B.A.A 10K (Boston)

My face is telling me that it was a successful race and the medal looks good around my neck.

Meb, it was an honor meeting you and sharing the course with you in Boston

"I also realize that winning doesn't always mean getting first place; 

it means getting the best out of yourself." - Meb Keflezighi

Every year, I make the trek out to Boston whether it is overnight or day trip. This year, I decided to participate in a running race. It was my first time running in one of my favorite cities. The B.A.A 10K is an annual race put on the Boston Athletic Association.The same organization that runs the Boston Marathon. The 10K race is one of three Distance Medley races during the calendar year. I was very happy to participate in a big event that supports an amazing cause. The event raised money for Brigham And Women's Hospital totaling over $200,000 from 560 runners.

The race started and finished in Boston Common. It was a down and back course through Commonwealth Avenue through Back Bay District. Miles 2-4 took runners through Boston University and Kenmore Square. Leaving Kenmore Square, the course returns to Back Bay and Boston Common towards the finish. Overall, the course was mostly flat and fast with a couple of small elevation gains. I enjoyed running in Boston and sharing the course with very elite runners was an amazing experience. The crowds lined up along the course were excellent.

I walked and jogged to the start from Boylston Street at 6:15 AM. Looking at the Hereford Street sign, it inspired me to think about an opportunity to run in the Boston Marathon soon. After stretching and a little jog to get ready, my thought was do not eat until after the race and hydrate prior to the start. 8:03 AM, the horn sounds, in excess of 10,000 runners are off in the eighth annual B.A.A 10K. The first mile, it was a little tough due to traffic congestion just exiting the start line. Despite that, I still managed just over seven minutes. 

After the first mile, the traffic started to thin out a little bit. I started passing runners one at a time. Two and a half miles in, I saw the front runners heading back towards Boston Common at the mile 4 marker. Des Linden and Meb Keflzighi in unison heading towards the finish. Back to my race, my splits were quick before the turnaround point (5K mark). Mile 2-4 were 6:25; 6:31; and 6:24 respectively. At the mile four mark, I made my only water stop to keep myself hydrated. 

Hitting the home stretch, miles 5 and 6 splits were 6:21 and 6:24 with the last 0.2 at 1:42. I started to slow down a little bit from Arlington to Charles street, final stretch. It was a rewarding feeling crossing the finish line in a little over 40 minutes (40:21). It was awesome shaking Meb's hand just after crossing the finish line. My finishing time was the quickest 10K I have ever ran. Thought I could break the 40 minute mark but was not quite there. How could I be upset about a personal best? According to the results, I finished inside the top 300 overall (283rd) out of over 8100 finishers. My checkpoint times: 20:22 (5K) and 32:22 (8K). The second half of the race was just under twenty minutes. As a runner, I am very happy with the progress I have made in a couple years. 

The only disappointment was not meeting Des at the event. Overall, the event was an excellent experience. Not too long after finishing the 10K, it inspired me to possibly sign up for the B.A.A Half Marathon coming up in October. 

I want to take this opportunity to thank all the volunteers, police, medical, and event organizers for making the experience a very positive one. I can't wait to come back for future events. Everyone did an excellent job making the race safe and fun. For the spectators, everyone was awesome cheering on all the runners along the course. Congratulations to all the elite athletes on their finish. Again, it was an honor sharing the course with you. 

Thank you Boston for an amazing weekend. Can't wait to visit again soon for another race. Safe travels and mindful running.

-MJ

I will be back soon to run the major race.

Rensellaerville Ramble Trail Run

Great catching up with a running friend. Photo: Sarah Dobler

Saturday brought me to Rensellaerville for the 3rd annual Ramble Run trail race. It was a good opportunity to take my run off the pavement for once. I enjoy my normal training runs on the road, but there is something about running shoes making contact with terrain. This was my first trail race in almost four years. Currently, I am finishing up training for a 10K race coming up next weekend. An eight mile run was scheduled prior to tapering. Rensellaerville Ramble Run had an eight mile race so I decided to sign up for that. 

I never been to Huyck Preserve, race location site. But the area was beautiful and I couldn't wait to get on the trail. My objectives were to run at a controlled pace and stay focused on the course. With the course being marked very well, that made my objective more easier. It allowed me to stay focused on the course and not look back.

The route began gradually uphill on Pond Hill Road. Then, the course took a left turn on Ordway Trail to the Race Track Trail circle. I conserved my energy as much as possible following runners for a couple minutes at a time. Once it got quiet, I ran solo for a good portion of the race. I could hear someone behind me coming down the hill but never passed me. After the race, I talked to the runner who finished behind me. He told me that I beat him on the hills. With the elevation changes and gain, I conserved my energy as much as possible and not get flustered mentally. It was a struggle somewhat with the hills but I told myself to keep pushing and do not stop. Miles 2-5 had drastic elevation changes with steady climbs. Consumed an energy gel (Huma) just after mile 3 and right before the water/aid station at mile 4. It was interesting hearing the banjos play along the course a couple times. Once I got beyond mile 5, the course began its descent towards the finish.

Mile 7, the course switched to the trail off of Pond Hill Road, Lake Trail. Ran on a few makeshift bridges and slightly jagged uphill towards the finish. The race ended back where it started on the road. Crossed the line with a time of 1:07:25 good enough for fourth overall.

All in all, it was a very sweet experience. I definitely want to do another trail run in the future. The volunteers, sponsors, and event coordinators were wonderful. Met so many amazing people at the race. I was very fortunate to run for a great cause. Sorry this is not a well detailed recap. Still have a lot to learn from the race. Until next time.

Happy Trails

-MJ