Swinging Bridge 35k / 50k AKA Willis River 35k & 50k Wilderness Trail Runs

The event used to be called Swinging Bridge, but since the race route no longer takes runners to the swinging bridge, the name was changed to Willis River.

Date: January 14, 2012.  
Location: Bear Creek Lake State Park in Cumberland, VA
Event: 50k (35k and 50k distances offered)
Presented by: Richmond Road Runners
Event Website: HERE
Cost: Only $25Other race reports on this event: Lost In The Woods Running (Mike Bailey)


Cheap
It seems like you don't have to search much to find the expensive races, but to find the events with less fuss not only do you have to search deeper, but you have to register quick too.
Not only was Willis River 50k a cheap event (same price for 35k and 50k) but it was also full many weeks before race day.

A first REAL ultra?

I ran 50k for the first time at Hinson Lake's 24 hour event. I completed the 50k in 7 hours. That was my main goal, 50k. This was in late September. My total miles for the event was 55 miles.

I ran 50k for the second time at the Crooked Road 24 hour event. The structure of the day did not allow me to keep time like I did at Hinson. My total miles for the event was 62 miles.

Believing that I could cover the distance, I did feel a little concerned that it was a measured distance and a bit less supported than a 24 hour event. (had good aid stations, but not the FOOD that you get at those 2 24 hour events). Thinking to myself that it would be different as I'd likely log in many more miles alone, rather than shared with whomever was on the loop course, that you get at those 24 hour events. Still I was confident that I could, and would.

Pre-race research

Of course I researched as much as I could for the event. I found limited info. One of the most helpful sources I found was a race report from Mike Bailey, whom I had just shared the course with at the Crooked Road 24 hour event. He wrote a report on his blog after he ran it in 2009 in blistering cold weather.

Weather omg!

The event takes place in January... in 2009 (see Mike's blog above) temps were as low as NEGATIVE 1 degrees! I'm learning that the course has some mandatory creek crossings where you WILL get wet. I'm excited and nervous both. I would much rather submit myself to such conditions at an organized event, rather than on my own training run somewhere all alone. I figured worst case is I sign up, waste $25 and not run, but either way, I was going to be there before I decided to DNS (Did Not Start).

Dead Last finish is better than Did Not Finish which is even better than Did Not Start. 

I prepared for the cold temps by buying my first pair of running pants. OK they are tights, but I researched around and decided on Patagonia Speed Work Tights. Retail $69 affordable and a simple design, no external pockets or fancy anything, just quality material.

I also bought a Smartwool neck gaiter and headband. When worn together is could simulate a balaclava, which is pretty much a ski mask. 

I had recently upgraded my gloves from simple polyester liners to a much nicer Mountain Hardwear momentum running glove.

I was concerned about what the weather would bring, and there was only one thing I could do about it, and that was to prepare. I made sure some cold training runs took me through water so I could run with wet feet and I tried not to let the cold weather hold me back in my running.

Plans - driving arrangements

After I assembled a list of those that might be attending, and learned what running friends would indeed be running this event. I began to talk with them about their past experiences there and how to prepare. We also made driving and traveling arrangements. I was excited to be invited to ride with Josh and Gina Both of them having run this race previously were able to offer a lot of important support.

The drive up and pre race prep.

Meeting early on Saturday AM in Roanoke, we were on our way. Josh, Gina, Dru, Mike and myself. I was thankful to not have to drive. Josh having made everyone some muffins, I think they were chocolate chip banana nut, pretty good stuff! Wish I had one now actually. Discussion about who ran what race, and comparing ultras and some talk about who really knows how to put on a good race. We all seemed to enjoy one another's company and conversation.

Race headquarters was in a nice heated building with restrooms (additional "john's" outside) and water fountains.

Arrival was just over an hour early. Perfect. Packet pickup and time to dress, prep the body and mind. Rid of all the pre-race heebie-jeebies, take pre-race pics and enjoy a lot of nervous chatter and reunions. 

Photo courtesy of Tom Rickard, Mike is missing from the pic.

Questions about about what items of hydration to bring. Wear a pack, or just the hand held bottle? I opted for the hand held bottle as I knew there would be an aid station every 5 miles so I could refill.

The course - weather, trees, mud and water


The new name of the event includes that it is s "wilderness trail" I believe that is to let others know that is may be a bit unmaintained in places, and possibly difficult to follow. The course mostly followed white blazes on the trees, and there were white streamers tied to trees every so often, especially in the difficult areas. I think the white was hard to see, I'd prefer a brighter color. It was obvious that the course had some preparation to it. There were a couple areas that made me feel like we were being used to forge a new portion of trail rather than following an established trail.

I heard it many times, and I must say it here as well (and if you hear one thing about the course other than the potentially cold temps it will be this) but there are many down trees that every runner must step over or climb over. These provided nice breaks in the running though. Well, I thought that at first, but after you get a good number of miles under your feet, your legs don't want to lift that high off the ground!

Other than temps and trees there was mud and water. At various times in the past 3 days leading up to the race it rained. I was thankful it wasn't raining today, but the rain left countless mud pits and filled up the creeks just right. Mud pits so deep that the ever present leaf covered trail became shoe sucking black dirt soupy sections that at first you try to dance over, but soon enough you tie in and just tromp right through. I still don't know how I'm going to clean those shoes.

The creeks included many countless crossings, perhaps 10 times? Not all of them required you to submerge your feet, but a couple of them did for sure. At this race and for this time (another day might be completely different) you could find some areas that would put you in as deep as mid calf. Usually there was a better option. Personally after all the mud, it was kind of cleansing to run through cleaner water. The cold temps of the water only penetrated for a very short time. I wonder if that was in part because I was wearing Smart wool socks, and I've read that wool stays warmer when wet than other fabrics? Who knows.


35k complete stop or go?
I was aware that this course didn't have a lot of elevation, but then was surprised that it has 1800 vertical. I would have considered it more flat than that. It had plenty of simple short ups and down (muds and puds - multiple ups and downs, pointless ups and downs).

After 5 miles out the first aid station. Aid stations were stocked with only water and soda for drink. food included cookies, m&ms pretzels and potato chips. Gummy items and I forget what else.

It was nice that before the turn around, I could see the lead runners as they pass. I was excited to see that Josh was in 3rd place at about that time, and not far from the guys ahead of him.

After returning to the start and completing the 35k. Many choose to call it quits, but I knew what the plan was and I was determined to stick to it. I knew I had 5 more miles out and 5 more miles back. I was feeling good having crossed the line in under 4 hours. I rested a moment and refueled at the aid station, then went back down the trail. It was good to see some friends in our group (Mike and Walker) there resting after having completed the 35k a while ago.

Once I headed back in tot eh woods for the final leg of the 50k. I noticed who came into the aid station behind me. He eventually passed me.


The final 10
I think the last 10 miles were more attractive than the first 20. Arriving at the turnaround aid station. I was pleased to be seeing some greenery and a nice river not too far away. I stopped at the aid station. the Race Director was there encouraging the runners. I thanked him for his work on putting the race together. I enjoyed some m&m's, Pringles, one Advil and I forget what else.

The first 5 of the last 10 were heavily hiked. The last 5 of the race, I felt stronger than the previous 5, and I ran more than before. Perhaps it was more downhill? I do know that I think the last 10 miles were more hilly than the first 20. That could be perception though too as my legs were quite tired by that point. There was definitely less mud water and down trees. it was easier to run without interruption. There was a section of forest road (well, there was a section on the first out and back too) which was a nice change of pace for a short time.

It was again exciting to see the oncoming runners. Constantly wondering how well Josh was running, I finally saw 2 figures emerging through the woods toward me. Josh was in the lead!!!

The runner that passed me in the final 10, never got too far ahead, as I could tell from the turn around how far ahead he was.

At the finish
As I was nearing the last mile. I came up on the runner that was behind me before I began the last 10. We enjoyed one another's company and conversation for that last mile. I really appreciated that as I had so little conversation during this run. We crossed the line together.

It was great to see familiar faces at the finish and Gina there to take my picture. It made me feel right at home like I was at a Mountain Junkie race. Pictures at moments like that are priceless, Thank you!

The clock read something short of 6:30 and I was pleased that it was below 7 hours, but soon thought that it took an extra 30 mins to cover 10 miles, when on the first half of the race I ran 10 miles every 2 hours. Despite my instant negativity, I enjoyed the moment. Soon I asked how the end of Josh's race turned out, and I was happy to hear that he won! His first ultra win!

Driving home... 
After a short cool down, food was on my mind. I knew the other in my group were waiting only on me and ready to go. I wanted to refuel. I partook in what the aid station at the finish had to offer, but knew I wanted more. Soon we were in the car and headed down the road.

Like the good husband, I make contact with my wife. Soon to learn that Lydia is at the race and looking for me! What a nice surprise! She had arrived about 15 mins behind what may have been ideal. We had the option of turning around to meet her, or just to stop at a gas station and let her meet us there. I was thankful for my friends for waiting for me, and the finish would not have been the same without them there. I was also glad to see my family happy for me and providing comfort.


Things I did differently - NEW products
Not too much to say here. I'm getting a little more consistent with what I do at long runs now. I have enjoyed the Salt Stick caps. I'm convinced that they help ward off cramps and assist in keeping me hydrated. I began taking them much less than suggested, but now I'm taking them as suggested with one an hour. I would have had some electrolyte product (Gatorade or NUUN) in my bottle on any other given day, but today this is where I did things differently. I'm trying out a line of products by Visalus Sciences. I used PRO in my bottle, which is a powder to mix in water. I did this for my first and 3rd bottle refills. It is recommended not to exceed 4 servings a day, so I felt that 2 was conservative in testing out something new. How did it work? I'm not sure. It surely did not hinder me at all. It tasted better than plain water. I know it lacks the electrolytes in other products, as it is an energy product not electrolyte replacement drink, but then again I'm taking the Salt Caps for that. I will continue to use the PRO and see how I feel about it.

PRO is only one item in a long list of products from a company which I have begun to work with. I am promoting their products to be used for a 90-day challenge after you set a goal for 90 days. Is it weight loss or athletic performance, go to my website at eliminate waist.bodybyvi.com and learn more about these awesome life changing products. I have seen it effect the lives of others, if I had not, I would not be talking about it here. Check it out.



What is next?
Holiday Lake 50k in 4 weeks. I am confident as this trail claims about 2000 ft in elevation, just slightly and probably not even noticeably different that I just ran. I have not committed to the entire Lynchburg Ultra Series, but I do want to do it. I've even signed up for Terrapin Mountain 50k in March, the second event of 4 in the series. I ran the half-marathon distance at Terrapin in 2011. I am excited to return there in 2012 for the full experience.

Brush Mountain Breakdown 16 mile

Race date: Sat October 29, 2011
I've heard of this event for years, but never knew anyone that has run it and by looking at race results from previous years, I think I only recognized one name. I dont believe that this event is very well promoted, and I think it has the potential to be an amazing event. Well, it is an amazing event, jut not too many attend. There's about 45-60 runners each year for the 15 / 16 mile. I say 15 / 16, cause some places you'll see it listed as 15, and others as a 16. I think James from Run About Sports in Blacksburg, VA told me it's really 15.7. One flyer for 2011 had 15 on one side, and 16 on the other.

The events includes an 16 mile, 8 mile and 5k options. You can look up previous years results and find out how many enter each event. It isnt too many, this is a smaller event but the course is so good, and the shirt was a very nice!

James Demarco is the Race Director, and his shop Run About Sports (an awesome running store by the way!) is the main sponsor, or whatever.

The event is also credited to the Blacksburg Striders, but there are so many broken links on their site, (and I hate to say that but it's true) and has been for years.

Trying to prepare for the event
So, I ran into a lot of dead ends when searching for info about this event. But diligence pays off.
There was a blog that was helpful with getting some race info.
Cort the Sport has run the event 3 times. in 2008,  2009 and in 2010.
See all of her blogged race reports there. I tried to message her to let her know I appreciated the info, and wanted to link her pages here, but I couldnt find a way to contact her, and trying to leave comments on her blog diddnt work either, it only allows me to make comments half the times that I try at blogger pages anyway. (Caught up with her via Facebook).

I just decided that I would call Run About Sports and ask questions about it when they occurred to me.

 There was other information online that I discovered but it was outdated. Again, I think this event has potential to bring many runners.
The Brush Mountain Breakdown takes place at the Pandapas Pond trails, which is in the Jefferson National Forest. I used to run at Pandapas Pond, when I lived in Christiansburg, VA during and just after being in College. I ran there very frequently. I was excited to be back on those trails, and to be hitting the trail system from the opposite end than I normally access them from.

During my time running those trails, which was around 2003-2005, I was never able to run the miles that I can today. So I was glad to be able to spend so much time out there.

Pandapas Pond trail map

There are links to the Pandapas Pond trail system map HERE.
Elevation profiles and maps can be found HERE.

 The course that the 16 mile race runs is shown below.

If you study the first maps, and compare the second map, you will see that the event starts at the "end" of the Poverty Creek trail, which ends on FR 708. You will drive on FR 708 on the way to the race start. See Pandapas Pond has a parking lot, and official access area, but the trails go off into teh woods about 8 miles deep, which FR 708 takes you to the end of the Poverty Creek trail, which is the longest trail in the system.

You can see this sign below from 460 as you drive to the race.but this isnt where you turn. Follow the directions carefully, as you dont really drive to Pandapas Pond's main area, but you are on that trail system.

Race registration form from the Blacksburg Striders had good directions. It is basically 460 to the FR 708 for 5 miles. It's a rocky / dirt road that takes a while to drive down, and then it opens up to a field where the race is held from.

Along the way
Along the drive down 460 from 81 into Blacksburg There was frost upon the tree tops.

Driving down the forest road, here is the view of the race set up. Simple.

Course and race start
The run began on the Forest Road, for about 0.3 miles, and the turned left into the woods where the Poverty Creek Trail began.

 There was a noticeable climb along that first mile of trail, but for the most part when along the Poverty Creek trail it was simple and rolling hills. Most of the entire course stays on Poverty Creek, crossing the forest road at one point, and then making a loop at the end of the course along Jacob's Ladder and Snake Root, then back to Poverty Creek and all the way back to the start.

The climb up Jacob's ladder was the largest climb for the course. the below image will help you with what to expect for that climb.

  After Jacob's Ladder. it's a nice refreshing downhill on Snake Root, then back on Poverty Creek which seemed to roll on for a good while.

My experience
Knowing this would be a smaller event, I diddnt expect a lot of familiar faces. I knew fellow Mountain Junkie Courtney Griffen would be there, and sure enough she was the only one I knew. I saw a couple other familiar faces and talked to a few others, but no one from recent races I've run.

The 5k runners started 30 mins before the 8 mile and 16 mile runners. With some simple quick announcements amidst the chilly wind of something under 35 degrees, we were off. I was thankful to get into the woods, as I knew it would block the wind, and it did. Things got heated up after around mile 2, as does most cold weather runs. I was wearing a thin polyester first layer over my legs, and running shorts over them. A thin long sleeve running shirt covered by a full zip micro-fleece jacket that has a lot of vents. I also wore gloves and a knit hat. I considered losing the hat, but was glad I kept it on.

Dressing properly was the biggest stressor for me prior to this event. As the weather forecast the night before the race said it was going to be almost 30 degrees with a mix of rain and snow. Thankfully in the morning the weather changed to light rain. The light rain was indeed light and there was no snow... Well not until I made the climb up Jacob's ladder. This is when I was glad I kept the hat on. The ground became more and more covered with ice and the wind blew the ice off the trees. I felt that I was in an ice storm or hail storm. Chunks of ice hitting me in the face and shoulders. It was pretty awesome actually.

I had caught up with Courtney a few miles in, but once we got to Jacob's Ladder she strongly proceeded up as I dropped to a walk / hike now and then. After catching up with her on the Snake Root downhill, she and I recollected how neat the ice was to run through. I'm curious what the temp difference was on that climb, it would be nice to know, as it was much colder on top of the mountain.

After getting back on Poverty Creek, I were soon returning to Aid Stations that I had seen once before.

Aid Stations
There was a total of 4 aid stations. They were stocked with water, Gatorade and various energy bars and power bars. Also there were cliff blocks, power bar gels and GU gels. I think it was the 3rd and 4th AS that I took and handful of either GU chomps, or Cliff shot blocks, and refilled my hand held bottle.

Speaking of my hand held bottle, I was surprised with how few runners I saw carrying any supplies. I noticed one runner with a vest / pack on, and a couple others with waist packs with bottles, but I could count them all on one hand who was carrying supplies. I thought that was odd, but I guessed that the cold weather may have influenced that. Regardless of what others were doing I knew what I was used to and stuck to it. Later in the race, when there was about 3 or 4 miles to go I took a GU gel of my own that I carried (I carried 3, only used 1) Lately, I prefer real food to "chemical" energy, but it's what was necessary for the race today.

I would have liked to see some chips and pretzels at the aid station, I would have consumed some.  On that note of nutrition and hydration I did take a few Salt Stick capsules. One before the run, one after and then one when I got home. The only reason I took one when I got home is because I recalled how I felt after the race that I ran when I took the Salt Stick caps previously, and my muscles were not very sore at all. I figured those electrolytes helped me recover faster, and therefore I took an extra when I got home. (so far it has helped, I do believe)

Comparatively speaking
The other 16 mile trail run I had recently completed in September was the Iron Mountain Trail Run. I recall how I felt on that race, which you can read about if you follow the link. Today I felt stronger, and I think I recovered quicker as well. I would believe that suggests I am getting stronger.

I am enjoying this distance. I think that the IMTR 16 in September, and the Conquer The Cove 25k in June, as well as this event are critical distances to get comfortable with when progressing in my miles.

Both events the BMB and IMTR were low-frills events. For example, check out the post-race display of food and nourishment.

But what you needed was there. Bananas, sugar, protein, water.

As I run more and more, I am building confidence that I'm passing the 13.1 (half-marathon) mark as the mileage that I enjoy the most and which I feel really presses me forward. I've run 9 half-marathons since 2004, 5 of them in recent years between 2010 and 2011. The 4 other events that I've run at or beyond the 16m / 25k distance, have all been this year. I look forward to where my future runs will take me.

What I've done differently this time
Not too much. I've not used Cliff shots, or GU chomps much, and I consumed them during this run. I took some salt caps, and I'm still getting used to them, but I'm 2 days post run now, and I'm surprised how well my muscles feel. I'm starting to be a real believer in them despite how much I hate the idea of taking "pills".  I'm still loving my Smart Wool socks. I they are truly "my sock" for running. I appreciate most the seamless toe. I've bought a few pairs of them now.

How the initial results were collected.

What is next
Support Lydia in covering her first half-marathon this November. The Star City Half Marathon.
There are still some runs I want to do. I want to run to Mcaffee's Knob and back again. Hopefully make a group run out of it.
I really want to hike / run the section on the AT from 311 before Mcaffee's Knob over Tinker Cliffs, past Hay Rock, and end at 220. I'm told that section is about 20 miles.
Next Sat I have the honor of sweeping the last half of the Mountain Masochist 50 miler! I'm excited, as I will get a preview of the course. There is a chance I will attempt this event next year, if my running continues to improve.
In 2012 I'm hoping to complete the 3 50k events that are a part of the Lynchburg Ultra Series (Holiday Lake, Terrapin, and Promise Land). The series ends with the MMTR 50 miler. We will see how the season progresses!

Thanks for reading. Please "follow" to keep up.

Greenway Memory Miler 10 mile

Be sure to read these blogs on this same race:
Running Nicki
Cardioholics Anonymous


Today was planned to be a special day. I've finally found myself with an opportunity to run 2 races in one day, and I'm going to do it! The Greenway Memory Miler was put on as a benefit for the local Alzehimer's Associations to help increase awareness of Alzheimer's and also to benefit Virginia Amateur Sports. (who havent had funding since 2001). I believe the event was jointly organized by the Star City Striders and Virginia Amateur Sports.

Both events were a part of the Roanoke Outdoor Circus. October 21-23, 2011. Tons of stuff going on, and I couldnt do it all.

Event Date: Saturday, October 22nd, 2011
Location: 9AM Along the Roanoke Greenway, Starting at Wasena Park, Roanoke, VA
Distances: 10mile and a 4 mile

Weather said it would be about 45 degrees at the AM.

Excitement increased as the weekend approached. Temperatures were my biggest concern.

I arrived at the GMM, Glad it was a 9AM start. My wife actually got a parking spot for her and the kids in the Wasena parking lot, but there was another large sufficient lot very close by where most people parked. Tricky thing for out of towners is that Wiley Ave, which runs through this park is often one way and it's just best to drive the normal streets in town rather than try to drive through the park. There's a good opportunity to arrive late because of this challenge.


Where's the start?
I arrived at Wasena park, picked up my registration packet, as Lydia parked, and brought the kids to the playground, which was right there at the race registration and finish line. I asked where the start was and was told "down the greenway under the bridge at the skatepark" I headed that way, and founf no one, so I came back... Realizing it was around 15 mins until race start, I headed that way again, finding no one. I asked another runner, and he was wondering the same thing. Eventually other clueless runners all gathered and figured as long as we stuck together.... So, eventually a biker who claimed to be the lead bike, and then a truck with Barry from the Striders and a microphone. Relief. But a simple sign there would have been nice, but it all worked out.

There I am at the race start chatting with others who will soon be running. Marion Childress, Jerry Ballard and Phil Settle. I'm pumping up Phil to thinking he can take this small crowd and really place in the top 3! (Read his blog Cardioholics Anonymous) I really thought he had a great chance of doing that, and he gave a great run... read about his great effort on his blog report HERE. Doug Falls even showed up to cheer on his friends.

The Course
The race is a 10mile and 4 mile.
The Greenway is a paved path commonly used by runners, walkers and bikers.
From the start on the Greenway, we soon get off the greenway for a small loop (about 1/2 mile), and then back on the Greenway for the rest of the out and back course.

The Greenway: paved, wide, flat

I'm thinking I will likely race this rather than run it. I'll start this race a little faster than I normally run, as I've not run much at all this week. (in fact none since running 8m in the rain at the Cove with Doug falls the previous Thursday) so I had fresh legs. Each mile was very well marked. I asked Marion after mile 1 what our pace was, and he said about 7:30. Much faster than I usually run. I knew I'd be slowing down, but I was happy where I was at for the moment.

Not far into the run is the turn around for the 4-mile runners.
Soon before that turn around, I'm starting to follow another runner. I like the line she is taking through the mellow turns of the Greenway. Straightening out her run, saving steps. I like that approach. I'm thinking that I recognize her from Mountain Junkie events, or some other races. When she turns around at the 4-mile turn around. I think to myself. I would have thought she was running the 10, but oh well. She's 2nd female for the 4-mile, and give her a little shout of encouragement as I pass her in opposite directions.

Later in the race, I pass her again. I'm thinking she's getting in more miles after her 4-mile race. "Hey, did you finish 2nd female?" "*!@$%*, I turned around at the 4, and wanted to run the 10!".
I'm thinking of the numerous ways that could have been prevented. By runner, and by race director and by volunteers. but anyway, I can understand her frustration and I wished it werent so.

The course continued on almost to the sewage treatment plant. Passing an older gentleman near the 10 mile turn around who was enjoying the rippling sounds from the Roanoke River and doing what looked like Tai Chi. I bet all us runners, really messed up his whatever that morning. Sorry 'bout that.


Performance
I can tell as I am approaching the turn around because of the oncoming runners. I was counting down the leaders until I got to Phil Similar to the IMTR 16m run. He was in 5th at the time, with large gaps between all top 6.

As often happens, I find myself running along side someone and I am enjoying their pace. I found this happening at about mile 4 or 5. I forget his name, I'm sorry to say but he said he runs all the Mountain Junkie events too, so I'll see him again. I stuck with him until at least mile 6. At times I felt that he was keeping me running faster than I normally would be running. but then when I made small attempts to gain on him, I felt him step it up, and I questioned if I was pulling him, or if he was pulling me?

Somewhere about this time, after the turn around, I run past the inspiring Anita Finkle. I havent talked to her at work in weeks and I diddnt know she would be here today, so I looked forward to talking with her after the race from that moment on.

We run past an on coming runner and he tells us we were 19 and 20 overall. I start thinking how sweet a top 20 finish would be. not being a real fast runner, I dont get that chance to perform well overall, and even in age group rankings, really. This was a smaller event, and as I tell others, placing all depends on who shows up to run. 

Eventually what I recall around mile 7, I pulled away from him. The sounds of his feet getting more distant, and I'm getting focused on the next 2 runners ahead of me. From here to the start I slowly gain and eventually pass those 2 runners.

Results
I was well pleased with the result of my efforts today. I ran a 1:19:05, which is a 7:55 / M pace. I never run that fast, and if so only for 2 or 4 miles at most. This shows me what I'm capable of on a flat course.

The only problem with running that fast, is that now all road races that I enter, I've set a standard of running sub-8 minute miles. Well We'll see about that!

 The last road race I entered was the Lynchburg half and I ran at a 8:47 pace and felt strong at the end. Yet this is still a far fetch from the pace I used to run at when running 5 and 6 times a week back around 2003 and doing my first half marathons. ...and just for the record my PR for a 10 mile was set in 2005 at the Blacksburg Classic 10m at 1:16:25, a pace of 7:39. Apparently I'm not too far off!

Another successful race, and strong performance. Small talk along the course with Marion (who has been running over for 30 years) I was reminded that each year, each month, each week, each day is another opportunity to PR. Yesterday isnt going to determine today. Only this very moment will do that. Thanks Marion. Seeing you at the races over the years and seeing you run strong has been a long lasting encouragement.


Post Race
Post race while waiting for results. I enjoyed having my family there with me. Crossing the line and being greeted with kisses from them all is just priceless. I've never seen cheese cake at a race before, but it was a change of pace, though I diddnt have any. some chocolate goodies and sweets were present amongst the bananas and apples. But Panera bagels seemed to be the biggest hit. I enjoyed a few of them myself.

Age Group placing!
It has been a long time since I placed in my age group. Today I took home 2nd place in my age group. There were only 60 runners for the 10 mile. and for such a small race, I thought I had a decent chance of doing well in my age group. As humor would have it, there was only 2 people in my age group. but I'll take that medal any way! The runner just ahead of me was first in my age group, less than one second ahead of me... wish I had known that!

All along the race, I'm picking out who may be in my age group, but since I was always slowly gaining on him, I never really payed attention to him.

Honestly had I known I would make 2nd in AG regardless how I would have run, I bet I wouldnt have run so hard, but I'm glad I did. I feel like I earned it.



What I learned the most
Run hard now and then, it's OK.
I heard not long ago from a trainer that you should first run for distance before you run for speed. Since I feel like I've earned a strong foundation for distance, apparently I can run for speed at shorter distances.
Though my real running goals are to run long distances, especially 50k trail events, it is nice to run on a flat course and surprise myself with my time.

Other
I carried no resources. I used no gels or food. I took water at every water stop except the last one. I ran in my Nike Air Pegasus 28 Breathe and new favorite Smart Wool socks. I diddnt bring headphones, and diddnt miss them either.

Reach beyond

As I was using Google to see if my own blog shows on a search, I found the phrase "more than pace and stride" in a blog called "Reach beyond. Accomplish within. A blog about healthier living. I think this blog is no longer tended to, as it lacks any recent posts. It was active from 2005 to 2008, but only one post in 2009, about how he was headed to his first marathon. I am curious how that story ended.

My point is not that the phrase I choose for my blog title was found elsewhere, but that it was used in quite an inspiring post on this blog about the stories behind those running the Boston Marathon in 2008.

» See article

...and if I may quote this unknown blogger, I love how he used the phrase :
"It seemed everybody was running for a cause - some for charity, some for family members, some for themselves and some even just for fun. Whatever the reasons, the day spent in front of my television reinforced my belief that running is about so much more than pace and stride - running asks, "can you?" - we provide the answers."

How very true. Thank you for that.
I find myself asking myself that very question when it comes to running... Can I?

So often my longer runs are plagued with doubt, I feel victorious when I have accomplished any task in the face of doubt or resistance. Dont we all?
So after conquering that long climb, throw up your arms and shout, no one is watching and if they are - maybe they will be inspired to seek the same.