...Or, "The  Kid Stays In The Picture"

The dogs days have hit Northern New England hard. It’s really good that our Springer managed to get a nice summer cut a few weeks ago. He’s very athletic, and feeling lighter has definitely improved his running. Following his example, we are slowly training for (hopefully) some longer races in the Fall.

8/8  Sugarworks Trail Run - Shelburne, VT (2.5k & 5k options)

This race is new to us. I was researching VT and NH race possibilities for this month, and came across this one. It’s in our state but quite a trip still, which will require leaving the house around 6 AM race day; we’re rather out of practice for that. Still, I love trail races and trail running in general, and it would be nice to try this one. We enjoy RaceVermont events, and it looks like this one is still on, with several Covid precautions enumerated on the site. There’s also a virtual option but I’m virtualed-out, can’t add another! The reward at the finish is a maple ice cream cone. Perfect!

Here are two races, typically the same weekend, good for planning a Maine getaway next year:

8/15  Breakaway 5k - Old Orchard Beach, ME

Run a relatively easy course though neighborhoods in this old beach town. At one point, we traditionally are treated to the aroma of bacon frying - my husband especially enjoys that! Plan on this one for next year; it’s been cancelled.

8/16 Westport Island Shore Run - ME (3.5 mile walk & 10k options)

Westport Island is located on Maine’s mid-coast in Lincoln County in Sheepscot Bay, approximately 30 miles northeast of Portland. Surrounded by the Sheepscot River to the East and the Back and Sasanoa Rivers to the West, Westport Island is a tiny, picturesque Maine town, accessible by car over a bridge over the Back River.

I’ve written about my husband’s favorite 10k; this is mine. It’s a challenging, beautiful course, with hills and lovely scenery, including my favorite section through a marsh (lots of mosquitoes!). It’s a very small field, and the walk option has over the past 4 years or so siphoned off some runners from the longer distance; there is an early start for walkers. Suffice to say, I have won my age group a few times. But that’s not why I enjoy this race: it’s the tough challenge in the heat of summer, in the midst of a lovely Maine setting. Hope it happens this year!

8/13 Wine 4 Miler - Auburn Pitts, NH (1.25 mile walk option)

This race gets the award for the most creative adaptation to event planning during the Covid pandemic: it’s still on, ON the race day, and will be chip-timed. It has a big window, for a staggered start: 3-7 PM, to maintain social distancing. We did this race for the first time last year. It was an interesting course through neighborhoods and a short stretch on a trail; the finish was deceptive, with an unexpected last loop just as you thought you were on the straightaway to the finish. Lots of runners sport fun, wine-themed costumes.