Tag Archives: Massachusetts

Two runs, one weekend: Jack Kerouac 5K

Posted on September 28, 2011 | 2 comments
Jack Kerouac

Author Jack Kerouac (he ran with us in spirit).

Where boobs characterized weekend 5K part one, part two was all about beer. (And you wonder why we chose to run both.) Some would probably point out that I’m taking a far-too-lowbrow view of the Jack Kerouac 5K in Lowell, MA, but having read the author’s  classic novel and gotten little out of it, I chose to focus on the event’s post-race libations rather than its high-falutin’ literary pedigree. (Lowell, by the way, is Kerouac’s hometown and where he is buried.)

It wasn’t our first run with beer at the end, but it was our first that started and ended in a pub – Hookslide Kelly’s – which made me infinitely happy. I’m not sure of the health ramifications of post-race ale, but, hell, it’s not like we were drinking before the run.

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The bog days of summer: Semap Bog Jog

Posted on September 19, 2011 | 7 comments
Cranberry bog

Needless to say, at the end of the Semap Bog Jog, my face was the same color as the cranberries.

The cranberry and I have never been friends, but I was intrigued by the prospect of “running through bogs,” as promised on the website for the first annual Semap Bog Jog in Wareham, MA. I did have two questions though as we signed up for the 5K: how was I going to keep my feet dry? And how on earth was I supposed to run in those cumbersome waterproof waders?

My apparel fears turned out to be unfounded, however, when I realized we would be running around bogs, not through them. I covered my disappointment well (I think) and lined up in my customary back-of-the-pack spot for this, my first-ever trail run.

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Police, poignancy and impatience: Jamie Cochrane Memorial Road Race

Posted on September 12, 2011 | 4 comments
Jamie Cochrane Memorial Road Race, Quincy, MA.

The Stars and Stripes hovers over the start of the Jamie Cochrane Memorial Road Race on Sept 11, 2011.

With Hubby away with the Massachusetts National Guard, it was time for my first – gasp – solo 5K. Technically I always run solo, but usually have my other half/cheering squad at the finish line to help me cross.

But I couldn’t resist this race as it was practically on my doorstep: the Officer Jamie Cochrane Memorial Road Race, held in Quincy, MA, the place I currently call home. It was a stunning day for a race, possibly the nicest since I started doing these events. It also happened to be September 11, so it was heavy on the poignancy. The event raised money for various charities.

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Ralking in the USA: Jamie’s Fund Road Race

Posted on August 29, 2011 | Comments Off on Ralking in the USA: Jamie’s Fund Road Race

My goal is not to run a marathon. Or even a half-marathon. At least not at this point. I don’t think there’s enough asthma medication in the world that would allow me to do it. Not yet.

I would like to be able to run an entire 5K though. While I have enjoyed telling others about my “ralking” (run/walking), it does take a bit too much explanation, despite the term’s presence in the Urban Dictionary.

My third 5K: running in the rain

5K number three was the Jamie’s Fund Road Race in Mansfield, MA. (The Jamie Fund supports children with special needs.) It was a gloomy kind of day, and I had reservations about even going out to do it. But Hubby kept insisting that running in the rain was the best way to go (that’s his Army training speaking), so I relented. One thing about this running business is it certainly gets you up early on a weekend morning.

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Sweating for good: Butterfly 5K

Posted on August 23, 2011 | 3 comments

Running is not just about getting to the finish and trying not to fall over while you’re doing it.

OK, it’s mostly about that.

But being able to contribute to small but worthy causes is appealing. It almost makes up for all the sweat and the tomato-face. Almost.

Julia's Garden

The gateway at Julia's Garden.

The Julia Foundation

A glutton for punishment, I signed up for my second event: the Butterfly 5K in North Attleboro, MA. It was in support of The Julia Cekala Charitable Foundation, created in memory of nine-year-old Julia, who died after suffering numerous illnesses during her short life. The foundation supports the local community through the building and maintaining of Julia’s Garden and Playground in the World War I Park in North Attleboro.

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