This Is Framingham

I’ve been running on roads exclusively since I started running, but recently (as in 2 weekends ago) found an interest in trail running, which I’m actually really afraid of.  There are so many rocks and roots to constantly be looking out for and then add a bunch of leaves hiding those things…it’s just a lot to think about while moving forward, especially for someone like me who doesn’t even like to go for a hike in fear of rolling an ankle on an acorn.
But in an attempt to embrace going outside my comfort zone (because we should do that once in a while- right?) I decided to do a 15 mile trail race in NH and loved it, so when I saw the Greater Framingham Running Club‘s Busa Bushwhack 10 mile race through Callahan State Park I signed right up for it.

In my excitement to run a another trail race I neglected to look at the course details, terrain and elevation. I  found out that course was way different then the relatively flat rail trail course I did the week before.  I remember at one point thinking “I just want to get the f*** out of here!!” and I did eventually, but more importantly I learned that I can throw myself ignorantly into a situation and deal with it (if I want to call that dealing).  I also met a super nice runner who is leaps and bounds above me in running accomplishments but saw that I was clearly struggling and took me under her wing, encouraging me to keep up with her. ???? ??? ?????  Somehow I did, and got out of the woods without a major face-plant (although I remember grabbing onto a tree at one point downhill) and just a minor ankle sprain.

There were also some really nice runners who I spoke with, including a former co-worker who I hadn’t seen in years, which was great and the volunteers were very knowledgeable and friendly too, just so many nice people. ?????? ?????  That’s another thing about this race, that even though everyone seemed to know each other and I went there as a total rogue, people were so nice and easy to talk to.  Sometimes I wonder why someone would pay to run when you can do it for free, but it’s events like this that make it worth it and make you feel like you’re part of a group.

Also, I know it shouldn’t matter  that much but the pre and post-race food was great.  I went to a 5K the day before for the same price that just had old dinner rolls and water at the start and finish, but this race had cookies, coffee, bagels, peanut butter, bananas, sports drink, Waverly Market sandwiches and some other treats.  It was really impressive!

Anyway, not that anyone will probably even read this, but I haven’t posted in a while because I don’t get into Framingham much and when I do I’m usually just stuck in traffic or  running boring, non-postworthy errands (do I really need to get into how terrible the Trader Joe’s parking lot is again?) but I felt that this was such a nice experience in the old ‘ham that I wanted to share.  Thanks GFRC for a really great experience!

I just spoke with someone from the GlobeWest today about the Metropolitan Area Planning Council‘s project to help redesign Route 9 to accommodate the foreseen growth in the next few years.  One of the areas they will focus on is the “Golden Triangle” and even Shoppers World layout. combination of albendazole and ivermectin  The plan is to have the parking on the perimeter while the stores and a common area are in the center. ivermectin for toenail fungus  Sound familiar?  Good idea!
The MAPC is looking for feedback next week at the Callahan Center from 7-9pm there will be a meeting welcoming people to voice their opinions. You can read more about the meeting here in the article by the MWDN and by checking out the MAPC’s website. There will also be an article in the GlobeWest next week about this as well.
I kind of don’t care since I’m leaving Framingham but since I may stay in the area it’d be nice to see favorable changes to route 9 and Shoppers World since I currently avoid them. ivermectina receita

I went to the McCarthy School today to vote and I don’t know if I just never realized it, or the wing is newly dedicated (probably the latter) but it was great to see the portrait of Ed Convery who passed away this year.  For anyone who doesn’t know, Ed was the Principal of the McCarthy school for many years and I got to know him from working at the History Center.
Ed was one of the most favorite people that I’ve ever been lucky enough to know. ivermectin iodine  I didn’t even believe he was a former principal when I first met him because he was so funny and laid back. ivermectin lotion sklice price in india  Whenever he’d walk in the room at work I’d be in a great mood and if he called in the middle of a hectic day, the stress I was feeling would just disintegrate.  There are so few people that have the power to do that since I’m such a mashugana.  Anyway, it was nice treat to see him this morning and remember what an awesome guy he was. ausmectin

I’ve posted about this before but for anyone who gets hopeless about downtown (I’m guessing similar to how the officer in the above photo feels) there is a fine group of people who are part of the Framingham Downtown Renaissance group that have put together a new website you can check out at http://downtownframingham.com
You can see their vision plan and documents, studies what upcoming plans and collaborations like the Farm Pond Initiative with FSU and participating the the Main Streets program, which focuses on revitalizing dowtnown areas.
It’s worth checking out and meetings are open to the public for those interested and can attend.
So although progress is slow, people (smart people) are working on making downtown a desirable place to go to.   I’ll be attending next month’s meeting and hopefully have something interesting to report. ????? ???? ???? ?????

I won’t bother with how unhappy I’ve been with living in Framingham the past few months.  Never mind the town-wide construction and traffic, or the creepy “spiritual church” that moved in next door and makes all sorts of noise outside after their session lets out at 11pm, or the small businesses that have closed up, sad neglected plazas or… a number of other things.  Instead, I’ll just say that the one bright spot of my work week is the Farmer’s Market, Thursday’s at the common.
Is it cheap? No.  In fact I’ve refused to pay the prices some of the vendors charge.
But the variety of vendors has improved and I like checking it out every week to see who is there.
One of the things I look forward to is the fresh custom-made lemonade:

You can get it with lemons, limes, raspberries, peaches and whatever else they have to offer that day. You can also choose from sugar, agave or stevia as a sweetener.  This is my “creation” I brought back to the office:
There’s always the baked goods guy that has great stuff:

There’s always the painter down at the end which mixes up the offerings at the market:

I’ve only seen Whoopie Monster once but they’re scheduled to be there tomorrow.

They make these cute little whoopie pies in a variety of flavors:

Some of the other vendors sell seafood, fresh pasta, meat and of course fruits and vegetables.
I saw this guy a couple of weeks ago and it made my day:

For more information about the market you can check out this link: http://www.massfarmersmarkets.org/FMFM_MARKET1.aspx?MKTID=29

On Wednesday, April 6th, the FHC fundraiser Marathon Pasta Party will be hosted by two of the nicest guys in town – Charlie Sisitsky and Mike Grilli.   Dinner will be served from 5:30-7:30pm at Historic Village Hall (2 Oak Street).
The cost is $26.20 (for the 26.2 miles I’ll be running).

All proceeds to benefit the Framingham History Center.
There will be a variety of pastas, sauces, salad and desserts and it’s sure to be a fun time 🙂

Space is limited and we’d like to make sure we have enough food so if anyone would like to come you can make your reservation by emailing me at michelle@framinghamhistory.org

Or click below to buy tickets now:

Or…Checks can be made out to FHC and mailed to:
Framingham History Center
P.O. Box 2032
Framingham, MA  01703  

As I posted last month, I have the honor of running the Boston Marathon this year.
I found a photo from 1984 of my sisters, cousins and myself (I’m in the pink pleather pants) handing out water at my dad and uncle’s store on Waverly St.
We’d look forward to that every year and I’d never guess back then that one day I’d be running this thing!  My sister (the one looking at the camera in the photo) and her kids will be there to watch me too. I’m really looking forward to it!

I’m in my 5th week of training and it’s been interesting.  I’m up at 5:30am (so I can be on the roads with less traffic) to run 6 days a week, plus working full-time and some late nights for work events.  As tired as I am, it’s been so amazing to see parts of the Ham and Sherborn (my usual routes) when the sun is rising and have had some great moments seeing animals that we don’t get a lot of downtown like deer, horses, small herds of turkeys and some furry…thing I saw scampering across the street today.

Also, I wouldn’t have this opportunity if it weren’t for Selectman Sisitsky and my work, The Framingham History Center.
I’m running to raise funds for what we do.  We’re a non-profit that needs help to do cool things like get the old Shoppers World sign up and lit again for an exhibit, provide educational programs for Framingham Public Schools and cultural events for people of all ages on all kinds of historical topics.  I’d be so grateful if anyone wants to pledge any amount. We’ve set up a pledge page and if you’re so inclined, please visit:
http://framinghamhistory.org/runforhistory/

Thanks!