| Author |
Topic: Another Boilermaker Report |
henrun
Cool Runner |
 posted Jul-10-2007 08:18 AM
   
Marj and I had heard so much about the Boilermaker 15K in Utica that we put it on our planned races. Of course, we had to make it part of another mini vacation. So, off we went 2 days before the race and spent an unplanned overnight in Saratoga Springs, N.Y.-a place neither of us had previously visited. That evening (after we ducked a thunderstorm and walked the town) we took in a free jug band concert at Skidmore College. Next morning we were on our way to Utica and the race expo. We encoutered a few friends from New England and hit the early pasta feed.
Early next morning we drove to the finish line to park our car for a post party getaway. We knew it was going to be a hot, humid day and had planned our run accordingly since both of us wither in the heat. We planned to average 11 minute miles instead of our usual 10's. Glad we did since over 100 runners were treated for heat exhaustion on the course and a 24 year old male died during the race (cause unknown??) Before the start we milled around with 12, 000+ of our nearest and dearest and ran into a number of acquaintances from New England and (Ilene-take note!) several Canadians we had met on our winter running cruise.
As usual, Marj and I started together but she soon pulled ahead and I lost her. I trudged along enjoying the music and the crowd support and hit the hills, maintaining my planned pace and taking water constantly and ice (no lack of water stations and ice being handed out). We were unhappy about the lack of gatorade, etc. on the course (our one major criticism). About 2 miles from the finish Marj caught up to me (and I thought she was way ahead). We ran somewhat together for awhile. 1/2 mile from the finish she started sprinting and I followed as we passed many walkers. She out kicked me at the end and finished 2 SECONDS ahead of me. Both of us had an 11:17 pace-1:45:02 and 1:45:04. We had wanted to finish in the first half of our age divisions. I almost made it-17/32 but Marj finished 18/46(!!!!!!!).
We enjoyed the party- a super blast- as we looked over a sea of people but couldn't find some friends we were looking for.
After a short stay we took off for our next destination-a B and B where we made up for 2 nights of poor sleep with a vengeance. This was a planned stay in the Cooperstown area where we took in an opera the next afternoon at Glimmerglass. We walked around the town enjoying the aura of baseball (we had visited the Hall of Fame a few years ago).
Right after the opera we headed home-a 4 hour drive.
So, another fun filled brief, but full vacation as we plan our next race and a variety of experiences.
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vista129
Cool Runner |
posted Jul-10-2007 09:32 AM
What a neat report.You have taken your running to a fun social stage. By doing this you get the benefits of running while enjoying everything else associated with it. That is a great part of the country to travel through. Cooperstown is fun to see and there is a lot of neat niches to explore in the Saratoga Springs area. Your times were good too, but especially so with the heat. Thanks for sharing this report ------------------
vista129
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mariposai
Cool Runner |
posted Jul-10-2007 09:59 AM
A concert, a run, an opera? What a perfect balance!!!!!. What a perfect weekend. I just absolutely love the way you always find a mixture of fun things to do in your, by now famous "mini-vacations and race weekend". I am impressed on how well you did on your 15k, considering the sea of people you were competing aganist. Wow!! Marj 18/46 and 17/32 for you henrun, way to go strong runners!!!!!!!!
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ksrunr
Cool Runner |
posted Jul-10-2007 10:15 AM
12000 close friends! Sounds like a great weekend. Thanks for sharing your report with the rest of us.ksrunr
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J3rs3ygrl
Member |
posted Jul-10-2007 08:58 PM
Great report henrun and marj! It sounds like you both had a lot of fun here in Central New York. I hope to see you at Boilermaker next year!. On a sad note....the local news reports that the young man (24 years old) died of an undetected heart condition.
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ptsmantua
Cool Runner |
posted Jul-11-2007 07:30 AM
Sorry I missed you amongst some 12000 folks.What a neat Race - Yes? Congrats on a solid run and exciting finish  Perhaps next time we'll get a chance to meet Cheers PTS
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Ileneforward
Cool Runner |
posted Jul-11-2007 08:06 AM
What a great report and great getaway weekend! How fun to explore new places and hear live music, but still get to run into friends too.
That is wild that you met some of our Canadian buddies from the running cruise too!
You guys both ran so well in spite of the heat and humidity and huge crowds, but I especially liked your exciting finish.  (woohooo, marj, high five!)Congratulations!
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tselbs
Cool Runner |
posted Jul-11-2007 10:19 AM
What a wonderful weekend, henrun and marj. You really did a lot of neat things in addition to a fine race. Congrats to both of you.TomS ------------------
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Dark Horse
Cool Runner |
posted Jul-11-2007 10:36 AM
henrun and marj,Good job. I hope I am still running at your age. Heck, I think you may run more at your age than I do now. Dark Horse ------------------
I'm a dark horse, running on a dark race course
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Canfit
Cool Runner |
posted Jul-11-2007 10:49 AM
Nice race for both you and Marj, Henrun! Thanks for your RR. I think it's great that you can make all your races "mini vacations".
PJ
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spankee
Cool Runner |
posted Jul-11-2007 11:56 AM
Quite the renaissance weekend and a new form of triathlon. (I would have found the opera to be the hardest event). Got to love a race with beer at the finish. Sounds like quite the party.Congrats on your finish on a hot day. ------------------
The longest journey starts with a single step
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