Running Clubs, Groups, and Partners: Massachusetts-Seeking Running Partner in Quincy, Braintree, Weymouth Area

I get a little carried away when I'm talking about it. But I am really proud of myself. I was a sprinter in high school at a competitive level and back then the 200m was long distance for me. But, sprinting can only go so far and loving to run I had to accept longer distances. I never thought I would have ever gotten to this point.

I never slept well before any of my half marathons and it was the same for the marathon. I was so tired from the long day that I got some good hours in but it was so interrupted. I had so much running through my head. It never seems to affect me race day though - I'm up and out of bed quickly and wide awake.

I probably picked it up a little too much in the middle third of the race. 9:30s should have been my fastest and I had a few closer to 9:15. But I was frustrated witht he 10s I was running near the start - the psychological nature of the pace got to me.

I think the smartest thing I did was go as far as possible before walking and having a set place to walk. I hurt by the time the water stop at mile 21 came along but I could still run at a 10 mile pace. I told myself until I really see a drop in the pace I need to keep running. Only walking at the last three waterstops makes me feel ok with my decision to walk because I pushed myself in between them and didn't give in to the temptation to walk more.

Thanks for asking! Unfortunately my dad had to step off the course at mile 15. He may have started out a little too fast but he thinks a combination of Accelrade and GU that he had never tried before was what made him feel the worst. He's obviously upset but I think this will motivate him for future marathons.

How has your running been going since your half? Find any races yet? I'm looking into some winter races so I'll let you know what I find. Briefly I think there is a 20 miler on Marthas Vineyard and one of similar distance running through three New England states.

It's been 2 weeks now since my race and I've had trouble getting back into a running routine. I've only gone 5 or 6 times. I think part of it is that it gets dark so quickly - I'm used to running after sunset but when I get home it feels so much later than it should be and it's done a number on my motivation. I brought my gym stuff with me to work today so I can hopefully jump start a routine - I'm looking forward to getting back into it. I've made a loose schedule so now I just have to start it!

I love the Thanksgiving Day races! My next race is the Jingle Bell 5K in Somerville mid-December. After that I'm looking to do one 5-10K/month. I'll get back into halves in early spring - I should look into the Hyannis Half - and do a few in preparation for my second marathon next fall.

That's so exciting you're taking on Boston!! What charity are you running with? Even with all the work to prepare, I really think you'll enjoy both the training and the race.

I LOVE cold weather running as well. I recently got an amazing deal on a pair of CWX tights and would live in them if I could. I need a good hat that helps wick away sweat - my knit one just won't cut it again this year. Hopefully we can keep eachother motivated to get out there when the temps really start to drop!

Good job with the running!! Keep it up!

Good job on the 9miles! Especially in that wind! It was probably the last bit of warmer weather running we'll see for a while. Keep that up and your 10 miler will be cake. When is that?

Good luck to your brother on his first race! Has he started to catch the running and racing bug from you? Think of how quick this race will seem to you after all the long training runs and the half marathon!

I am finally out of my funk. It wasn't even just running related - I had been tired and unmotivated to do much of anything the past 2 weeks. I hated taking the time off from running but I guess I really needed it. This weekend I seemed to get back on track and I feel so much better. I plotted out a more detailed routine for the next three weeks. This week will be lighter since I haven't run in 10 days.

I think to keep my competative level up, I am going to run a few races in NYC this winter. NYRR has a winter series of mostly 4-6 mile races with a few halves. My dad goes down often and has really enjoyed them. There is a half in late January of 2 loops of Central Park that I want to do.

Good luck with the running this week!

Oh, and been meaning to ask if you get New England Runner magazine? It's a great reference for races in the area. I think you can even access their database of events online.

Hey! Glad to hear the running has been going well. I've been doing well with my maintenance runs. I'm doing the Manhattan Half January 25 but not planning on pushing myself too hard.

Good luck with the marathon training!! How exciting today is Day 1!! You'll have to let me know how you're doing as you get further into it!