Seacoast Half Marathon

I started off my running career a little backwards. Most people start off with the 5 or 10k races and slowly work their way up to a marathon. Instead I did a couple 5Ks and then the next race I competed in was a marathon. Last month I decided I would start filling in the missing races and do my first official half marathon. I of course had run 13 miles and more during my marathon training, but I never ran an actual half marathon race. My friend, Laurie, was the one who mentioned the race and when she did I thought it would be a good way for me to get back into my running since I suffered a bit of a slump after the marathon. It was also probably a little crazy considering everything I have going on, but it is something I feel good when I accomplish so I thought, why not?

The race was in Portsmouth, NH along the coast and it was probably the most beautiful race I have done to date. The views through Wentworth by the Sea and of the islands off the coast were lovely. The people as well who both were organizing the race and participating in it were really great and there were quite a few people out along the route cheering people on. It was also a fairly kind course, the only really hilly bit was at the end. It was a lovely and welcome change to my training runs through Roslindale and West Roxbury which are pretty consistently hilly. Saying all that I highly recommend this for anyone looking to tackle a half marathon next November.

The best part though had to be the company. Laurie is one lovely lady and it is always a great treat spending time with her. Her aunt and uncle, Laura and Patrick, were kind enough to let us stay with them the night before as they live outside of Portsmouth. Laurie's uncle ran the race with us as well. Aunt Laura made us an amazing pasta dinner the night before to get us all carbo loaded for the big race and then proceeded to make us a great brunch to revive us after the race. Their generosity and kindness really made the whole weekend an amazing experience and I am very glad I decided to finish of this year with this race. Let the running continue.