Manchester Road Race - Run

Mile 1-down Main street staying on the left and trying to settle into a nice rhythm, kept breathing controlled and HR stayed right around 150-just like a solid tempo run at this point. Got squished as we went left onto Charter Oak/Hartford Road/Highland St but it opened back up OK. Began to push and finally started to warm up. First mile=7:20. Took off my gloves (was high 30's at the start) and picked it up slightly trying to hold HR=155, my goal 'pace'.

Began the second mile which has 2 x 1/3+ mile hills and short plateaus. Everyone was breathing pretty hard around me, but my breathing seemed controlled, so that made me happy. I see the clock on the right-Mile 2=8:10.

I know there is a short, steeper hill before the turn leading to the long downhill and a lot of people let up here, so I press hard and peak my HR right here and then keep it going around the corner. I love this part of the race! My stride lengthens and I passed hundreds of people on this stretch. I must have said 'On your Right' every couple of seconds. The road bends slightly to the right so I'm running tangents...Mile 3=6:30.

The flat fourth mile is my hardest because my legs are getting tired, as they always do at this point of the race. Try to hold a steady HR, but it keeps drifting down and I have to constantly make an effort to push. Hit the turn onto Main street and the clock comes up shortly-surprisingly reading 6:35 for mile 4, I'll take it!

Time to slowly 'turn the screws'. I am weaving in and out, around runners. Still passing people-maybe 10 people passed for every one speedster that goes by me. Press, press, shut up legs-I know you're tired!! Turn the last corner and smile for the camera. :) Steady on the downhill and hold a little back. At the bottom of the hill, I tell myself that it's the last lap of intervals and 'run like your hair is on fire!' Final 0.75 mile in 4:48 (6:24pace).


run faster

reverse warmup, except without strides, for 10-15 minutes


under trained for the run after my accident, but I'm thankful that I CAN run (and swim and bike)


This is the only race I've done every year since I started running. I LOVE it and am thrilled that my family runs it most years.