Boothy - I've never ran Peaks, but those I know that have only gave it a so-so. I was told that it's a 2 mile loop along the outskirts of the island, which was the blah part.

As for trail runs, Gilsland Farm (Audubon Society) in Falmouth is a decent place. Another good place with variety is Bradbury Mountain in Pownal. Other trail runs that I've done (and enjoyed) are: Fore River, Stroudwater Trail, and in Cape Elizabeth (sorry, don't remember the name). Portland Trails (www.trails.org) have maps and descriptions of a couple of dozen trails in the Greater Portland area, so I recommend checking them out.

Also, if memory serve me correctly, you live in Buxton, right? Gorham Trails also have maintained trails. I use to know their website, but.... I'm sure you can do a search to find out more about Gorham trails.

Boothy - sorry to hear about your illness. Geesum, didn't you just came back from a running injury? Not like you're trying to do this on purpose, but we like to hear about fellow runners being healthy and running, so take care of yourself

Boy, I almost end up running the Scot Trot 5K. This past weekend was my last week of tapering, so I had to decide on whether I want to get in my last solid run before the marathon or go for a kick *** 5K. Needless to say, I opted for the taper run.

The Close to Coast is up in Freeport, right? Not sure if the 5K portion would be similar to this route or not, but I ran the Jingle Bell for Arthritis 5K in Freeport last winter and there were some hills, but overall a good course.

For those in the Greater Portland area, there's the YMCA Back Bay 5K on 5/27 and the Bone Density Dash 5K (also on Back Bay) on 6/4. The course is flat and well marked, so they can be good races to go after PR's.

Hi all! Well, this weather the last few weeks sure has been the pits. Looks like we are going to get at least a couple of decent, if not great, days this weekend. I'm looking forward to anything other than wind and rain and cold.

Last week I ended up catching the flu and was pretty much in bed for 4 days. Didn't run or do any exercise for a solid week. What really stinks is that my training was going so well up until that point and I was getting ready to make a run at breaking 20 minutes in my 5K coming up this weekend, the Runner's Alley/Redhook Memorial 5K in Portsmouth. I got in a couple of easy runs the last couple of days but have come to the realization that I definitely took a big step backward in my overall fitness here during the last week. Soooo, looks like this one is going to be mostly for fun. I have another 5K coming up on June 11 so I'll just start training for that one.

Congrats on your race, MD. Maybe the weather will change soon and your next run will be under sunny skies (but not too hot temps!). I have a feeling that we are going to go from this weather right into the dog days of summer though. Hopefully not, buy anything is better than what we have been experiencing, at this point.

Boothy, a speedy recovery and hopefully you will get back out there again soon.

Good luck with your running this weekend everyone. Enjoy your holiday weekend and stay safe, all.

Hi everybody, hope you all enjoyed the weather this weekend. It was a pretty nice holiday, weather-wise. It appears that the crappy weather pattern we've had for weeks is changing, even though today it's not that great out. Later this week is supposed to be beautiful.

I ran the Runner's Alley/Redhook Brewery Memorial 5K on Sunday. Race start was at 11 AM and it was pretty warm out by then, the heat definitely took it's toll on a lot of people. There were almost 1,200 runners. I had no aspirations for this race since I had just gotten over the flu and only had a couple of runs in the last week, and also since there were some top area runners in the race. I finished a few ticks past 20:30 which I was pretty happy about, since it's a new PR. My next race is in two weeks, the Komen Race For The Cure in Hartford. I have a lot of work to do if I want to get under that 20 minute mark! After that I am taking it easy for a week and going to camp and hike up Mt. Washington before concentrating on my next race which will be the York Four On The Fourth. Anyway, the race this past weekend was well run and they had a great after race party.

Anyone have an opinion on Asics Gel Nimbus VI? I just picked up a pair on sale this past weekend and only used them on a recovery run, but so far I like them. They seem to fit well and have good cushioning. I am interested to see how they hold up as they wear.

Well, enjoy the nice weather (finally!) and good luck with the running.

I havent done any of the Back Bay 5ks...and for no good reason...that is where I usually run. I want to go do the Pond Cove Challenge tomorrow in Cape Elizabeth...but I am feeling.... I dont know... uncomfortable going alone and not really knowing what to expect and not knowing anyone. I feel like its a lame excuse but .... but anyway... I have a new favorite run the East End path in Portland...last summer I ran it but didnt enjoy it as much as I do now... and I do variations...some days will start at hannaford at back cove and run under the bridge to the East End ....and run to the end the the whafr by casco bay lines...you dont get the sun blaring on you like you do back bay...there is shade and a real ocean breeze...and its paved & quieter...and I love ending up in town. At any rate from under Tukeys bridge all the way to the very end of the pier and back to under the bridge is 5 miles...I did it in 42 minutes yesterday and was impressed with myself. I have been keeping an eating journal to see how my eating effects my running...I would like to that my tuna sandwich and Reeses Peanut Butter cups to my (by my own standards) great run.....

Am I being a baby about going to races alone?

quote:<HR>Originally posted by mdamboise:
I havent done any of the Back Bay 5ks...and for no good reason...that is where I usually run. I want to go do the Pond Cove Challenge tomorrow in Cape Elizabeth...but I am feeling.... I dont know... uncomfortable going alone and not really knowing what to expect and not knowing anyone. I feel like its a lame excuse but .... but anyway... I have a new favorite run the East End path in Portland...last summer I ran it but didnt enjoy it as much as I do now... and I do variations...some days will start at hannaford at back cove and run under the bridge to the East End ....and run to the end the the whafr by casco bay lines...you dont get the sun blaring on you like you do back bay...there is shade and a real ocean breeze...and its paved & quieter...and I love ending up in town. At any rate from under Tukeys bridge all the way to the very end of the pier and back to under the bridge is 5 miles...I did it in 42 minutes yesterday and was impressed with myself. I have been keeping an eating journal to see how my eating effects my running...I would like to that my tuna sandwich and Reeses Peanut Butter cups to my (by my own standards) great run.....

Am I being a baby about going to races alone?<HR>

i was at that race.. i you should email me.. you are way faster then me. but i am always looking for people to go to races with