It’s April in Massachusetts, and still it snows! We have had some normal spring weather and a day or two in the 70’s. Most of us thought we were done with Jack Frost.

Snowy Long Run

This week we began our taper and the Sunday Long Run dropped down to 14.8 miles. I planned to run a little faster than I did last week on the 21.5 mile run from Hopkinton to BC. On the Big Long Run I managed a 9:05 pace which was pretty good, all things taken into consideration.

This week I ran quite a few miles with Freddi from The Mystics. She is running Boston this year and it will be her second Boston Marathon. Her first Boston was 21 years ago!

From our start on Main Street we headed up to the Melrose Common and took a right onto Swain’s Pond Avenue which looped around Swains Pond. We took a right onto Lebanon Street and then a left onto Forrest Street which took us out to Main Street.

At the Citizens Bank we had our first water stop. I had an orange slice and a bit of water and PowerAid. From Citizens Bank we headed up past the Oak Grove T stop, crossed Washington Street and took Glenwood Street out to The Fellsway.

Glenwood is hilly and the sidewalks were often at treacherous angles. I had my Brooks trail shoes on, but even the best shoes can’t keep you from falling in bad conditions. I was running with Courtney and Rob and we had a good chat as we made our way over the hills and out to the Fellsway.

On The Fellsway I immediately went to the side of the road. There was about 2″ if slush, but smooth pavement. When traffic was clear I ran more into the road so I could get better traction.

Since this run was a lot shorter than last week’s run, I decided to push it up the hills. A little hill work will go a long way on Marathon Monday. Even with all of the hill on Glenwwod and The Fellsway I managed to run about 9 minute miles for those three very hilly miles.

When we got to the water stop across from Melrose High I took a gel and more water/Poweraid. As we headed out of the parking lot towards Saugus there was more hill. As we approached the golf course the road leveled out and I was able to lock into my marathon pace.

When we took a left off of The Fellsway onto Main Street in Saugus, I left the group to make a pit stop at Dunkin Donuts. I had to go through two doors to get to the restroom and it was 100º in there! I swear the toilet seat was heated, but it was probably just from the heat in the room.

Sorry for the TMI, but this is a running blog!

I usually don’t take “bathroom” photos but I couldn’t resist. Even after being in that sauna for 5 minutes I still had ice on my hat! At the last water stop by Melrose High I actually had a piece of ice hanging off of my hat and into my face!

When I got back out onto the road everyone was gone. Going up the Main Street hill in Saugus Brian Walfield drove by to see if I was okay. I had been with the group running long, but now I was next to last.

I told him I was fine and kept pushing up the hill. This was around mile 10 and my left knee was acting up. I knew I only had about five miles to go, so I knew I could make it.

I started paying attention to my running form. I tend to slouch one shoulder when I run. My theory is that this throws my body off balance and may be contributing to my issues.

So I tried to square my shoulders and pretend I was running on egg shells on the down hills. My back and my shoulder were fine, but the knee was saying hello.

Across from the Wakefield Voke I took a left onto Nahant Street. I had forgotten how long and hilly that stretch of road is. It’s a winding road and I had to run on un-even, slushy sidewalks to be safe.

At the corner of Nahant and Main Street in Wakefield I came to one of our common water stops, Nick’s Pizza. I believe Christina was running this water stop and she had her little daughters in the car. When I asked them if they were going to be out running with mom someday, two of them laughed and one loudly said “No!” with lots of giggles.

After re-fueling and trying not to swear in front of the girls as I stretched, I started out on the last 3.5 miles of the run. Shortly after leaving Nick’s there is a nice hill, which is just perfect after your legs stiffen up at the water stop!

I continued to run the rest of the course by my self. I pushed as hard as I could and tried not to let my knee bother me too much. When I finally got to the end my watch said 14.8 miles. It was too close to 15 not to take a few trips around the parking lot.

FamilyAid Boston Fundraising

I brought the raffle tickets and ticket bags into Bruegger’s. A lot of people had gone home already, but I managed to sell $40 worth of tickets, plus another $20 that Glen gave to me before the run. Not bad for not much notice.

I’m hoping to do well Tuesday night as I am way off from my fundraising goal. This is my first attempt at fundraising and it certainly has been a learning experience. Friends and family near and far have been all of my support so far.

I’m not sure how much I will get from Pizzeria Regina, but the raffle baskets and 50/50 are off to a good start.

Run well my friends. I hope your marathon training is going well.

Andy

© 2016 andrew nagelin