September 2019 Athlete of the Month - Carrie Parsi
After 4 years away from racing and working through an extended injury rehab, we can say that Carrie Parsi (Liberty AC) is back. We are pleased to announce that Carrie is USATF New England's (USATF-NE) Athlete of the Month for September.
At the Lone Gull 10K, Carrie (80) recorded the 2nd highest age-graded mark of 91.80%. Then, wasting no time, she came back the next weekend to shattered the W80 1-hour distance record at the Lynn One Hour Run. [pending certification] Carrie covered 10,432m (6.483 miles) in 60 minutes to better the record by 2,838m (1.76 mi.)
Congratulations and good to see you competing again. Photo Courtesy: CCCBDS https://cccbsd.org/
Words from Carrie:
What were your thoughts and expectations coming into Long Gull and the Lynn One Hour Run?
I reluctantly signed up for the Lone Gull. I wasn’t sure I was ready to race and didn’t have much confidence in how I would do. I had run Mt Washington this past June, which was also the first race I’d done since doing it in 2014. The sensible thing would have been to run a shorter race but the Lone Gull was in my backyard. So, there I was on Sunday. September 22nd standing at the start surrounded by an energetic group of Liberty women. It was a struggle. As I squeaked across the finish line just under an hour, I remember telling myself it was the slowest 10k I’d ever done. I guess I forgot I had added a few years since I last ran a 10k.
I didn’t know about the One Hour Run until coach John Barbour contacted me on Monday to relay a message from Jim Abalon who, on seeing my Lone Gull time, thought I might have a shot at the record. I was still stiff and sore from the 10k. So I thought to myself “no hills” I’ll go.!!
Who would you like to thank?
My wonderful family.
My gym instructor whose merciless weekly workouts concentrated on upper body strengthening.
Coach Barbour and the Liberty AC women. They inspire and support.
What advice/thoughts do you have about Working through injuries?
Be patient. Do the recovery work. Stay positive.
What next?
The Run for All Ages, Nov 2nd; Franklin Park Cross Country