Baystate Marathon/Half Marathon

Congrats to all of the Striders who finished the Baystate Half or Full Marathon this weekend, and especially to Linda Desjardins who pulled off [yet another] BQ! Grand Prix results have been updated. Please check your score as we’re heading into the final event of the series, the Mill Cities Relay in December.

And now here is a recap of the race, generously provided by Linda Desjardins (thanks, Linda!):

Baystate:  a runner-friendly course and a mountain of support from the Lowell Road Runners.  The race’s execution, from my vantage point, was flawless.  The weather was just right hovering near 50.  OK the wind was problematical at times.  Those of us who ran the marathon were subjected to 4.5 miles of unrelenting strong headwind TWICE as there’s a repeat loop.  Striders made a good showing: three marathoners and six half-marathoners.  Rosie Kyes and I ran the first half of the marathon together.  We had some unforgettable miles.  During one particular stretch we said we’d never forget, an older woman (but younger than me) was running and had a big smile on her face.  But…with every foot plant she’d say ahhhhh and then the next foot plant she’d almost shout whooo.  On and on, ahhhh, whooo, ahhhh, whooo.  Everyone around her was laughing.  We thank her for giving us an incentive to pick up the pace and get out of ear shot.  At about the half, Rosie wanted to take a walking break and told me to keep on, so I did.  We were cruising at a 10 minute pace and shooting for negative splits.  At mile 19, I began to suffer repeated charley horse-type cramps and hobbled back the last 7 miles, stopping frequently to stomp out the cramps in the seized calves.  Rosie, getting some strong second wind, was able to catch me at mile 24 and extended her hand for me to stay with her.  If I only could.  I couldn’t even raise my hand.  Rosie had a great finish and cruised in.  I…finished, nearly falling down on the way to the chute.  In retrospect, another memorable marathon.  But I think I’m getting too old for this!  (I WAS the second oldest woman running the marathon.)