Brenda's Week in Review: March 7, 2012 and Stu's 30K Race Report

by Brenda Chroniak

The weekend's inclement weather didn't stop Steve Sian, Maggie O'Toole, and Terry Reagan from racing-- or stop Trish Kelly and Mary Beth Begley from cheering them on--at Stu's 30Kin Clinton, Mass.

This hilly, fun race was great team bonding for the group. Read Steve's race report to learn more!

This coming weekend, it seems everyone is resting up and getting ready for the 18th, when BTT team members will be racing coast-to-coast, taking on the Ras na hEireann 5K, the L.A. Marathon, the Half of Quincy, and the NYC Half.

And of course, this is your weekly PSA to volunteer at the Ras, post your race goals, and promptly log in your race results.

Stu's 30K Race Report

by Steve Sian

This past Sunday, March 4, Maggie, Terry, and I met up in Clinton, Mass. to race Stu's 30K. Although our surroundings were still coated from a rare snowstorm for this winter, the roads were clear and the race kicked off at 11 a.m.

The weather was chilly, but comfortable once the race got going. We ran together for (maybe) the first half of the race, enjoying the scenery and each other's company. Knowing how hilly the course was, I don't think any of us wanted to pace too fast too early- conversational pace with good conversation. Mary Beth and Trish braved the hour-long drive to come cheer us on. They met up with us at multiple points along the course on their bikes providing much appreciated encouragement for us and everybody else racing. During the second half, our trio split up, each of us settling into our own paces for three great race efforts! It was great day.

Some interesting things to note about this race…

- It's hilly. Definitely save some for the end- the hills are done when you can see the straightaway to the finish. Kick too early and there are at least 2 more hills waiting to sap your last burst of energy.

- There's no starting mat (think: ready, set, go!).

- Talk Trish and Mary Beth into coming out to cheer you on.

- For the measurement-calculation challenged, 30K is 18.6 miles, not 18 (thus, my comment about kicking too early), not 18.3 (Maggie's "last mile" seemed to take way longer than she expected).

- Hang out for the post race and grab a table by the emcee when the raffle is going on.

- It's awesome, but don't tell anybody. We'd like to keep the race secret and to ourselves. The first rule about Stu's 30K is…