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| Finish line entering Falmouth Heights (Falmouth Road Race) |
My family and I relocated (see previous post) but it didn't stop me from keeping on my training schedule for perhaps the greatest road races in the world: The Falmouth Road Race. Unlike the common 5K (3 miles) and 10K (5 miles) races, Falmouth is a challenging 7.1 mile course that takes the runners from the narrow streets of Woods Hole to a beautiful two mile run by the ocean before heading into Falmouth Heights.
This year marked my eighth year running the race. Hard to believe, but after volunteering at the finish line, with duties that entailed handing out water, collecting chips, picking up exhausted runners off the ground, and giving the legendary Bill Rodgers a high five, I finally gave in and decided to run.
That was in 2006 and now, eight years later, I am proud to say that I posted another personal best mark. Who knows how much faster this 42 year-old body can continue to push, but considering my first race was a relaxing 1 hour and nine minutes, this year's 58 minute blitzkrieg through the coast of Cape Cod was so rewarding.
After a grueling, high-humidity race a year ago, this year's race was much cooler. Warm, but there was actually a nice breeze to cool the runners. Providing inspiration to each and every runner, volunteer and fan was Boston Marathon bombing victim Jeff Bauman who served as the official starter to the race. Security was tight, but I think his presence gave a little boost of energy to everyone.
To run Falmouth, you need to pretty much do two things: pace yourself, and train. So many runners, and I'm usually in the back of the pack with the average weekend warriors, love to just sprint out in the first mile only to start calling it a day around the Nobska Lighthouse (yes, that is just 1.1 miles into the race).
For me to be successful, you really need to pace yourself. Coming out of the woods while leaving Woods Hole, you pass mile three, but you still have four miles of bright sunshine and little kids to high five along the course.
Training is key. I never really made a training run over the summer of longer than 50 minutes, but I made sure I stayed consistent with keeping a solid pace and logging good miles during the week. The final week of training included a terrific and difficult hill workout (very important) and ended with a track workout focusing on a little speed work.
It paid off.
I was able to dodge those ready to throw up the flare guns all the while maintaining a good pace before I was ready to dig down deep for a little kick in the final mile (thank you track work) before heading down to the finish line.
It's a great race. Among the 12,000 plus jammed like cattle into Woods Hole include former Olympic Champions, winners of the Boston Marathon and London Marathon, kids of all ages, and weekend warriors.
Like me.
