Hills make you tough…

Stu’s 30K in Clinton is a great race.  It has that tough New England race feel that I love.  There is something about racing in the spring in New England that just makes you tough. 

Stu’s is a hilly, 18.6 mile jaunt around Wachusett Reservoir.  It is held on the first Sunday in March and is in its 32 year.  It is popular training run for people doing the Boston Marathon.  It is a tough one! This from a guy who doesn’t mind hills.  The last 2 miles are particularly brutal, two long downhills, each followed by steep uphill climbs.

This year will be third year a row racing.  I feel it is a great race to train for over the winter. Leaving me fit when paddling starts in March.  My first year was 2009; I didn’t really know what I was getting into.  It was a snowy race day I ran 2:24 (7:45/mile, 10K spilts 46, 48, 50).  I was pleased with how I did.  Last year 2010 I felt very prepared going in.  Training went well and my goal was 7:15 per mile. Race day was a warm, dry, 60 degree day.  I was not used to warm weather and did not drink enough early.  I ran 2:26 (7:50/mile 10k spilts 44, 45, 57).  I died a slow death the last 10K, bad cramps!

This year I do not know what to expect.  I didn’t do as many long runs as I would have liked.  The winter was pretty snowy here, and it was tough to get motivated to dodge cars, ice, and snow banks for 3 hours.  I feel very fit, I just questions if I am in “Stu’s shape”.  My goal is to run steady; I did not like blowing up last year.  I could have ran much fast with smarter pacing.  My plan is to try to maintain an even pace, sub 8:00/mile will make me happy.  It should be interesting, let’s hope it doesn’t hurt too bad.

Travis