PR Running Owner is Boston Bound

According to the official Boston Marathon website, 22 people from Westborough have registered to run in the 2011 Boston Marathon. For the days leading up to the marathon, we will feature our Westborough marathoners and encourage you to cheer each of them to the finish line!

Name: Rich Allen

Age: 40

Marathon experience:  Rich began cycling and running after college, and ran his first marathon in 1998. He’s run four marathons since then. This will be his third Boston Marathon. When he's not running his business, Rich coaches track for the Tri-Valley Frontrunners.

Reason for running:  Rich and his wife Jess opened PR Running in Westborough out of a shared passion for running. Seven years and two children later, Rich said he’s finally had the time to run consistently. He trained for a half marathon last fall. “It was the most I’ve trained since I’ve owned the store,” he said. Rich loves running Boston because of its historical significance as the oldest annual marathon in the world.  “The crowds are fantastic. There’s a certain kind of celebration on that day,” he said. “And the course is definitely challenging. You can’t get ahead of yourself. In Boston if you’re not patient, you really pay.” 

Training Tip:  Rich suggests running a half marathon first before contemplating a marathon. “People new to the sport don’t have enough understanding or appreciation of what it takes,” he said.  “Give yourself a good six months after finishing a half marathon to train and run a full marathon.”