Running Clubs, Groups, and Partners: Massachusetts-Seeking Running Partner in Quincy, Braintree, Weymouth Area

Hi,

I am a 25 year old female training for my first half marathon in mid-October. 9:30 give or take average pace. I ran a 10 mile race in April in a little under 97 minutes and a 10K in May in 56:50. I am looking for a running partner a couple times a week to push me a little and also for some company on longer runs. Usually run after work around 6:30, but willing to wake up early and run before work.

Hi Bostonhall, great to hear from someone in the area. Not many of us on these boards usually. Four half marathons is pretty impressive, I hope after my first I will be inspired to keep doing more and then eventually run a full myself. What full are you running? Not sure our training runs would coincide with one another very well as you are training for further distance but never the less it would be great to check in with each other during the week. How do you feel the heat effects you? When I trained for the 10 mile race I did in April it was obviously pretty chilly training in the months leading up to race day. Now that I am training in the summer, the heat is definitely effecting my pace. I never ran with water when I trained last time, but I feel like I need to start. I was HOT HOT running today, didn't think it was very hot when I started but about 2 miles in and I was realizing that I misjudged the weather a little bit. Today was a 6.5 mile run and I was not happy with my 10 minute mile pace at all. Good thing I have 8 weeks to keep improving. Hope your runs are going well! 

The 10 mile race I did in April was the Cherry Blossom 10 miler in Wahington, D.C., I love it down there. My boyfriend and I have very close friends that live down there so we visit every couple of months.

I am doing the ING Half Marathon in Hartford, Connecticut on October 11.

I ran with a water bottle in my hand the day after my last post and it wasn't as bad as I thought. I also felt a lot better than I did the day before, it was a shorter run (5 miles) but with some speed intervals woven in.

I like to train with GU but I should be more consistent about the way I use it. 

What kind of training program are you on? I am working off a runnersworld.com Ultimate Half Marathon 8 Week program for beginners. I thought about trying the intermediate since I had done the 10 mile race already but the intermediate assumed you had done at least one half and were logging a lot more miles than I was. 

How was your runs going this week?

 

 

I have never tried the jelly beans but I have seen people use them. I like the GU because you don't have to really chew anything, just swallow it down. Did you try the GU last weekend on your long run?

That's cool you have your own personal running planner in your Dad. 

My Intervals are more like Aerobic Intervals than speed workouts, they are incoporated into my runs on the street. For instance on Monday I did 2 miles followed by 2 X 1:00, 1:30 and 2:00 with a recovery jog in between each and then 2 more miles to finish it up.

I think I am fairly good at keeping my pace, when I run less than 5 miles I always average between 9 and 9:15 miles, anything over 5 I start edging more towards the 9:30 9:40 miles. Last night I ran 4 miles sub 9 and felt great. I have been thrilled with the cooler weather. 

Where do you do your long runs? I am so sick of running around my neighborhood, I was thinking about going to D.W. Field Park in Brockton this weekend to change it up a bit for my 7.5 mile run.

You mentioned you run with a group sometimes, are you in some sort of running club? 

 Hope you had a good week of runs.

 

 

Hey! So I didn't get out on that 5 mile run this morning. Strangly I couldn't sleep last night and only got 4 hours.

Anyways, I thought I would pass this along. My friend sent me a link about a Tuesday night running group. I don't know if you are in the city during the week but there looks to be an email address to request more info.

 

Boston, 480 Boylston Street, Back Bay

Meets Every Tuesday at 6:00 PM @ City Sports Boston Back Bay Store

Come join fellow runners for a fun-filled workout in the heart of Boston! Runs start every Tuesday night at 6:00pm out of the City Sports Back Bay location.

The weekly runs are attended by local runners and City Sports staff, and will be hosted by representatives from some of City Sports Running partners throughout the season.

Membership is free, all you need to do is sign a waiver. Fill this out and bring it to your first run. DOWNLOAD WAIVER

Questions or inquiries? Email Runclub@citysports.com, contact the Back Bay store (617-267-3900) or visit City Sports Back Bay at 480 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02116

Hey-

Thanks for the encouragement! I'm trying to stay positive and just have to convince myself I will get back into it faster than I think. I look forward to getting back into a regular routine but I can't let myself get too worried if I struggle at first. I still haven't gotten out on a run. Last night it was due to the Red Sox game - standing room so the legs are a little sore today. Luckily, today will be much lighter at work than I expected so I'm going to get out of here early and finally get a run in!!

Unfortunately, my run this weekend is in NYC. The NY Road Runners have a few organized training runs in the fall to help prepare for half and full marathons. I really suggest it if you are training for a race again next fall. They have pace teams to follow and water stops set up. Last month I did 12 and loved having someone else keep the pace - I run in the 9:30 pace group. Plus, it gives good practice for hydration without having to carry a water bottle!

Your race is a couple weeks before mine, but it would be great if there is time for a run together before you start to wind down your training. Have you thought about heading into Boston and doing a longer run along the Charles? Might be a nice change of scenery.

Hey!

I did 16 miles on Saturday - two short of my goal but still the farthest I've ever run. It was a humid day from the start in NYC which didn't help. I did the first 14 miles with the 9:15-9:30 pace group. Mile 14 I started to slow down to a 9:50. Mile15-16 was brutal! It wasn't my energy level or my muscles like I thought it would be...it was my joints! My knees hurt so much that I winced with every step. But, I fought to mile 16 at a 10:38 pace. I can't believe come race day I still have 10 more miles to go!! The knees were very sore the rest of the day, but today they feel fine and I just have the expected muscle soreness. I hope to do a 4 mile SLOW! recovery run tomorrow. I hope your 8 mile run went well!!

I'm going to have to start going to the gym more now, too, now that it's dark so early! I was doing the same thing and running later in the evening thanks to late days at work. Thursday when I got home I started to realize that wasn't going to be possible anymore.

It looks like I don't have anything planned for October 4, so that would be great if we could meet up for a long run! Are you starting to get excited for your first half!??

I was planning on doing an ice bath after the run, but the hotel we were at only had a shower. I haven't done them after my 12 mile runs but it's not a bad idea. I just hate being cold and I'm already chilly after I do long runs so I tend to make excuses not to do it. After my half last year I refused to use ice and fell asleep with my legs covered in a heating pad. Oh well.

It's good to hear you felt good on the run but the way you feel afterward sounds awful. Are you taking in enough during the run? What about before? I usually have a glass of chocolate milk and some fruit and granola after my long runs.

9 am sounds great. I've never run along the charles so let me know a good place to meet up.

I was a sprinter in high school and had to go in the cold whirlpool on occasion and it was terrible! Of course I injured my hamstring so I pretty much had to sit in it. The heating pad felt great on my legs - but I don't know that it did any good. Although, I was still in school for that half and  therefore had little time to properly train, so I don't think anything was going to help the legs at that point.

Sounds like you make a real effort to stay fueled. I could take some lessons in that! You sound so organized with your routine and how long before the run you start to get ready. I am usually just grabbing a granola bar as I'm stretching to get something in my stomach. It sounds like you must be really good at sticking to your plan to run each day.

I think the chocolate milk effect has something to do with the carbohydrate to protein ratio - I like it because it's a great excuse to add chocolate to some milk!!

I'll be taking the T into Park Street. I don't know any good places to start so wherever you usually do is fine. The goal is to run one more real long run, I'm hoping 18 miles, before my race. I'd really like to get through it and not feel like I can't take another step since come race day I'll still have a ways to go!! My other long runs are a little more reasonable between 10-13 miles. I'll have to see how I'm feeling that day and if I want to give that longer distance a shot.

Gotta wake up early for a 5 mile run. Hope you're enjoying some the cooler running weather!

I'm so glad I checked to see if you had written! I've been trying to get myself out the door for a run and reading about how well your training has been going is giving me that push to get excited to get out there. Your time for the race is amazing! Awesome job!! You deserve a rest day!

Running last week was ok - I was doing so much better a few weeks ago but ever since my trip I haven't been as motivated. I was suppose to do a 20K this weekend on my own, but was sick on Saturday. Sunday we did the "Hub on Wheels" bike ride through Boston so that was all my body could really take. Still not feeling all that great but I want to try and do an easy 6 miles tonight.

 Enjoy the chocolate milk!

Morning runs are great. Living in Quincy I love to run along the water as the sun is rising. But, having to leave the house so early for work makes it difficult to find the time. I hate having to worry that I won't get a run in by the end of the day.

Good idea on the new sneakers. Do you have a specific brand you like to wear? I bought my first pair of Brooks a number of years ago and have continued to buy the newest model of that sneaker since.

I did get out on my run last night and it was by far my best run since my training started a few months ago. I really needed it to get myself back on track. I was pumped to do a run tonight as well but it's 7pm and I'm still at work. It was nice and cool out and I just felt so relaxed - I never even glanced at my watch. I surprised myself with a 8:19 pace. My fastest prior to this was an 8:47! But I felt great the whole time!

I'm headed to the Big E one day this weekend but aren't sure which one since rain may be on the way. I can meet up with you the other day if this weekend is better for you. But, if things change last minute I'd hate to leave you with little notice.

I don't know if there is a way to send an individual message - my thoughts are there must be.

Awesome RUN! You have me worried I am not going to be able to keep up with you for 10 miles!

Yeah-I am not a premium member. Just email me at huttonkayla@yahoo.com. It will be easier that way. Hopefully I won't get a bunch a looneys emailing me now!

I love the BIG E, I went to UMass Amherst so I went at least once every year while I was in school, sometimes more.

This weekend would definitely be better for me. So if you can run whichever day you decide you are not going to the Big E that would be great.

I heard the weather was going to be awful too, I am worried about getting my long run in, I only have 2 left before my race so they are pretty crucial. I will either have to suck it up in the rain or suck it up and face the treadmill for 10 miles. It is kind of a lose-lose situation. Let's see how the weather goes.

I'm concerned about my runs, too. I love the rain but hate when it interferes with my running! I worked long hours this week and ended up with a migraine yesterday so I need to fit my miles in this weekend. I think I'm going to have to enjoy getting soaked.

I almost bought a pair of Aasics the last time I was due for a new pair of sneakers. I remember liking them, but I was just too loyal to my Brooks!

 Hopefully the rain will let up for 10 miles worth of running tomorrow!!!

 

I ran 13 miles Sunday - in the rain. The warmer temperature was great - it rained pretty good miles 5-7 but it was kind of fun. I, however, did not get a recovery run in Monday. We didn't go to the Big E because of the weather - just a little too far to take the chance of rain.

My boyfriend has the same thoughts on how ridiculous a recovery run sounds. It makes sense, but I can see how it sounds a little silly.

I'm so impressed with the mileage you are able to get in! A few weeks back I managed a 30 mile week. Getting it all in was great but the same thing happened to me not realizing how tired I really was. I had to take a few days off afterwards for rest.

It sounds like you are going to be well prepared for your race! Are you still free for a run on Saturday? Looks like the weather will be beautiful.  I did a 3.5 mile interval run today. Tomorrow I'm planning to run 5, so I'll need a long run this weekend.

Hey! I saw that you tried to send me a message, but it wouldn't let me read it since I'm not a premium member.

Just got back from a 5 mile run that just felt awful. I knew I was too fast but I felt like I was dragging the whole time. I was just glad to be back and have it done.

Tomorrow could work for a run if you're still up for it. I don't know what you had planned mileage wise for your run with your race coming up...let me know.

Hope your runs have been going well to give you a confidence boost before your race!!

Hi, sorry we missed eachother this weekend. I had a lot going on and had to run 5 miles on Sat and then 10 miles on Sunday. I am getting psyched for my race on Sat! My runs went well this weekend and I am just trying to eat lots of carbs and potein and drink lots of water this week during my taper. 

You are running the half marathon in Boston this weekend as race training right? GOOD LUCK! 

 

 

I live south of Boston too. Check out my new group: http://www.mapmyrun.com/community/groups/945137268488

 

How did you do...!? Hopefully your nerves at the start worked themselves out as you got running and realized you trained well and are ready!! I hope that you enjoyed it enough to keep running the distance - the half is a great race! Can't wait to hear about it..!

Congrats!! That's awesome that you had such a good race and met the time goal you set! Great finishing time! I had the same thoughts the first time I ran a whole half, and then when I did my 16 mile training run last month. It's just so cool to know you can actually run that far!

My race on Sunday went well. Weather was beautiful. I ran my last half in March in 2 hours 58 seconds and was bummed I had just missed breaking 2 hours. So this time the goal was to do that and I did - 1:56:37. The first few miles were congested and so my times were slower. I was nervous it wouldn't happen but I felt strong and was able to hold a fast pace for the remainder of the course.

I'm glad to hear you had such a good first half that you'll run others! Who knows - after a few maybe you'll even want to try a full!

Typical of most, I do not feel fully prepared for the marathon. Part of it is never having run the distance before and not really knowing what to expect. Part of it has been what I see as a disappointment with what I was able to accomplish in training - some related to motivation but most related to time constraints due to work. Ahh - the nerves are coming out.

Less than two weeks away so I have done all that I can. The half marathon helped with my confidence and reassured me that I've done well to prepare. I certainly have trained harder than I ever have. I have put a lot of pressure on this marathon (Marine Corps Marathon) because not only is it my first, but also chosen because my brother, a Marine, is over in Iraq right now. So the race has an emotional level to it.

I'm hoping once I've recovered from the race, that I will want to challenge myself to more marathons - and the training that it requires!

Thank you for the well wishes for my brother. I am running the race on my own - my Dad has the NYC marathon the next week. He will be around the course looking for me to cheer me on and I'll be doing the same for him the following weekend!!

Last week began my taper so only 11 miles total. Tonight was 5; next week is a total of 6-8 miles. I almost find it harder to get myself out the door for a 3 mile run than for my longer runs! My knee started to bother me at the end of tonight's run so I'm icing it hoping that it settles down!!

It's a smart idea to keep a regular running routine throughout the week when you aren't training for a race. As you said - good to keep it up for future training. Plus, once you start racing, running really becomes a bigger part of your life. It's more than just getting to the gym to stay in shape, it's working towards a goal. I seem to do my best when I have a race to prepare for.

Have fun at your Thanksgiving race. Have you ever done one? They are so much fun! The past two years I've started to host dinner so I don't get a chance to run one anymore but I really enjoyed them!

I did have a lighter week every 4th week. I have to admit I didn't always do a good job sticking to it because with my crazy work schedule the "lighter" week didn't always fall at the right time. It helped to give me a week to relax more after work and let my legs rest up - keeping the mental and physical aspects of running in line.

I haven't run any winter half marathons in New England since I really started getting into them when I was living out in Arizona. Winter running there is a whole different story! I'll ask around and see if I can get some suggestions for you.

You a Red Sox fan? Good thing tomorrow is a rest day for me because I'll need that extra hour of sleep staying awake to watch the game tonight!

At least when you're not training, things like trips to NY and getting sick can get in the way of running without the constant concern for how much it will set you back in preparation for a race. Enjoy it! As much as I love running sometimes I can tell I just need a little "vacation" from it.

The race is this Sunday. We fly down to DC Saturday. We have plans to meet my Dad down there, do the expo, and RELAX!! Then Sunday is the big day!! We come back to Boston Monday afternoon so hopefully we'll get to visit DC a bit - if I can still walk!!

I have a 3 mile run to do tonight in this frigid weather. It's so odd to only have to plan 6 miles total to get in for the week!! Funny that with less running I don't necessarily feel like I have all that more time...ha!

I'm glad you hear you enjoyed the half enough to keep up with the longer distance races! I'm thinking about running Boston as well. I decided to see how Marine Corps went and if marathons are a distance I want to continue to challenge myself with. There is a charity team where I work that I've looked into. 

NY Road Runners also have a program for guaranteed entry in the NYC marathon if you run a certain number of their sponsored races the year before. I love training for races - even though it never goes as well as I'd like.

I'm busy getting all my things together. I have about 4 lists because I'm terrified about forgetting something!! I've never gone somewhere with so much running gear and so little else!

I'll let you know how it goes!!

 

Hey! Sorry it has taken me so long to write. Things were crazy last week getting back to work and this past weekend we were in NYC to watch my dad in the marathon.

So...the Marine Corps was awesome!! We did the expo on Saturday and I bought tons - my dad got me a finishers jacket which I love. I had been up since 2:30am for our early flight but I was so excited I didn't feel too tired! It was rainy so I'm glad it wasn't race day.

Our weather Sunday was great - cool, more like cold, in the morning but I had warmed up within the first mile. It warmed up quite a bit and there were lots of people in tights and long sleeves who looked so hot. There were tons of people which was frustrating at first but then I realized it was a forced way to keep my pace down - around 10 min pace. It wasn't until mile 9 that I really felt like I had a little more room and my pace picked up to 9:15-9:30. I didn't mean to pick it up that much but I was feeling good and that just seems to be my natural pace. I felt great half way though but my stash of cliff blocks ripped off my shorts so I got nervous when the next few water stations only had water and no powerade. I really felt ok until around mile 19 when the legs started to hurt. It was mostly my knees and ankles but the up (and more so the down) hills during the first 8 miles strained my quads more than usual as well. I saw my dad again at mile 20 so he gave me another pack of cliff blocks. I got a little whiny when I saw him but while I hurt I was not yet at the point of walking.

I was so determined to run the whole thing but knew that hydration and replenishment was important since the legs were fading so I walked at the mile 21 water stop so I could fuel up. I continued to run but did the same at the water stop at mile 23 and mile 25. I felt good with my decision to walk only the water stops because I knew if I gave in and walked at any other point along the course it would be hard to get motivated to start running again. The last few miles slowed down to 10:30-11:15 pace. But, it worked out well and I passed mile 26 and the finish line still with a smile on my face in 4:23:37.

I was really surprised how I felt after the race. The legs hurt but I was walking normally. I had a brief moment of some dizziness but a slice of pizza and some soda did the trick. I felt well enough to walk a good 1.5 miles back to the Metro and didn't even need a nap before dinner. But I slept good for the next couple nights!! I went on my first run again on Thursday. 3 miles. By then it was just the hamstrings that were a little tight. Another 3 mile run on Friday felt fine.

The whole experience was increadible. I still can not believe I did it. There was a point at mile 23 when I really started to realized just how far I had run. The crowds and cheers were such motivators. Watching the runners this weekend at the NYC marathon brought back all that excitement and all the accomplishment I had felt the week before. I will most certainly run more. It was one of the hardest things I've ever done, but it was not impossible. And the feeling afterwards just can not be beat.