Monday, 10-22 - 0 - Damn you, chafing!!!
Tuesday, 10-23 - 0 - Soreness is almost gone! Back at it in a day or two.
Wednesday, 10-24 - 0 -Morning karate class, and...that's it. Too much to do here at the house. Plans to do a trail run with two of my karate training partners tomorrow...
Thursday, 10-25 - 0 - Plans fell through, just as well though since I have an appraisal on a refi on Friday, house getting power washed today, and a tremendous amount of things to do here...get that done, a short run on Friday and Saturday, FOP 5K on Sunday, still think I'll blow my PR outta the water...
Friday, 10-26 - 3.5 (Road) - Out and back from the house. Felt good to be able to get a few miles in today - legs felt good, and I was even able to do some pole-to-pole sprints on the second mile. Going to shoot for the same thing tomorrow. Gorgeous day, hard to believe there's such a large storm headed this way. We'll see how the trails look after it passes...
Saturday, 10-27 - 0 - Family day, and decided not to run anyway. Last minute Stormageddon prep (i.e. stocking up on beer, etc.) and race tomorrow...
Sunday, 10-28 - 6 (Road) - The Charlestown FOP 5K Road Race, or as it's now known, "Halloween Hot Pursuit." I ran this race two years ago and came in at 25:28, at an 8:12 average. It's a flat, fast track in the Ninigret State Park, and although the course seems to change year to year, it's the same terrain and a good "PR" race. Very gusty winds this morning, Hurricane Sandy precursors I guess, and upper 50s. I wasn't feeling a PR when I got there, so after checking in and running into Jeff (and Jana and Matthew), Mike B., Jonny, Muddy and Seth, I went for a 1-mile warmup, and felt pretty good. Race starts, and I get to mile one in 7:54. I opted to run without my GPS today - first time in a while and nice to not be tempted to check my time. OK, maybe if I pick it up I can still get a PR?
I never saw a second mile marker, but I was slowly picking people off, especially when we hit a headwind because it wasn't bothering me. I really picked up the pace the last half mile, passing a few more right before the final turn, and then saw Jeff and Mike, who started yelling for me to finish strong. When I saw the time, I was elated, and officially crossed the line in 22:52, at a 7:22 pace, beating my PR for any 5K ever by over a minute. Came in 25th! 100% sure that this is a direct result of all the long trail runs I put in...I think I probably could have pushed even harder today too. Congrats to WTAC'ers Muddy, Jonny, Jeff, Mike, Matthew, and Seth, nearly all of whom hit personal bests today, and took up some real estate in the top 10. Great job all, and beer money for some! A great day all around. Quick 2-ish mile cooldown with the WTAC team, and then on my way to see some football.
Friday, October 26, 2012
Monday, October 22, 2012
2012 Bimbler's Bluff 50K
Sunday, 10/21/12 - 32.5 miles (Trail) - Finally. After stressing about this in the back of my head since I submitted my entry, the day had finally arrived! I slept fitfully all night, and finally got out of bed at 4:30, fed the pets, made coffee, and scrambled around in the dark trying to get ready.
Chilly morning. I opted for the running tights, and a long-sleeved compression shirt. About an hour's drive to Guilford, I got there an hour early and it looked like almost everyone was already there. Ran into Gary H. and his friend Carly at check-in, met Cathi B. who is very involved with the Bluff (even designed the logo for the race), got my bib and goodie bag and went back to the car to stay warm. Figured I'd stay in the long sleeves and tights for the race.
Here's the morning crew, waiting for the briefing:
After a briefing by race director Jerry Turk, we're off and running, one lap around the soccer field at the school to presumably spread out the field, cross the street and into the woods. Big bottleneck for the first 5+ minutes, as it's tight single-track and technical. First aid station was 2.5 miles in, I skipped right through there and into the next 7 mile stretch before we get to the Bluff. The course is shaped like a lopsided lollipop - you run up the stick for 10 miles or so, climb the Bluff and circle that for 10-12 miles, then get back onto the stick for the last 10. I got to the parking lot at the base of the Bluff feeling great, loaded up on snacks, chatting with the volunteers and some of the runners, then hit the Bluff. Big climb to the top. I was running/climbing with two people who, during our chat, found out that Bob was friends with Mike K., and Susan went to high school with my wife...small world indeed!!!
Top of the bluff here, note the houses at the left of the screen, far below:
So we loop around, rising and falling, I fall behind those two but end up running here and there with various groups of people. I'd purposely not turned up the volume on my mapping app, because I wanted to run without my mileage and pace being called out. So when I thought we were at the mile 20 aid station and they exclaimed "You're halfway there!," I felt a bit defeated.
Keep in mind that everyone I'd talked to had said it's 50K-ish, a bit longer, some put it at 32 miles, some said 33. GPS ultimately came out to 32.5...so now I'm doing the math in my head every five minutes. Next aid station was 5 miles away (which felt like 10), and I made the cutoff in plenty of time. 10+ miles to go. Here's where I tell you the magic number where I hit "The Wall." 20 miles. I'm sure mentally and physically I can overcome this with time, but same as Nipmuck, everything in me just says "STOP." Like to the point where I'm saying "Do you really have another half-marathons' worth of running in you, fool???" But I went ahead and loaded up, 8 miles to the next aid station, and off I go. This section was the worst for me, as it seemed endless. Now I'm checking my GPS and finally texted Lori to say I wasn't making it to the finish by 3, more like 4. Walking on the uphills, running on the downhills...When I got to the last aid station I was already over the 30 mile mark...but 2.5 to go, and I think my splits for the last bit were probably faster than the previous 15...Lori was texting me words of encouragement, and my phone finally died about 1/3 of a mile from the finish. The school start/finish line borders a golf course, can't describe how happy I was to see that through the trees. I was running the last leg with a guy named Wayne, and when we came out of the woods to the cheers of the people at the finish line, including my wife and daughter, I couldn't have been more thrilled. Even saw Gary at the finish:
I'd like to point out the awesome tech shirt (maybe a size too big?), and killer beer glass etched with the Bimbler's Bluff logo, designed by one of my new friends, Cathi Bosco. Cool.
Here's a link to the Festival of Pain:
http://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/147825199
So my time was 8:11, probably #115 out of 140? I think some people may have dropped out also? They haven't posted official results yet. Not quite what I was aiming for, but having nothing else to compare this to, I'll take it. A here's a few things I learned:
1. Listen to your friends. Jeff W. told me to get some stuff to prevent chafing, I had plenty of time to and didn't take his advice. Ouch. Bad move. Let's just say I'm walking a bit funny today...thankfully, no bloody nipples!
2. There is no substitute for a lot of proper nutrition, training, and a lot of miles. I do as much as I can, but I don't think it was enough for these last two races. Will work on that. For now, I'm going to switch my focus to speedwork and try to get faster...
3. Pay attention to the course markings! I didn't get lost, but lots of people did, including two guys who went 40 minutes off course before they realized their mistake and had to double back. That has to sting just a bit.
3. My minimalist shoes are awesome, and I love them, but they're murder on long distance trail races. Going to go up a notch in cushioning and get something with a rock plate in the sole. Especially this time of year, when there's leaves covering all the sharp pointy things. The last 12 miles were painful, to say the least.
4. I'm really looking forward to the rest of my race schedule, as it's all 5K to 8M races...be nice to sink my teeth into those...
So there you go. Going to take a couple of days off, regroup and recover, and get back at it. Have to figure out a new name for the blog, too, and decide on a new goal...what's it going to be???
--Mike
Chilly morning. I opted for the running tights, and a long-sleeved compression shirt. About an hour's drive to Guilford, I got there an hour early and it looked like almost everyone was already there. Ran into Gary H. and his friend Carly at check-in, met Cathi B. who is very involved with the Bluff (even designed the logo for the race), got my bib and goodie bag and went back to the car to stay warm. Figured I'd stay in the long sleeves and tights for the race.
Here's the morning crew, waiting for the briefing:
After a briefing by race director Jerry Turk, we're off and running, one lap around the soccer field at the school to presumably spread out the field, cross the street and into the woods. Big bottleneck for the first 5+ minutes, as it's tight single-track and technical. First aid station was 2.5 miles in, I skipped right through there and into the next 7 mile stretch before we get to the Bluff. The course is shaped like a lopsided lollipop - you run up the stick for 10 miles or so, climb the Bluff and circle that for 10-12 miles, then get back onto the stick for the last 10. I got to the parking lot at the base of the Bluff feeling great, loaded up on snacks, chatting with the volunteers and some of the runners, then hit the Bluff. Big climb to the top. I was running/climbing with two people who, during our chat, found out that Bob was friends with Mike K., and Susan went to high school with my wife...small world indeed!!!
Top of the bluff here, note the houses at the left of the screen, far below:
Keep in mind that everyone I'd talked to had said it's 50K-ish, a bit longer, some put it at 32 miles, some said 33. GPS ultimately came out to 32.5...so now I'm doing the math in my head every five minutes. Next aid station was 5 miles away (which felt like 10), and I made the cutoff in plenty of time. 10+ miles to go. Here's where I tell you the magic number where I hit "The Wall." 20 miles. I'm sure mentally and physically I can overcome this with time, but same as Nipmuck, everything in me just says "STOP." Like to the point where I'm saying "Do you really have another half-marathons' worth of running in you, fool???" But I went ahead and loaded up, 8 miles to the next aid station, and off I go. This section was the worst for me, as it seemed endless. Now I'm checking my GPS and finally texted Lori to say I wasn't making it to the finish by 3, more like 4. Walking on the uphills, running on the downhills...When I got to the last aid station I was already over the 30 mile mark...but 2.5 to go, and I think my splits for the last bit were probably faster than the previous 15...Lori was texting me words of encouragement, and my phone finally died about 1/3 of a mile from the finish. The school start/finish line borders a golf course, can't describe how happy I was to see that through the trees. I was running the last leg with a guy named Wayne, and when we came out of the woods to the cheers of the people at the finish line, including my wife and daughter, I couldn't have been more thrilled. Even saw Gary at the finish:
Please note fancy WTAC Clamdigger hat :)
I'd like to point out the awesome tech shirt (maybe a size too big?), and killer beer glass etched with the Bimbler's Bluff logo, designed by one of my new friends, Cathi Bosco. Cool.
Here's a link to the Festival of Pain:
http://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/147825199
So my time was 8:11, probably #115 out of 140? I think some people may have dropped out also? They haven't posted official results yet. Not quite what I was aiming for, but having nothing else to compare this to, I'll take it. A here's a few things I learned:
1. Listen to your friends. Jeff W. told me to get some stuff to prevent chafing, I had plenty of time to and didn't take his advice. Ouch. Bad move. Let's just say I'm walking a bit funny today...thankfully, no bloody nipples!
2. There is no substitute for a lot of proper nutrition, training, and a lot of miles. I do as much as I can, but I don't think it was enough for these last two races. Will work on that. For now, I'm going to switch my focus to speedwork and try to get faster...
3. Pay attention to the course markings! I didn't get lost, but lots of people did, including two guys who went 40 minutes off course before they realized their mistake and had to double back. That has to sting just a bit.
3. My minimalist shoes are awesome, and I love them, but they're murder on long distance trail races. Going to go up a notch in cushioning and get something with a rock plate in the sole. Especially this time of year, when there's leaves covering all the sharp pointy things. The last 12 miles were painful, to say the least.
4. I'm really looking forward to the rest of my race schedule, as it's all 5K to 8M races...be nice to sink my teeth into those...
So there you go. Going to take a couple of days off, regroup and recover, and get back at it. Have to figure out a new name for the blog, too, and decide on a new goal...what's it going to be???
--Mike
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Weekly Log 10-15 to 10-21
So here we go, one week until D-Day and Bimbler's! Running with Mike and Gary yesterday, who have both done several Ultras, helped put my mind at ease...
Monday, 10-15 - 0 - Karate in the morning, some light lifting and stretching in the afternoon...
Tuesday, 10-16 - 0
Wednesday, 10-17 - 4 (3.5 Trail + .5 road) - Had designs on getting up to Hell Hollow and running a portion of the Quinebaug Trail, but after karate class this morning, my window of opportunity had shrunk. As it's only 5 minutes from the house, I chose to do the Lantern Hill trail to the top again, the run back down to the Narragansett Trail start, then back to the top on the other side. I continued down the backside to the North Stonington transfer station, then hoofed it down Wintechog Hill road back to the car. I even saw a good sized fox stalking something in a grassy area near the quarry. Very cool...
Thursday, 10-18 - 4 (3.5 Trail + .5 road) - One of my karate training partners, Jim H., has been running on roads to train for his next black belt test, and putting up with my incessant chatter about all of the trails around here, so he asked me if he could join me on a Lantern Hill run today. The more the merrier, I say! Started with the Lantern loop, then went to the top and down to the transfer station, crossed the road and did a good portion of the Wintechog Hill side before doing the 1/2 mile on the road back to the car. Next time I go with someone, I'm thinking about doing a car drop much further up the trail to avoid any out-and-backs...going to start carb loading from today through Sunday, does beer count toward that?
Friday, 10-19 - 0 - Happy Anniversary to me! Lori and I celebrate 16 years married, and 21 together total, so what better excuse to check out the new (and awesome) Italian restaurant in downtown Westerly, Trattoria Longo - Meatballs & Martinis, and order up a huge plate of handmade pasta with bolognese sauce. Fabulous :)
Saturday, 10-20 - 0 - Spent the day hanging with the family, carb loading, getting my gear together, and changing my mind 100 times about what I'm going to wear tomorrow (I was freezing at Nipmuck, and I'd rather be warm than cold...). If the weather's anything like today (and it's supposed to be fantastic), shorts and a tech shirt would be fine. Going with the Camelbak tomorrow, as there's a section with 8 miles between aid stations, and going to squeeze in some snacks behind the bladder in Ziplocs...and some GUs in the pocket, and chow at the aid stations. Good to go.
Sunday, 10-21 - 32.5 - Bimbler's Bluff 50K+, separate post tomorrow, I have chafing to deal with...ugh!
Monday, 10-15 - 0 - Karate in the morning, some light lifting and stretching in the afternoon...
Tuesday, 10-16 - 0
Wednesday, 10-17 - 4 (3.5 Trail + .5 road) - Had designs on getting up to Hell Hollow and running a portion of the Quinebaug Trail, but after karate class this morning, my window of opportunity had shrunk. As it's only 5 minutes from the house, I chose to do the Lantern Hill trail to the top again, the run back down to the Narragansett Trail start, then back to the top on the other side. I continued down the backside to the North Stonington transfer station, then hoofed it down Wintechog Hill road back to the car. I even saw a good sized fox stalking something in a grassy area near the quarry. Very cool...
Thursday, 10-18 - 4 (3.5 Trail + .5 road) - One of my karate training partners, Jim H., has been running on roads to train for his next black belt test, and putting up with my incessant chatter about all of the trails around here, so he asked me if he could join me on a Lantern Hill run today. The more the merrier, I say! Started with the Lantern loop, then went to the top and down to the transfer station, crossed the road and did a good portion of the Wintechog Hill side before doing the 1/2 mile on the road back to the car. Next time I go with someone, I'm thinking about doing a car drop much further up the trail to avoid any out-and-backs...going to start carb loading from today through Sunday, does beer count toward that?
Friday, 10-19 - 0 - Happy Anniversary to me! Lori and I celebrate 16 years married, and 21 together total, so what better excuse to check out the new (and awesome) Italian restaurant in downtown Westerly, Trattoria Longo - Meatballs & Martinis, and order up a huge plate of handmade pasta with bolognese sauce. Fabulous :)
Saturday, 10-20 - 0 - Spent the day hanging with the family, carb loading, getting my gear together, and changing my mind 100 times about what I'm going to wear tomorrow (I was freezing at Nipmuck, and I'd rather be warm than cold...). If the weather's anything like today (and it's supposed to be fantastic), shorts and a tech shirt would be fine. Going with the Camelbak tomorrow, as there's a section with 8 miles between aid stations, and going to squeeze in some snacks behind the bladder in Ziplocs...and some GUs in the pocket, and chow at the aid stations. Good to go.
Sunday, 10-21 - 32.5 - Bimbler's Bluff 50K+, separate post tomorrow, I have chafing to deal with...ugh!
Thursday, October 11, 2012
Weekly Log 10/8 to 10/14
Monday, 10/8 - 0 - Kids all day, wish they were runners...
Tuesday, 10/9 - 0 - Finished microwave job in Norwich, took all day and a workout in itself...
Wednesday, 10/10 - 0 - Karate class in the morning, pull-ups and weight training and a lot of errands today...
Tuesday, 10/9 - 0 - Finished microwave job in Norwich, took all day and a workout in itself...
Wednesday, 10/10 - 0 - Karate class in the morning, pull-ups and weight training and a lot of errands today...
Thursday, 10/11 - 5.5 (Road) - Had to take a few days off due to "stuff", but felt really good today, and a perfect day for a run. 60 degrees, not a cloud in the sky, perfect New England autumn afternoon. Should have taken some foliage pictures, but I had a good pace going and wanted to keep it steady. I think I'm supposed to be tapering in advance of Bimbler's? But again, kind of winging it so I'm sort of on track...?!?
Update...went to the Westerly Track and Athletic Club board meeting, and was voted in as a board member, along with Mike B (who needs his own blog!!!). Very excited about this, and have already committed to being on the scholarship committee, which, as an English major and former teacher/grammar policeman, is where I want to be! Can't wait to help on the front lines at the events, got a taste at the Kelley race and loved it...so I'm stoked about the Fall running season :)
And Muddy, I'm sure everyone appreciated you showing us your rubric, it was quite impressive ;)
Friday, 10/12 - 0
Saturday, 10/13 - 8 (Road) - Local roads, gorgeous day, but I did break out the tights for the first time this year, as it was 28 degrees when I woke up this morning, and a breezy 38 when I hit the road...stopped for a quick picture at Spalding Pond, leaves are really turning now:
Overall, really looking forward to running Sleeping Giant State Park tomorrow with Mike K., should be a great day for it!
Sunday, 10/14 - 6 (Trail) - Sleeping Giant State Park. Mike K. and I drove over to Hamden and met Gary H. at 8a.m. to do the "Sleeping Giant" run. This park is directly across the street from Quinnipiac University, has a ton of trails that crisscross throughout the park, and offers a challenging run/climb, and at varying degrees of difficulty. We opted for the Quinnipiac Trail, which runs right up the side of an old quarry, and is affectionately known as the "Chin" of the giant. I got my first ascent Category 3 climb rating here, as it was mountain climbing and not running, with death on the left and some scrub barely clinging to the cliff. Great way to get the blood pumping. Not a good place to snap a picture, either. Once at the top, some rises and falls along the ridge, and fantastic views:
Mike and Gary enjoying the view
Overlook, rain in the distance
Then trails along the ridge to the old Tower, which has a ramp you can take to the top. Great view from there:
With so many trails criss-crossing throughout the park, we stayed on the blue trail to the other side of the park, then cut across on green to the tower trail, which is a wide, fairly smooth path all downhill to the parking lot. That was fun, blasting past all the day hikers, college kids and families on their way up to the tower...I'd call this a must run if you like your trails, although that first section should be avoided if you have a fear of heights...
Thursday, October 4, 2012
Weekly Log 10/1 to 10/7
Monday, 10/1: 0 - Recovery day - sore as Hell, spent the day doing light housework, soreness subsiding in the afternoon though...so this is what it feels like! I, much like Muddy, am going with beer therapy and light stretching.
Tuesday, 10/2: 0 - Got the call to work for a surf buddy of mine, spent six hours installing microwaves in an apartment complex in Norwich. Needless to say, my legs were not at all pleased with me...
Wednesday, 10/3: 0 - Karate this morning...lots of kicking! Then a lot of stuff around the house. Going to wait one more day to pick it back up with the running.
Thursday, 10/4: 4 (Road) - First mile of the first run since Sunday was painful: stiff, heavy legs, couldn't get my rhythm right...then things started loosening up, and I got into a nice steady pace for miles 2 and 3...the last mile I pushed hard and felt comfortable. I'm easing back into the miles, and I'll go out for more tomorrow. I also switched back to my Asics for this run, which I haven't worn in a long time. More to see how they felt than anything, because I'm thinking about getting a pair of shoes with a bit more cushion than the MT10s for road runs. They felt good...
Friday, 10/5: 4 (Trail) - Nice to get back on the trails, and a perfect day for a few miles. With a short window of opportunity, I was able to get some trail time in...more miles later today if possible, or a bigger bump in mileage for tomorrow. Felt good overall today, nothing overly technical, but I was running unmarked trails in Rockville Management Area in Hopkinton, so it was nice to have a change of scenery, and the foliage around the lakes right now is spectacular. Had my nephew's "Flat Stanley" guy with me, so I took a picture at Ashville Pond:
Flat Stanley's gonna be getting some trail time in the next couple weeks...
Saturday, 10/6: 0
Sunday, 10/7: 8 (Road) - Waited for Lori to get home from her slumber party, and was at mile five when the rain started. Three miles to the house before it really kicked in...felt good, took the Camelbak with designs on a longer run, but I'll take 8...notable moments? Saw a groundhog(?) today out by one of the farms I pass? Mile 2, vicious black French poodle barrels right up to the road, teeth bared...mile 7.5, the enormous black mastiff up the street from me (like 4 feet high and 200+ pounds) hears me coming and crosses the road to within three feet of me. Seriously huge dog and I know he doesn't bite, but damned if that didn't get my heart racing...if you're ever on Puttker Road in North Stonington, ye be warned. I think it's safer on the trails...
Tuesday, 10/2: 0 - Got the call to work for a surf buddy of mine, spent six hours installing microwaves in an apartment complex in Norwich. Needless to say, my legs were not at all pleased with me...
Wednesday, 10/3: 0 - Karate this morning...lots of kicking! Then a lot of stuff around the house. Going to wait one more day to pick it back up with the running.
Thursday, 10/4: 4 (Road) - First mile of the first run since Sunday was painful: stiff, heavy legs, couldn't get my rhythm right...then things started loosening up, and I got into a nice steady pace for miles 2 and 3...the last mile I pushed hard and felt comfortable. I'm easing back into the miles, and I'll go out for more tomorrow. I also switched back to my Asics for this run, which I haven't worn in a long time. More to see how they felt than anything, because I'm thinking about getting a pair of shoes with a bit more cushion than the MT10s for road runs. They felt good...
Friday, 10/5: 4 (Trail) - Nice to get back on the trails, and a perfect day for a few miles. With a short window of opportunity, I was able to get some trail time in...more miles later today if possible, or a bigger bump in mileage for tomorrow. Felt good overall today, nothing overly technical, but I was running unmarked trails in Rockville Management Area in Hopkinton, so it was nice to have a change of scenery, and the foliage around the lakes right now is spectacular. Had my nephew's "Flat Stanley" guy with me, so I took a picture at Ashville Pond:
Saturday, 10/6: 0
Sunday, 10/7: 8 (Road) - Waited for Lori to get home from her slumber party, and was at mile five when the rain started. Three miles to the house before it really kicked in...felt good, took the Camelbak with designs on a longer run, but I'll take 8...notable moments? Saw a groundhog(?) today out by one of the farms I pass? Mile 2, vicious black French poodle barrels right up to the road, teeth bared...mile 7.5, the enormous black mastiff up the street from me (like 4 feet high and 200+ pounds) hears me coming and crosses the road to within three feet of me. Seriously huge dog and I know he doesn't bite, but damned if that didn't get my heart racing...if you're ever on Puttker Road in North Stonington, ye be warned. I think it's safer on the trails...
Monday, October 1, 2012
9/30: 2012 Nipmuck Trail Marathon, 26.2 miles
So this is how it went down:
I've been up to Nipmuck for two runs: the 12 mile Southern leg with Jeff W., which we did several weeks ago, and the 4 out/back 8 mile run I did this past Wednesday. So 20 of the 26 miles...
Jeff picked me up at 6 and we drove straight to Nipmuck, got signed in and got our numbers (and Nipmuck buffs!), and ran into Seth A, Mike K, and and a few other familiar faces. After the pre-race instructions, we walked a hundred yards or so down the road to the start line, and off we went! I felt great on the first twelve miles - I'd already done it in 2:15 with Jeff, and knew what to expect. I'm running a 12:20 pace, my goal, and at mile 4, who comes blasting by me in third place? Jeff, at 8 miles already and cruising...very cool! At the first turnaround, I'm in 93rd place, right where I expected to be. And everybody on the course, from volunteers to runners, are offering words of encouragement the entire race, including the guys in the lead. You never see that...I finish the 12 miles and get back to the start in 2:30-ish, quickly get to my bag and dry off, fuel up and change shirts.
The back 14 did not go as smooth. miles 13-16 were fine - I'd done those before as well, and got through them no problem. The three miles before the final turnaround? Brutal, much more difficult, hilly and technical than anything else on the course, especially the big hill and stairs at the turnaround. When I got there, I was already feeling pretty fatigued, but with 7 miles to go, I figured I'd walk when I needed to, run as much as I could, and get there when I got there. I was in 90th at this point. Several people had already dropped out, two from injuries. My pace kept ticking higher, but past the 20 mile mark, I did what I could, and got there!!! Crossed the line in 6:15, good for 93rd place overall. 150 registered, 130 started the race, 12 dropped out so there were 118 finishers. My first marathon complete, and a good physical test. Jeff came in 5th overall (What the???), Seth came in 13th, and Mike K came in 70th, which was awesome considering he'd been very busy getting his business up and running. Hell, anyone that finishes that race gets huge respect from me, and the people at Shenipsit and all of the volunteers deserve a big thanks, it was a great event (never seen such well stocked aid stations, either!) and I'll definitely be back next year. Here's a couple of pictures from before and after:
I've been up to Nipmuck for two runs: the 12 mile Southern leg with Jeff W., which we did several weeks ago, and the 4 out/back 8 mile run I did this past Wednesday. So 20 of the 26 miles...
Jeff picked me up at 6 and we drove straight to Nipmuck, got signed in and got our numbers (and Nipmuck buffs!), and ran into Seth A, Mike K, and and a few other familiar faces. After the pre-race instructions, we walked a hundred yards or so down the road to the start line, and off we went! I felt great on the first twelve miles - I'd already done it in 2:15 with Jeff, and knew what to expect. I'm running a 12:20 pace, my goal, and at mile 4, who comes blasting by me in third place? Jeff, at 8 miles already and cruising...very cool! At the first turnaround, I'm in 93rd place, right where I expected to be. And everybody on the course, from volunteers to runners, are offering words of encouragement the entire race, including the guys in the lead. You never see that...I finish the 12 miles and get back to the start in 2:30-ish, quickly get to my bag and dry off, fuel up and change shirts.
The back 14 did not go as smooth. miles 13-16 were fine - I'd done those before as well, and got through them no problem. The three miles before the final turnaround? Brutal, much more difficult, hilly and technical than anything else on the course, especially the big hill and stairs at the turnaround. When I got there, I was already feeling pretty fatigued, but with 7 miles to go, I figured I'd walk when I needed to, run as much as I could, and get there when I got there. I was in 90th at this point. Several people had already dropped out, two from injuries. My pace kept ticking higher, but past the 20 mile mark, I did what I could, and got there!!! Crossed the line in 6:15, good for 93rd place overall. 150 registered, 130 started the race, 12 dropped out so there were 118 finishers. My first marathon complete, and a good physical test. Jeff came in 5th overall (What the???), Seth came in 13th, and Mike K came in 70th, which was awesome considering he'd been very busy getting his business up and running. Hell, anyone that finishes that race gets huge respect from me, and the people at Shenipsit and all of the volunteers deserve a big thanks, it was a great event (never seen such well stocked aid stations, either!) and I'll definitely be back next year. Here's a couple of pictures from before and after:
Pre-race Instruction
Race Director Clint
Before the Race
At the Finish
Sticker on the Bib for the Newbies
Will be taking today off and eating like there's no tomorrow...
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