2017 Yankees In Falmouth Canon Run Race Report

It's been a long time since I've been unable to sleep the night before a race. My nerves usually kill me but I think last night it was just too hot in the house. It's right in that funny time of year where you want the air on during the day and the heat on at night. We started the fireplace in the basement last night and let it run a bit so it really warmed up the rest of the house. Woof was it warm!

Anyway, I woke up a few minutes before my alarm feeling tired. Took a quick shower and headed out the door. I knew I was early but I found out the night before the race that it wasn't exactly where I thought it would be. It was across the river in a different park. It wasn't a big deal but it threw me for a tiny loop because I had to change my mental visualization of where I'd be running. The night before was also the first time I saw the race route and didn't really get a good feel for it until I looked at the map this morning before the race. Again, not a big deal, just some mental adaptation that I needed to do.

I pulled into the park where they had shuttles running to the Start/Finish but I opted to walk the quarter mile down the trail instead. It was probably faster and I felt more connected to my "stuff." I walked down, checked in early, and then headed back up the steep hill to my car. I chilled out, pinned my bib on, and loaded up on coffee, applesauce, and my GenUCAN bar.

When the time came, I stripped down to my race clothes and headed to the Start line. I was way early but it gave me plenty of time to hit the porta-john and warm up in the sun. Saw some of my co-workers, a few other runners I know, and watched the Confederate re-enactors prepare for the canon start. The National Anthem played and I have to say, it's depressing when RWB runners don't even remove their hat for the anthem. At least Ashland Dave understands.

We lined up at the Start line, got startled by the canon (even though we were expecting it), and headed off down River Road. We went all the way to Route 3 then turned back towards the Pratt Park entrance. It was pretty level with a few rollers in there. I made up a lot of time running the tangents on the curves but I'm sure the people behind me thought I was drunk. The hill going into Pratt Park was brutal and it came just before the 2 mile mark. After hiking up the hill, things evened out but the rollers were still there. Saw a young kid take a spill on the sharp turn in the gravel but he bounced right back up and kept running.

I skipped the water table and tagged onto the back of two other guys keeping a steady pace. We leapfrogged constantly as I would run down the hills, walk up the hills, and take a few walking breaks in between. We hit the 3 mile mark and headed back down the steep hill out of the park. I had tried to pay attention on the way out to the hills and knew that it was a gentle downhill to the Finish. The two guys from before and another kid and I were all keeping pace and leap frogging a little as we neared the Finish. With about half a mile to go, the two guys picked up the pace and passed the younger kid and I. I pulled up next to the kid, he met my pace, so I picked it up some more.

By this time I had dismissed the two older guys as beyond my reach and focused on passing the younger kid. We each made a few moves to pick up the pace and covered each other until he finally broke and dropped back behind me. With maybe a quarter mile left, I put the two older guys in my sights and pushed. Hard. I caught them with maybe 75 yards to go, passed them, and tried not to look back.

I failed and looked back twice. But I finished ahead of them. President Abraham Lincoln was there at the Finish and put my medal around my neck. I waited for the two older guys and shook their hands when they finished. Repeated that with the younger kid when he came across the line too.

I walked around a bit, debating if I should head to my car and go eat or come back to take pictures. I opted to stick around and I'm glad I did. Because the entry list was small, I figured I might be close to a podium finish in the 40-49 age group. Small races like this are about my only chance to podium and since there were way fewer runners than I expected, I figured I would see how lucky I would get.

Turns out they split the age groups by five years so I was in the 40-44 bracket. And after a brief glance at the results, I was the only one in my bracket. So automatic first place! I didn't expect anything but stuck around for the awards ceremony anyway.

Luck struck again and I got a small trophy to go with my finisher's medal. Not too bad! And while I enjoyed the race, the course, the weather, everyone involved, and winning my age group, I think the new PR was the best thing I came away with. My previous 4 mile PR was 48:24 from way back in 2009. I missed my first chance this year to run a 4 miler when I had the flu so I was glad to make this race and come away with a new PR. And to be so close to that 40 minute mark makes it even sweeter. I clicked off two sub-10 minute miles, something I'm not sure I've done since high school. And one of those miles, even though it was downhill, was nearly a sub-9 minute mile. Something I haven't done since 2010.

All in all, a great race day for me. I'll enjoy my new PR and my new hardware today but tomorrow I'm looking at the next distance in my PR Hit List: the 10k.


Weather:
Temps this morning felt like 50F to 55F at the Start but according to the cyclist I know, he said it was 47F. Temps warmed during the run to about 60F or 65F. Sky was clear, wind was light, and humidity was low.

Fluids and Fuel:
Before the run, I had coffee, a GenUCAN bar, and an applesauce packet. During the run I had GenUCAN Hydrate. Recovery was water and a banana followed by a steak wrap, cheese danish, and giant coffee.

Aches and Pains:
Left calf felt a little tight after the steep hill (about halfway) but nothing terrible. I also had to constantly adjust....stuff.... because it just wasn't sitting right. Everything else felt fine.

Gear:
Wore shorts, t-shirt, and hat. Decided to not wear gloves and I'm glad I did. Didn't need them.

Today's Motivation:
Um, it was a race. I wanted to get my money's worth. I did and then some! Beautiful course, even better weather, and as always, the volunteers were helpful.

Naughty Neil:
So yesterday I ate two giant cinnamon rolls for breakfast and a slice of cinnamon roll cake for dessert (with ice cream). I'm not sure if that's why I did so well today but I think I'll try it again before my next race. You know, just to test it out. For science. Yep, cinnamon rolls for science.

Splits:
Mile 1 - 9:57 (went out a little too fast)
Mile 2 - 10:57 (this includes that uphill)
Mile 3 - 10:45
Mile 4 - 9:08 (this includes that downhill)
Finish - 40:42

2017 Stafford Airport Runway Runaway 5k Race Report

I swear I don't sandbag my races. Seriously. I mean, I may sandbag a little during the race just because I sprint at the Finish line, but I've always done that. And maybe I sandbag about my capabilities just because I usually lack self-confidence. But I don't intentionally line up at the rear, claim to be a walker, then sprint past everyone in an attempt to win the race. That's not my style. Yes, I line up in the back, but that's to slow myself down because I struggle with slower starts and always want to rabbit out front. I also line up in the back of the pack because that's usually where I finish. And I'm okay with all of that. But I'm not that guy that passes you at Mach 3 only a half mile in the race because I'm better than everyone else.

Anyway, I bring this up because yet again competition during a race got the better of me. I'll break it down like this:

Plan:
- Run 5k race at easy but steady pace
- Turn around and re-run 5k race course at slightly slower pace
- Finish the day with 6 miles

Actual:
- Run 5k at way fast pace
- Run another 1.5 miles a little later at slower pace
- Finish day with 4.5 miles

So things didn't go quite as planned but they went better than expected. My coach's plan for me was just the 5k race. And that's cool but I missed a stupid 6 mile run last week and it's been gnawing at me even though I know it shouldn't and I wanted to hit that next mileage mark. Well, I missed the 6 mile mark but I walked away with a new PR and a little more distance tacked on.

Now, for the race itself. I forgot to do packet pick-up the day before so knew I'd need to get there a bit early. After getting directions the night before, and reading all the rules about running at an airport, I opted to go even a little earlier. So at 0500 I got up, got dressed, and headed out the door. I got some coffee and breakfast, drove down the road, got gas, and arrived at the airport terminal around 0615. Way earlier than expected.

It was dark so it was cool to see the landing lights and the beacon flashing but it was a little hard to figure out where to park. So I parked at the terminal. It was rainy and cold so I stayed warm in my car. Around 0645 I got out and got my bib and swag and went back to staying warm. Around 0715 I hit the head and repeated the process around 0745. On my way back to my car I ran into an old co-worker and we chatted a bit. It was great to see somebody else that has done well after leaving our previous employer.

I hustled to the Start line, tried to dodge the wind, and we were off. We hit the first mile mark way too fast and I could only assume the sign was backwards. As we looped around the first time, we passed the mile marker at a more respectable, and believable, time so I figured we were on the right track again. But I still wasn't sure if we had started by going the wrong way at the start.

While I mulled that question in my head, I enjoyed the tail wind down the stretch. We turned back around and did the same loop around a second time and this time we hit the second mile mark at another more believable time. Fighting that stupid head wind sucked and I made every effort to tuck behind people in front of me but most of the time I was rolling faster than they were or there was just an open gap in front of me. So I dealt with it.

Headed into the home stretch, we followed our outbound route back to the Finish and I looked at my watch again to see where I was. Seeing that I was close to my old PR time of 30:53, I kicked it. I made the last two turns and kicked it again to pass a couple more people before the finish. The one younger guy edged me out I think, but I'm not sure because my vision was so narrowly focused on the end.

Anyway, I came across, looked at my watch, and then tried to factor in the time it took me to cross the Start line. I knew I was close but wasn't sure until the times were posted. I ended up besting my last PR by 25 seconds giving myself a shiny new PR of 30:28.

Photos:

Weather:
Temps were about 35F to 40F. Wind was light to moderate (maybe 10 mph sustained). Sky was overcast with light rain that eased up the longer we were out there.

Fluids and Fuel:
Before the run I had coffee, two boiled eggs, and an English muffin. During the run I had plain water. Recovery was more coffee and two bacon/gouda sandwiches (which was after another 1.5 mile run where I had nothing to eat or drink).

Aches and Pains:
My wonky toenail on the right foot gave me fits the other day and instead of taking care of it, I ignored it. Well, it gave me fits again today and it serves me right. Nothing bad, just a toenail that has been a nuisance for years. Aside from that, I felt a little tight and crampy after the race but that's likely because I didn't drink as much as I usually do during a 3 mile run.

Gear:
Wore shorts, thermal top, short sleeve shirt, gloves, BUFF, and winter hat. BUFF came off around Mile 2. Wearing shorts was perfect. Was chilly at the start but after a mile, my legs and fingers were plenty warm.

Today's Motivation:
Paying for a race is usually pretty good motivation. A new venue adds to that, especially one as unique as an airport runway (well, technically it was the taxiway, but still). As I neared the finish, that PR pushed me.

Naughty Neil:
I had some cheese and crackers last night and I ate them way too late. But I was busy watching HACKSAW RIDGE and felt the need to snack. Also stayed up a little too late (around 2330).

Splits:
Start - 00:27
Mile 1 - 10:12
Mile 2 - 10:10
Mile 3 - 9:51
Finish - 30:28 (watch time was 31:00)

2017 John Robbins 8k Race Report

Spoiler alert, I did WAY better than I expected!

Today's race was one I've done in the past but don't usually make it a habit of doing just because it's kind of an odd distance and usually not the warmest race. Sure enough, the weather forecast I saw last weekend when I registered was about 30 degrees off. In the wrong direction.

And while I was disappointed with it being so damn cold, I think to a degree (no pun intended) it helped me move a little faster. I know the first mile I was a little afraid to stop and walk because I wasn't warm yet and walking would just prolong things. And I really wanted to feel my fingers. So I kept moving.

That "keep moving" was really the key to today's success I think. It's been years since I've run, without walking, any reasonable distance. As an ultrarunner, you just have to walk at some point. Well, I do. So my body is so used to just walking whenever it feels like it. Little hills. Aid stations. Feeling tired. Whatever excuse works, I just walk when I want to. I'm pretty good about running again soon enough but, well, it's still walking and not running.

Anyway, let me rewind. I got up, threw some clothes on, and headed out the door. I did pour a cup of coffee to enjoy on the way and decided at the last minute to grab some eggs and an English muffin for breakfast. When I run this early in the morning, I usually just down some coffee and go then eat breakfast when I'm done running. But things worked out with my gut so the bread and eggs, and some coffee, seemed to be okay.

Once I got to the event, I chilled in my car. But with the heat on because damn was it cold. I snagged some water to mix up my GenUCAN Hydrate and tried to not drink more coffee. I wanted to run, not get the runs. Speaking of the bathroom, I got into the porta-potty line with about 15 minutes until the start.

Timing worked out pretty good and I only had to stand at the Start line a few minutes before they sent us on our way. As usual, I started way, way in the back with only a handful of people behind me. I trotted along, trying to pace myself and go slow and warm up my fingers and breath without coughing too much. After maybe half a mile, I stumbled onto two guys that were keeping a decent pace that roughly matched mine. So I latched on.

One of them slowly dropped back by the first mile marker but I stuck with the other guy, Ralph. Ralph would end up being my hero. We clicked through the first mile, me right on his heels, keeping a steady, and what felt like easy, pace. Until I looked at my watch and nearly freaked out that he was pulling me along at sub-12 pace. Figuring I would blow up soon enough, I kept shadowing him. As I said before, I didn't want to stop for a walking break because I wanted my fingers to warm up and I knew that usually happens around Mile 2.

Ralph and I trooped along and made it across the second mile marker. I checked my time and it was faster than the first! Well, I reasoned to myself, that second mile was a little down hill and I really was close to feeling my fingers, maybe I'll just keep going along behind him. We trudged up the hill and made the turn-around point which was a little less than two and a half miles. I checked my pace and tried to do some fuzzy math in my head and assumed the pace was slowing and I was happy to see that. After all, sub-12 pace is a little fast for me. Even more so since my training had taken me to my first 5 mile run only a few days earlier.

We crossed over the 3 mile mark, I checked my watch, and nearly shit a brick. We didn't slow down, we were right on the same damn sub-12 pace. I was amazed. I pulled up even with Ralph and told him he was my new favorite friend because I had not run this far, without stopping to walk, in at least 5 years. We chatted a bit, trading stories and adventures and previous races. We came up to the aid station, shortly before the Mile 4 marker and I lost him. He stopped for water and a short walk break but I had my bottle so I just kept going.

I was sad to leave him behind but in that half mile or so leading up to the aid station, I had done the math in my head and knew I was close to a PR. I knew my old PR was in the 55 minute range and pretty old. And I knew that sub-12 miles would get me close to a PR. And I knew that, even though this was only a damn training run, I wouldn't have a chance to run this distance anytime soon, let alone be this close to a PR. So in that half mile before the aid station, I knew I was close enough to a PR to take a shot at it. So when I dropped Ralph at the aid station, I felt bad. But kept moving because my focus had changed.

Even though Ralph was behind me, I tried to keep the same pace going. An occasional glance over my shoulder showed me that Ralph was close behind but I had certainly put a small gap on him. So I focused on the people in front of me and tried to either keep them as close as they already were or reel them in. I ended up doing a bit of both.

The fourth mile marker came and I checked my pace and I was still close enough to chase a PR but I had slowed down a little. I managed to pick up another runner keeping a solid pace and we chatted briefly as we ran up the last hill for half a mile or so. He wanted to slow down so I thanked him for his little boost and merrily went towards the finish.

If you don't know what a "kicker" is, you've never seen me cross a finish line. I'm one of those runners that holds a little back just so he can sprint across the finish line. Well, I didn't have much in my tank so when the tall guy passed me with only a few hundred feet to go, I couldn't cover the move. My brain wanted to but I knew if I really pushed it, something would go wrong and I'd miss my PR. So I kept it tame and only sprinted the last few dozen feet.

That last block or so I knew I had the PR in hand and it was just a matter of how big it would be. Turns out I did better than expected. My old PR, from way back on March 13, 2011, was 55:29. My shiny, new PR is 53:28. That's two minutes off a really old PR. But I'm probably just as happy, or maybe even happier, that I ran the entire race. And not to confuse you like I did my wife, I mean I RAN the entire race. I didn't take any walking breaks. None.

Photos:

Weather:
Temps were about 25F. Wind was light to moderate. Sun was out with a few clouds.

Fluids and Fuel:
Before the race I had coffee, an English muffin, and two hard boiled eggs. During the run I had GenUCAN Hydrate. Recovery was two bacon/gouda/egg biscuits and more coffee.

Aches and Pains:
Both knees felt tweaky but when I noticed them, I focused on my stride and soon forgot the pain. I'm wondering if it's the shoes or the stride or something else. Everything else felt fine.

Gear:
Wore thermal top, t-shirt, pants, shorts, BUFF, winter hat, and gloves.

Today's Motivation:
I paid for the race. Otherwise, I probably would have just stayed in bed. Just so damn cold.

Naughty Neil:
Well, I had pizza for dinner last night. And some lemon pie. Not the best choices but at least I kept it to two slices of pizza instead of a whole pizza.

Splits:
Start - 00:18
Mile 1 - 10:59
Mile 2 - 10:45
Mile 3 - 10:57
Mile 4 - 11:10
Mile 5ish -  9:34
Finish - 53:28 (chip time)

2011 VA Runner Blue & Gray Half Marathon

Report:
Must be Christmas time because everyone is getting PRs today. Including me.

After reviewing last year's notes and the route again, I had a decent idea of what to expect for today's race. Going into the race I also had the expectation of just going along at my own pace and not really racing. Turns out I can't do that. I can't run in a race without racing and without giving it my all. I thought I could make this a training run but it turns out I can't. Oh well, I tried.

Anyway, I didn't have a goal for this race other than to assess my time as I neared the end and push for a PR if I was close. Beyond that, it was just a question of how cold I'd be and how much I could tinker with my fluids and fuel. After an early alarm this morning, I hopped in the shower and got dressed. I headed down the road and downed a small coffee. I made a pit stop at Wal Mart, then another one at another one, then drove the course. Once I got a bead on the water tables, I decided to run with just one water bottle, something I rarely do since I drink like a horse when I run.

Once at the start, I had to park down by the 13 mile marker and hoof it to the start/finish area. I got my chip, chatted with some local runners I knew, then headed back to my car to warm up. I had dressed in shorts with calf sleeves but had pants on over top just in case. I ditched the pants but kept my extra top layer on, grabbed both bottles, grabbed my fuel, and headed back to the start. Talked to my dad (aka my personal photographer) for a bit, then meandered around a bit trying to stay warm.

With zero nerves going into the race, I lined up, stripped off a top layer and started. I ditched one of my bottles and my extra layer at my car and did my best to stay warm. The first mile made my fingers hurt. Hurt enough to make me want to look for extra layers of clothes that people may toss on the ground. Nobody really tossed any layers so I had to deal with the pain. Mile 2 was downhill and like the Lumberjack that I am, I tore off down the hill like a jack rabbit. Down the small hill on Cowan and the bigger Hospital Hill left me tired with sore feet. But I pushed through to the canal trail.

On the other end of the canal trail we head through some snaky turns before heading over to the gravel road around the ball fields at the college. I was doing okay, taking on fuel every 2 or 3 miles or so, avoiding the ice as much as I could, and drinking when I thought about it. My right hamstring would cramp up a bit but would get better after I pushed fluids for a mile or so. At the gravel loop, I peeled off to take a leak behind some sheds until I saw that the road turned enough that people in front of me could see me. Not much to see but I'm not that brave. So I went a little further until I saw a tree that worked well enough to hide behind. Slipping on the frosty grass, I got back into the race but felt off my rhythm. But I continued to push through and refilled my bottle as needed.

As I cruised through the same real estate I had already run through, I felt okay. I'd walk every mile or two for no more than a minute. I knew from previous races that a 1 mile run followed by a 1 minute walk would get me through a marathon so I used the same routine loosely today with similar success.

As I clicked off the 10th mile, I fly down a short hill and back to the canal trail doing math in my head. It took me a good mile to finally figure out that not only was a PR an option, it was easily within reach. The only question was Hospital Hill. I've run it several times before but I didn't know how much energy I would have left in the tank. So I ramped up my fuel intake before the hill hoping to power through. I walked up the steps to the bottom of the hill and ran the first little portion before crawling to a walk. I did a mental reboot of sorts and started running again. I had turned my music on around mile 8 and had found a solid groove. Shortly after doing this, I began passing people. Nothing major, but it was easier to reel people in. Back at the hill, I found this groove again and started running. And ran to the top. Passing people the whole way. I've walked that hill many times and know what it feels like. It hurts. It sucks. But it's just a hill and you'll eventually get over it.

Once to the top I walked a bit to refill my bottle and take a short break. From there, it was running to the end. Even up the more evil hill on Cowan. Hospital Hill is a mile long. But it just knocks you down. The hill on Cowan kicks you in the nuts while you're still down. But I powered through the hill continually checking my watch to see where I was on pace. I amazed myself with my time on Hospital Hill but knew I still had to finish. Past the store fronts, ditching my water bottle at my car as I ran by, then a full on sprint to the finish.

A new PR was born. Unofficially about 10 minutes. Maybe 11. I'm certainly happy with my time and I enjoyed my finish. I felt good, finished strong, and was happy.

But I wasn't done.

You see, there's a local running legend that was also running today's half. Her name is Buffy but her real name is Elizabeth. The same name as my own daughter. In fact, they're both 7 years old. That's right, a 7 year old girl ran the half marathon today. So after I finished, I stopped at my car for a drink, then headed back out onto the course to find her. She wasn't far behind me and I picked her up about a half mile or so from the finish. I ran with her to the final turn before letter her cross by herself to enjoy the moment. She had fun and enjoyed it. Her parents didn't push her into it. She was tired but not in any danger health-wise. I congratulated her and her dad after the finish.

But I still wasn't done.

I went back out on the course. I cheered people on as they passed me and headed toward the finish. Many were in their own zone but many said thanks and smiled. It was great. As I got a little over a mile from the finish, I refilled my bottle at the final water station and caught the last runner. She was walking and obviously in pain. I stayed with her to the finish. We walked. We talked. We were quiet. I never introduced myself, never pushed DailyMile or anything else on her. Never told her to train more or to give up. I tried to keep positive, encouraging, and helpful. I carried some Gatorade for her for a bit and just kept her company to the end. As she neared the finish, I stopped to let her go the last little bit by herself. She said something like "thanks for getting me this far." My response was something like "I didn't get you this far, you did it yourself. Enjoy the finish. It's yours."

So with that, I hope I gave her and Buffy a bit of an early Christmas present with my presence. Not that I'm a big deal but I've been there before. I've been last and I know how much it sucks. I hope I took just a little bit of that suckiness away for her. And I hope I distracted Buffy enough to enjoy the race just a bit more.

Weather:
Temps were about 25F to start and warmed to about 40F by the time I finished. Maybe 45F by the time I finished walking in with the last runner. Winds were light but noticeable in some areas. The sun was out but you never really felt it. Ice was present in some areas, especially the water stops.

Fluids and Fuel:
Breakfast was a small can of Starbucks Double Espresso and a little GU Brew. I took one e-Gel before the start of the race. During the race I didn't start taking gels until mile 3. I had two small flasks with about 2 or 3 servings in each. I took a small swig of gel again at mile 5 I think, then again around 7 or 8. Around mile 9 I started going every mile with a small swig. My single bottle had Nathan Catalyst in it and I refilled it with more water and more Catalyst around mile 6. After that I refilled my bottle as needed, which was around mile 8 and 11 I think. Recovery after my race was chocolate flavored Zico followed by more water. Lunch after that was a sandwich and cinnamon roll and iced tea.

Aches and Pains:
My ankles hurt the first few miles from pounding my fat ass down the hills. After that, they felt okay except for the occasional cramp in my right hamstring. That appeared to be easily cleared up with more fluids. But right now my calves are stiff and sore.

Codename - Anything is possible
If my big butt can do a 50k and if a 7 year old girl can do 13.1 miles, then you can do anything you put your mind to, just like Doc Brown said.

Splits:
Start - 0:23 to cross the start line
Mile 1 - 9:43 (downhill)
Mile 2 - 9:53 (downhill)
Mile 3 - 10:48
Mile 4 - 10:55
Mile 5 - 11:02
Mile 6 - 10:59
Mile 7 - 11:45 (includes bathroom break)
Mile 8 - 10:14
Mile 9 - 10:47
Mile 10 - 10:31
Mile 11 - 10:14
Mile 12 - 11:18 (Hospital Hill)
Mile 13 - 10:09
Finish - 2:19:03 (a new PR by nearly 12 minutes)