I had no idea what to expect today. This was my third race in 14 days (1/2 IM two weeks ago, sprint 9 days ago). So I thought I would just go out and run as fast as I could and whatever I get I get. Ideally, I've set course PR's the last 5 times running it, last year was 1:14:47, so hopefully sub 1:15 would be in the cards.

During the first couple of miles, I wasn't feeling that great, mile 1 went by in 8:20 and mile 2 in 8:30, and it really felt like I was working. My stomach wasn't feeling that great, and we were running into a head wind. I just told myself to keep plugging and see what happens. Mile 3 went by in 8:44, which included a bathroom stop. Heading up into mile 4 is a pretty big climb that lasts almost the entire mile, at the bottom of the hill, I took a gel and it seemed to perk me right up. I really starting finind my stride going up the hill, passing a ton of people, and hit mile 4 in 8:38. Mile 5 is a long downhill and passed in 7:42. Near the end of mile 5 there is always a group of people handing out popsicles, and that thing tasted like heaven. Mile 5 to mile 6 is about the only flat spot on the course and I figured this would be a good jodge of how I was now running, hit mile 6 right at 8:00. Saw my family, right before I got to the mile marker and stopped to give my kids and wife a kiss, so I probably would ahve been around 7:50. See the family gave me a huge lift, which I was going to need, since mile 7 is all uphill. Mile 7 passed in 8:15, and I passed another ton of people going up. Mile 8 is all downhill, and I tried to open up as best I could, but really couldn;'t much turnover going, paseed mile 8 in 7:37. Mile 9 is deceptively uphill, not steep, but long and gradual, with enogh bends in the road where you really can't see the climb. Mile 9 passed in 7:47. Get to the top of the last hill, see the finish line and go as fast as I can. Hit the finish in 1:15:43.

Not as fast as last year, but the best I could do today.

Need to do some speed work on the track. Leg turnover was pitiful on the downhills, should have been able to go much faster on those long downhills.

Head to the post race party, grab and down 2 beers by 9:45 hang out with the family until the fireworks and air force fly-over at 10:30.


More speed work on the track


I love this race, I think this is my 10 year in a row running it. Anyone in New England should do this race once. Great support my the entire city. There is no place on the course where there aren't spectators, and there are some places where they are standing 3 and 4 deep. Lots of bands, DJ's, and tons of water and ice stations. Popsicles along the course, and the always slapping 5 with the guy on stilts between miles 7 and 8.