Category: Resources

Routes for Visiting Runners – Boston Marathon Weekend

Whether you're coming to run or watch the 2019 Boston Marathon or just want to log some miles, it's an exciting time to visit the city. And, we hope this piece will help all the runners who are new to the city, here for vacation, or a business trip.

Right onto Hereford Street – Less Than a Mile to Go!

I remember my first Boston Marathon as a spectator. Penny and I booked a hotel room for the weekend and left the car parked. We took in the runners' expo, pasta supper, and other pre-race activities, then watched a spectacular Boylston Street finish.

As an out-of-state runner staying near Faneuil Hall, I still wanted to get in a run or two, but wasn't sure where to head.

Now, as a Boston resident, I can recommend a couple of my favorite routes.

Charles River Run …

If you're a visiting runner staying anywhere near the finish line, you can't beat a daytime run along the Charles River. It offers great views and a more open course without having to constantly cross roadways. This multi-use path is shared by bikes, blades, skate boards, dogs, and walkers. It can get congested as the day wears on but, who knows, you may find yourself sharing the trail with some famous, elite runners. It's easy to make any number of loops between the Boston and Cambridge sides of the river by using the many bridges along the way.

From Back Bay, you can access the Charles River Esplanade from Massachusetts Avenue, Fairfield, Dartmouth, and Arlington Streets. If you head west from the Massachusetts Avenue ramp, you can also use the parcourse workout station that's located just up-river. Click here for photos and details including a map to find it.

Morning Run Along the Esplanade

Parks in the Heart of the City

For a tree-lined route, try the Commonwealth Avenue Mall – not a shopping center, but a park – that runs down the center of this residential street. At Commonwealth and Arlington, you can enter the pristine Public Garden for a slower pace. Moving through the center of the Garden will lead you across Charles Street to the Boston Common.

Inside tip: Local-isms

Mass Ave = Massachusetts Avenue
Comm Ave = Commonwealth Avenue
And, it's Boston Common (singular) not Boston Commons

Related Posts:

What's Open on Patriots Day in Boston, Plus MBTA, Trash & Other Changes

Parking Your Car for Boston Marathon Weekend

Tracking a Boston Marathon Runner

How to Get to the Esplanade from Boston

Photos from past Boston Marathons:

The View from Hereford Street

Marathon Kisses

Other Resources:

Here's a great site. You'll find dozens of local running routes, including along the Charles River.

For more places to run, Bostinno has a post on this topic – How to Train For the Boston Marathon: Where the Runners Run.

Details:
Words: Ed Cherubino
Photos: (Top) 2011 Boston Marathon, (Bottom) Esplanade Run ©2013 Penny Cherubino

Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

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Charles River Run on a Crisp Saturday Morning

Lost Boston: Bicycle Club at 152 Newbury Street

March 31, 2016
Tracking a Boston Marathon Runner 2016

Here's how to track a friend or any runner competing in the Boston Marathon on Monday, April 18, 2016.

The Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) Website explains:

The B.A.A. will post split times to its website during the race. This feature, complete with search access directions, will not show up on their official site until race day.

To learn how to Track a Boston Marathon Runner, Click Here then select, “Q: How can family members at home track me in the Boston Marathon?”

Mobile Phone Alert System

The Boston Athletic Association has set up the AT&T Athlete Alert program. It allows you to receive updates on a runner’s progress. Here’s how to sign-up!

Where are the Leaders & Crowd Favorites?

For a rough idea of where the race leaders are in relation to your viewing position, you can always watch the sky for the helicopters that hover above them.

For favorites, you must rely on the roar of the crowd as they approach. Or you can track your favorite by using the mobile alert system.

Related Posts: A collection of tips for Marathon Weekend, some are from past years and we'll be updating them between now and Marathon Monday.

Parking Your Car for Boston Marathon Weekend 2016

Routes for Visiting Runners – Boston Marathon Weekend 2016

What’s Open in Boston on Patriots’ Day 2016

Work Out on a Public Parcourse along the Charles River

How to Get to the Esplanade from Boston

Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

Details:
Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) Website
Words: Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2011 Penny Cherubino

Related articles

Doin' the Pothole Dance!

Blue Tape for Marking Newly Sharpened Knives

March 25, 2016
Tracking a Boston Marathon Runner 2016

Here's how to track a friend or any runner competing in the Boston Marathon on Monday, April 18, 2016.

The Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) Website explains:

The B.A.A. will post split times to its website during the race. This feature, complete with search access directions, will not show up on their official site until race day.

To learn how to Track a Boston Marathon Runner, Click Here then select, “Q: How can family members at home track me in the Boston Marathon?”

Mobile Phone Alert System

The Boston Athletic Association has set up the AT&T Athlete Alert program. It allows you to receive updates on a runner’s progress. Here’s how to sign-up!

Where are the Leaders & Crowd Favorites?

For a rough idea of where the race leaders are in relation to your viewing position, you can always watch the sky for the helicopters that hover above them.

For favorites, you must rely on the roar of the crowd as they approach. Or you can track your favorite by using the mobile alert system.

Related Posts: A collection of tips for Marathon Weekend, some are from past years and we'll be updating them between now and Marathon Monday.

Parking Your Car for Boston Marathon Weekend 2016

Routes for Visiting Runners – Boston Marathon Weekend 2016

What’s Open in Boston on Patriots’ Day 2016

Work Out on a Public Parcourse along the Charles River

How to Get to the Esplanade from Boston

Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

Details:
Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) Website
Words: Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2011 Penny Cherubino

Related articles

Doin' the Pothole Dance!

Blue Tape for Marking Newly Sharpened Knives

March 25, 2016
Time to Get Your Dog a License

March is dog license season in Massachusetts. Dogs in the Commonwealth are required to have a 2016 dog license by April 1st.

When we met this adorable Boston newcomer "Guinness" recently, he already had his license.

How to Apply

I put a reminder on my calendar and usually apply for a Boston dog license online. You can also download an application to mail at that page.

If your dog, like my Poppy, is already registered, enter the current license number and all your information should be filled in by the system. Next, you upload photos of a spay certificate and current rabies record. Then, you enter your credit card information and complete the transaction.

If you prefer the snail mail option, you should receive a package in the mail if your dog is currently licensed. If not, and you want to get a license in person, visit the Animal Care and Control Department at 1010 Massachusetts Avenue. Bring a current rabies certificate and a spay/neuter certificate if you have one. A prepared check or money order will save time.

You can also get your license at the City Hall To Go truck at one of its scheduled spots around town. Just bring the same documents and a check with you.

Low-Cost Clinics

The city has a series of Dog Licensing & Low-Cost Rabies Vaccine Clinics each year. Here's a link to a copy of this year's events. It was in the right-hand sidebar at the time of this writing.

Should Dogs or People Be Licensed?

Over the years, the group of dog lovers that walks with us has often discussed an option of having people licensed as legal caretakers of animals rather than attaching the license to the dog. Then the responsible caregivers could register the animals they have under that license and receive tags for each.

The legislature has a task force looking at a possible statewide Animal Abuse Registry. But, beyond outright abuse, a caregiver’s registry might deny licenses to those who are constant scofflaws or who have a history of dangerous dog offenses.

Of course some enforcement of the current rules and regulations for picking up after your dog and keeping dogs on a leash would have to be a part of any program like this.

Get to know all of our Sunday Dogs at Boston Dogs.

Thanks to everyone who Hops over to Amazon from here to do their shopping. We appreciate your support.

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photos: ©2016 Penny & Ed Cherubino

March 20, 2016
Time to Get Your Dog a License

March is dog license season in Massachusetts. Dogs in the Commonwealth are required to have a 2016 dog license by April 1st.

When we met this adorable Boston newcomer "Guinness" recently, he already had his license.

How to Apply

I put a reminder on my calendar and usually apply for a Boston dog license online. You can also download an application to mail at that page.

If your dog, like my Poppy, is already registered, enter the current license number and all your information should be filled in by the system. Next, you upload photos of a spay certificate and current rabies record. Then, you enter your credit card information and complete the transaction.

If you prefer the snail mail option, you should receive a package in the mail if your dog is currently licensed. If not, and you want to get a license in person, visit the Animal Care and Control Department at 1010 Massachusetts Avenue. Bring a current rabies certificate and a spay/neuter certificate if you have one. A prepared check or money order will save time.

You can also get your license at the City Hall To Go truck at one of its scheduled spots around town. Just bring the same documents and a check with you.

Low-Cost Clinics

The city has a series of Dog Licensing & Low-Cost Rabies Vaccine Clinics each year. Here's a link to a copy of this year's events. It was in the right-hand sidebar at the time of this writing.

Should Dogs or People Be Licensed?

Over the years, the group of dog lovers that walks with us has often discussed an option of having people licensed as legal caretakers of animals rather than attaching the license to the dog. Then the responsible caregivers could register the animals they have under that license and receive tags for each.

The legislature has a task force looking at a possible statewide Animal Abuse Registry. But, beyond outright abuse, a caregiver’s registry might deny licenses to those who are constant scofflaws or who have a history of dangerous dog offenses.

Of course some enforcement of the current rules and regulations for picking up after your dog and keeping dogs on a leash would have to be a part of any program like this.

Get to know all of our Sunday Dogs at Boston Dogs.

Thanks to everyone who Hops over to Amazon from here to do their shopping. We appreciate your support.

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photos: ©2016 Penny & Ed Cherubino

March 20, 2016
We Love Our Spam, Scam & Robo Call Blocker

Faced with the upcoming election season, we decide to invest in a call blocker for our landline. We've only had it for a short time but are already enjoying the benefits. No more nightly call from a number that comes up as Quincy and is reported to be spam when we do a reverse number look-up over on WhitePages.com.

The evening after we installed the call blocker that call came in. We hit the "Block Now" button and haven't seen that particular spammer on our incoming call list again.

No more calls for the business that keeps printing our phone number instead of their own on everything from company directories to business cards. We had a list of the numbers that kept calling us looking for them and entered those manually into the call blocker. While we do feel sorry for the people trying to reach the business when their call is disconnected, we've pleaded with staff members from the company for years to stop giving our number as theirs.

We also used the shortcuts provided in the device's users manual to block all withheld, private, unknown, international, out-of-the-area, international calls with 00 prefixes, and unavailable callers. Most of our friends and family reach us via text or our cell phones so we don't expect that to shut out many legitimate calls.

The equipment comes with 200 "known spam" numbers blocked. Obviously, we are benefiting from that because we've entered only 14 numbers (as of this post) and are already amazed at how few spam and robocalls we're receiving.

We did our research and found hundreds of positive reviews and a strong customer service support system for CPR Call Blocker V202. We ordered ours from Amazon and had free delivery with our Amazon Prime membership.

Both of us keep remarking on how nice it is to be free of those spam, marketing, and political calls. As the candidates begin to call, we'll just block their numbers as they arrive.

We still have our special answering machine message that we told you about in our post "Sick of Political and Polling Phone Calls?" And, we've added our land line numbers to the National Do Not Call Registry. While we still believe that we should all have a right to an "opt in" rather than an "opt out" choice for all calls, this is certainly a step forward for this household.

Watch for updates on this post as we get more use out of this call blocker.

Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2016 Penny Cherubino

February 10, 2016
We Love Our Spam, Scam & Robo Call Blocker

Faced with the upcoming election season, we decide to invest in a call blocker for our landline. We've only had it for a short time but are already enjoying the benefits. No more nightly call from a number that comes up as Quincy and is reported to be spam when we do a reverse number look-up over on WhitePages.com.

The evening after we installed the call blocker that call came in. We hit the "Block Now" button and haven't seen that particular spammer on our incoming call list again.

No more calls for the business that keeps printing our phone number instead of their own on everything from company directories to business cards. We had a list of the numbers that kept calling us looking for them and entered those manually into the call blocker. While we do feel sorry for the people trying to reach the business when their call is disconnected, we've pleaded with staff members from the company for years to stop giving our number as theirs.

We also used the shortcuts provided in the device's users manual to block all withheld, private, unknown, international, out-of-the-area, international calls with 00 prefixes, and unavailable callers. Most of our friends and family reach us via text or our cell phones so we don't expect that to shut out many legitimate calls.

The equipment comes with 200 "known spam" numbers blocked. Obviously, we are benefiting from that because we've entered only 14 numbers (as of this post) and are already amazed at how few spam and robocalls we're receiving.

We did our research and found hundreds of positive reviews and a strong customer service support system for CPR Call Blocker V202. We ordered ours from Amazon and had free delivery with our Amazon Prime membership.

Both of us keep remarking on how nice it is to be free of those spam, marketing, and political calls. As the candidates begin to call, we'll just block their numbers as they arrive.

We still have our special answering machine message that we told you about in our post "Sick of Political and Polling Phone Calls?" And, we've added our land line numbers to the National Do Not Call Registry. While we still believe that we should all have a right to an "opt in" rather than an "opt out" choice for all calls, this is certainly a step forward for this household.

Watch for updates on this post as we get more use out of this call blocker.

Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2016 Penny Cherubino

February 10, 2016
What’s Open or Closed on Presidents’ Day in Boston 2016 & MBTA Schedule Changes, Parking, Trash & More
Here's a rundown of what's open and what's closed in Boston on Presidents' Day and the MBTA schedule changes, plus information on Boston trash pick-up and parking information for February 15, 2016.

We publish these resource pages early to assist you in planning your holidays. We'll keep updates coming as new information is published. Follow us on Twitter to learn about updates.

Restaurants, bars: Open

Convenience stores: Open

Supermarkets: Open

Retail stores: Are allowed to open if the owners choose

Liquor stores: Open if the owners choose

City, Town, State and Federal offices and facilities are closed: This includes Schools, Libraries, and the Postal Service (express mail will be delivered). Only emergency services are available.

Financial Services: As the British would say, this is a Bank Holiday with both banks and the stock markets in the United States closed. Some international markets are open. In recent years, we've noticed some banks keep some branches open at unexpected times so check with your own bank.

Parking, Boston trash, and MBTA after the ad.

This weekend is a great time to start your tax preparation. Step one, order your software by following this link to Amazon.You can even download some versions right from the Amazon Download Store. Shopping Amazon from here keeps information like this coming your way.

Boston Parking: You don't have to feed the meters. Other parking rules apply.

Boston Trash and Recycling:

The city has changed the way it publishes the schedule for holidays so that you now have to go to the city site and look up your specific address in order to get information.

MBTA Schedule for Presidents' Day, February 15, 2016

For a short time before the holiday, a complete list of schedule changes with appear at this link.

Briefly:
- Blue, Orange, Red, Green and Mattapan Lines will operate a Saturday schedule.
- Silver line will operate a weekday schedule.
- Commuter Rail trains will operate a Saturday schedule.
- Buses and trackless trolleys will operate a Saturday schedule. Check this link for bus routes that will not operate. (Note: this link will only work up until the holiday.)
- Hingham, Hull, and Charlestown Boat Service will operate a regular weekday schedule.
- THE RIDE will operate a Saturday schedule, but contact your local RIDE contractor for details.
For more information on routes, schedules, and fares, contact the MBTA at 617-222-3200, TTY 617-222-5146, or check the MBTA’s website www.mbta.com.

Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: ©2010 Penny Cherubino
February 8, 2016
Dog Breed Health Issues with a Link to a Comprehensive List by Breed

Just as human genetics put us at higher risk for various health issues, the health challenges that you might face with different breeds of dogs can be somewhat predicted, monitored, and perhaps avoided.

Healthiest Breeds

If you wanted to choose a dog based on the probability of good health, you might be best to adopt a mixed breed or a working dog that is still used for its original purpose like a Foxhound or Australian Cattle Dog.

In a post on the 10 Healthiest Dog Breeds, Jennifer Coates, DVM veterinary advisor to petMD.com had an explanation for those choices. “A recent study showed that mix breed dogs were significantly less likely to develop ten genetically based diseases, including some types of heart disease, musculoskeletal problems, allergic skin disease, and hyperthyroidism.”

As for those working dogs she said, “When breeders focus on function instead of just good looks, they naturally weed out the dogs that develop debilitating illnesses or injuries.”

Examples of Health Issues by Breed

Bulldogs, Shih Tzus, and other breeds with what appear to be pushed in faces can have brachycephalic syndrome that can lead to severe respiratory distress.

Breeds with bulging eyes, like Pugs and Boston Terriers, are at risk for eye problems. Have your vet brief you on what to do if an accident causes your dog’s eye to dislocate from the socket.

Large breeds, such as German Shepherds and Labs, can have hip dysplasia. This can also happen in Golden Retrievers who may also suffer from allergy, eye, and heart problems.

Giant Breeds, like the Great Dane, do have shorter life spans and must be fed carefully to prevent bloat and rapid puppy growth that can cause Wobbler Syndrome (a neurologic disease). Bloat is also a problem with German Shorthaired Pointers.

Dachshunds can have back problems. Mitral valve disease is common in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. Greyhounds suffer from malignant bone cancer more than any other breed. Epilepsy can occur in Poodles along with hypothyroidism, Addison’s disease, and Cushing’s syndrome.

Here's That Link to More Information for Your Dog

The Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association has published an extensive, cross-referenced “Guide to Congenital and Heritable Disorders in Dogs." Once you know about the conditions that might occur in your dog, you can work with your veterinary team to keep a watch and take preventative steps.

Should you have your heart set on a particular breed, (like the adorable King Charles puppy above) despite what you learn about health issues, work with a responsible breeder who will be open about how their breeding program has addressed these issues. Ask for multiple references to people with dogs from their line who are free of the conditions.

Get to know all of our Sunday Dogs at Boston Dogs.

Thanks to everyone who Hops over to Amazon from here to do their shopping. We appreciate your support.

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino (adapted from a previously published City Paws Newspaper column)
Photos: ©2011-2016 Penny & Ed Cherubino

February 7, 2016
Ask @UniversalHub for the Best Crowdsourced Answers In Boston

Funny how people find a way to get great answers to their questions. Lately, I notice more and more people who direct queries on so many topics to Adam Gaffin (@UniversalHub) and those who follow him on Twitter.

Since Universal Hub (UH) is one of the most reliable sources of hyperlocal information in Boston, people do ask what's going on when they see police or fire action in their area.

Sometimes the requests are a bit delicious like this one for onion soup.

Or, kindhearted as in finding a place to donate something.

Or, an opinion from others about a product you might want to buy.

Sometimes when the replies flood in, you'll find them gathered as a collection on Universal Hub like this on the best Southern-style Biscuits and Gravy. When you come across one of these, be sure to click on and read the comments posted directly on the UH post.

Ed and I both rely on Universal Hub for breaking news and fun information and we highly recommend you do the same. Follow @UniversalHub on Twitter and stop by the Universal Hub site a few times a day, especially when you see something that makes you wonder, "What's happening?"

Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

Details:

Words: Penny Cherubino

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February 5, 2016