Cross Training - Mount Monadnock

It's been a really relaxing summer for Run Rhody. Outside of a couple fun runs, we've really been taking it easy. Ryan's gearing up for a couple half marathons in the fall, and I'm going to do a bunch of 5ks, something I really missed this spring when we were training for Providence and Boston.

While we've been taking a break from running, we've been doing a lot of other stuff we don't really have time for when we're training.

This weekend we climbed Mount Monadnock in Jaffrey, NH.

About 2.5hours from Providence, this was a great day trip and an awesome cross training activity. Really used a lot of the same muscles as running, and really engaged our cores, something that we could always use improvement on.

We went with our friends from the Tar Heel Hiker --and I highly encourage you to follow that blog when you get a chance. She does a lot of New England hikes that are easy to get to from Rhode Island.

The uneven terrain really engages your core.

And, if you're lucky, maybe you can nap at the top.

Run Around The Block

Got an email about this one, to be held Saturday, September 12th. I have a couple friends who have run it and loved it too. Here's a link for more info, although it looks like the registration form isn't yet up.

And here's the email review on it:
I presume this race is still held: The "Run around the Block" race on Block Island, which as I recall is about 9.5 miles of ultra-scenic running up small sharp hills, then down the backside of same hill, then up another, then down, etc. Challenging with the small hills, but again, drop-dead gorgeous scenery, fresh salty ocean air and it really is a whole-day event beginning with the ferry ride out there (with gaggles of other runners on the same boat), the race itself, barbeque afterwards poolside at a club there, a nice refreshing dip in the pool nearly soon as you cross the finish line, then the ferry ride back to mainland...with all the same runers, a bar on the boat, a great time in every regard, a complete running experience/the total Lil' Rhody running experience-it doesn't get any more classically "Rhode Island" than this. Date: late August or early September. Have fun!

Save The Date - Charlie Stavros Memorial On the Beach Run

We ran this race last year and had a fantastic time.

Charlie Stavros Memorial Misquamicut "On the Beach" Run

Monday, August 24th - 6:00pm - Meet at Pleasant View Inn

The end of the summer Westerly Track & Athletic Club season, the race is more like a party. A 3-mile out and back entirely on the sand, people are just out having a good time, many of them not wearing shoes and timing is done by 3"x5" cards that you can turn in at the end.

While the race is only 3 miles, we found it to be pretty challenging because of the sand and were so happy that we were rewarded with refreshments (and beverages) afterwards. The views are great, the mood is great, and it was a wonderful way to enjoy one of the last days of summer.

I highly recommend if you're able to go.

Bluff Point Friday Night Fun Runs

This is an easy trip for those of you in southern Rhode Island.

Every Friday from now through August 21st, Groton Parks & Recreation runs fun runs in Groton, CT at Bluff Point State Park.

There's a kids run at 6:00pm, immediately followed by a 3.5 mile loop for adults at about 6:07. The crowd was fun and receptive to new people when we tried it out for the first time this Friday.

For those who prefer a shorter run, you can also make the run an out-and-back at any point without judgment or penalty.

First-timers can show up any week and sign a waiver/registration form. There's no fee. The timing is a person with a sportswatch, with a split time at roughly the 1.4 mile mark. You keep track of your own times week to week.

This was a blast, we loved it. Afterwards, some of the other participants had coolers and snacks, we're definitely doing that next time.

16th Annual Nick Bottone Track Mile

This is in the race calendar, but Carolyn Thorton's blog on Projo has all of the info as well:
http://runningblog.projo.com/2009/06/16th-annual-nic.html