Born and raised in Holyoke, I still have a deep connection to the city. I encourage you to check out I’m Running for Holyoke as a really awesome and inspiring concept.

(From the I’m Running for Holyoke site)

Here’s a little bit of the group’s history:

• Founded in the summer of 2011 by Harry Melendez as part of Harry’s bid for eligibility in the 2012 NFL Draft

• Conceived under the mantra of “Start Small, Dream BIG,” the group runs through the streets of the city of Holyoke; the runs are both part of Harry’s NFL training and of each group member’s individual quest for self and community improvement

• Comprised of Holyoke residents who are not only supporting Harry’s dream, but their own; the number of runners has approached 30

• Runs are anywhere between 2 and 3 miles

• Participants all proudly don purple and white, the colors of Holyoke High School. Harry Melendez articulates his vision as helping “Holyoke become more physically active as I try to get in the best shape of my life to pursue an NFL career and put Holyoke on the map. I’m running for Holyoke.” Harry also believes the group possesses the ability to show citizens of Holyoke that they can make a difference in “every step, jog, and run at a time.”

• As of February 8th, 2012 the group has run 8,244.2 Miles

In a city so stigmatized by the scourge of violence and poverty, I’m Running for Holyoke emanates the positive energy and fighting spirit that has defined Holyoke for centuries. With what these people have begun, Holyoke stands a chance to reclaim its place as one of the best cities in the nation.

Beth Ann and I headed to Derry, New Hampshire to take part in the Boston Prep 16 Miler which is put on by the Greater Derry Track Club. Beth Ann asked if I would run with her today and I was of course, glad to do so.

The course itself has been described by many as being one of the toughest courses in the area and those folks would be correct. There is a great many hills mixed into the race as you go up and down scenic country roads in chilly New Hampshire. At the starting gun it was a balmy 18 degrees which made for some chilly temperatures and some extra layers of clothes being needed.

For the most part, the support along the course was quite good. Ample water, Gatorade and some Gu packs were distributed along the course. The volunteers all seemed quite glad to be out there helping, except for one peach who left a bad taste in my mouth.

One downside of the race was the failure to live up to race expectations. The race website advertised that all runners received a tech shirt, however, the shirts were tee-shirts, not technical shirts. This is pretty bad especially given the price of the race and is a cheap corner to cut.

That said, running with Beth Ann was great. Though at times she would tell me to just “go on” I committed to running with her. For all that Beth Ann has been through in the past year inclusive of two months of hospitalization due to preeclampsia, HELLP syndrome and delivering our daughter early many people would simply hang up their running sneakers and give up. But less than 6 months after all of this, Beth Ann is out there training for a marathon and is not just my hero but should be an inspiration to any runner or someone thinking of taking up running.

With that, nice job out there today Beth Ann! Just like you needed my encouragement on a couple of those uphills, there is so much more that I could not do without you!

One of the great races of January is the Weary Traveler 4.9 mile race in Bourne, Massachusetts. Just over the Bourne Bridge on Cape Cod, the Weary Traveler is typically a icy course and the weather tends to be pretty seasonally cold which makes for a tough but enjoyable race. Proceeds from the race benefit the Bourne Conservation Trust which is a private nonprofit land trust with a primary objective of acquiring land and leaving it in its natural state to: protect habitats, provide groundwater recharge, preserve rural ambience, and make it available for recreational and educational purposes

However, last weekend it was rather warm for January and the Weary Traveler course didn’t feature the standard icy turn here and there. A really great day for running and after the 4.9 mile race what is better than clam fritters, chowder and a cold beer?

The course is a moderately challenging 4.9 miles with some decent rolling hills mixed in throughout the course. I felt really good out there and noticed that the field I was running with usually is a ways ahead of me in other race.

Crossing the finish line, final time for the 4.9 mile race was 35:31, good for one of my best paces of late of 7:14/mile!

In New England, even though the temperature today reached 60 degrees, we are certainly not immune to the harsh elements associated with winter. Ensuring that you have the proper equipment when going out on a winter run is essential to guarantee that your body stays warm and muscles stay loose while out on a run.

I recommend you check out the company Skye Hide Arm Warmers. Skye Hide arm warmers designed specifically for the runner created with a four way stretch spandex material that breathes and moves with your body.

Their products are MADE IN THE U.S.A. – always the coolest and most unique patterns in arm warmers, they offer brand new prints monthly designed with a four stretch breathable fabric that moves with your body. The top of the sleeve has a nonslip one half inch elastic band that prevents them from slipping. Great for athletes when worn outdoors they provide added UV protection and aid in body temperature regulation by offering extra warmth on those early morning or late afternoon workouts fun for everyday wear too!

To check out Skye Hide Arm Warmers’ online store, please click here.