Monadnock Regional Milers

$20 for an adult registration - those who preregister get a t shirt, and there are great raffle prizes at the end. Here's where people can register: https://form.jotformpro.com/72424420983961 The proceeds will go to SHARE, an organization that services Milford, Amherst, and Lyndeborough with fuel assistance, food, and other related needs when a family is going through hard times.

As I’ve mentioned in other columns, I really love running in the fall. While I don’t mind running in the snow or rain, and even enjoy it from time to time, the fact that the footing can be bad, upping the opportunity for injury, makes winter and spring running just a bit more dangerous. The fall, with it’s no bugs, crisp mornings and evenings, and the benefit of cross country to keep me occupied, is just a step up from the rest of the other seasons.

In addition to the better weather, I’ve always seen the fall as the opportunity to get a good long race in. With the likelihood for cool race conditions, the fall begs for the opportunity to get a season PR before old man winter sets in making things all the more unlikely. For the past 20 years or so I’ve looked forward to some half marathon or marathon in October to gear up for and use as a focus for my training.

This year I believe the target race is the Newmarket Half making its debut October 29th. A product of the LOCO race team, the same people that bring you Half at the Hamptons and the Will Run for Beer 5K, this race is set to run you through LOCOs back yard, starting and finishing at the Rockingham Ballroom in Newmarket. Listed as scenic with rolling hills, it seems the appropriate endeavor for the day after the Divisional championships for cross country. An hour closer than the White Mountain Milers half marathon, it allows for me to drive up in the morning and back in the afternoon.

As I work back into getting in shape, a few down weeks due to a broken big toe, the challenge seems appropriate and elusive enough to help me concentrate over the next four weeks. While I sit on a background of mileage and training, this latest interruption, and the subsequent getting back into shape, seems to get more difficult as the years pass. I know my Christmas wish is going to be an injury free year, just training and running.

I have no plans or goals for this one. At least none other than finishing and fanning the flame of training and racing. It’s been too easy to stand back at practices, and run the watch and count the laps. I like the ability to observe but miss the ability to feel the workout. I’m hoping to re-catch the bug, to desire to crank it up, rip haaaad, and get some work done. And with this being fall, my favorite season for running, I think I stand a chance. See you out there.

November 25th – VRC Alumni and Friends Cross Country Race, noon time, open to all friends of VRC and Mascenic alumni. To be followed by post race Soupapalooza at the new Smith residence and end point of the Dead Possum Half marathon. 36 Fairbanks Road, New Ipswich, NH 

 

New Ipswich Congregational Church 150 Main St New Ipswich, NH 03071 Saturday September 30th race starts 9am, registration starts 8am.

 Adult runner: $25 17 and under: $10 Walkers: Free All proceeds raised will benefit Society of St. Vincent de Paul to help feed local families in need. All runners who register by midnight Sep. 15th will receive a premium long sleeve running shirt. Runners who register the day of the event the adult fee is $30, and the children fee is $15. No long sleeve running shirt is included if you register after Sep. 15th or register the same day of the event. There is NO registration fee for walkers, and a free short-sleeve T-shirt is available for walkers that register by Sep. 15th. All runners and walkers are encouraged to receive pledge donations. Please download the pledge donation form for further details. The beautiful fall foliage colors will be peaking, and this scenic 5k course will be a fun filled family event for kids of all ages to enjoy! Stay after the race for a chance to win a prize in our raffle!

 The Viking 5K is a fun community event celebrating Mascenic Regional High School Homecoming and the MRHS Cross Country Team. The race features professional timing, free t-shirt for runners registered by September 1, prizes, music, medals for all runners under 13, and post race refreshments. Same day registration available for $25 from 7:00 - 8:00 a.m. at MRHS. After overwhelming positive feedback, this year's race will again be held on parts of the home course of the Mascenic Cross Country team. The course will be completely on school grounds, primarily cross country trails. Event details and schedule The Viking 5K starts at Mascenic Regional High School, at 8:00 AM. Packet pick up for pre-registered runners begins at 7:00 AM. There is plenty of free parking at the high school.