B.A.A Half Marathon (Boston)

That's a wrap on a successful racing season.

Race weekend arrived and went. I was looking forward to the B.A.A Half Marathon, race I have been training for the last several weeks. Going into this event, I was pretty confident with how much progress I have made in several weeks including training. The past few weeks, I ran two half marathons, setting personal bests in both events. What does Boston have in store for me?

Up at 6 AM and the first thought is wearing shorts or tights. The temperature was sixty degrees with 10 mph winds. I decided to wear tights to keep myself warm. Upset that I did not pack a dry fit long sleeve shirt. That was the furthest thought from my mind. After a quick breakfast, I walk up the street to Franklin Park at 6:30 for the 8 AM start. I do not like to eat a heavy meal the morning of a big race. I bring along GU Energy Gels to consume on the course. For fluids, I add Tailwind Nutrition to water to insert electrolytes in my system. If a water table is present, I will have a few cups to keep myself hydrated. 

Around 8 AM, the starting horn sounds, over six thousand athletes are off and running. My objective was to run a methodical race keeping my pace in check. Looking to run 6:50-7:00 for the first 9-10 miles then a little quicker the remaining distance to the finish.

Leaving Franklin Park, the course took a right onto Arborway towards the Forest Hills Transit station. The first mile pace was 6:40. I took the opportunity to dial the pace back slightly so I would have energy to finish strong. Just past the first mile marker, the rolling hills made their presence along the Emerald Necklace section (Jamaica Pond, Olmsted Park, and Riverway). It was a beautiful section of the course with several thousand fans lining the streets cheering all the participants on as they passed. I ran a loop around those three parks with a turnaround point on Riverway. The first half of the race, my paces were under seven minutes.  

Going onto the back side of the course, I began to tire. Maybe running three half marathons in a span of one month was catching up with me physically. Starting at mile 7, the hills got more gradual. I decided to keep moving forward. Around mile 9, achieving a personal best was slipping away. Even if my pace was slow, I kept running so I can get across that finish line. Lot of hills on the course but I had a fun time running in Boston. Relieved that the last four miles were back in Franklin Park (Circuit Drive, Zoo, and White Stadium). 

Finish time: 1:34:19 at 7:13 per mile pace

Not a personal best for the race but I had a great time sharing the course with over 6,000 runners. It was nice to end a great racing season on a positive note. The weather was absolutely wonderful. The spectators, volunteers, safety personnel, and event organizers were terrific. Also, thank you to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute with support from The Jimmy Fund.

Post race reflection: Running races are not always about achieving a personal best. There are times when you need to just have fun running. Running in Boston gave me the chance to take in the scenery along the course. Yes, I have so much more to learn about distance races. You can do all the training and planning you want for a race. Guarantee you there will be issues. Listen to your body mentally, physically, and emotionally. Enjoy the running journey, be patient, and persistent. I had this conversation in a cab on the way to the bus station with another passenger.

This is a good way to conclude this recap. Thank you to everyone who made the B.A.A Half Marathon a fun experience. It was awesome sharing the course with excellent athletes. I will be back someday to complete the mission.

Persistent and patient running,

-MJ

Vermont Sun Half Marathon

Photo: Pat Hendrick Photography

“Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice and, most of all, LOVE of what you are doing.” – Pele

Sunday was my second Vermont half marathon in two weeks: Vermont Sun. All I have to say is it was a great success. This was a great way to get one step towards the conclusion racing season. One more half to go in two weeks. Here is a Manchester Half Marathon update.

Vermont Sun began and finished in Branbury State Park. Prior to this race, I was raving about the excellent weather for race day. 10 AM start was the latest I have ever competed in. Aside from that, the weather was perfect. Little chilly with the temperature in the fifties and partly sunny. My favorite saying, "This is perfect running weather," especially that Fall season has officially begun. The course was a down and back, which I am not a big fan of. It gave me the chance to run on rolling hills, dirt roads, and under the shaded trees. 

Going into this race, I did not put any heavy expectations on my finish time. If I did not set a personal best for this race, I was not going to be upset about it. I was expecting some steep hills on the course. There was only one very steep hill just after mile 6 and before the turn around point. This race, I had a chip tied to a running shoe, which was a first.

Photo: Pat Hendrick Photography

Start-Turnaround point (Rogers Road)

Runners take their marks at the Start/Finish line. My objective was to run 7:00-7:20 pace. The half marathon runners began the staggered start. It was nerve wrecking very briefly to be in the front row. My GPS on the watch was not fully ready when the race began. I just pushed the start button and ran. As the time official yelled Start, I wanted to get a very good start and away from traffic as quick as possible. I was surprised to find myself in third place leaving Branbury State Park. Turned right onto Vermont Route 53 towards Fernville Road. At this time, I was in second place with the eventual overall winner, about a quarter mile ahead of me. I did not let that phase me. Focused on running a strong pace without tiring very early in the race. Making it a habit looking at my watch constantly while racing. Even though I would like to avoid it, it has helped me run more methodically. The results are starting to show. Back to the race, the first five kilometers had some rolling hills including a gradual climb just past mile 2. According to my watch, the paces were excellent (7:03, 6:53, 6:58).

After the mile 3 marker, the course turned onto Fernville Road. Then, a turn onto a long stretch of course, Hooker Road and Rogers Road. Around mile 4, the road went from gravel to dirt. It would go back and forth on this portion of the course. Before mile marker 5, I grabbed my first cup of water. While maintaining a quick pace, I was taking in the scenery along Lake Dunmore. Just past mile six, I encountered a steep hill just before the turn around point on Rogers Road. I stayed focus knowing the course was going to be easier coming back to the finish. Decided to use my first energy gel around the 10 kilometer mark and finish just before the turn around point. The first six miles were slower compared to the rest of the race. Took my second water cup at the turn around point (6:52, 7:12, 7:11).

Turn around (Rogers Road)-Finish (Branbury State Park)

After the turn around mark, the course got a little more quicker. The pace was quicker during the second half of the run. Not too many steep hills. Where I got my first water cup, the kid volunteers were kicking the cups around like it was a game (6:53, 6:44).

After mile 9 before the turn onto Fernville Road, I panicked briefly when the course guide was gone and was not sure where to turn. Luckily, I saw the yellow arrow signs and followed them to get back on track. I was upset briefly but I put that aside, focusing on finishing the race strong. Despite that mix up, I still had a good pace (6:54, 7:03). My watch was off on the distance but I got that out of my mind quickly. The GPS not being fully ready possibly had something to do with it. 

It was nice to get back onto the final stretch, Vermont Route-53. Consumed my final energy gel at around mile 11 (7:03) to get me through the final two miles. Setting up for the strong finish. At this point, I did not look at my watch. The finish line is getting close, I can sense it. Passing the Silver Lake trail parking lot, the Branbury Park entrance is in sight. Running the final stretch towards the finish line, I was excited to have the crowd cheering me on. As for the photographs, I hope they are good.

Photo: Pat Hendrick Photography

Crossing the finish line, I knew I did great, second place overall. I held that runner up position for a majority of the race. Last three splits according to my watch (6:40, 6:30, with the last tenth of a mile at 7:12 pace). Got my chip removed from my shoe and watched the next couple runners cross the finish line, third place overall male and first place overall female. After getting situated, I went to the trailer for my result. I was very surprised at my time (1:29:15.7 at 6:49 pace). It was very encouraging hearing the volunteers and event organizer that I had a "killer run." That gave me a tremendous boost of confidence going into my race in two weeks. Congratulations to all the runners who received awards. It was a pleasure talking to everyone after the race. Excellent job Corey Robinson for beating the course record and winning the overall. Also, shout out to Isabelle Dickens for winning the female overall and coming close to the female course record.

Funny how you do not go into a race with no expectation but end up with an extraordinary level of confidence for the hard work put in. I really can't wait to race again in two weeks. 

I want to take the opportunity to thank all the staff that put on the race, Vermont Sun Fitness and sponsors, the volunteers along the course, Pat Hendrick Photography, 802 Timing, and Branbury State Park for hosting the race and letting me jump into Lake Dunmore after my race. I actually look good in my race photos for a change.

Photo: Pat Hendrick Photography

From the rolling hills in the Green Mountain State, keep on running.

-MJ

Maple Leaf Half Marathon (Manchester,VT)

Saturday, brought me to Manchester, Vermont for the Maple Leaf Half Marathon. This was my first time running a half marathon in The Green Mountain State. Overall, I was very pleased with the race course which was challenging but not daunting. It felt wonderful to be racing again. Thank you to all the sponsors, event organizers (Manchester Lions Club), volunteers, and safety personnel for making my first half marathon in Vermont a very fun experience.

Could not have got through the run without help from my fuel essentials.

Mile 1-6

Prior to the race, my plan was to keep the pace around 7:20 because the first six miles had graduated elevation on the course. I wanted to have energy left in the later stages of the race. For this portion of the race, the paces went according to plan (7:07, 7:25, 7:02, 7:27, 7:15, and 6:51). I try to avoid looking at my watch constantly because my focus starts to lack but this race was an exception. Also, it was very helpful sticking to pace goals. If my pace was too quick, it gave me an opportunity to dial it back slightly (a little slower). Made several passes on this portion of the course and kept the runners in sight for most of the race. Also, I planned my water stops prior to the race. Usually, my first one is four miles into the race. At around mile four, I grabbed the first cup of water. 

Mile 7

Another excellent pace just before the big hill. Grabbed my second cup of water but did not get a good grip on it. I didn't have time to dwell on that mishap. Luckily, I had a GU Energy gel to get me through the next few miles including the Windhill Road stretch, 6:56 mile. Some portion of the road was run on a dirt road.

Mile 8-9

It was time for the most daunting hill on the course, Windhill Road. My objective was to have a slower pace (around 7:45) on this portion compared to other mile markers. I ended up with a 7:43 at that stretch which was better than expected. If it was 8 minutes, I wouldn't have been disappointed. The same runners were in my sight. One of them looked back to see where I was. That same runner would do it again after mile 9. Now it is time to keep moving.

Mile 9-Finish

Now that the daunting hill portion of the course was finished, the remaining stretch began its gradual descent. My objective was to pick up the pace, run under 7 minute miles for the remaining portion of the race. Break open that other GU Energy Gel and go to work. Just after mile 9, I caught up to the runner who looked back at me a couple miles back. Back onto the dirt road portion of the course until just after the ten mile marker. I ran along side this runner for about two miles. He thanked me for pushing him though. I asked him where we stood position wise. I believe we were in the top ten at that moment. Quickly got that off my mind and started reeling in a few more runners that were still in my sight. 

Mile 11, I slowly picked off a couple runners. I grabbed my final cup of water while continuing my quick pace to the finish. Passed my final runner at around the twelve mile mark. Mile 11 and 12 was a beautiful stretch of the course running on Vermont 7A back into downtown Manchester. Made the final push not really looking at my watch at all because I showed no signs of slowing down and felt fantastic (6:40, 6:36, 6:42, and 6:40 with the last portion at 0:59). It was an exciting feeling coming back into Dana Thompson Memorial Park for the finish. The crowds were cheering me on along with the announcement of my name. Thank you very much for making my first Half Marathon in Vermont a memorable one. 

Can't you tell I am thrilled with how race weekend went?

Final time: 1:33:14 with an average of 7:07 per mile

6th place overall and 1st place in my age group (30-34)

Thank you very much Manchester for a memorable experience. I will never forget it. On to Salisbury in two weeks for another race. 

Let's Go To Work

-MJ

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

Vegan Five One Eats #7 (New York City)

Sunday morning brought me to the Lower East Side/ East Village section of New York. In a few hours, I will be taking a walking tour around the area with a guide that has numerous stories over the years about punk rock. But first, it is time to find a restaurant nearby serving delicious vegan food. How about Organic Grill on 1st Avenue? That sounds wonderful.

I heard about Organic Grill through social media posts, most notably John Joseph (Cro-Mags). All their menu items are vegan. However, not all of them are gluten free and nut free. If you have allergies, make sure to read the menu before ordering. When I arrive, brunch was being served. Before entering, I took a look at the menu posted on the window. On the regular menu, I noticed a sandwich created by John Joseph himself. It is called the John Joseph Jackfruit Sandwich. Around 11:30, I was able to get a small table in the back close to the kitchen. If you have a group, I would highly recommend getting reservations, especially on the weekends. It is a small establishment and not too many tables.

The sandwich contains Jackfruit with barbecue sauce; aquafaba mayonnaise; and kale slaw on a potato dill bun. It was delicious because the filling was almost falling off the bun and it was not dry. This is my second time have a Jackfruit sandwich, Organic Grill did an excellent job. Prior to the visit, I never had Kale Slaw before. That's what I forgot to do, put it on the sandwich instead of eating it as a side dish. Either way, that was terrific.

Looking outside, it is starting to rain. Luckily, crowds are not rushing in during brunch. That gave me a little extra time to pass before the walking tour began. After the meal, I received the check along with a comment card, in the form of a post card. I took the opportunity to write, "John Joseph and Rich Roll sent me here. Awesome food and excellent service. Will return again soon." Leaving the card on the table, I noticed an older man walking around talking to the patrons. That must be the owner, Vladimir. Moments later, the owner noticed my card and we instantly struck up a conversation. I told him about how I found out about his establishment. Then, he gives me a copy of John Joseph's, Meat Is For Pussies. Thank you very much for the book Vladimir. I really appreciate it and can't wait to start reading it. He took a picture of me with the book and sent it to John Joseph himself.

This is the first vegan restaurant where the owner talked with me. I really appreciated Vladimir getting to know patrons personally. Our conversation was wonderful and we could've talked longer. More patrons are shuffling in and need my table. Along with the excellent staff and service, thank you very much for making my first trip to Organic Grill a memorable experience. Of course, I will return soon. Hopefully, I will bring more friends with me. What should I get next time I visit? Maybe the Waffle Burger or Green Machine Burger.

Until next time, healthy eating and prosperous living.

-MJ

For more information, visit https://www.theorganicgrill.com/
You can also find them on social media @organicgrill

New Jersey Marathon

“Confidence is not some nonphysical quality snatched from the spiritual dimension and installed in the mind. It is the feeling that arises when the body’s knowledge of itself is in harmony with a person’s dreams.”  – Matt Fitzgerald

After seven months of training, marathon weekend finally arrived. The day before the race, I stopped by the Pace Team table to meet the members and suggestions on running an efficient race. At first, I was very ambitious. Well, over ambitious to be exact. Based on past race performances, I was getting faster and stronger. One problem, the races were smaller distances. I understood that I could not run under seven minutes over the course of the marathon distance. A pacer asked me, what my previous time was (Vermont City 2017, 3:37:15). He recommended I run with the 3:30 or 3:38 pace group. After that discussion, I agreed that running a 7:00 mile/ 3:05 pace group was going to be a difficult task. The pace team gave me some excellent advice but I went against it slightly. Result of being over ambitious, a term that will be used several times over this recap.

April 29th, 6:45 AM Sunday morning, I arrive for the start at Monmouth Park in Oceanport. After stretching and dropping my bag off at gear check, it is time to take my place at the start line. Just after 7:30, the horn sounds and the runners are off. As the race began, the rain stopped, clouds started to open, and the temperatures gradually increased towards the fifties. Mile 1 started off really good with a 7:23 pace. Mile 2, I had to make an unexpected detour but got back into the race quickly. At around the 10 kilometer, I caught back up with the 3:15 pace group and held up for the next seven miles. Maybe it was the cheers from the crowd that got me going in the early portion of the race.

Around the halfway mark (13.1 miles), I was losing the 3:15 group falling slightly behind. This is where I started to slow up. My original plan was to run 7:15 miles the first half and pick up the pace slightly in the second half of the race. That all changed with about ten miles to go. Being over ambitious was catching up with me.  I wanted to pick up the pace as planned but my body would not allow it. I never looked at my watch once because the times were posted at each mile marker. I was looking forward to running on the boardwalk portion of the marathon course. It was awesome hearing the spectators and volunteers cheering all the runners on. As I approached the final 10 kilometers, I was on pace to set a personal best.

The last 10 kilometers were my slowest (miles 20-Finish) hitting at least eight minute miles. I felt a brief period of sadness running on the boardwalk. Despite feeling a small pull in my right quad, I carried on towards the finish line. Getting closer to the finish line, my emotions changed because it turned out to be a pretty good day.

Finishing on the boardwalk was an awesome feeling. Definitely a nice change from the hard pavement on all marathon courses. My final time was 3:24:01, inside the top 300 overall, and a five minute personal best. Overall, it turned out to be a wonderful day. I met a so many wonderful people and heard so many inspiring stories. The course was awesome and the spectators were wonderful. Thank you very much event organizers, sponsors, pace teams, volunteers, law enforcement, and medical staff. New Jersey, you were awesome. Finishing my fourth marathon was a tremendous success along with a wonderful experience.

The beautiful feeling running a marathon is learning more about yourself every time you step up onto the course with other runners. It has given me an excuse to travel to different states and meet so many people along the way. For all my readers, my one piece of advice is do not go into a big race over ambitious. Plans usually change over the course of the run. Always be prepared to make adjustments.

Until next time, get outside and lace up those sneakers. It is a beautiful day.