners)?

Needless to say I was miffed, bummed, melancholy, WHINING…

When I was much younger and in between girlfriends, one of my friends said to me, “Nothing gets you over the last one, like the next one.” At the time I thought that was pretty callous advice when referring to girlfriends, but when it comes to races it might be just the thing. So, I jumped on CoolRunning.com and started looking for similar races around the same time. Mango mentioned that he saw something in Runner’s World about the Half at the Hamptons.

So…I am now signed up for (read as “PAID and REGISTERED for”) the Half at the Hamptons. I was looking forward to running on the Cape, but from the course reviews and race reports that I’ve read about the Half at the Hamptons, it might be a blessing in disguise. The course sounds beautiful and past runners have commented about how well organized and executed the race was.

Probably the coolest thing is that I am now going to complete the “Will Run for Beer” Race Series. I already completed the “Hangover Classic 10K” on New Year’s Day and it turns out that the “Half at the Hamptons” is the second race in the series. There are six races between now and June 6th and if I can compete in 5 of them 6, then I’ll get the series jacket. I looked ahead at the schedule and the only race I will not be able to do is the one on May 2nd (day of my Providence Marathon).

So, assuming all goes well with my training, by June I’ll be sporting a new series jacket. The series looks like fun too. There is one 5K (series finale), one 4 miler (April Fools 4 miler), one 10K (Hangover Classic that I already did), and two Half Marathons (my current favorite distance).

Needless to say, I am no longer bummed about Hyannis. Although I have learned my lesson about signing up earlier than usual for races now. Justin was bumped out of the 2010 Boston Marathon too. It just seems like there are more runners than ever and races are filling up earlier and earlier.

Race Report for Hangover Classic 10K and Polar Bear Plunge

RunFasterDaddy — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 21:42:06 +0000

Yesterday was the 29th Annual Hangover Classic in Salisbury Beach, MA. They had a 5K course and a 10K course. I ran the 10K course and took advantage of the optional Polar Bear Plunge after the race. Justin, Kathy and Val also ran this race and all three of them, as well as Justin’s Mom, proved that they were cool by doing the ocean dip too.
I wasn’t feeling tip/top for this race. Justin asked me before the race how I felt I was going to do. I predicted a 48 minute time. Justin sped off, as per usual and Val and Kathy ran together. I fell into a comfortable pace and around the beginning of the second loop (10K course was just a two loop run of the 5K course) I decided that I didn’t feel too awful. At the 4 mile water/beer station I opted for the beer. Why? Because they had beer. By mile 5 I was regretting that choice. I felt like I was going to hurl. The problem was though that I did the math in my head and figured out that if I pushed it for the final 1.2 miles I would end up with a PR for the race. So, I choked down the vomit feeling and ran.
I ended up with a new 10K PR, 46:28 (7:29 pace) and finished 135th out of 427. It was a fast field. My last 10K I was a little slower and took third in my age group and this race I doubt I was top 20 in my age bracket. Last year Justin ran the course in a 39 something and took first in his AG. This year he took two minutes off his time and ran it in 37:13. He didn’t podium this year. That is amazing to me. The top 16 people ran the 10K in a 5 something pace.
Kathy and Val both ran well. I was proud of Kathy for pushing through some cramp issues and Val ran her longest race yet (with me anyway) despite her New Year’s Eve hangover.
Then the real fun started. We all jumped in the ocean. I’ll let the pictures speak for themselves. (click to enlarge):

I'm cheesy. Plain and simple.

Kathy Val and I before the race.

Justin at the starting line

Kathy and Val on the course. I ran with my camera.

Justin, Justin's mom, Me, Kathy, and Val heading in to the ocean

Val getting pounded in the surf

Justin and I headed in for our second time

Race Report for Mayor Higgins Hot Chocolate Run 2009

RunFasterDaddy — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 05:03:55 +0000

Today was the Hot Chocolate Run in Northampton, MA. I ran this race last year with Justin, but this year we fielded a larger contingent. My wife and girls came for the race, and I ran with Justin and Christina, Val, Kathy, and Doug. Kathy’s family was able to join us too. After the race we all headed over to Fitzwilly’s and had a nice post-race beverage and lunch.

A brief recap only today. I ran what I thought was a mediocre race. I just didn’t ever feel like I was in my race groove. That being it said, it did start to snow a little bit somewhere between mile 1 and 2 and flurry or not, I thought that was really cool. I was hoping for some snow prior to the race.

I was also hoping for a somewhat better race time. Last week I was running mile repeats on the track in the 6:55 range, so why can’t I just string them together and come up with a sub 21 5K? Well, for one I guess is that my track workout was completely flat and the course naturally had some hills. The other obvious reason is that I had 800 meters to jog and recover between each of those mile repeats. Despite my lackluster day, compared to last year, I shaved off 2:24. I finished in 22:17 and placed 216 out of 1618. More importantly though I had a very enjoyable day with friends and family.

This race is the annual fundraiser for Safe Passage, an organization that provides support to women and children dealing with domestic violence. This year’s race raised $90,000 (a new record!!!!).

I went to bed last night feeling fine, but this morning I awoke with my nagging left lateral knee pain. My leg also felt a little weak coming down the stairs. I need to be more diligent about my IT Band stretching, because it is only going to get worse as my mileage increases for February’s marathon training.

It dawned on me that this was my last race for 2009. Kind of depressing. I managed to run 26 races in 2009. So how did I cheer myself up? Picked out my first 2010 race of course. Justin and I and hopefully Kathy and Val too are going to the Hangover Classic on New Year’s Day. What could be a better way to ring in the New Year than running a 10K with some friends and then jumping into the Atlantic Ocean Polar Bear Plunge-Style? Having that event sponsored by a beer company of course!

Below are some pictures. Click to enlarge:

Best buds before the race

My Oldest

Practicing for her future on the podium

Justin on the right

Me in Red

Chris coming in for her finish

Val and Kathy striding to the finish

Doug on the left

Aubrey and I

McKenna with the godparents

Thin Line Between Love and Hate…

RunFasterDaddy — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 04:44:18 +0000

…well, actually, not such a thin line. It’s actually 8 lanes wide.

I took a long hard look at my last marathon time and tried to come up with a training plan that addressed my weakest areas. Without rehashing my whole race report from the marathon, suffice it to say that I held it together for the first 19 miles only to blow up at the end and just barely squeak out my back-up goal of a sub-4 hour marathon.

I wanted to come up with a plan that balanced my desire for more long distance stamina with my desire to get faster on my average weekend 5 and 10Ks. I was successful, I think. Problem is, now that I have that training plan, I actually have to stick to it and do the work.

My training plan calls for 4 days per week of running (one long day, two “easy” days, and one speed day - either mile repeats, or tempo runs.) Today was a speed day which meant that I had to head to the high school track for mile repeats. Perhaps the only thing I hate MORE than running on a track is running on a “dreadmill.” But, if this is what it is going to take to get to my goal, then I’ll do it.

Track workouts suck

As far as the actual workout went - not too bad I guess. I ran an 800m warm up and warm down with three mile repeats with 800m recoveries in between. My mile repeats were pretty consistent (6:58, 6:53, and 7:01). I’m not going to lie though, the satisfaction of a good workout only partially mitigates my overall disdain for track runs. Good news is that tomorrow I have a nice 12 miler scheduled.

Race Report for Gobble Gobble 10K in Southbridge

RunFasterDaddy — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 19:52:20 +0000

I am so glad I decided to run this race. I worked in the ER last night from 2pm to 2am and didn’t get home and into bed until 4am. When the alarm went off 3 1/2 hours later, my first thought was, “Are you fu#$ing kidding me?” I looked out the window and saw that it looked cold. I entertained the idea of blowing off the race. I could always use the temperature as an excuse and blame it on not wanting the girls to get cold. I stared at the ceiling for a few minutes and finally jumped up disgusted with myself for even contemplating skipping a race.

I loaded up the running stroller, diaper bag, snacks and drinks, and got my multiple-layered, fleece-lined jeans-wearing kids in the jeep and off we went. We got to the race and I noticed the unmistakeable Team Hoyt duo. Holy crap I didn’t know they were doing this race. This is just a little local 5 and 10K.

All the runners started together exactly at 10am. I felt myself slipping into the 5K pace (mile 1 split 7:16), so I forced myself to slow down a little bit. The course was not overly challenging. There were some hills, but nothing too obnoxious. When we got to the 3 mile marker, the 5K runners were directed to the right and the 10K folks continued on to the left.

About a quarter mile past the split a silver mini van chased us down and informed us that we made a wrong turn, the 5K people were supposed to go the other way. I replied, “I know. I’m doing the 10K, but thank you.” She replied, “Oh. Good job. Keep it up.” It was actually a little funny. We crossed a river and ran up a gentle steady incline for the better part of the next mile, before making a double right and zipping back down the same incline.

When I got to the 5 mile marker I knew I was headed for a PR. I did the math in my head and figured that I would beat my old one by a bout 1 minute. I wasn’t feeling terrible and I wasn’t satisfied with that, so I kicked it up a little and ended up setting a new PR by 3:32. I finished in 46:36. I’m still not sure what to think about this. Either I ran the last mile in 6 minutes or the marker distance wasn’t accurate.

After the finish I rested for about 2 or 3 minutes and then headed out for 2 additional miles. Today was my scheduled long day. I was supposed to do 10 miles today at an 8:40 pace. I figured 8 miles will a stroller in the 7:30 range was a good enough swap for the day.

We returned to the event area and I saw Dick Hoyt from Team Hoyt. I walked up to him like an awkward teenie bopper fan and shook his hand introducing myself. We talked for 5 or 10 minutes and he’s really a nice guy. This is going to sound weird coming from a straight married guy, but I was struck by how ice blue his eyes are (random thought). Turns out it’s really small world. Dick and Rick Hoyt actually train on the road that I live on. When they are training for their triathlons, they ride their bike right past my driveway. Dick explained that he opted for the 5K today because Rick was having some back pain and he didn’t want to go too far, especially since he has another race on Thanksgiving Day. Keep an eye out for them in January when they travel down to Florida for the Disney World Half Marathon.

This was not from today's race, but THIS is Team Hoyt

I ended up placing 3rd in my age group. I actually finished 4th, but since the overall winner was in my age bracket, I moved up to third for the age groupers. I had my second ever top ten finish (9th out of 45 runners) and feel pretty good about that since my other top ten was without the stroller.

Aubrey won't give back my hardware

The girls had fun as usual. They were jamming to the music. I have two small speakers about the size of a tennis ball each that I put on their stroller long ago. So when we run, they get to hear some tunes. Oh, by the way, to the race volunteer who found and returned my younger daughter’s mitten that I lost somewhere between mile 3 and 4, THANK YOU! You’re awesome.

What a great Sunday. So glad I didn’t stay in bed.

The Comfort of a Training Plan

RunFasterDaddy — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 05:36:19 +0000

OK, so it’s been three weeks now since I ran the Cape Cod Marathon and I’ll be the first one to admit that I’ve been adrift at sea without a rudder since then. For 16 weeks I had a training calendar that methodically let me know what I needed to do from day to day. I took comfort in that. Outside of work and school I tend to be more laid back, but when I’m at work (or working towards something) I’m more detail oriented. Now I don’t mean to communicate that I think of running as work, because I don’t. I truly enjoy running. But training for a marathon is a different matter. In training for a marathon I prefer structure. It forces me to focus on the big picture and makes sure I don’t alter my plan according to some whim in how I’m feeling on any given day.

The last three weeks have been all sorts of disorganized. I’ve run three races since my marathon - a five miler with the stroller (PR), a half marathon with the stroller, and a five mile trail race (new PR). So, I haven’t been taking it too easy, but I also have not been running too much in between my races.

Training for Marathons is Easy

Thankfully, that comes to an end this week. I finally feel recuperated enough after my last marathon to start preparing for my next. I’ve picked out my training plan and the 15 week countdown has begun. I am running the Hyannis Marathon on February 28th. I tried to make as objective an assessment as I could about my performance in Falmouth and chose a training plan that focuses on my weaknesses. My long runs will be longer sooner and most of my weekly mileage will come from my Sunday runs. I’m still sticking with a 4 day per week training plan because I see no other way between family and grad school.

So, wish me luck in Hyannis on February 28th. I’ll keep you posted with how this training round is progressing.

Race Report for Edaville Rail Run 2009

RunFasterDaddy — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 20:38:44 +0000

Today was a good day. The remnants of the tropical storm were rolling through New England and made for a very muddy, wet, and windy trail race. Awesome! I signed up to run the Edaville Rail Run a few weeks ago and have been looking forward to it because this was going to be the first time I have run the same race two consecutive years. Justin and I both ran this race last year. For me, I was using this race as a measure of how much progress I have made in the last year.

John and Vanessa joined us this year, so the more the merrier! John is Justin’s older brother and Vanessa is his better half. My wife informed me last night that the weather channel was calling for a wind advisory and 2 inches of rain, so I took the hint and left the kids home with her.

Edaville Rail Run Group

When we were waiting at the starting line the guy behind us yelled “Mango”. Justin and I both looked and it turned out to be John Vaughn from the Run New England video podcast. We “know” each other from the twitter world, but this was the first time that I have ever met him in person. Nice guy. We chatted a bit and he whipped out his Flip HD cam to record some footage for his show. If you click on the link above to John’s website you’ll see our “interview” at 5:50. It was cool and yet another reminder of how small the world is becoming in the advent of social media. I also kept an eye out for Running Rob and his blue/grey Vibrams, but I did not find him.

As far as the race…I did well. My left knee is still recovering from the marathon, and I know I’m being kind of a tool by continuing to run on it, but it didn’t slow me down too badly on the course. It actually seems more painful after a period of INactivity. Not really sure what to make of that. The course is technically called a trail race, but I wouldn’t call it such. The race is run on mostly dirt and sand roads and is super flat.

The most challenging part of today’s run was the weather. I could care less about the rain. I actually like running in the rain. I got drenched and there was lots of mud and plenty of puddles to run through. I felt like a kid again. The hard part was the wind. We ran into a headwind for the first 2 3/4 miles and then again around mile 3 1/2 to just after 4. The weather channel said ENE winds at 20 knots with gusts up to 30.

Last year I came in 116th overall. This year I came in 47th overall. Last year I ran this course in 40:08. Today I ran it in 36:41!!!!!! I took 3:27 off my time and turned in a new PR for this distance. Considering today’s weather and my stupid left knee I am very happy with that time. Justin (Mango) did well as usual. He ran in 32:34 and took 3rd in his age group. Mind you, this is one week after he completed his 50 mile ultra-marathon. John did well and beat his target time. He also deserves props because he is one week out from having run 12.5 miles. That was his longest run ever. He paced Justin for the last lap of his 50 miler. Vanessa did well and beat her goal time by 6 full minutes! Vanessa is also deserving of some praise because this was her longest race ever. You wouldn’t know it by the way she finished because she looked great and finished strong.

Justin’s mom came out for the race, just like she does every year, and braved the elements as a spectator which in my opinion is harder than running in it.

I know I say this often, but it was a very good way to spend a weekend morning. Next weekend - a local Gobble Gobble 10K. Planning on doing that one with the girls in the stroller. I’m hoping to PR that distance too. Wish me luck.

Race Report for Monson Memorial Half Marathon

RunFasterDaddy — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 02:54:15 +0000

Today the girls and I headed two towns over to run the Monson Memorial Half Marathon. I signed up for this race as a sort of dare to myself. I’ve done long runs with the stroller before (an 18-miler with my youngest in the single running stroller), but this was going to be my longest run with both of the girls. I had heard from some friends that this was a hilly race, but I routinely run on hills with the girls, just not in a race-type setting.

Before the race

We almost missed the start of the race because for some reason I had it in my head that the race began at 1pm. Luckily I looked at the race website this morning to see where the registration tent was going to be and noticed that the race actually began at noon. We made it to the registration table at 11:56. My run from the jeep to the table served as my warm-up. I had just enough time to double knot my sneakers and off we went. I was instructed to start at the back of the pack since I had the stroller. I always hate when they do that. I spend the first mile weaving and bobbing instead of a nice smooth start. I didn’t even get to the starting line until 44 seconds into the race.

The course was front loaded with hills (see below) so we went out cautiously. I tried my best to run WITH the stroller and not AGAINST it. I methodically trudged up each hill and sailed down the backside. I honestly believe that taking advantage of the terrain is even more important with the stroller. The total climbing for this race is about 1100 feet, but it is ALL contained in the first 8 miles. I was so happy to see the 9 mile marker because I knew it was all about sailing from that point on.

Hill Profile

I took this picture somewhere around mile 10 or 11. The funny thing is that I hadn’t planned on taking a picture. My beloved Patriots were playing the 1pm game today and I kept checking my iPhone for updates on the score. On one of my score checks I thought, “Hey, see if you can snap a pic” and I did.

We're chasing down that guy!

My cautious strategy worked. I still felt fresh at the end of the race and passed quite a few people. I think we passed 25-30 people in the last 5 miles. Even with the 44 second delay at the start my watch had us finishing in 1:51:12, but the official time listed was 1:51:22. Whatever. My goal for this race was a 1:50:00 (11 minutes slower than my PR) and I’m satisfied that I accomplished what I intended. That’s the good news.

The bad news…something’s wrong with my legs. It’s been two weeks since my marathon and my stride is still all screwed up. And now it’s creating other problems. As I sit here typing this I am icing BOTH my left knee and right achilles. The blood blisters on both second toes have yet to go away, and today only made the left one worse. I think that toenail is soon to be only a memory. That doesn’t bother me, but this knee and achilles thing is concerning.

We’ll see what the next week brings. I have a 5-mile trail run next weekend and I wanted to kick a$$ on that race because I ran it last year and I know I’m in much better shape this year. I wanted to use the time as a measure of how much progress I have made.

My dailymile friend Stephanie from Hawaii was also doing a stroller half marathon today so we were trying to motivate each other. My fingers are crossed that she met her goal.

Anyway, it was a good day. We enjoyed 60 degree weather in New England in November. The Pats beat the Dolphins. And I didn’t worry about school work once. Life is good.

Finish line photo from race website

After the race

Race Report for the Dan Barry Memorial 5 Miler

RunFasterDaddy — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 22:06:47 +0000

Today I ran in a local road race called the Dan Barry Memorial 5-miler. It also goes by “The Potato Race”. Reason for this will be self-evident if you read on. April worked last night, so I loaded up the kids and decided to run this as a stroller race. Bear in mind that not only is this the first race I have run post-marathon, but it is actually the first TIME I have run since last Sunday’s marathon. I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel.

My good friend Val decided to join us for the race. I think this is the longest race we have run together so far. We got to the race an hour early and chatted while the kids played in the elementary school playground.

Aubrey in the playground

McKenna enjoying the perfect Fall weather

At noon, the gun fired and off we went. I started near the back of the pack and went out slowly for the first 1/2 mile. After the field thinned out I fell into my pace and ran the first mile in 7:19. I could tell early on that my legs were not quite right. My breathing and heart rate were fine, but I just didn’t have my usual kick. Usually when I run races with the stroller I take full advantage of the downhills and really soar, but today I just couldn’t. My left foot still feels bruised near where I have the blister and I think as a result I was running funny on that foot, because by mile 4 my left knee was killing me.

In the end I averaged a 7:48 pace and finished the flat 5 mile course in 39:02. Not too badly for racing with the stroller, but it was also a big dose of reality that I’m not quite fully recovered from the Cape. I’m running a half-marathon next weekend (with the girls in the stroller) and after today’s run I know not to expect anything too great. Nevertheless, it’ll be fun.

Val did well and turned in a very respectable time of 46:43. I’m proud of her for finishing her longest race thus far and excited that not only is she doing the Hot Chocolate run with me, but also plans to do her first cross county race (a 6 miler) with me after Thanksgiving. I’m hoping I can get her hooked on trail running.

Val being chased by her pony tail

Today’s race was very fun, for a few reasons. This was the first race I had run with Val in quite long time. It was great to hang out with her again, especially since we don’t see too much of each other now that I’m in grad school. My daughters absolutely adore her too. It was also really cool, because I met Doug McCrae today, in person that is.

Doug and I

Here’s a good example of how truly small the world is. Justin and I started recording our podcast (Run That By Me Again) a few months ago. Shortly after we started it up, we got listed by Nigel on his podcast in England. Doug, an avid runner and running podcast listener, stumbled onto our podcast and contacted me via email after he followed a link back to my blog and discovered that we were actually at many of the same races. Doug must have recognized me, or more likely my girls in the stroller, and came over to introduce himself. We chatted a bit after the race. Very nice guy and pretty speedy too. Hopefully we’ll hook up again at the Hot Chocolate Run in Northampton. I also had a chance to talk with Pete Westover. Another nice guy. Congrats to Pete for qualifying for Boston. After talking to him I decided I am definitely doing the Burlington VT marathon next year.

The post race was great. They had a DJ playing music and tons of food. I’m talking hot dogs, veggie and meat lasagana, popcorn, baked potatoes, cookies, and drinks. Almost everyone stayed. They also handed out 5 pounds of locally grown potatoes to everyone who ran the race. Not sure why, but it was kind of cool.

Anyway, here are some pics from the day. (Click to enlarge):

Val with her Potato Prize

The girls, spuds and I