Tag Archives: boston

The Last Boston Run

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As I write this it’s Saturday morning and after a very long 6.5 hour flight yesterday, I’m back in my city by the bay. Boston, I love you, but you just can’t beat San Francisco. It’s so good to be home.

Boyfriend and I have a relaxing weekend planned, and since the temperatures are in the 70′s, a lot of outdoor time! We went for a quick 2 mile run to get the heart pumping (2 miles in 16:18 – HOORAY!) and did some quick ab exercises outside before the crowds, and heat got to be enough and we deemed it brunch time.

My flight out of Boston yesterday was in the late afternoon, and since I apparently don’t adjust well to the time change, I shot out of bed around 7:30am yesterday ready to explore more on foot. (I will add that I do adjust to time changes once I return to California – I was up at 7am, bright-eyed and bushy-tailed this morning. Thanks jet lag, you’re the best.)

I decided to run along the waterfront to start, passing the North End, and running until I was at an intersection leading me either into the South End (to represent my Irish roots), or to continue into what my parents and uncle later told me used to be referred to “The Combat Zone” to get over to the Boylston/Newbury Street areas and Back Bay.

Clearly I chose the Combat Zone.

There were a few blocks I would deem pretty sketchy, but then I was back on my beloved Boylston, running past the Four Seasons, and swinging a hard left onto Dartmouth Street to run by Copley Square, the Fairmont, another Equinox (two in one city? You Bostonians have it so good), checked out all the shops, ran by the Prudential Center, the Boston Public Library, and then down my new favorite street in the country (earmuffs Marina Boulevard) – Marlborough Street.

I thought about hitting another state, but my parents would probably disown me if I ran into Yankee territory. ;-)

Yes I did find the first church in Boston.

My favorite street – Marlborough.

Fairmont Copley Place

Boston Public Library

Frog Pong in Boston Common

The brownstones, the brick sidewalks, the dogwood, the lilacs, the tulips. I was in a runner’s-high-fueled-heaven. I even picked a favorite after going back and forth between about 7.

Feast your eyes on this beauty.

After getting slightly lost, and wondering why the eff I was at a bus station, I completed just over 5 miles (look at those sub-9 beautiful splits!).

I ended my run with a very large climb up Beacon street (my San Francisco hills are so much harder than this thought was quickly silenced) and found the original Cheers location.

I swear this hill was much bigger than it appears. My hill-elitist self was totally shamed.

I ended up back at Quincy Market where I had planned to meet up with my mom and Uncle (my dad hit the gym) for Starbucks so we could walk over to the aquarium to see the seals. Best possible Boston tour guides? Parents and relatives who lived there for 30 years. Even though it was around 9am, I was like a deer-in-headlights watching the massive fresh cookies be displayed.

We strolled over to the aquarium to see the seals being fed, and I made a new friend.

I’m planning to construct a salt-water pool in my future back-yard so we can be reunited again.

Then wandered into the Bill Rodgers Running Center to gawk at all the Boston Marathon paraphernalia. The man won 4 Boston Marathons and 4 New York Marathons. I’ve won… exactly nothing. One day my friends, one day. (By that I mean run Boston, not win anything.) The signed gloves below are from past marathon winners.

My only Boston running regret is that I didn’t get to the Charles Rivers to run along there, or over to Cambridge to see Harvard and MIT. We went to Cambridge last year but I just have a feeling it’s even better on foot. Next time!

After the run and the stroll we refueled at North 26 in the Millennium Hotel with delicious espresso and egg white omelette. Mine had spinach, onions, mushrooms and cheddar. The food was so good and the service was absolutely wonderful. Definitely recommend North 26 – the food is fresh, it’s not heavy, and they will make any substitution your little heart desires.

With that it’s time to enjoy the weekend! Hope you have a great one!

A Run to the Monstah

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I officially love running in Boston.(Which is probably a sign I need to get faster when I run marathons so I can someday in my life run the Boston Marathon.)

This morning I set off for what I figured would be another quick loop around Boston. I wasn’t feeling especially ambitious or energetic. I hadn’t had coffee or breakfast. So I started off down the street. The first mile clocked in at 7:37.

Then my little venture quickly turned into THE BEST 7 MILES I’VE EVER RUN.

(I did a 1-mile warm-up while Garmin was locating the satellites)

It also felt like I ran for about 7 minutes.

Something about running in a new city with new sights, and absolutely no idea where you’re going or where you’re headed – it’s so exhilarating and exciting. You see more than you would ever see in a car or a bus, and notice all of the little things and places. I love it.

I set off on the same path as yesterday – through Boston Common and Boston Public Garden. From there I just kept running – down the Commonwealth Mall (where I picked out no less than 11 houses that I will one-day own as my “Boston Vacation Home”. Not to be confused with my Cape Cod home of course.)


I ran down the mall until it ended, and took a left on whichever street that happened to be. I stopped at the corner of Boylston and whatever street I happened to be on and thought the area looked familiar.

I popped into a Fire House and asked someone where Fenway was. They mentioned it was about a mile away so I took off in the direction of everyone’s favorite Green Monster.


To preface, my parents were born and raised in Massachusettes for 30 years. I was born here and lived here for 3 years (none of which I remember), and my extended family is here. Our whole clan is crazy for the Red Sox, so from a young age it was ingrained in me that when you go to Boston, you go to the Cathedral. (AKA Fenway). There really is something so darn cool about that place – so much history. I love it.

After my loop around Fenway, and past the CITGO sign, I headed back towards the hotel to meet my mom for a much-needed latte.

The rest of the day was spent visiting family and catching up with everyone. Dinner tonight was at the always delicious Legal’s Seafood. We went to Legal’s while in Boston last year and had a great time. It was a must-visit this trip as well.

Added Bonus? GLUTEN FREE BREAD. And it doesn’t disappoint.

I ordered the Seared Ahi with a spicy wasabi cream sauce and cajun spices and it was unbelievable. I’m just starting to get into seriously raw fish, and this was so flavorful, and so fresh. (Apologies for the awesome quality of my iPhone photos)

Did I mention they go to great lengths for their Gluten Free guests? Well done Legal’s!

With that it’s time to relax and watch some TV… hope you have a great night!

A Very Boston Morning

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Hello from Boston! The land of lobstah, chowdah, and, as far as my Boston-native family is concerned…. the Red Sox. Sadly the Red Sox are out-of-town this week, but that doesn’t mean we didn’t load up on the other goods at Union Oyster House last night! (Yes I know it’s a tourist trap, and yes technically I am a tourist, and what can I say? I’m a sucker for a little bit of history, and this being the oldest restaurant in the US fits the bill.)

I’m of the mindset that the best way to explore a new city is on foot or by bike. So naturally I Google-d a Pilates Studio, found it was about 1.5 miles from our hotel, signed up for an 8am class, and set the alarm for 7:15am (a lovely 4:15am California time).

This morning wasn’t quite as easy to wake up as yesterday was (hello time change) but the excitement of being in a new city, and the whole pre-pay for Pilates thing forced me up and at ‘em. I set out of our hotel to tackle the 1.5 miles to the Pilates studio, and had one of the most fun runs I’ve had in a long time.

It was absolutely beautiful out as I ran through downtown Boston, cut through Boston Common and the Boston Public Garden, and finally ended up on Newbury Street in front of Boston Body Pilates.

The class was excellent. It was classical Pilates, and focused on a lot of foot work, glute work, legs, and abs. There were about 10 reformers and a Cadillac in the studio, but only 4 of us in the class, making it an almost semi-private, and allowing the instructor to really be in tune to our form, and able to make necessary adjustments. I thought she was fantastic – she was very in tune to posture and alignment, and every single adjustment she made to my exercises was spot on.

I left feeling strong, and totally rejuvenated. A+ Boston Body Pilates. If you’re ever in town I would definitely recommend this studio.

After Pilates I set off back toward Boston Common, made a quick pit stop at Starbucks (for my new favorite Grande Americano – seriously where have I been on this drink?) and a latte for my mom, and met back up at the hotel.

Total miles? Around 3-ish

Time? About 30 minutes (picture stops, stoplights, and city running included)

A friend of mine had recommended The Paramount for breakfast and it did not disappoint. My mom and I walked up to Beacon Hill, admiring all the gorgeous houses, apartments, and flowers! The lilacs, the dogwood… oh the dogwood. Beautiful.

Breakfast was excellent. Apparently on weekends the line is out the door, but we were able to sneak right in on this lovely Wednesday morning. I ordered an egg white omelet with spinach, feta and mushrooms and a latte. On the side came home fries and wheat toast (respectfully declined, sorry Gluten). Thanks for a great recommendation Frankie!

Our day was spent visiting relatives, and spending a lot of time with my Grandmother, who hasn’t been feeling very well as of late. We had a wonderfully full day of family visits, and re-visiting old spots (like the first place I ever lived after being brought home from the hospital).

My dad flew in this evening so we all met at the hotel to get situated and then headed to the North End for dinner. Frankie once again came through with a delicious recommendation with Lucca - great food, great wine, and even gluten-free pasta. Win. Win. Win.

Our night ended with two very simple words: MIKE’S PASTRY.

This place is a must-see. My very Italian great-grandmother used to pick up goodies here. And just like that the chocolate chip cannoli has replaced any and all desserts as #1 on my list. Gluten has never been so worth it. My parents and I split one of the massive cannolis and ohmygod. I’m seriously debating a recurring monthly order. Think they’d ship to San Francisco?

Please don’t judge me for bringing a to-go box on the plane with me on my flight home.

Run in the Morning? Yeah OK.

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So today I did something totally out-of-character – I ran at 6am.

And I loved it.

I somehow got myself out of our cozy, warm, bed to throw on my running clothes, fire up the Garmin (welcome back old friend!) and set out for 5 wonderful, beautiful, amazing miles.

Seriously, I’m not joking when I say I could get used to this. It’s 10:52am and I’m completely done with my run for the day. This is incredible. And I didn’t even have to shower at the gym.

The weather was perfect, the sunrise was in full effect, the bay breeze was just enough, and it was a peaceful, perfect run.

One of the main reasons I absolutely despise morning running (aside from the obvious of waking up at an ungodly hour) is running in the dark. I’m sorry to those of you that like it, but I just don’t find it enjoyable. I don’t like not being able to see where I’m going, and I sure as hell don’t like not being able to see what’s happening around me. The only time I actually enjoy running outdoors is in the early morning (which is ironic since I apparently hate running before work) when the city is just waking up, and the tourists on their death-mobiles (bikes) are minimal. Every other runner gives you a “good morning” or a nod of acknowledgement, and even the bikers are nice (which in my experience, is a rare, rare occasion!)

I swear, I could get used to this.

I know there are all types of studies that completely contradict each other – running in the morning is better because you’re fresh and you can focus completely on your run, or running in the evening is better because you’re well fueled and hydrated throughout the day. I think it’s best to just determine when your internal body clock is most productive, and stick with that time. For me – I’ve always been a lunchtime or evening exerciser because it’s a routine, and a habit I can stick to. I have to go directly after work, because once I’m home and relaxing, I get tired, and once that hits, there’s no way I’m going to get a run-in. But after this morning’s run, and with the lighter mornings… it might be time to change that up. Are you a morning or evening exerciser?

The reason for incredibly early run was because I had a plane to catch and figured if I’m going to be sitting for the next 5.5 hours, I may as well have done something active for myself this morning.

We are headed to Boston, and it just didn’t feel right arriving there, without at least a few miles under my belt this morning. (Edited to add: this post should have gone up while I was flying the friendly Virgin America skies but genius forgot to upload the pictures first. Oops.)

My splits were surprisingly speedy for not having eaten in 12 hours, and not having had my beloved caffeine. I also very obviously went out far too fast and had to slow down the last mile or so, but I’ll still take it. Garmin, it’s good to have you back on board.

And speaking of active and speaking of my new-found interest in trail running, I ran the 4 miles of the Tennessee Valley trail yesterday and ohmygod I want to do this every single day. Aron, I’m talking to you, can we please trail run together?!

With that it’s time to go find some fresh chowdah and lobstah rolls – when in Boston afterall!