Head of the Charles: Oct 23-24, 2010

My favorite race ever! In total I have raced this course 9 times. And I hope there will be more to come!

The Head of the Charles is what we in the rowing community call a "head" race. A head race is a longer distance race (the HOCR is 3 miles) in which boats race against the clock. Boats are started about 10-15 seconds apart. There are ample opportunities to pass other boats along the course (and hopefully not be passed). Today the HOCR includes about 8,000 participants and attracts hundreds of thousands of spectators.

This year I raced in the Williams Women's Alumni boat. We started as bow #10 and quickly passed a boat and gained water on a couple others. Ultimately we moved up a spot from last year and came in 9th out of 32.



The weekend also serves as a time to bring together all the Williams Crew alumni. We had quite the turnout on the women's side.



Go Ephs!

Fall Activities

Fall is one of my favorite seasons. I love the way the crisp fall air smells! And there are so many fun fall activities. I would like to write about 2 activities I participated in this fall. The first being an event called WaterFire in Providence, RI. The second being the quintessential New England fall activity...apple picking.

WaterFire, is an event held on Saturdays in Providence, RI. Ever since K informed me of their happenings I have wanted to go. And this fall I made it on the last day of the WaterFire season. The event's primary attraction is the bonfires places along the river in Providence center. You come home smelling like campfire...but it is beautiful to see. We started the night with sushi and wine (at a BYOB sushi place in Providence) and ended with cocktails in Federal Hill.



An apple a day keeps the doctor away, right?? C, L, and I brought home about 30 lbs of apples this year...plus the plus the quintessential apple with single leaf and stem that I smuggled out in my hood. With C leaving the next day, L and I were forced to be creative with our 30 lbs of apples. No baking this year...rather more emphasis was placed on sharing apples with friends. We also ran into my niece and brother-in-law at the apple orchards.

Fall Fun Runs/Races

As a part of my continued efforts to be healthy this year I have participated in several fun runs/races varying in distance and theme. I find that it is far easier to keep running with some goal in sight...a race being a great goal.

October 3rd: Diva Half Marathon, Long Island, NY
Ok, so not a PR for half marathon distance...but it was a lot of fun! Beyonce and Madonna playing at every water stop, tiaras and boas at mile 12, champagne and roses at the finish line, and pink EVERYWHERE. This was half marathon #3 of the year.



October 11th: Tufts 10K, Boston, MA
Great run! Lots of cheers for my BC Eagles Superfan shirt.

October 31st: Devil's Chase 6.66 Mile Run, Salem, MA
Is there any better way to kick off Halloween day than a running tour of Salem, MA dressed in costume? E and I decided to sport leis and sunglasses...the devil on vacation.