I started the month running the hilliest 15k I have ever encountered in the pouring rain. If it wasn't for my running club and being too competitive for my own good, it is doubtful I would have toughed this one out. But I'm glad I did... one of my fastest runs this season at the Frank Nealon Boston Tuneup.
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| Just looking at this again makes me cold! |
The following day, because my legs weren't quite dead enough, we had a freak snowstorm in the Boston area, and I ran one of the most miserable 5Ks of my life in about 4 inches of snow and windblown hail. Check out my race recap of this doozy here... The Shovel Town 5K in Easton, MA was a fun, well-run local race, but I would love it if we could avoid the snow next year...
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| April in New England.. why oh why... |
A few weeks ago, I did another local race - the Raynham Knights of Columbus 5-Miler. This was a familiar course for me, with a few rolling hills - and luckily it was a beautiful, sun-shiny day. I ran in a tank top and shorts... what a contrast to the earlier part of the month. Best part of this race? The pancake breakfast at the end, duh!
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| What a difference a week makes! |
And then last weekend, I took a road trip across the mid-Atlantic, from Philadelphia, to Washington DC, to Virginia, to western Maryland, to Rehoboth Beach in Delaware, and then back to Philly again... all in a whirlwind three days! I checked off my 9th state last weekend running the Coastal Delaware Marathon - one of my all-time new favorite marathons. I had a wonderfully relaxing weekend on the beach, exploring the boardwalk shops and eating my way around Rehoboth Beach. Check out my race recap here.
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| Delaware, blue skies and beaches - I miss you! |
So what's in store for May? Four marathons, that's what! Starting with the Sugarloaf Marathon in Maine on May 15th, followed the next day by a marathon in Portland, and the day after by a marathon in New Hampshire. A few months ago, a good running friend convinced me in a moment of weakness to sign up for the New England Challenge - a week of five consecutive marathons across New England. Yikes! And then several friends from my running club were registering for the Vermont City Marathon, which I've always wanted to do... and I haven't run a Vermont marathon yet... so suddenly I was running four May marathons!
I have no idea what to expect, but I am excited for a month of testing my limits, exploring New England and having a blast with good friends. No doubt I will finish the month stronger - both mentally and physically - and with some memories to last a lifetime. Can't wait to see what's in store!
I'm linking up with Holly from Hoho Runs and Tricia from MissSippiPiddlin for the Weekly Wrap.
Wow! I had to re-read that paragraph where you said you were running 4 marathons in May? My body would break if I attempted that. Good for you!
ReplyDeleteThank you, fingers crossed my body doesn't break too! We shall see! :-)
DeleteI did like Wendy! I had to re-read to make sure I saw that correctly. That is intense! Do you belong to Marathon Maniacs? If not, you can get in easily and probably go up a level or three. Holy cow. Very impressive. I was already thinking what a busy April you had! I wish you the very best of luck. Please keep us posted here on the Weekly Wrap! Thanks for linking with us Michelle!
ReplyDeleteHaha thanks :-) I actually don't belong to Marathon Maniacs, but am planning to join after this month's craziness. It will be an exciting accomplishment if I can make it through the next few weeks!
DeleteI cannot believe you are running 4 marathons this month. Amazing!!! The weather in NE has always been crazy. When I visited my mom early April in MA, I could not believe we had a snowstorm while there. Wearing a down jacket in April is not my idea of springtime. Good luck with all your races and adding a Vermont race to your states challenge.
ReplyDeleteThank you! Yes I totally agree - my body just can't get used to going from warm to snow back to warm (and now 40 degrees again!) almost every other day. I am SO ready for summer!
DeleteOkay, I will say it too, WOW 4 marathons! I hope they all go well for you and you are able to properly recovery between each one! Best of luck!
ReplyDeleteThank you, this is definitely unknown territory for me - but I am looking forward to it!
DeleteI am new to your blog, and I am in AWE of your running!! I look forward to your upcoming race recaps!!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for stopping by and reading! We'll see how it goes :-)
DeleteGet lots of rest between the Marathons, it sounds like an amazing challenge, but don't forget to take care of yourself.
ReplyDelete