Sunday February 16 2020
Because of its nauseatingly formulaic pseudo Irish revelry, Boston, with its green-washed history is not a place heigh on my travel list. But Massachusetts is a state that needs running just like any other. In fact, it’s a state and a part of the world where running is actually a big deal!
This was certainly evident in the combo entry I just ran. WAMP put on a great event, comprising two separate races, The ‘Flat 5K’ shortly followed by the ‘Old Fashioned Ten Miler’; combinable for the ‘Bad Ass Half’. The standard in competition was probably the highest in any event I have completed thus far. It was actually the same guy who won the Flat 5K, who had claimed the top prize money in Rhode Island. I think he probably claims a lot of prize money around the New England area!
I was coaching Saturday morning so Becca and I flew up to Logan, Boston after that, picked up a Dodge Challenger rental (on offer for our last minute booking because Hertz’ car wash was closed), and drove to our Air BnB in Foxborough. We were staying in the private quarters of a nice big family home, and were greeted by a wild turkey as we approached the front door. After chatting briefly to the owner, who was from Perth, Australia, we relaxed, and went out locally for Italian food next to the New England Patriots’ stadium. Sunday morning, Becca was feeling unwell so I drove to the race for a leisurely 0900 bib pickup, warmed up and started the 5K event at 1000. I ran a 19.06, placed 23rd (4th in age group 30-39) beating the winning female in a sprint finish, and recovered with a gel whilst I jogged slowly up to the 1045 start line for the 10 mile event. In that one I ran a 1.08 (which is a 6.50 pace), and placed 55th, 18th in age group. Those events combined for a 1.27.39 half marathon, and combined placement of 23+55=78. This meant that in the Bad Ass Half combo I placed 15th overall, 5th in my 30-39 age group. Complicated, but ultimately, pretty good considering the strength of field.
Ignore the first mile – watch GPS delay!
5K Finish –
10 Mile Finish –
Some more photos from a WAMP photographer –
Having switched to the full marathon in April’s upcoming Vegas Revel event, my weekly training mileage has increased. This meant that even after all the aforementioned, I still had to run 5 miles at the end, to get me to 18 for the day! After that, I headed back to the Air BnB for a quick shower and change, then drove Becca to a surprise she had arranged – Old Salem. We stayed in a lovely hotel, The Merchant, went to the Witch Museum, attended an interesting ghost tour and had a delicious dinner in a local restaurant.
Monday morning (Presidents Day) I ran a recovery 8 miles first thing, explored some more of Old Salem with Becca, then drove back to Boston for our flight home, via a scenic driving tour of the Massachusetts coastline and a Thai lunch.
It turns out Lynn, MA, where we had our lunch, was actually named after the place I was born… King’s Lynn (formerly ‘Bishop’s Lynn’ in Norfolk, England). See pic below – Regis, meaning King in Latin.
A nice start to 2020 racing. Next stop Idaho.
Racing Americana 