Tag: Jose Rivera

Rivera: A Runner and a Gentleman

Mar. 26 Articles, Training no comments

The Level Legion: Boston Marathon Edition

Four Weeks to Go: A Check on Training

The 118th Boston Marathon is now just under a month away. The Legion has been training through one of the toughest and coldest winters we have had in a long time. With Spring now officially here, though Winter not quite gone, training is starting to reach its peak. The Legion has run some great races, put in some solid long runs and have had some bumps along the way. This week we look at how things are going and what their weeks have been like at this high point. You can see we all are in this together but we all have different ways of getting there. Our hope is that you continue to be inspired and encouraged by the Legion and that four weeks from now we can share our common goals of being a part of this great event in whatever way we are able! Now, onto the logs:

Jose Rivera

Jose has a plan and is sticking to it. Always hard at work, he explains here how to balance a planned routine with some often chaotic travel. Nice work.

Boston Legion RiveraLast weekend while many of my friends were running the New Bedford Half, I stuck to my training plan and ran a scheduled twenty miler. It was a run mapped out by a friend in her hometown of Holland, MA. She ran with me and a few other people met and ran with us at different parts of the course. This run was one of the hardest runs I’ve done in quite some time. I didn’t realize there were mountains in Holland; it was damn hilly! Having company on this run really helped a lot.

This week I had to travel to NYC for work. Traveling while in training can get tricky but I was able to get three nice runs through Central Park and through the very busy streets of the city. Though I prefer to run the mornings, these runs had to be done in the afternoon because of my work schedule. I love running in the city!

Ran 5 miles on Tuesday, 7 Miles on Wednesday and another 5 on Friday.

This weekend’s long run is only 12 miles. Looking forward to an easier run than last week!

And we have a special treat this week. Jose’s friend and training partner Joanna submitted something for us to share with everyone:

I have been running with Jose since last fall. I had put a message up on the CMS facebook page looking for running partners in the Webster, MA/Thompson, CT area after the clocks changed and it was dark in the evenings. I also had trouble traveling to Worcester to meet others as it was 20-25 minutes from us.
I was slower than Jose but he offered up quickly to join me a few times a week so I would feel safe running in the dark. He had just come off running Baystate and didn’t mind at all running slower than his usual pace. If it wasnt for him, I wouldn’t have gotten through this winter running as much as we did.
Jose isn’t just a running partner, he is a gentleman. He always runs on the outside, very considerate and protective. He looks out for the people he runs with. After we started our group, the Tri-Sate Running Group, we found many more friends looking for runners looking to make it through the winter.
Jose is a motivator. I have gotten much faster this winter instead of slower because he runs with you and pushes you a little if you need it. He is very social and talks the whole time whether it’s about running or personal stuff. We had a slow runner join our run one night and he patiently ran and walked and talked with her until she finished. He leaves no one behind.
We run alot of the same races and we cheer each other on, support each other, brag about each other and congratulate each other. He is in the best shape ever and he is so pumped for Boston. This race means so much to him, and everyone here on the Tri-State team are so excited to see him finish and hopefully PR!
-Joanna Anderson and all his running friends at Tri-State!
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Rivera Gets a Big PR at Stu’s 30k

Mar. 07 Articles, Racing no comments

Level Legion: Boston Marathon Edition

February Race Recaps: The Level Legion has been hard at work training through one of the toughest and coldest winters of late. Fitting then that the Legion be equally tough and ice cold on the start line of their February Boston tune-up races. Whether one is trekking through the New Hampshire snow, winning a debut 20-miler, representing the home team at a local race, pushing along a 5 month old companion or simply putting in the steady work, this past month has brought along some great races. You have already heard from Scott, who decided that if you can’t beat this winter, might has well don the snowshoes and have at it. Now we bring you some more perspective on just how racing has been fitting in to the training plan as Boston inches ever closer.

Jose Rivera

Stu’s 30k (Clinton, MA) – 137/393, 2:34:09 (8:16/mi)

Boston Legion RiveraThis past weekend, I ran Stu’s 30k as part of my training for Boston. This is a club race and it’s a must do if you are a Central Mass Strider and if you are running Boston.

I ran this race last year and I really struggled. This race has quite a few hills and the last hill on this course did me in last year. This year I was determined to conquer Stu’s and finish strong. Luckily for me, I had two friends keep me company throughout the whole race. Our conversations (it was mostly me talking…. LOL) made the time fly by at least for the first half of the race. The second half, though still running strong, was less talking and more focusing on running.

I found the race a bit easier this year than last year. When I came up to that last hill, physically I was spent, but mentally I kept on pushing. As I approached the finish line, I could see my wife and kids waiting for me, I could see a couple of my friends cheering me on. What great feeling that was! I crossed the finish line at 2:34:09 – a 9 minute PR from last year!

Everything was perfect about this race. The weather was right, traffic was light, there was enough water stops and the volunteers did an excellent job! Can’t say enough about the volunteers! CMS did a great job putting this race together! I was very pleased with the outcome.

Next race on schedule for me is The Tri-Valley Runners “Boston Tune-Up 15k”, though I might add one more race somewhere between now and then.

Editor’s Note: Francis Cusick (1:48:58) and Steph Reilly (2:05:21) won Stu’s 30k.  Word is that Steph won’t be returning to New Bedford to defend her crown this March. She may want to reconsider after winning this one. Good luck to Jose at the Boston Tune-Up 15k!

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Jose Rivera: LVL Legion Training Update

Feb. 27 Articles, Training no comments

by Tim Ritchie

The Level Legion: A Quick Look into Training

Last we left the Level Legion: Boston Edition, the athletes were telling you a bit about why they are racing the Boston Marathon. Now, let’s take a look at how they are doing so far. We are 8 weeks away from the big day and everyone is well underway with their training. Each of our runners has a unique approach to training and our hope is that you can find some comfort and encouragement in their responses. We have here a quick check in on our runners’ general outlook on their training to date and a sample of what their weeks have been so far. Enjoy and keep up the good work, runners!

Boston Legion RiveraJose Rivera

Boston Marathon 2014 will be my seventh marathon. In all my previous marathons, for the most part, I trained alone. This time around I have a great group that has been putting on the miles with me. One other from this group is also doing Boston, others are running different spring marathons, and the rest are running for the love of it! Our paces vary slightly, but where I might sacrifice in speed, I gain in learning how to pace myself and finish strong. Overall training this time around has been a great experience.

There was 19 miles scheduled for this past weekend’s long run. Ran with six others from the Tri-State Running group and ended up pulling off an easy 20 miler. On schedule for this week, but not set in stone as far as mileage and days, are two 5 milers, one of them being a speed workout and an 8 miler at marathon pace.

This upcoming weekend I will be running the Hyannis Half. [Editor’s note: we think racing is a key part of training, stay tuned for a race report. Jose finished the half in 1:36:22; great job!]

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Boston Legion: Jose Rivera

Feb. 19 Articles no comments

By Tim Ritchie

Last week we introduced to you here The Level Legion: Boston Marathon Edition, three men and three women, all talented runners in their own right that we believe comprise a good cross section of the runners in the northeast region. Each brings a unique perspective and background to their training, racing and experiences. It is our hope that you will see yourselves in the hearts, minds and legs of this Boston Marathon Edition of the Level Legion and that through them we can all support each other as we train, race and cheer for the 118th Boston Marathon. Now that you know who’s on the team, it’s time to start getting to know them better. First up:

Jose Rivera

Age: 39 (40 day of Boston Marathon)
Club: Central Mass Striders & Tri State Running
Hometown: Webster, Ma

“I never dreamed of running a marathon, never mind being able to run Boston. Boston was something for the elites, not for me. But I am happy that I am here, because I deserve to be here. I have worked and trained hard to be here. I am a part of this great event as well as all 36,000 others that worked hard to be here. I am so looking forward to running Boston!!!”

How did you get started in running?

Boston Legion RiveraI quit smoking after 18yrs at the age of 34 – I needed a change in my life.

What has been your most memorable running experience?

Memorable, but not a good one- Boston 2013. As my family experienced the horror of the bombings.

What does it mean to be a part of the Level Legion?

To be a part of the Level Legion – It means that I am part of an elite group that runs no matter what the temps are. We run when its 90, hot and humid and we run when it’s -5 degrees in the middle of winter. We run to run no matter what Mother Nature throws at us!

Have you run the Boston Marathon before?

In 2013, but I was stopped at the top of Boylston St because of the bombings.

Why did you choose to run the Boston Marathon?

Growing up in Boston, it has been a childhood dream to be a part of this marathon. My dream is to finally cross the finish line!

Why the 118th edition?

To finish what I started. To cross the finish line!

What are your goals (broad or specific) for this year’s Boston?

I know that with Boston being such a spectacle this year, it might be hard to PR in this marathon, but a PR would be great! But I would be just as happy to cross the finish line for the first time in my life.

What are you most excited about?

I am excited about being part of one of the biggest events in history. Like 2013, it will be one of the most memorable experiences in my life.

What are you most nervous about?

I am not nervous at all. I am looking forward to running this marathon!

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Level Legion: Boston Marathon Edition

Feb. 12 Articles no comments

The Level Legion

Your Very Own…

by Tim Ritchie

A few weeks ago, John Hancock (principal sponsor for the 118th Boston Marathon) released the names making up TEAM USA, the American athletes who will toe the line in April as part of the elite field. These are some names that we know, love and can rally around come Marathon Monday. Names like Flanagan, Ritzenhein and Keflezighi will be in our heads throughout the excitement for the race itself. This got us thinking: we have a whole bunch of names right here in our own backyard. They may not be well known and they may not be lining up to go for the win, but their stories and their races are just as important to us. They are…

The Level Legion: Boston Marathon Edition

…and they are your very own.

We will introduce to you here three men and three women, all talented runners in their own right that we believe comprise a good cross section of the runners in the northeast region. Each brings a unique perspective and background to their training, racing and experiences. It is our hope that you will see yourselves in the hearts, minds and legs of this Boston Marathon Edition of the Level Legion and that through them we can all support each other as we train, race and cheer for the 118th Boston Marathon. Over the next few weeks, we will provide some insight, quotes, training and anything else we can to inspire you through the miles, the minutes and the moments.

We are very excited to present this outstanding group of runners to you. Let’s meet them now:

The Men

IMG_3225

L-R: Rivera, Graham, Harvey

Jose Rivera

Age: 39 (40 day of Boston Marathon)
Club: Central Mass Striders & Tri State Running
Hometown: Webster, MA

“I never dreamed of running a marathon, never mind being able to run Boston. Boston was something for the elites, not for me. But I am happy that I am here, because I deserve to be here. I have worked and trained hard to be here. I am a part of this great event as well as all 36,000 others that worked hard to be here. I am so looking forward to running Boston!!!”

Scott Graham

Age: 55
Club: Greater Lowell Road Runners (GLRR)
Hometown: Westford, MA

Brian Harvey

Age: 26
Club: Boston Athletic Association Unicorns
Hometown: Boston, MA

“I keep my log on athleticore.com – check it out if you’re interested in excessive (and nerdy) detail on all things numbers. I hope people enjoy following my training. I very much look forward to keeping my eye on the other runners!”

The Women

IMG_3226

L-R: London, Millett, Encarnacion

Anne London

Age: 31
Club: NACHO AC
Hometown: Cambridge, MA

Aly Millett

Age: 25
Club: Greater Boston Track Club
Hometown: Charlestown, MA

Karen Encarnacion

Age: 48
Club: Somerville Road Runners
Hometown: East Walpole, MA

Lots more to come, both from and about this select group of talented runners. Stay tuned!

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