Race Report: The Fall 50

The Fall 50

By Drew Sills

 

The idea for running this race/distance came from David Nichols, who ran the Nashville Ultra last year and his positive experience. Like any other sane runner, I thought it would be a good idea to also run 50 miles!! With this, I started to research races of this distance within the Midwest, hoping to find one in the fall for cooler weather. The Fall 50 in Door County WI on October 20 was chosen as the next new adventure. This race is designed mainly for relay teams but allows up to 200 solo runners to complete the course. During one of the BOR training runs, I casually mentioned the idea to a few others and before you know it, we had the Fall (50) 5: Michele Applegate, Leah Hoffherr, Jeff Alvey, Cathy Downes and myself.

With the 20 week training plan and long miles behind us, we all departed for Door County on Thursday, most of the group leaving early to make the 10 hour drive that day. My family and I left after school got out and drove to Chicago to stay the night. We got up on Friday morning and finished the drive to Sturgeon Bay, where our hotel was located and also the location of the finish line. I met up with the other runners that afternoon to discuss the logistics of Saturday, or race day. We all left around 3 pm to attend the expo, which was held at a bar and consisted of an outdoor tent and a few tables. The group got our race T-shirts, bibs and final instructions for the next day. 

 

I was kind of jealous leaving the bar because some of the relay teams were enjoying their beers/carbs for the next day. I knew to stick to the nutrition plan and beer was for AFTER the race. The group all did their own thing for dinner that night and the plan was to meet at the room at 5 am. We had to go to another hotel that morning to catch the shuttle bus to the start line, 50 miles north. The bus ride was uneventful and we arrived at Gills Rock at 6:45 am, leaving 15 minutes before the start of the race. It was dry and overcast at the start, which was such a relief because it had rained for 7 straight days prior to the race. It was supposed to remain dry until Monday but the clouds looked like they could open up at any time. At 7:05 am, the race began for all of the solo runners. Relay teams started in waves beginning at 8 am.

The first few miles seemed easy because our group and most of the other solos stayed together. We were able to chat with other runners and find out where they were from. The first exchange point/water stop came 8 miles into the course. By this time, Jeff, Michele and Leah were ahead of Cathy and I. Cathy and I stayed together the entire race so most of my account of the race includes Cathy. The miles still seemed relatively easy because we were keeping a 9:45 pace and walking the big hills. The course was quite hilly for the first 25 miles and had rolling hills for the last half. At the beginning of mile 16, we entered a large state park that included a golf course and many walking/running trails.

 

  Near mile 18, we first saw our first support crew/cheering section. This included Miki and her husband Jerry, Wayne (Michele’s fiancé), and Cathy’s husband Brian. It was good to see some friendly faces and hear some encouraging words. After seeing them, we came up on the third water station. We started eating normal food at this time. The park we were in lasted for 8 miles and I knew at the end would be my personal cheering section. This included my girls, wife, 2 cousins, 3 aunts and parents in-law. It was great to see all of them and know they would be cheering us on. They also helped crew and cheer on Michele, Jeff and Leah throughout the race. At mile 32, Miki joined Cathy and I and ran with us for 15 miles. This helped a great deal just to have someone in the group with fresh legs and other discussion topics.

 

  At mile 42, my wife jumped in with us and ran until mile 47. Once we got to mile 47, those two got into my family’s vehicle so they could make it to the finish line before us. Those last 3 miles were quite tough but we know what satisfaction we had at the finish line. Coming to the last half mile, Miki was there to run Leah, Jeff and Cathy in. The highlight of my race was having both daughters run with me through the finish line. It was a very emotional finish and it felt so good to just stop running. 

 

 

The group met up at the end and took some pictures with the finisher’s banners. Once we were all ok to move again, we made it into the party tent where they had unlimited beer and pizza for all the runners and families/friends. The group got a chance to sit down and discuss the race. It was so nice to sit down and take in what we were able to accomplish that day. We all finished under 8.5 hours and Michele got 3^rd in the Open Female division.

Overall, the race was well organized and the group all had a great time. It would be fun to run the race again but I may have to join a team next time. I would enjoy cheering on the solos and not being one of them!!

 

 

The Road to Boston - by Michelle Walker

Do you have a bucket list? Do you have goals to check off? My big dream for the past 5.5 years has been to qualify for the Boston Marathon. I thought this would be an easy goal to check off. With the proper training, I knew I could accomplish this goal 5.5 years ago when I ran my very first marathon in Phoenix, AZ.

 

When I stepped up to the starting line of the 2007 PF Chang’s RnR Marathon in Phoenix, I was very hopeful that I could qualify. I had never run a marathon before, but I have always been a hard worker. I knew that I put in the proper training to earn a spot at the starting line. Thanks to the encouragement from one of my fellow travelers, I was even confident that I could achieve my Boston Marathon time goal. When the starting gun was fired, I took off. I ran fast. I ran hard. I was feeling good. The sun was shining; temps were unusually cool; and the course was flat. My “I’m going to Boston” euphoria kicked in right away and lasted until well, just mile 16 where I had my first encounter with the infamous “Wall”. I had 10.2 (and the .2 is significant) miles to go; yet, my legs would not move. They were done. Finished. Kaput. I was quickly humbled as the pace teams who I had hoped to beat progressively passed me. How was I going to make it to the finish line, let alone finish under a BQ standard?

 

My first effort to remedy the situation was to grab an energy gel. At this point (mile 17), I was on the brink of nausea. A voice inside my head told me not to take the gel packet the smiling race volunteer handed to me. I had never taken this brand or flavor of gel before: a big “no no” in marathon running. (We are taught to mimic our race day during our training runs. There should be no new elements during the race.) In desperate need for energy, I threw the cardinal rule of marathoning out the window. I inhaled the Cliff brand gel pack as if it were my ticket to the finish line. My upset stomach immediately revolted. I had to move to the sidelines where I literally started to gag. Hundreds of runners passed me while I tried to regain my running composure. Some how, I kept the contents of my stomach inside, as I alternated between walking and running for the next nine miles. I made it to the finish line, but I did not experience the euphoria that so many runners have when they complete their first marathon. Instead, I felt deflated.

 

The Boston Marathon is the mecca for many long distance runners. The race has a rich history. Having to qualify with a time from a previous marathon creates an exclusive environment. This race is the big badge of honor in the marathon world. The exclusive entry is coveted by most long distance runners.

 

Due to the increasing popularity of marathon running, the Boston Marathon has become more stringent on their time qualifications. The marathon has set the bar even higher on its standards, making it more difficult to get in. For example, I am in the 40-44 year old age group for females. When I started marathon running, my qualifying time was 3:50. I spent several years training hard, trying to break the 3:50 barrier. About two years ago, the Boston Marathon tightened everyone’s time qualifications because the race was filling up at record pace. To my dismay, my qualifying time of 3:50 was changed to 3:45. When this change occurred, I must admit. I started to lose hope. A time of 3:45 or less seemed like an impossibility.

 

After the near disaster first marathon experience, I was on a mission. I would train even harder and eventually qualify for Boston! Ironically, my second marathon proved to be even more of a tragedy than my first. I was unable to complete the race, despite my efforts. I learned quickly that the marathon distance was to be respected. I have never been a natural athlete, but I had no idea how much work was ahead of me in order to check the Boston Marathon from my bucket list.

 

I spent the next five years of my fitness life working on my running endurance. Granted, I did have a baby during that time but even during my pregnancy I trained (under my doctor’s guidelines). I immediately went back to marathoning after the birth of my sixth child, running the WDW Marathon six months postpartum.

 

Over time I found the more marathons I ran, the better my endurance. The better my endurance, the faster my marathon times. The infamous “Wall” disappeared as I adjusted to the distance. Since January of 2012, I have run 22 marathons. This high frequency of marathon running is not recommended by the experts. For me, however, it works.

 

I am fortunate that over my 5.5 years of marathoning, I have never had an injury. Nothing. Nada. For me, the best form of training has been the marathon itself. I found myself using each marathon as a training run for the next race. I kept plugging away; logging marathon after marathon. Progressively, I was getting faster and faster.

 

Five years and 29 marathons after my first race disaster in Phoenix, something clicked. I started consistently running each of my marathons below the 4 hour time mark. This is generally considered to be a quick pace in the marathon world, but my times were still not meeting the new stringent BQ standards.

 

It wasn’t until I ventured to the mile high city of Denver (where altitude was a factor) in May of this year that I finally crossed the finish line about 15 seconds under the time I needed to qualify for Boston. I was elated! It took me 38 marathons; five years and 4 months for my dream to become reality.

 

Since May, I have run eight other BQ times. Little by little, I am shaving even more time off my marathons. I am occasionally placing in my age group; sometimes even placing as one of the top three overall females in the marathon.

 

On April 15, 2013 when I step up to the starting line of the Boston Marathon, I am sure I will be flooded with a myriad of emotions. What I originally thought to be a short term goal turned into a very long and arduous journey. My road to Boston is one that I will never trade. I have learned so much about myself during the process of seeing this dream come true. I am not the same person who stepped up to the starting line of a marathon in Phoenix more than 5.5 years ago. The confidence that I have gained by realizing how strong, tenacious and persistent I am has been life changing.

 

If you don’t already have one, I encourage you to make a bucket list. It is rewarding to have goals. It is even more fulfilling to accomplish the goals through your own efforts, no matter how long the journey. Dream big and work hard!

I AM A COLOR RUNNER....

 

by Leah Hoffherr

 

Waking up at 4:00 a.m. was not the easiest thing to do after spending the previous evening at a Cardinals Game, but I was excited to begin our 24 miler.  With lights turned on fuel belt/handheld water bottles filled we were off into the streets of STL. It was my first time to run this city, so I was excited to see the city by foot.  Jeff had mapped out a route that showed off some of STL’s best sites. Starting from The Pear Tree Hotel (downtown on Market St.) we ran through St. Louis University.  I really enjoyed seeing the old hotels converted to dorms for the university.  They were very tall and full of character.  After a few miles we came to the entrance of Forrest Park, which I heard was pretty hilly.  It was pretty dark, so it was difficult to see much of the park, but still enjoyable. It was also comforting see a running group running in the park and it made us think of the BOR.  It brought a smile to my face.

            We reached the furthest point of the park and headed towards the zoo.  One thing I remember was a huge T-Rex statue that caught my eye.  By this time we were approaching mile 9ish and exiting the park.  We passed Barnes Hospital, which was huge.  Somewhere around the hospital we were teased with the smell of donuts.  Then, I looked ahead at the arch and saw the sun beginning to make its appearance.  I turned to Jeff and asked if he planned the arch with the sunrise in the background.  He just smiled.

            By this time, around mile 12, we were running through a different part of the university and approaching the downtown area again.  Color stations were being set up for the color run and it put a little pep in my step.  We caught up with another runner and shared running stories and wished each other a good time at the Color Run.  I looked at my watch and I knew I wanted to get 21 miles in before we lined up for the Color Run.  The Color Run began at 8:00 a.m., but needed to be lined up at the start at 7:45ish.  I wanted to cross the Color Run finish line and be done with our run.

            We approached the arch and ran the trails along the river, which took us by many other runners. We ran down by Laclede’s Landing. Jeff and I headed back uptown towards the groups of people all wearing white tanks and Color Run sweat bands.  I was getting more excited to get to the start line….I was told to relax and slow down.  We had one pit stop at the Hotel to retrieve our bib at the front desk and out we were to head to the start line.  We got in all 21 miles before lining up at the start (and that last mile was running around the same block about 25 times…thought Jeff was gonna kill me if I went around that block again). 

            I thought it was a typo when I read 25,000 runners for the Color Run, but it really was that many people.  We talked to a really neat lady at the start line that had completed many marathons and 2 Iron Man competitions.  She was a real inspiration. We had to wait about 8 minutes before our wave was released.  Those first few steps were pretty rough, must have tightened up waiting.  But Jeff and I were ready to get our COLOR ON!  We got our first color at the 1k and I believe it was red.  There were people with bottles of red powder that shook it on you as your ran by.  I seemed to always get more color then Jeff…he he.   I noticed lots of walkers, joggers and runners participating in this run.  The Color Run is truly for ANYONE.  There is no chip and no clock, which definitely made it appealing to me. Just fun.

 

 

            At the half way point of the Color Run we approached the water stop and I grabbed a cup and threw it over my head and I saw Jeff gulping water down.  The people around us probably thought those 1.5 miles really kicked our butts.  We had 3 more color stations we ran through.  The cool thing about running through the color stations was that it was just a haze of color.  It was sometimes even tricky to see because there was so much color powder in the air.  Our watches dinged 24 miles and we gave each other a high five as we kept running to the finish line.  When I got to the finish line I rubbed the color off my watch to read 24.32 miles. Jeff and I congratulated each other on another long run together. 

 

 

            We were full of color and headed toward the sound of the pop music…One Direction.  This is where we found everyone gathering by the stage, dancing, and throwing color packets on each other.  They had given us a color packet in our goody bag.  At one point they did a BIG color toss.  It was a big color mess; so much that you truly could not see anything but color. 

 

 

            I recommend the The Color Run if you are looking for just a good time.  Our run was a charity for autism, which a good cause always makes me enjoy the event even more.  I also recommend to do this run if you have kids and want to include them in your running.  Kids love it!   I still have color on my shoes and refuse to clean them because it was such a good memory. 

Caution: I blew my nose the following day and it was blue. 

 

 

 

My First (and maybe last) Trail Race

Indian/Celina Challenge 2012

Race Report

by Jeff Alvey

After returning home from being a spectator, and part of the make shift search party at last years race I remember thinking that maybe, just maybe next year I might give it a try. So this year when the Indian/Celina Challenge rolled around I had a decision to make, just coming off an injury that had sidelined me for most of the year made the decision a little more difficult, but things were progressing well and I decided to go for it, besides all my friends were doing it!

My day started off at 3:00 a.m., rise and shine after a full day of moving the day before. Up, dressed and packed it was off to meet up with the group and hit the road to Perry County at 4:30 a.m., we had a beautiful sunrise to watch during the drive and before we knew it we were pulling into the Hoosier National Forest, and I remember thinking, I thought it would take longer to get here or maybe I was hoping it would.

After driving through the expo and picking up our shirts it was yet another drive to parking lot where we caught the bus to the start, but not before gathering for a group picture, which I figured was more of a final head count and last chance to get a current picture to apply to the milk carton if it became necessary.

A short bus ride later it was time to check in and get my race number written on the back of my hand, again I could only think that this was somehow going to be used as some way to later identify the body. Now I had heard horror story's of the start and that every year it rains and the heat can get unbearable in the woods, so as I stood at the start line with goosebumps from the cool air knowing it hadn't rained for days, I could only take full credit in my mind, after all I have had a pretty good race day weather record, I mean there were no heat related deferrals the last four years in April.

So the gun goes off, or some guy yelled "go", and we are off, at least until we hit the woods where I quickly learned my first of many trail lessons for the day, start in the front. We quickly spread out, and by spread out I mean I quickly got passed by everyone, and I settled into a rhythm and began to repeat my mantra for the day in my head, "don't fall, don't fall, don't fall....".

Now I've never been one to rattle off my splits, or be able to break down my miles, or even look at my watch but have always envied those who can, I mean my last marathon I looked at it twice, at the half way point and about 200 yards from the finish, so I'm not going to attempt to start now, especially since looking down at my watch and taking my eyes off the trail for a split second would surely have ended in disaster.

I can tell you this much, the views when I could look where spectacular, the rocks were slippery even dry, you will twist your ankles, the hills on the backside were every bit as hard as promised, you will twist your ankles, and follow the advise I received the night before, when you come to the creek just run through it.

 Now, I have to add that there were a couple of miles in there where I couldn't see anyone in front of me or hear anyone charging up from behind that were some what relaxing and I even joked to several after that I had nature's ipod on, just the sound of the birds chirping, the woodpeckers pecking, the unknown rustling in the bushes and the hope of someone just a little slower than myself close by if whatever was rustling decides to make a break for the trail.

I guess I should really wait until my trail shoes completely dry out and my ankles quit hurting to make the call to ever do another trail race, I mean I did have some fun, I do wear my race shirt with a sense of pride and I do have a history of repeating the same races, so who knows, next June I may be saying "Now where did I put those trail shoes"?

Race Report: Run Under The Stars

Run Under The Stars: 10-Hour Endurance Run
By Jen Metcalf

It's not often that I can't stop talking about a race. I mean, I've ran some great races. The Pig, Air Force, and St. Jude were all great. Illinois and Oz: both great. But RUTS ~ Run Under The Stars, a 10-hour endurance run in Paducah was beyond great. It was exceptional.

I wasn't looking for a 10-hour race around a 1/2 mile horse track that started at 8pm. It seemed to have found me! A close friend was signed up and I needed a Kentucky race (it's a Maniac thing) so I figured why not.

I was expecting the experience to be average and mundane. Running around and around and around for 10 hours. It was anything but average and mundane!

From registration to the Finish Line, the RD, Steve Durbin and his crew, left no stone unturned. Steve also puts on the Land Between the Lakes. This guy is obviously a runner with runners in mind. He knows what he is doing.

As we drive up to this old horse track in the middle of a residential area, I'm thinking to myself, "What have I got myself into?" There was this little tent set up for packet pick-up. Steve was there handing out packets. We got our swag, yes swag (a glow in the dark tech tee, moisture wicking socks, a Hydrapouch, a water bottle labeled with our name and bib #, a hat, AND a drawstring tote bag!), crossed the track to the infield and checked things out. There were some Maniacs there who I had met before at other races so I knew I was at least in for a fun night of conversation, if nothing else.

After returning from dinner (we had no idea how to fuel for a race that starts at 8pm), we got set-up. We, along with others, parked our car right there on the infield, backed up to the edge of the track. There were some folks there with tents and canopies who had clearly taken advantage of the all-day availability and electrical hook-ups. We had brought our own hydration and fuel since we really weren't sure what to expect. Come to find out, this was a buffet with a run and we didn't need to bring anything. I'm pretty sure they had every food group covered! The one thing they didn't do was have tiny paper cups of water sitting out for us to drink. They had a table to sit our own water bottle on. After all, they gave us one, might as well use it!

So soon after set-up, the RD calls everyone over to the starting area near the timing chute. It's a pretty technical area they had set-up with timing equipment and a sound system that played music all night. After a few words and the National Anthem, he just said, "Run!" That was it. We were off, just like that.

After taking off, it was a few minutes later that I started worrying about the running surface. It's made of crushed stone. They hose it down and comb it but it still felt pretty uneven. Within a few laps of a 100+ people running on it, it had smoothed out. There were a few remaining rough spots and you had to be aware of your footing but it wasn't bad.

A fellow Maniac told me that the best thing about running on a 1/2 loop is you pass your car every 5 minutes or so; he also said the worst thing about running a 1/2 loop is you pass your car every 5 minutes or so. But you also pass a fully stocked buffet, I mean aid station and a rest room with running water. That's right! No portapotty! Luxury accommodations, I tell ya!

Other than the bathroom, this is a no frills race. No jets overhead. No Pigs. No Yellow Brick Road. Very low key. But that's part of the allure for most, I think. Only a runner would run this race. The is a race put on by a runner. The RD thought of every detail. He even lit candles along the course once the lights went out around midnight. I don't know if he can take credit for the cat who seemed to have taken up residence at turn two or not but it was a nice touch.

I was skeptical about the whole track thing, worried I'd feel like a hamster but I truly didn't mind it at all. It ended up being a good thing because I was able to easily break down how many laps I needed for X # of miles. Plus, where else can I run along side lead runners who battled it out for 10 straight hours?? It was amazing! They ended just one lap apart @ 65, 64.5 and 64 miles (I think)! I was also able to run with slower friends that otherwise on a traditional course I would never have seen. Every runner there was full of spirit for the run and so encouraging and motivating to everyone out there.

Running in circles for 10 hours with the same people, you can learn a lot about someone! One man who stands out is John Price. John ran solo across the United States from Venice Beach to Virginia Beach. Solo. No support crew. A one man show. Now that's impressive! But everyone out there had a story. Yes, his is amazing but everyone else's is just as amazing. That's what made this run so fascinating: the people.

In case you're wondering, I ended the night at 65 laps, or 32.5 miles. After I reached my goal, I sat down to regroup and determine my next course of action. I took of my shoes and socks to dump rocks out of my shoes. I had a spot on my big toe that I thought was a rock piercing my skin. Nope! Big blister! Actually my first blister ever. Such a badge of honor! As any long distance runner should know, once those shoes and socks come off... well, let's just say BIG mistake! So, for once, I had the perspective of a spectator. I think that was even more fun than running! I got to cheer everyone on as they passed. I got to cheer for blue shorts boy, girl in the cutest running outfit ever, guy who hasn't even broken a sweat, dude with the hat... you get the picture. Those moments of cheering are priceless to me. I'd like to think I helped somebody out there get in just one more lap!

Towards the end of the run, everyone gathered around the timing chute to cheer on those few who kept running up until the final minutes of the race. The sun had come up where it had set just 10 hours before. Everyone there was sleep deprived but the energy that filled the air could have powered a small city! Watching the faces of runners who had been running for 10 hours straight, you see every emotion: joy, pride, shock, fatigue, elation...

I can't fail to mention the awesome awards ceremony that took place right after the race. The leaders got cool little trophies and everyone got a medal with the # of miles they had completed. Another nice touch.

If you truly love the run, I can guarantee you'll love this race. It was an epic journey under the stars of Kentucky. It was my first Ultra and I will definitely do it again!

Report from The Big Easy

Race Report – Rock and Roll New Orleans (March 4, 2012)

(written by Ted Barron for Runners World On Line Forums)

Twelve of us from my local southern Indiana running group (Band of Runners) traveled to New Orleans for the long weekend and stayed in the same hotel, Country Inn & Suites, a couple of blocks from the start.  Several were not running at full capacity because of injuries.  My wife and 1 runner (who had knee surgery earlier in the week) were spectating and providing moral support.   On Saturday, most of us walked from the hotel to the Expo at the Convention Center, probably a mile to a mile and a half away.  The Expo was nice, about medium -sized and nothing out of the ordinary.  Brooks was the official sponsor and the only company selling race shirts.  I bought one which was nice but pricey. We noticed there was no pacer table as some were looking for pace bands, and on race day I’m not sure why but there were no pacers as advertised.  From the Expo, we caught a trolley for $1.25 that took us all the way to the French Market at the far end of the French Quarter, where we had a great lunch at the Louisiana Pizza Kitchen.  Then we walked around too much, and wound up back at the hotel and tuckered out at 2:30ish.  After an enjoyable group dinner at 5:30 we were back at the hotel by 7:30 to get the bibs pinned on and stuff laid out for the a.m.  After a pretty horrendous night’s sleep, it was down to the lobby by 6:20 to meet up for a photo and short prayer, and off we went.

Luck was on our side for a couple of reasons.  After weeks of high temps and humidity in NOLA, it was upper 40s at the start and sunny with a forecasted high of 62 on race day!  Without knowing the exact layout of the start area, we walked 2 blocks and were standing right at the start corrals minutes later.  That even gave us time for an unplanned extra portajohn stop which is always good.  Because of the early morning chill, I wore a tank and arm warmers but rolled the arm warmers down before we even started.  I lined up in Corral 3 with 4 others from my group.  One had switched to the half because of a muscle tear a few weeks prior.  Although we were all planning to run in the same pace ballpark, I had decided to run my own race, with an “A goal” of breaking 3:30 which had been eluding me for over a year.

RNR marathons are pretty nonchalant on worrying about where people line up.  Corrals are marked but it’s mostly an honor system.  Although the majority of the runners seemed to be where they were supposed to be, there were the usual number of jerk slow runners and walkers who were in the way in the first mile or two, when it was pretty crowded.

For my one and only complaint about the entire race, the pavement for most of the first half of the race was probably the roughest I have ever run on.  Now for the good stuff.  My original plan was an 8:15 minute pace first mile, then all miles around 8:00 thereafter.  Depending on how it went, I would slow and try to better my time for Boston 2013 (BQ -1 minute).  But it didn’t quite go like that.  I was glancing at my garmin in the first mile as I always do to make sure I don’t start out too fast.  My garmin was reading 6:15 pace, but I was certain that wasn’t possible because I would have felt it.  When my garmin ticked off 1 mile, I went another .13m before seeing the 1 mile marker.  I get garmin differences but that seemed extraordinary.  At the mile marker, my garmin actually said 8:15, but my distance was 1.13m, so I remain a little puzzled by that one.

The course started in the Central Business District, outside of the French Quarter.   We ran an out and back for most of the first 8 miles along a beautiful tree-lined street named St. Charles Avenue.  There was plenty of shade over the first half of the course from all of the mature trees, with beautiful homes on both sides. There were quite a few spectators along this part of the course with a great vibe, and kudos to all of the volunteers at water stops throughout the race.  They were just great. 

There were also a lot of cheerleader groups and bands (good ones too) – more than at any other RNR race I have done.  There were people with orange slices, candy, salt packs, beer, martinis – you name it!  A virtual friend from the RWOL 3:30 thread, who is  a resident of New Orleans, was positioned around mile 3.5, with a sign saying GO TED, 3:30 OR BUST.  I spotted her and we exchanged hellos (thanks Bren!).  A nearby runner heard the 3:30 comment and said that was his goal.  He was from Memphis and very pleasant.  We ran together and talked for about the next 3 or 4 miles.  I never got his name but I hope it turned out well for him in case he is reading this.  These were the first of several fun exchanges along the course. 

My garmin splits read like this:

1 - 7:08 (whoa, not what I planned)

2 - 8:04 (more like it)

3 - 7:54 (faster than planned but settling in)

4 - 7:53

5 - 7:50

6 - 7:45

7 - 7:49

8 - 7:45

Around mile 8, we turned onto Magazine St. and ran right past our hotel and straight into the French Quarter, past the WWII Museum, Jackson Square and the French Market, with the Mississippi River off to our right.  According to the course map, there was a 50 foot climb in this area, but honestly I don’t remember it.  At mile 10 we turned and started heading north along Esplanade.  The full ran together with the half marathoners for about 12 miles before we split so it remained somewhat crowded though not overly. 

09 - 7:51

10 - 7:39

11 - 7:53

12 - 8:01

13 - 7:54 (Official 13.1 split of 1:42:xx)  

This was my 9^th marathon and the first time I have ever run a half split faster than a 1:45.  I was wondering if I could keep the pace up but it felt so good, I just didn’t want to back off.  At the split we turned left, then right and headed north again, along beautiful City Park from mile 13 to mile 16.  I was running alongside a guy from New Orleans at this point and talked to him for a couple of miles.  He told me that the pavement was going to be good and smooth for the rest of the way and he was right. It was really nice from there on.  He was running Boston in a few weeks and I wished him luck.  My wife and friend Tom (recovering from knee surgery) were positioned near mile 15 and were waiting with smiles and high fives. I am guessing this is from the City Park Area:

After mile 16 we turned left onto Lakeshore Drive and began running the first of several out and backs along Lake Pontchartain.  It was beautiful along here – the lake is huge!  But we were definitely exposed to the sun and wind now for about the next 6 miles until mile 22.  The wind was directly in my face for the first part of it and I thought it would slow me down (but it didn’t) and it felt good since it was starting to feel pretty warm.  Oh yeah, around mile 17, it felt like one of my toenails was pulling off-ouch.  The pain eventually subsided and I discovered after the race that it was really just a large blister.  The great thing about the out and backs in this stretch was that I was able to see and high five 6 of my running club friends as we passed on opposite sides of the road.  It really gave us all a boost and we were all doing extremely well!

14 – 7:55

15 – 7:58

16 – 7:57

17 – 7:56

18 – 7:52

19 – 7:51  hill crossing bridge here (all “hills” were baby hills)

20 – 8:00  hill bridge

21 – 8:01

22 – 8:05  hill crossing same bridge coming back

At this point, as you see in the splits, I was slowing down ever so slightly, but still cautiously feeling good.  I told myself to just hover at 8 minute miles and I would be okay.  I have had my share of cramps late in races but on this day I felt like I was holding up well.

At mile 22 we turned and headed south again, back alongside City Park heading to the finish.  I passed hometown friend Jeff (who ran the half) at mile 24, and Tom (knee surgery) and wife Diane at mile 25, before heading into the final winding, winding stretch to the finish.  We wound around in the park and then headed straight towards the Art Museum before going around it and finally seeing the finish line and a great crowd to welcome you.  Here’s how it ended:

23 - 8:06

24 - 8:08

25 - 7:58

26 - 8:01

.36 in 2:47 (7:50 pace)

Official Time 3:27:56!  PR by 6 minutes and BQ – 12 minutes

I am really excited at the outcome and appreciative of all the advice and support from everyone on RWOL, and of course from my wife and running friends from home.  I upped my mileage this cycle and used a modified Pfitz 12/70 (but maxing at 66mpw) and think it must have made the difference for my endurance.  

It was a great day for our group, with 5 PRs and several near PRs and solid races by all.  Four of us finished within 7 minutes of each other and gathered at the finish line for a pic:

The after party in the park with a headliner act was a blast and free transportation took us from the finish back to the start area near our hotel.  We hit a great sports bar later that day in the French Quarter with a GM from Indiana who put the Indiana Univ vs Purdue basketball game on every screen in the place.  Couldn’t get any better than that for us.

I know some have had bad experiences with RNR races, but honestly this one was terrific.  Our entire group loved the New Orleans experience and would highly recommend it.