TCS NYC Marathon ALZ Association

Sunday, March 31, 2019

Eastern States 20 Mile race

March 24th
I participated in The Eastern States 20 mile race. It spanned three states beginning in Kittery, ME and finishing just across the state line in Salisbury, Massachusetts (20.25 to be exact). My training called for a nineteen mile run. It was a perfect opportunity to use this race as a training run (so much for that). It is a struggle separating being competitive from an easy training run. Despite this, I was very happy with the result but have plenty of room to improve.

Going into a race, I attempt to plan a strategy mentally, ensuring the run goes smoothly.  For this race, I wanted to run 5 mile blocks at a particular pace. For instance, miles 1-5 would be ran at 7:30 and finishing the final 5 at 7:00. Regarding fuel and hydration, I carried three GU Energy Gels and stopped for water three times along the course. With the strategy in place, it was time for the race.

Race morning, I drove to Winnacunnet High School in Hampton, New Hampshire for the shuttle bus. The 7:45 AM bus would take myself and the rest of the runners to Robert Traip Academy High School in Kittery, Maine. Arriving after 8 AM, it was tough finding the ways to pass the time until the race starts. 11 AM is the latest I have started a race, not sure how I felt about that. I took the opportunity to stretch, eat a light meal, hydrate, and a warm up jog. As the race approached start time, runners walked a short distance to the start downtown. It began on a narrow up hill driveway next to a public parking lot. Runners on your mark…

Race began heading towards the New Hampshire state line into downtown Portsmouth. Checking my watch at mile 1 (Memorial Bridge), my pace was 7:06. I quietly swore at myself for going out a little too quick. At this point, my original (mental) plan was scrapped. For the remainder of the race, my goal was to clock consistent splits without going under 7 minutes per mile.

Running through downtown Portsmouth was wonderful. I was excited to get onto Route 1-A along the coast. The remainder of the course would be ran on this road (Mile 3-20). As the race progressed, I was very pleased with my progress staying focused with my new plan. The only down side running on the coast is possibly running through head winds. It happened a couple times but I did not push too hard without getting very tired. Aside from that, the splits were excellent through the first fourteen miles. Approaching mile 15 (Hampton), my body started to slightly tire. Seeing that passing competitors would be few and far between, I put my head down to finish strong. Traffic was getting heavy approaching the slower half marathon runners. Some spots on the course had difficult, if not,no opportunities to pass. Locke Point Ocean Boulevard bridge only had room for two abreast. Also, Hampton Beach and Route 1-A approaching the Massachusetts state line (finish) was tough with vehicles approaching you. It gave me a chance to draft behind the twenty mile competitors conserving energy. Crossing the bridge, I was desperately looking for the finish line (where is it?). It was a relief hearing a volunteer at mile 20 shout, "Turn left and the finish line is 50 feet ahead."

Time: 2:25:44.3/ 7:12 pace (68th overall)

Miles 1-207:06; 7:09; 7:11; 7:04; 7:00; 7:04; 7:07; 7:08; 7:04; 7:05; 7:05; 7:05; 7:11; 7:12; 7:22; 7:25; 7:27; 7:32; 7:37;  and 7:35 with the remaining distance at 7:21 pace.

Crossing the finish line, I was relieved and very pleased with the result. As stated earlier, I have tons of room for improvement. Thank you to all the event organizers that made the event possible. It was a very fun race. Law Enforcement did a great job keeping competitors safe. Can't forget the volunteers who made a tremendous difference, making the event enjoyable.

Rye, New Hampshire around mile 5.
What do I need to work on for my next long distance race?
  1. Improve sleep habits night before race.
  2. Write down race plans instead of relying on one mentally.
  3. Meal plan night before race
  4. Talk with coaches and/or pacers about how to prepare for long distance races


Route. Photo by Marathon Sports.
My first trip to Maine, through New Hampshire along the coast, and finishing in Massachusetts was a memorable experience. I would highly recommend this race to all runners looking for a long run tune up to a spring marathon. Currently accepting recommended races in Maine and New Hampshire. Congratulations to all the runners who finished the event. Hope you accomplished your goals Very grateful to meet some awesome athletes. Good luck with your future endeavors. Until we meet again.

Lace up and lets go to work
-MJ