Tough but fun weekend of running! First on Saturday was the Ben Moore Memorial Half Marathon. Ben Moore was an Annapolis running coach who trained thousands of people for the Marine Corp Marathon and the race is held on the his old training course. Ben must of been a very tough man because this course is no joke - tough and hilly. Ben passed away from cancer several years back and this race is held in memory. It is quite away to honor a legend because a runner definitely won't forget the last hill which feels thrown in for pure evil fun.
This was a second year running the half and it falls exactly two weeks after Catoctin 50k - there's no quick recovery from CAT so any run that feels like a success is indeed a success. I took over 5 minutes off my time from last year - ran the race strong but conservative and finished 3rd in my age group. Not my fastest time in a half but I am certainly happy about the morning run! It's an early morning race sponsored by the Kent Island Running Club and Race Director Ron Bowman does a fine job taking care of all of his runners.Ben Moore would be proud of this race and the great runners who show up every year. As always a measure of success in a race is evident by the quality of the volunteers and the Ben Moore Half displayed this perfectly. Thanks to all who showed by - handed out water, directed traffic and runners and cheered us on!
After a recovery smoothie, a little rest and some pushup - it was on to the AT&T The Sneaks Come Out At Night 15k in Baltimore city. This was a race to help the homeless and is brand new to the community - seemed a perfect way to get some high quality racing miles and no some good for a worthy cause. It also seemed like a good challenge and it certainly was. The race was held in Druid Hill Park not far from the zoo. Those who have run the Baltimore Marathon or Baltimore 10 Miler would be familiar with the area. It's hilly - but not quite as hilly as Ben Moore. But at this point in the day it didn't take much to turn a hill into a mountain.I should have adopted the same conservative approach that served me well at Ben Moore but I was anxious to see what my legs had left so ran a bit faster at the beginning. I held up well up to the last two miles when things slowed but at the point I wasn't racing and was just happy for the miles and the cool breeze of an approaching storm. I did manage 8th in my age group and over 22 quality race miles for the day. And it was fun! Again a big thanks to the Sponsor Charm City Run and all the volunteers. And a special mention to Judith who won age group at Ben Moore and placed 2nd at Sneaks Come Out At Night - strong running!
Next up is the Air Force Marathon September 15th (unless something else pops ups - like a Memorial Day 5k) Until then it's some rest and more miles.
Thanks for reading,
Eric
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