This morning, I was able to run through Discovery Park and scope out the mud and flood situation.
The river has subsided and most of the paved surfaces in Discovery Park are dry, even if still covered in drying mud and debris. However, much of the grassy area of the park is still under a fair amount of water and mud.
The trail is still flooded starting around the 0.5 mile mark. Be patient! I should be clear, soon.
They are probably already staging porta-potties in Hopkinton for the 2011 Boston Marathon.
Unlike most every other marathon in America, the Boston Marathon is held on a Monday that is not Labor Day. They run it on Patriot’s Day.
Patriot’s Day is a New England holiday celebrating the battles of Lexington and Concord. In Boston, this holiday is generally observed by running from the town of Hopkinton to Boston, or by screaming at people who are running from Hopkinton to Boston.
This year’s Boston Marathon includes one of the deepest women’s fields in event history and two American women with a legitimate shot at a podium finish: Kara Goucher, who was 3rd in 2009, returns this year, and Desiree Davila, of the Hansen-Brooks Distance Project makes her Boston debut.
For some reason, Desiree Davila toils away as a rather unknown runner, but her 2:26:20 at the Chicago Marathon makes her the fourth fastest women in American history.
Ellie Greenwood and Kami Semick battle it out at the AR 50. Photo courtesy of Jean Pommier. http://fartherfaster.blogspot.com/
The weather was perfect and there were some races this past weekend!
Just under 700 runners toed the line at the American River 50, this Saturday. There was mud and vomiting. There was triumph and tragedy. You know–the usual ultrarunning scene.
Dave Mackey, of Boulder, was the overall winner in 5:55. Ellie Greenwood, of Banff, Alberta, Canada, AKA the 2010 World 100 km champion, was the women’s winner in 6:25.
Kami Semick, of Bend, Oregon, was the second woman, and Jen Pfiefer, of Folsom, was the 3rd woman. Pfeifer is rumored to be mulling over the entry to the Western States 100 she was awarded.
