Fun Run at MHT

Photo by Gary

December 11 - This morning I took part in my very first Fun Run hosted by a co-worker who is a member of a local running group, the Greater Derry Track Club.  What are fun runs?  They are friendly runs, rather than races, with participants taking part for their own enjoyment rather than competition.  It is an organized run that is a perfect way for runners to get together and find running companions for your pace and goals.  The fun runs are hosted by members of the running club who provide maps and support for varied distances, and afterwards arrange for food and socializing.

Today's fun run took place at the Executive Health Club at the Manchester Airport.  Gary, the host, planned three route choices of 4, 6.5, and 12 miles.  The four miler was an out-and-back, the 6.5 miler was a loop around the airport, and the 12 mile long run was a combo out-and-back with a loop south of the airport.  Maps were provided to the runners, although many choose to just follow the group.

6.5 mile loop - 1:00:45

I choose the 6.5 mile loop around the airport because it is in my current mileage range, but more importantly (to me) I thought it would be cool to run around the airport!   I use the Manchester Airport a couple of times a year to visit family and my husband is a pilot, so I really liked the idea of looping around the place with an airplane possibly flying in or out overhead.  And...I knew viewing the map later would look awesome if I used my GPS app to track the route.  I wasn't wrong.

Since this was my first time, I did not know what the 6.5 mile route was like.  It turned out to be a nice combination of hills and flats; enough to keep it challenging, but also keep it relaxing and fun.  Looking at my stats afterward, I was happy that I managed to increase my pace at each mile.

I really enjoyed this route and once again it was perfect running weather: 30s and sunny. If you are thinking about ways to finish out your year of running, fun runs are a great way to connect with friends both familiar and new!

Jingle Bell Run 5K

bells - check!

December 10 - Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way...

This morning we drove to Concord, NH to participate in the Jingle Bell Run 5K and our last race of the year.  This race was a nice follow-up to our Santa Shuffle last weekend in Manchester. Instead of donning santa suits though, I attached jingle bells to our running shoes this morning before leaving the house.

Today we continued to be granted with great running weather with temperatures in the 30s and plenty of sunshine.  The race was a benefit run for the Arthritis Foundation and another fun and festive way to kick off the holiday season.  Registration and bib pick-up was in the Rundlett Middle School cafe, and hundreds of people were decked out in their holiday gear: reindeer antler headbands, santa suits, elf costumes, candy cane striped socks, you name it!

5K ~ 28:30

Gathering at the start line, more and more people arrived dressed in the holiday garb including canines who would be accompanying their owners on this Jingle Bell Run.

My running partners and I enjoyed a wonderful loop-like run around Russell-Shea State Forest being cheered on by the locals in the neighborhood and serenaded by the hundreds of jingling bells attached to shoes and clothing. Approximately 600 runners made their way along the roads and pathways to the finish line. This was only the second race I've ever run in December, and I was not disappointed.  I love the high-spirited, jolly atmosphere.

Even though I will still be running through the end of year, I am a little sad that the races are over for 2011.  This has been my most successful and healthy year of running, and it has been a blast. Tomorrow I will be joining a fun run around the Manchester Airport, but it won't be the same without the crowds of people clothed in holiday costumes. But, oh what fun, it is to RUN...

Next year I am looking forward to new goals and new experiences in running!

Santa Claus Shuffle

My free Santa suit!

December 3, 2011 - Today was a fun run in downtown Manchester.  The Santa Claus Shuffle literally meant 1000+ runners in santa suits running three miles. The inaugural race launched the holiday season in the 2nd Happiest City in America beginning and ending at Veteran's Park.   Following the race was an awards presentation, tree lighting ceremony and holiday parade.

Check in at registration meant that the first 1000 runners received a free santa suit.  I was #626. With temperatures in the mid 40s, I was not sure I wanted to wear the entire suit which consisted of hat, jacket, and pants (later I found the belt hidden in the tip of the hat).  However,  one could not ignore the fun and festive atmosphere. Runners were not only dressed as Santas, but also elves, and Grinches, and Mary & Joseph!  I couldn't resist.  When else would I get to run a 5K completely made up like Santa?

Santa Claus Shuffle - 26:59 - 3 miles

After some Elf Runs (kid fun runs), the singing of the National Anthem, and the classic favorite Santa Clause is Coming to Town that got everybody dancing in their spots, the mayor of Manchester officially announced the start with a booming "3, 2,1, Ho, Ho, HO!"  The crammed coral of santa runners quickly made their way across the start line to the cheers from spectators and Christmas music playing in the background.

Glancing ahead was an amazing sight: a sea of red and white suits filled Elm Street for as far as the eyes could see.  Bells were ringing, children waving, and people laughing and enjoying the various costumes on the runners.  The easy out and back course was quick and mostly flat.  This fun race was a great way to start the Christmas season. My guess is that it will become a seasonal tradition in Manchester. At least, we hope so.

Thanksgiving Day Race

Cincinnati, Ohio

November 24 - Cincinnati, OH - For the third time in my life, I started my turkey day with a 10K run through the streets of downtown Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky.  In Cincinnati this 10K run/walk is on the list of Thanksgiving traditions along with turkey, football, and the Macy's Day parade.  Started in 1908, this race is the largest known in the midwest and the sixth largest in America behind century old races like the Boston Marathon.  This year over 15,000 people registered to burn a few calories before heading off to their big turkey feasts.

Thousands of cars made their way to the 50,000 free parking spots of Paul Brown Stadium hoping to make the 9 AM start.  I had to jump out of the car and dash to the stadium in search of the restrooms with only 15 minutes to spare.  Bad idea. The line was worse than on a game day! Instead I had to plan a stop at the port-a-potty oasis at mile 3.  I squirmed my way through the massive crowd back toward the starting line to look for my driver (husband) and mom: my cheering section.  Luckily I married the crazy guy who will park in garages that look closed and stand atop large orange traffic barrels waving like wild.

Dodging some walkers in the crowd!

The race started and ended on Second Street.  It probably took me 8+ minutes to even cross the starting line.  There were so many people!! Once the horde surrounding me began to move, I was off. I had set a goal to finish in under one hour.

With so many runners (and walkers) it was hard to take in the sights of the city during the run.  I spotted my cheering husband around mile two before heading over the Ohio River via the Taylor Southgate Bridge into Newport, KY.  Runners were spreading out at this point, so I did get some pretty views of the riverfront.

I did it! 10K - 59:08

The remaining four miles took me past Newport on the Levee before my two minute visit at the "Oasis" then over the Licking River Bridge into Covington. Lots of supporters and great music lined 4th street in Covington providing the perfect motivation for facing the last "rolling hill" on the run.  The final mile took me over the Clay Wade Bailey Bridge back into Cincinnati and toward my destination.  Passing by my cheering section, I made my way to the finish line in 59:08!

It was a wonderful trip home to Cincinnati, and the added bonus of being able to run the 102nd Thanksgiving Day Race with thousands of others made it even better.  I am looking forward to doing it again!

Inaugural Newport Pell Bridge Run

Photo by Bird's Eye View

November 13 - Today was a beautiful day to run across the Newport Pell Bridge in Newport, Rhode Island. The Veteran's Day Weekend event benefitted several local charities and gave participants the chance to experience spectacular views.  This was the first time in over 25 years that runners were able to run across the bridge since its opening in 1969.

Beginning at 5 AM shuttles transported over 2500 registered runners from downtown Newport to the other side of the Narragansett Bay into Jamestown.  Using bibs as boarding passes, we were loaded into the rented school buses.

The starting line and waiting area was prepped with coffee, water, bananas, port-a-potties and MUSIC.  Standing around in the pre-dawn darkness, people were talking, laughing, and bopping to the lively tunes being DJ'd.  It was hard to remember that we had all probably crawled out of bed before 4 AM.

Daylight reached its peak as the first runners made their way through the Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority toll station.  Runners occupied the two lanes of eastbound traffic, while motorists making their way between Jamestown and Newport had to share the remaining two westbound lanes.

Along the way, everyone took advantage of the opportunity to capture the breath-taking views of the sunrise, the Narragansett Bay, and the bridge itself.  It was so amazingly beautiful that I quickly forgot about the chilly breeze and the impressive incline as we made our way to the midway point of the bridge.  Crossing the bridge took just over two miles out of our four mile run.

Coming into downtown Newport after crossing the bridge, runners were met with cheers and clapping from spectators lining the streets leading to the finish line.  The finish line area gave runners a chance to mingle with friends and family while munching on the yummy blueberry bagels from Panera.

On a picture perfect November day, I not only crossed the finish line of another race, but also got to cross over an iconic landmark.  The Newport Pell Bridge is the longest suspension bridge in New England.  Every time we go to Newport, I will probably get chillbumps thinking about where I was at 6:30 this morning!

4.2 miles ~ 42:00

Rock 'n Roll Providence

On Sunday August 7, 2011, I completed my first half marathon.  Chris and I drove down to Providence, RI on Saturday to attend the Health & Fitness Expo where we checked in, picked up our goodie swag bags, had our pictures taken, and loaded up on lots of free stuff.  We got to see two cast members from The Biggest Loser who were also running and the start/finish area of the race. It was a beautiful Saturday in Providence, so we had dinner on the river walk at Water Place Restaurant.  Unfortunately the weather forecast for the Sunday morning race would not be as nice.

We were up at 5:00 AM and out the door by 5:30 headed to breakfast. A quick stop at DD and we were off to find a parking spot in the Providence Place Parking Garage.  Luckily we planned our times right and avoided most of the runner traffic. After making our way through the mall and out the doors, we wandered out into the cluster of runners getting ready in the pouring rain.

After checking our swag bag, we found some shelter to stretch and wait before heading over to our start corral for the 7 AM start.  I choose this race because it was only two hours away from home, a beautiful city, and featured live music along the course with a free concert at the finish by Sugar Ray.  In my head I had pictured bright blue sunny skies, warm summer weather, and light breezes coming off the river.  Looking around as we waited for start time, I felt bummed by the amount of rain and a little stressed about whether or not I could finish.  I knew I would be pushing my shin pain to the limit.

The 7 AM start actually became more like 7:30, after the delay in closing the course and the wave start, but once we started running, it was great.  The downpours were refreshing and helped keep our bodies comfortably cool throughout the 13.1 miles.  Despite the wet weather, live bands continued to play nearly every mile creating a party-like atmosphere among the runners. Family, friends, locals, and cheer squads lining the streets and sidewalks never stopped yelling words of encouragement from start to finish.  Most of the course was flat and easy running with only minor puddle jumping and dodging.  There were a couple of hills, but we pushed our way up and then down them.  The scenic water views of Seekonk River were amazing and the historical neighborhoods were filled with beautiful, massive, colonial homes.  It was especially fun running along India Point Park and right by our hotel.  With the help of well-placed port-a-potties, water stations, and GU stands, we were able to push our way to the finish line without running out of gas in 2:24:54.

Half Marathon - 2:24:54

Crossing the line with Chris beside me was one of the most fun things I have ever done. Chris and I stuck together for the entire run.  We trained together so it would have been weird to not complete the event side by side.  It was comforting to know that he was right there with me the whole way, to the finish.

Between the pouring rain and my painful shin and calf, we opted not to stay for the concert.  We had our medals, snapped a photo and grabbed a handful of post-race snacks and a bag of ice.  That was good enough for me, this time.

Bedford Rotary Memorial 12K

On National Running Day I registered for the Rock 'n' Roll Providence Half Marathon!  In a little more than nine weeks, I will be running 13.1 miles in my very first half marathon.


Since my last entry, I have continued my training by following the half marathon schedule provided by the coach program on the Nike website.  I signed up and ran my first 12K, 7.5 miles, and did pretty good.

12K - 1:14:13

As the summer season finally moves in, I am facing a new running challenge: the heat.  A couple of my runs were cut short of the goal distance because I was unable to finish.  One run was a road route without water, so I thought I could fix that on the next warm day by switching to the trail and carrying water. Nope.  I find it extremely difficult when the sun is beating down and not the slightest breeze blows.  I have been told that I will "get used to it" but I am worried about running the half in August.  I am hopeful that the early morning start and coastal location will alleviate some of the heat issues, but I am still trying to figure out to complete warm weather runs.