Dan Cummings - The Running Realtor: February 2007

This is the Big One..  After running several 5k races in 2006 as January 1st approached I was thinking of New Year's Resolutions.  I came up with the thought of building my running to a half marathon distance ( 13.1 Miles )  Also had a marketing idea to pick out several races for training and send a mailing to many of the runners in my area.  If I missed you here is a copy - New Year's Flyer

The Fairfield Half Marathon was the closest race I found that met my time frame. Figured six months should be adequate to build up my mileage and the race is within reasonable driving distance.  Not sure what to expect time wise when I run almost triple my longest distance but I am targeting a 2-1/2 hour time. 

Anyone looking to challenge themselves can still mark their calender,  4 months left to train.  There is also a 5k run if you are just starting out. 

My next race in town this year will be the Guilford Savings Bank 4 Miler with a 9:15 start time from Jacob's Beach.

Directions:  Exit 58, turn south on 77 to the Guilford Green, a right on Broad Street than a quick left onto Whitfield and follow straight, bearing right to Seaside Ave just after the Spaceship Condos.   ( M A P )

In 2006 this was my first bump up in distance after doing a few 5k's and my time didn't suffer much,  came in at 9:05 a mile.   Fast for me but slow enough to keep me in the bottom 25%. With three months left before the race I will search the net for speed increasing techniques and try to implemented a few in my training.  Based on last years attendance of 210 runner my target for 2007 will be to finish in the top 100.

Any suggestions by experienced runner are welcome,  add them here or send email to Dan@CummingsTeam.com 

BRANFORD -  "In 1638 the New Haven Colony traded "eleven coats of trucking cloth and one coat of English cloth made in the English fashion" to the Mattabesec Indians for land known as Totokett (Tidal River). The first permanent settlement was established in 1644 when people from Wethersfield came to Totokett, later rename Branford after the town of Brentford in Middlesex County, England.  The Sound provided many of the settlers with a livelihood of shipbuilding and coastwise trade. Industry began in 1655 when the first iron furnace in Connecticut was set up and operated at Lake Saltonstall. Yale College was founded in 1701 when ten ministers met and made a contribution of books. In 1852 upon completion of the railroad, industrialization flourished. Two leading manufacturing firms were founded during this era: the Malleable Iron Fittings Company in 1854, and the Branford Lock Works in 1862. The twentieth century has brought some changes to Branford, but much of its historical heritage remains in the form of old buildings and well-preserved villages."

When it comes to The Connecticut Shoreline there are seven towns in New Haven County with frontage on the Sound but only three are classified as "The Shoreline" - Branford, Guilford & Madison.  Branford being the closest to the City of New Haven is also the most populated and diverse of the three towns.  Housing stock consists of everything from Trailer Parks to Condos to Waterfront Mansions. 

Several small sections of town offer their own unique character. In the Pine Orchard sections you find the exclusive Yacht & Country Club where there is usually a waiting list to join and membership is by invitation only.

Stony Creek has nice views and guided tours of the Thimble Islands that normally run from May - October. You can hop aboard with Captain Bob or Captain Mike and enjoy a 45 minute narrated tour for about the cost of a movie.

Father's Day Weekend is time for the Branford Festival that monopolizes the downtown area with activities.

My next running event in North Haven will be the "NHHS PTSA 5K" on April Fool's Day.  This will be my second time running this course, last year had ideal conditions for me. Weather was sunny and warm ( mid 50's ) allowing me to break the 9 minute mile for the first time.  Seems I stagnated at that speed so it will be interesting to see if I do better this spring.

Start Time :  10:00am Sunday  

Parking:  221 Elm Street   ( MAP )

The map is a little deceiving unless you are familiar with the town, exit 10 off 91 will not get you there as easy as it appears.  Here are DIRECTIONS

When you are Coming to Connecticut -  Contact Dan Cummings - The Running Realtor for help with Real Estate.

The historians tell the tale of the past and today Madison remains a mix of old and new. In the quaint downtown area you can stoll along the steet enjoying the feel of the past. Stop for lunch at Cafe Allegre , pick out a book at the R.J. Julia Bookstore or watch a film at the Madison Art Cinema.

You can also just wander around soaking in the athmosphere, on the eastern end of the downtown section sits the home of Deacon John Grave from the 1600's

Traveling west beyond Madison Center you can view the modern artwork along Sculpture Mile and also the William Raveis Madison office.

Madison is also home to the largest public beach in Connecticut. Hammonasset State Park covers over 900 acres offering 2 miles of sandy beach and a 3/4 mile boardwalk. Nature lovers can enjoy the outdoors in Madison by spending the night at one of Hammonasset's over 500 Campsites.

The town website is a good source of information about Madison, Connecticut.

Dan Cummings can help you find a home or condo for sale in Branford, CT 06405 - Guilford, CT 06437 - Madison, CT 06443 - North Branford, CT 06472 - Northford, CT 06471 - North Haven, CT 06473

Buy or Sell Real Estate in Branford, CT 06405 - Guilford, CT 06437 - Madison, CT 06443 - North Branford, CT 06472 - Northford, CT 06471 - North Haven, CT 06473

The Running Realtor covers the Connecticut Shoreline including Branford, CT 06405 - Guilford, CT 06437 - Madison, CT 06443 - North Branford, CT 06472 - Northford, CT 06471 - North Haven, CT 06473

My next race will most likely be the WPLR ShamRock & Roll 5k on March 4^th.  That was my first run of 2006 and now that I have a year of training I hope to shave several minutes off of last years time for a new personal best.  Not that I'm fast... I' will be somewhere in the middle of the pack.

Start time is Sunday Morning at 9:00am at Todd's Place. 

Early Registration and a course map can be found at JB SPORTS