Today, I ran a race to benefit the Run to Home Base organization.  This organization raises funds for veterans and their families who were impacted by the invisible wounds of war.    The event was held at Fenway Park. 

 When I signed up for this event, back in February, I was given a choice to run a 5k or a 9k.  I chose the 5k because it’s a shorter distance. Also, summer running is more taxing on my body due to the heat. 

I left my hometown Swampscott around 5:30 am and headed out to the blue line subway to make my journey to Kenmore Square Boston.   It was a nice, uneventful ride. I arrived at the park around 6:30am.

Runners were told to enter the stadium through gate C Lansdowne Street.

 The event began at 7am with opening ceremonies. Several different speakers spoke about what the home base program does and what it means to them. It was a very nice ceremony. I learned a lot.

 One hour later, it was time to run. 

Both the 5k and 9k races started on Jersey Street, which is just outside Fenway Park.   All, runners, jogged around Boston, and then we  all headed inside the ballpark to cross home plate which is the end of the race. 

After the race, I headed back to the Subway station to make my way back to Swampscott Massachusetts.  It was an excellent morning, and I was proud to be part of this event. Thank You, to the Home Base Program for helping the military families.

Today I ran 11 miles.   I am preparing my body to run the Vermont Maple Leaf Half Marathon (13.1). My daughter Carrie and I are doing this race together. 

The run was stinking humid….I could not escape it! I ran 7 outside and then 4 indoors on the treadmill.  High Humidity outside……High Humidity in my home gym. 

Overall, I did have a good run, and I kept my pace around 15-16  minute miles like Coach Galloway say I should do.

I am nervous about the race, which is probably a good thing because the body is mentally preparing itself to go 13.1 miles.  Plus, its Vermont …..Hills!

Also, summer is the hardest season to train in because of the heat. Long runs in the summer are not fun.  My running pace is always worse in the summer.

 In reality, the half marathon I am doing with my oldest daughter is geared to the needs of older/ slower runners like myself- with longer cutoff finish times. I have 3.5 hours to finish the race, which works well for me.

I also had a fun weekend. I spent the time sitting by our pool, soaking up the sun and just enjoying the day. I love the long summer days when the sun doesn’t set until late in the evening. 

Today, I participated in a 5k run for Migraines. The event was held at the Mystic River Reservation in Medford.  I am probably nuts exercising in the heat, but it was well worth it! 

All funds raised benefited the Harvard Brigham Faulkner Hospital to support local migraines research. In total the migraine community raised 10, 000 dollars as of today.

It so happens that I have migraines. They can be challenging. I am taking prescription medicines to prevent the onset of bad headaches. Medicine helps, but it’s not perfect. Breakthrough headaches can still happen. 
The event had a festive feel to it, because everyone was dressed in shades of purple the color of migraine awareness and were cheering words of encouragement throughout the 5k.

Even though it was extremely hot on the course, and I walked a lot, I love participating in this event, that is near and dear to my head and heart. 

Monday…Barbell Strength Class… Love this class…. My instructor is very good. She is always making sure I have good form during class.

Tuesday …I ran 10 miles. I did this run on a treadmill, because the weather outside was just too hot and humid for me. I started the long run slow and easy; my goal was to cover the distance. Naturally, I held back with the speed since it was a long run.  In the past I usually slowed down after mile 8 …. but not today!  All 10 miles were at a consistent pace. I finished 10 miles feeling good and strong. Just a bit tired.

Friday ..Barbell Strength Class + (3 miles treadmill) .

Sunday 3 miles

 I also had a nice weekend. It was my spouse’s 58th birthday.

To start off the holiday weekend, my oldest daughter and I ran the Amesbury Day 5k. This was our first time running this race. 

It was a lovely summer run with a morning drizzle.   A few hours before the run, there were thunderstorms that moved through the area, which helped cool down the air and clear out all the nasty pollens floating around. 

We both performed well. 

After the race, runners were treated to beer.  

I am absolutely running this race next year.