tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35424723347521831612024-02-19T21:33:06.725-05:00JayKnight LifeMy personal blog a list of things i run across or am feeling at the timeAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01313697111148309729noreply@blogger.comBlogger475125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3542472334752183161.post-3969792699875938472018-04-11T12:25:00.001-04:002018-04-11T12:25:51.396-04:00Rock n roll Recap 2018<script charset="utf-8" src="https://slate.adobe.com/page-embed.js" type="text/javascript"></script><a class="asp-embed-link" href="https://spark.adobe.com/page/o9and67bccyfP/" target="_blank"><img alt="Rock n’ Roll Raleigh 2018" border="0" src="https://spark.adobe.com/page/o9and67bccyfP/embed.jpg?buster=3" style="width: 100%;" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01313697111148309729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3542472334752183161.post-83616832998740526792018-04-06T15:38:00.000-04:002018-04-06T15:39:09.800-04:00In Raleigh for Rock and Roll? Here’s what you can do <script charset="utf-8" src="https://slate.adobe.com/page-embed.js" type="text/javascript"></script><a class="asp-embed-link" href="https://spark.adobe.com/page/Txjop7b8DlqvQ/" target="_blank"><img alt="Weird Things I’d do in Raleigh" border="0" src="https://spark.adobe.com/page/Txjop7b8DlqvQ/embed.jpg?buster=0" style="width: 100%;" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01313697111148309729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3542472334752183161.post-46170150956583124042018-04-05T19:59:00.001-04:002018-04-05T19:59:19.848-04:00Rock n Roll Raleigh Half Marathon REcon 2018 edition<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MpAVlXNqrEQ/VvVhv0XaCaI/AAAAAAAC6eU/e2sWVP-ysNwZY4l11aslMFJKdBtBEWtQQ/s1600/IMG_5430.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" id="id_acfb_85c7_1abb_d1d9" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MpAVlXNqrEQ/VvVhv0XaCaI/AAAAAAAC6eU/e2sWVP-ysNwZY4l11aslMFJKdBtBEWtQQ/s400/IMG_5430.JPG" style="height: auto; width: 400px;" width="400" /></a></div>
Alright, So we are just a few days away from the last running of Rock n Roll Raleigh. A couple of years ago, I did a race recon to spot out all of the hills and notable scenery that runners can and should look for.<br />
I've run this race every year and every year, they've tweaked something about the course whether it be the start line or the finish line.<br />
There are some big changes this year.<br />
1. No marathon.<br />
2. The Half Marathon course is different but only in a few locations<br />
3. Fewer Hills. So, it could be a PR race for some runners.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I4FDWnJanKU/WsaxQrjlq0I/AAAAAAAEvv0/laPkpnrSKcQ0P10wSxpJkvPKt4c3Ei9DQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_7585.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I4FDWnJanKU/WsaxQrjlq0I/AAAAAAAEvv0/laPkpnrSKcQ0P10wSxpJkvPKt4c3Ei9DQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_7585.JPG" width="320" /></a> The first 5 miles are pretty familiar. The start line is on Fayetteville street. Then you make your way up hill to get to the NC Museum of Natural Sciences and you'll pass the big Globe. You can't miss it. You'll want to look for photographers in this area. That's less than a mile in, so your legs will be fresh.<br />
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After you hit one mile, you'll turn onto Person street and pass the Governor's Mansion (executive residence.) You can't see much, but it is a beautiful property.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Governor's residence</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">according to Cadislice.com this house is kind of haunted and there is legend of a body buried under the front let courner of the house.</td></tr>
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Here's one of those course changes. The course used to down Blount street and turn onto Martin Luther King BVD. This year, we'll be passing the back side of Moore Square (for those who know the area) along with the Marbles Kids Museum. <br />
Then you'll run up the road to Chavis Park. This park was opened as a recreational place for African Americans during segregation. The original Carousel from the 1930s is still operational. The other city park was Pullen Park. Both are now open to everyone.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m4LsNUIvT60/Vvs0jkzS6hI/AAAAAAAC6_s/mEsdTszNy60IsFDerF-iCjLtLSCe4sk1g/s1600/IMG_5497.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" id="id_c5c7_7cb1_e2c7_5b39" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m4LsNUIvT60/Vvs0jkzS6hI/AAAAAAAC6_s/mEsdTszNy60IsFDerF-iCjLtLSCe4sk1g/s320/IMG_5497.JPG" style="height: auto; width: 640px;" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Chavis Park: By the time you get here, you'll be just under 3 miles. It's a small hill once you get in the park but you're rewarded with a nice downhill. </td></tr>
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Historic Oakwood Neighborhood:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jbZyLhCHnnw/Vvs0jiefjCI/AAAAAAAC6_0/lYh3UhjwQMw9Hy01UpgOouNk5IY4FCyHA/s1600/IMG_5506.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" id="id_d3f_ed68_d65e_d6c8" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jbZyLhCHnnw/Vvs0jiefjCI/AAAAAAAC6_0/lYh3UhjwQMw9Hy01UpgOouNk5IY4FCyHA/s640/IMG_5506.JPG" style="height: auto; width: 640px;" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">I mention Oakwood because it's all down hill through this portion...well kind of. Take advantage of this section be still pace yourself there's a pretty good hill coming up at mile 5.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">This section won't jump out and grab you (hopefully) There is a legend of an angel headstone that will turn its head and look at you if you stare at her long enough. I say just keep it moving. </td></tr>
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next big challenng will come just before you hit mile 5! Glascock Street. No doubt. Without Peace Street, This will be the hardest hill on the course. The Nice part about this section is that the community really comes out to support runners as they try not to walk up this hill. M advice: Dig deep, don't look up, trust your training -- you got this.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">This hill goes up and up and up... Thankfully this is a really good neighborhood to run through and there's some good crowd support. It doesn't stop going up until you reach peace street. </td></tr>
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One of the biggest changes: Peace Street<br />
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This is what peace street used to look like. You used to get a nice fast downhill and have to climb a couple of hills before you truly made it to the top at Cameron Village. This year, there is no Peace Street and No Cameron Village.<br />
Because of a major construction project on Capital Blvd. to make the entrance into downtown better, Peace street is basically off limits. They have demolished businesses that have been there for decades just to make room for this new Bridge and road that they are constructing. So, let's all thank God for progress. This, by the way was also one of the main issues some of city officials and planners of the race mentioned for not being able to bring Rock N Roll Back in 2019.<br />
So, Instead of going down Peace Street, you'll go past the famous Krispy Kreme Doughnut shop and make your way past the NC Museum of Natural Sciences and the State Legislative Building.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">get down on your belly and ring this bell</td></tr>
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The next minor hill climb will be on West Morgan street... and you'll pass Trophy Brewing, Irregardless Cafe, Goodnights Comedy Club and the Remedy Diner on your way to Hillsborough street. If the name of the street has Hill in it.. it better have a hill right?<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If you're looking for trohpy brewing on Morgan Street look for their big tin distiller thing ( i don't know what to call it)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You won't notice it while you're running but you can find some cool murals on the side and back of the business.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">By the time you see the NC State Memorial Belltower you are more than Halfway done. </td></tr>
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Then you'll head back to Hillsborough street and down Pullen Road which is a nice long down hill before you go up a hill and turn onto Western Boulevard.<br />
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From there, you'll go through the Dorothea Dix campus and make some weird loops through the streets there for about two miles.<br />
We're bound to get some great views of what used to be Dorothea Dix Hospital. Which was a hospital for the mentally ill. </div>
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According to one website one of the homes at Dorthea Dix campus may be haunted. Some say they’ve seen a woman walking past the windows in the spring Hill house.<br />
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Don't worry if you've made it this far, you're almost done with all of the hills... but there are still more amazing skyline views.<br />
That last piece of the puzzle is a uphill finish from South Saunders Street to Lenoir Street... and What I image will be a short walk to the finisher zone at the Red Hat Amphitheatre. It's the best finisher zone on the tour. You don't have to bring your own seats or sit on the ground .<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The finish line is up this hill somewhere. Enjoy!</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01313697111148309729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3542472334752183161.post-7815496744089846772018-04-03T21:55:00.000-04:002018-04-03T21:55:55.274-04:00Has it really been that long? <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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How have you been? I’m doing well now, but it wasn’t always that way. One of my running friends recently called me out. She told me that I had been "in a funk." I guess she was right. I’m out of it now. But for a good 6 months, running was my best friend and worst enemy. I got injured. Then I pursued a series of goals that were physically beyond reach. I masked my feelings. I suffered through those failures and found it hard to celebrate anyone else’s success. I always want to be fast. I want to be the guy out front that people chase or measure themselves against. Imagine yourself steadily improving, chasing goals, achieving... then suddenly those same goals are no longer attainable. That’s when I fell into a funk.<br />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6H4TColjMwE/WsQvtAD2OII/AAAAAAAEvLw/xtZtekSJvjEHX4lU0SXqU02OC-iDAxRNgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_8146.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1199" data-original-width="1600" height="238" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6H4TColjMwE/WsQvtAD2OII/AAAAAAAEvLw/xtZtekSJvjEHX4lU0SXqU02OC-iDAxRNgCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_8146.HEIC" width="320" /></a> How did I emerge from that funk? That’s what this post is all about. It’s not pretty. It’s not my normal post race celebration post or pre-race prep post. These are the things that go through a runner’s head and what I learned. I hope it makes me a better runner.<br />
It has been an enormous amount of time since my last blog post. My last post was for Rock n Roll Virginia Beach. After that, I entered a very busy race season with races every weekend or every other weekend. It should have been the best time of the year to humblebrag and score new PR's but I found my self falling off and getting slower. I didn't want to talk about it.<br />
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It was all because of a really bad hamstring injury. It all started back in June when I tried to run a 4x400 relay race. I didn't warm up properly. But I did take some cool pictures. I felt the pop. I heard the pop... and I was down for the count. June 27 ,2017. I couldn't even make it to the finish line. It all happened within the first 100 meters. The next day was tough. But as usual, I smiled for the camera at a Saucony event at Raleigh Brewing. That was fun. But for the next week, I dealt with the worst pain in my butt I've ever experienced. It was so bad that I couldn't sleep. I walked with a limp and couldn't sit on it for too long. But for some reason, I thought it was okay to still run.<br />
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ThTuOhK__vI/WsQtVn4iqRI/AAAAAAAEvEw/8ch29xyNOdcSbiFfka9f5qqCPZ6ZpiC3ACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_3989.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1203" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ThTuOhK__vI/WsQtVn4iqRI/AAAAAAAEvEw/8ch29xyNOdcSbiFfka9f5qqCPZ6ZpiC3ACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_3989.JPG" width="320" /></a> I tried what I thought was the smart thing. I took several days off in a row. But I tried not to sacrifice my Saturday morning or Sunday morning group runs. I tried riding my bike instead. Before I knew it, I was a coming up on the Fall race season.<br />
So, I started to train. (bad move)<br />
My first race was Virginia Beach half marathon. You saw how that finished.<br />
Next up was Philadelphia which would quickly be followed by the Race 13.1 Charlotte and the Hillsborough Half Marathon. <br />
Every.... Single one... of those races... ended with me hobbling over the finish line... one way or another.<br />
How bad was my training? In all of August, I ran more than 8 miles ONCE! In July I ran a 10 miler and an 11 miler. Everything else was 5 miles or less.<br />
In September, my goal was to run 13.1 miles 3 times: Virginia Beach, Philadelphia and Charlotte.<br />
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In VA, I ran the 5k and the Mile in the Sand on Saturday. I felt good until right after the mile in the sand. I knew it was going to be a tough Sunday. I tried to do an ice bath. I even had EJ running through the halls of the hotel to get Ice. On race day, my hamstring cramped up first. Then the cramps spread to my other muscles. I found myself walking a lot during the race and falling into the medical tent in search of Tylenol and Ice.<br />
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Two weeks later in Philadelphia, I almost made it to the finish when that hamstring cramped up on me again.<br />
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In Charlotte my hamstring cramped up on me again.<br />
That was my low point. It was supposed to be a big challenge race for Black Men Run and a regional meetup. It was one team, The Venom against the Mongoose (a venomous snake's only real enemy.)<br />
After finishing that race in a not-so impressive way, I got some very good advice: wrap the hamstring in a compression sleeve or an ace bandage. Put it on while you sleep and when you run. Stretch and Roll.<br />
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The Next race was the Hillsborough Historic Half Marathon!<br />
It wasn't much of an improvement because I was obviously still injured.. but I was ten minutes faster and the cramps didn't come on until later --- much later. But inside i was celebrating. I ran a half marathon under 2 hours for the first time since the fall season began. That was really my first celebratory half marathon in five or six months. The only problem now was that I was one month away from my next full marathon. I didn't have many long runs under my belt and I wasn't sure how my hamstring was going to hold up.<br />
No time to think about it because the next race is on tap: Race 13.1's Raleigh Fall Race.<br />
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Through all of this, I found myself in a sense of dismay, concern and worry about the next race. My next marathon in Savannah, Georgia. I felt like I could make it. No cramps since the compression sleeve was added. But, I did not have enough time to build up endurance for the long run.<br />
I was definitely half marathon ready. But was I full marathon ready? In hindsight, No. Absolutely not. As usual it was a great race with support from the community. My pace wasn't even that fast. My fastet mile was mile 3 at 9:32. After mile 10, it all started to fall apart. I progressively got slower and slower. Then the leg cramps started. I tried everything. I had salt tablets, Nuun, Huma Gels. Everything seemed to work temporarily. At one point I thought it'd be better if I took my compression sleeves off. By mile 23, I knew I was approaching the end of the race. But I was also approaching the lowest.. or slowest point in that race for me. 14 minute, 15 minute miles. I walked and I walked. The lowest point was when I was stopped in front of a firehouse holding a handful of ice on my hamstrings and groin area with my calves, quads and groin pulsating from the pain. I would walk so that I could run a few feet and then hobble in pain until I could walk again. My finish time: 5:08.<br />
I smiled at the time.. but it was a walk of shame. 30 minutes slower than my previous marathon PR and an hour slower than my goal time.<br />
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So how does a runner rebound from their lowest, slowest place ever? You celebrate another finish, another medal and everyone else that crushed their goals. Then with wet palms and sweat dripping down your brow, you sign up for the next marathon.<br />
Then you use that low moment as motivation. For 18 weeks of training. Every speed workout. Every Strength Workout. Every Long Run. Every Cold morning or dark night. When you body is tired, but you know it'll be worth it. There's no time to think about skipping a workout.<br />
I've learned that sometimes we need failure to remind us how to win. It reminds us what it feels like to be hungry for a goal.<br />
So, I signed up for the next marathon. This time I gave myself plenty of time to train and recover. Goal marathon Tobacco Road Marathon in March. 18 weeks is a long time. Every day, I had to defeat negative thoughts. I had to overcome the memories of the season past in order to focus on the finish line in front of me.<br />
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First up was the Washington D.C. Marathon.<br />
The plan was to find a pace group and stick with them for as long as possible. I found the 4:10 pace group and it felt pretty comfortable. Then my shoe came untied. So, I stopped tied it.. and caught up to the group. Then m other shoe came untied. Same thing. It seems minor... but you need to preserve all of your energy for later in the marathon when it really gets tough.<br />
Then somewhere around mile 6 i found myself ahead of the pace group and "feeling good."<br />
Then I came across the downhill section and I was, again, "feeling good."<br />
The wheels fell off around mile 20. I stopped to do a snapchat for Rock n Roll .. and walked a lot after that.<br />
Still, I was able to squeeze out a marathon PR. 4:21:36.<br />
It was only faster by a minute or so. But it was something to celebrate.<br />
But I couldn't celebrate for long.. the goal race was coming up the very next weekend.<br />
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Tobacco Road Marathon!<br />
So, I learned my lesson from the previous weekend. I stayed with the pace group. I stayed with them like I was stalking them.<br />
It was really the most amazing thing ever. I didn't get tired or want to stop until the last mile. That's when I regretted scheduling back to back marathons.<br />
But this time I was even more successful -- finishing with another new PR of 4:09:07!<br />
It was a long road to that PR.<br />
I welled up with emotion at the finish line.<br />
I'm glad that I'm over the "funk" but I know that it could happen again. I'm determined to not let it happen again. I also hope that I'll be able to help someone else get out of that funk. I want to encourage someone else to keep pushing. But also to seek help if your injured. Rest, Recover--- then run. Leader boards and Monthly run totals don't mean anything if you aren't achieving your goals.<br />
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Most of the races were run thanks to complimentary race entries from the Rock n Roll Marathon Series as a Rock n Roll Ambassador or through FS Series as an FS Series Ambassador.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01313697111148309729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3542472334752183161.post-85025275807150448042017-09-10T20:45:00.002-04:002017-09-10T20:45:58.429-04:00Rock n Roll Virginia Beach: A Weekend of ups and Downs <div style="color: #454545; font-family: '.SF UI Text'; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal;">
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FBK6Med1bNA/WbXaSZ3B4fI/AAAAAAAEHCI/A2Bm5xe0puM3Vov4xD2AWNiK3WRuu4gFwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_6144.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FBK6Med1bNA/WbXaSZ3B4fI/AAAAAAAEHCI/A2Bm5xe0puM3Vov4xD2AWNiK3WRuu4gFwCKgBGAs/s400/IMG_6144.JPG" width="300" /></a><span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">Alright, it's time to talk about Rock n roll Virginia Beach 2017. I think I said it on Instagram: it was a weekend of highs and lows. Yup.... one really low, low. I signed up for three races: The 5k and the mile in the sand on Saturday and the half marathon on Sunday. It sounds like a lot, right? But, You all know I'm a rock n blogger. That means I'm an ambassador for Rock n roll. We get free access to all the races if we chose to run them. So,... I decided to run. You may also know that last year's race was hindered by a hurricane. They cancelled the mile in the sand. </span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MJAamta61Kg/WbXbEhi3_mI/AAAAAAAEHCo/A4nRwSwTvacVMaJ6Dhj5GVWChoCHUTaDwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_6026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1203" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MJAamta61Kg/WbXbEhi3_mI/AAAAAAAEHCo/A4nRwSwTvacVMaJ6Dhj5GVWChoCHUTaDwCKgBGAs/s400/IMG_6026.JPG" width="300" /></a><span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"> This year it was a family trip for Labor Day weekend and for The last weekend of summer. I love the expo, but I almost always seem to arrive when the expo is shutting down. So I slide into the expo with about 1 hour to grab 3 bibs and make my way through the maze of goodies. We were picking up free bags left and right as usual. I kind of wish those bags were available for the finish line chute when you're trying to hold a bottle of water, a banana, Gatorade, pretzels, an energy bar and chocolate milk. I never have enough fingers or hands. Anyway, back to the expo-- I grab an obligatory souvenir. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">This time I pick a magnet instead of a drink glass. I would later notice that these items are discounted at the finish line. I won't forget that. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"> Saturday, it's time to get ready for the first races. First up the 5k. 7am. I wanted to take it easy,... so I did. I still line up in the 1st corral. Here's when I noticed a weird feeling in my hamstring. It wasn't a cramp, it wasn't a Charlie horse, but just a dull pain. It kinda felt like I needed a massage. The pain only really set in when I stretched. For the race... It was perfect weather. The rain had just stopped. So it was cool, but breezy. The wind really knocked you in the face when you run past a break in the hotels. (The hotels at Virginia Beach act as a shield for the wind coming off the ocean.) After the turnaround we ran onto the boardwalk and right into the wind. Not a problem at all. I expected this though. When you run at the beach you have to expect some wind. </span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xf5OXLbaPfo/WbXbEtyHLhI/AAAAAAAEHCo/VX3Wwt52VnQ6pSIr-3JW6p1MizHw1vZ1ACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_6079.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1203" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xf5OXLbaPfo/WbXbEtyHLhI/AAAAAAAEHCo/VX3Wwt52VnQ6pSIr-3JW6p1MizHw1vZ1ACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_6079.JPG" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"> So,I finished with a respectable time. Not my fastest, but I was pacing myself. So, instead of wearing the bibs for both races, I put extra clothes and the second bib in a bag for gear check. The only decision I struggled with was running in the sand with or without shoes. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"> The cons of running in shoes: getting sand in your shoes, the weight, they make you more clumsy, if it's hot... burning your feet. (But it wasn't hot)</span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gh187Q3caAg/WbXbEsk5LzI/AAAAAAAEHCo/uvSy6aqzEFc6eI28j7R8tT_P-nbJmJuwwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_6084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gh187Q3caAg/WbXbEsk5LzI/AAAAAAAEHCo/uvSy6aqzEFc6eI28j7R8tT_P-nbJmJuwwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_6084.JPG" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"> The pros: baywatch.... I mean you get to connect with the beach, feel sand in your toes, you're less likely to trip, the sand stays at the beach and not in your shoes, car or tub. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"> By the way: the mile in the sand sleeveless t-shirts were so cool I had to wear mine on race day. You know "sun's out, guns out." A welcome change to race day gear. </span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0MNG9UTXahI/WbXbEmxPBKI/AAAAAAAEHCo/PfRZMOZw-uwiqOl_dRsYd6REJJ_3dJnzACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_6089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1203" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0MNG9UTXahI/WbXbEmxPBKI/AAAAAAAEHCo/PfRZMOZw-uwiqOl_dRsYd6REJJ_3dJnzACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_6089.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"> I chose no shoes and it was amazing. When I started running, I thought it would be better to step in someone else's tracks... but I was wrong. I quickly switched my strategy and found the flattened areas of sand to run in. Then I just had to work on lifting my knees and maintaining form to the finish line. Focus. I finished well-- first in my heat. I wish I had run in a different group to be more competitive. </span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7LHbyaz2AxA/WbXbEjIC1fI/AAAAAAAEHCo/NDTMeX9TbZ0YPT4kQGv2enT8m-8nFj1yACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_6093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7LHbyaz2AxA/WbXbEjIC1fI/AAAAAAAEHCo/NDTMeX9TbZ0YPT4kQGv2enT8m-8nFj1yACKgBGAs/s400/IMG_6093.JPG" width="300" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lBXBzYDGoKQ/WbXbEr4xpPI/AAAAAAAEHCo/7-EWHEt_zAUHc_5gk7JPM1HKwSOO_0OpACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_6123.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"> After these two races, I was happy, but I just didn't feel right in my hamstring. So I stretched, rested and called for an ice bath. There are no pictures of this but just imagine Ethan running down the hotel halls filling up ice buckets,... and expo bags with water and dumping the ice into ice cold water for his dad. It was fun. But it didn't work for me. The next morning, I still felt a weird numb pain in my quad and tried to stretch it out and warm it up as best I could.</span><br />
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rgjmeT-eMy4/WbXbEoYsAPI/AAAAAAAEHCo/iUpKS0YBi14OjIGEkcx-67VgRa84jQhcQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_6102.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rgjmeT-eMy4/WbXbEoYsAPI/AAAAAAAEHCo/iUpKS0YBi14OjIGEkcx-67VgRa84jQhcQCKgBGAs/s400/IMG_6102.JPG" width="400" /></a><span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"> By race time it was too late. The first four miles were okay. I had resigned myself to deal with the weird pain for the rest of the race .... then the hamstring just let go and stopped me in my tracks. If you've had an injury, you know what I'm talking about. It's an instant pain that makes you hop on one leg, grab the other and pull off to the side of the road.</span><br />
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lBXBzYDGoKQ/WbXbEr4xpPI/AAAAAAAEHCo/7-EWHEt_zAUHc_5gk7JPM1HKwSOO_0OpACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_6123.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1203" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lBXBzYDGoKQ/WbXbEr4xpPI/AAAAAAAEHCo/7-EWHEt_zAUHc_5gk7JPM1HKwSOO_0OpACKgBGAs/s400/IMG_6123.JPG" width="400" /></a><span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"> I walked and ran for 9 more excruciating miles. In the end, I wasn't tired but hurt. I had plenty of energy, I didn't feel dehydrated just in pain. One of my BMR brothers helped me get across the finish line. I was going to walk, but I didn't. I fought through the pain and finished. Later, I hobbled into the medical tent for ice. </span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rU0WXlvCPh8/WbXbElrzGKI/AAAAAAAEHCo/QLiNFrtUGtc5A6m5RaiIOVx_ZmIFlW8YgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_6120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1203" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rU0WXlvCPh8/WbXbElrzGKI/AAAAAAAEHCo/QLiNFrtUGtc5A6m5RaiIOVx_ZmIFlW8YgCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_6120.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"> So that's how Virginia Beach ended. Four medals, a pin and a bag of ice in the medical tent just as my calf decided to cramp up. That's not a ringing endorsement for running but it was still a great weekend. My wife asked me how I still run when I'm in pain. I don't really have an answer. I just want to finish what I started. Never give up. Keep moving. Don't stop. Give your all. </span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01313697111148309729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3542472334752183161.post-72913465212735981702017-04-09T20:05:00.000-04:002017-04-09T20:12:43.261-04:00It's official. I just beat Oprah! Diddy you're next. <div style="color: #454545; font-family: '.SF UI Text'; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal;">
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I ran my 3rd Marathon on Sunday April 2nd in the 4th annual Rock n Roll Raleigh Marathon. Like comfort food, a warm quilt or a familiar accent, this race is home to me. I've run this race 4 years in a row. It was My first half marathon race. It was My first marathon race. And I think each time I've run this race it has been a PR or a first. This PR 4:25.04 and it was a blast. </div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"> It may be the same hills every year, but the sights and sounds are new. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"> Raleigh is a changing and growing city.... not unlike other metropolitan areas around the country. There are sections of the course that will have brand new views one year later. Fayetteville Street has a new skyscraper, new developments are going in on Davie street, Hillsborough street is getting a complete makeover and looks much more like a college hub, and Moore square will soon get one of those nice makeovers. At the same time, all of the sights that we love are still there. The huge globe outside the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences. The historic Oakwood neighborhood will not change. It's quirkiness and charm will always be there with its silver haired, Pom-pom shaking dancers and music blaring out of windows.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"> Peace Street is always going to be a battle. It's about a half mile of climbing before you get a break and then climb some more. I have always loved the Native American drums at the bottom of the hill to give you one last adrenaline push before the climb. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"> It was a really fun weekend. I met new friends, ran with old friends of set some new personal records. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"> When I signed up for this race back in March no one in my running family wanted to run it with me. Blame the hills. But somehow I was able to slowly convince two, three, four friends to join me in this challenge. It helped that one of the guys who was hoping to run his first marathon missed out on that opportunity two weeks prior. So, I gathered a group to support and celebrate his big accomplishment! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"> My favorite lines: " you just did a marathon, but you deserve a medal AND a jacket" and "you just did a marathon, so you're already in peak shape. All you have to do is maintain fitness for another week." </span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BTub15IOMbs/WOhZUPjyIQI/AAAAAAADcLY/PqLn1xXGfk8XbDaISR5NsASMSE5hT8b-QCPcB/s1600/IMG_1544.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BTub15IOMbs/WOhZUPjyIQI/AAAAAAADcLY/PqLn1xXGfk8XbDaISR5NsASMSE5hT8b-QCPcB/s320/IMG_1544.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"> So, I went to the Expo on Friday. I never got a chance to go and check out the vendors because it literally turned into a selfie and groupie party. The more we stood around in the Brooks store talking, the more fellow runners would walk up and join us. It was the best. We hung out in there until they started turning lights off. So I grabbed a souvenir and some of the new red Legend Compression socks and went home. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"> First up for racing: the 5k. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"> I know I could've found parking close to Dorothea Dix park,... but I decided to follow directions and park downtown and take the shuttle. I got there early so it was really easy. </span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xKWf3WxwiVk/WOhZmzvdbEI/AAAAAAADcLM/-0MMZs79ms0eyWedmHZHCNbh7SpjWZfsQCPcB/s1600/IMG_1586.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xKWf3WxwiVk/WOhZmzvdbEI/AAAAAAADcLM/-0MMZs79ms0eyWedmHZHCNbh7SpjWZfsQCPcB/s320/IMG_1586.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"> The Dorothea Dix property was once state owned. It was the site of the Dorothea Dix psychiatric Hospital. It's now owned by the city and will be converted into what developers call a destination park like New York City's Central Park. It's now home to several different state departments and schools. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"> I did this race last year, so I kind of know what to expect. It's a different course but not by much. So, I line up in coral one. All I remember from the start is glancing down at my watch for my pace and gasping. I'm running a 5 minute mile pace? That pace needed to slow down real quick. I really had no plan for the race. I didn't want to win. I just wanted to get out fast, run comfortably and finish strong. I wound up with a PR 21:59. If you come to Raleigh, I recommend running the 5k. It's a fast but challenging course. </span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jxc0X2JKB2c/WOhZm4NczcI/AAAAAAADcLM/cc1fVKy4TQwRnVmw-dvovuW5vhc6lVQpQCPcB/s1600/IMG_1609.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jxc0X2JKB2c/WOhZm4NczcI/AAAAAAADcLM/cc1fVKy4TQwRnVmw-dvovuW5vhc6lVQpQCPcB/s320/IMG_1609.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"> So, I head home and get cleaned up and get ready to meet all the rock n bloggers and #WeRunSocial'lers. But I'm early. So, I go back to the Expo. I take a nice stroll through the floor this time and I'm so glad I went back. Because hidden in one of the booths was a jewel: a 26.2 sticker that isn't a big ugly oval. I'm sorry to offend anyone but I'm not putting any of those ovals on my car. I'm definitely not putting any hint white on my car. I have reasons. </span></div>
<ol>
<li style="color: #454545; font-family: '.SF UI Text'; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">I'm a car guy</span></li>
<li style="color: #454545; font-family: '.SF UI Text'; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">It's a camaro. </span></li>
<li style="color: #454545; font-family: '.SF UI Text'; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">The windows are too small for big stickers</span></li>
<li style="color: #454545; font-family: '.SF UI Text'; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">The bumper is too cool, I mean too small for stickers.</span></li>
<li style="color: #454545; font-family: '.SF UI Text'; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">It's a black car with tinted windows and blacked out emblems. Why would I put white on it?</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"> So, it's the perfect size and everything,... I bought 3 at $2 each. I also got a circular 26.2 magnet that will only be used on race days. That's To let other drivers know that I'm on my way to the race too! </span><br />
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G1EWqmHoiBo/WOhZm3HtRJI/AAAAAAADcLM/vkol35hK0Vg3VXbNukqChfIz96ieSx2EgCPcB/s1600/IMG_0008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G1EWqmHoiBo/WOhZm3HtRJI/AAAAAAADcLM/vkol35hK0Vg3VXbNukqChfIz96ieSx2EgCPcB/s640/IMG_0008.JPG" width="640" /></a><span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"><br /></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"><span style="font-size: 22.6667px;"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"> I also have set up a dinner through BlackMenRun with even more runners at a fairly a new restaurant on Fayetteville street called Bare Bones. Great food,... a couple of pool games , selfies and a lot of pictures later it was time to go home. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"> So, off to bed. I want to follow all the rules and show some discipline. Going to bed was easy after I laid out my clothes. Staying asleep was the hard part. I'm used to waking up early for work, but race day always gets me. The recommendation on the Rock n Roll website is to be parked by 5:30 am for the 7 am race. I managed to get out the door and to a parking garage by 5:15. I picked the one off of Dawson street near Nash Square for an easy walk up hill to the car after the race. Here's another tip. I stayed so long after the race that parking was free. Your supposed to pay $7 on your way out. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"> I'm early so, I relax in the car and wait for time to go. The Pre-race group picture is at 6:15. Nature called twice before the race. (tmi) once behind a building and once in a Porto potty. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"> We had perfect running weather. It was 40s outside but it felt colder because of the wind. But most people found a place to stay warm either inside or outside. All you needed was something to block the wind. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"> So, after the group picture and after gear check it's time to start. I like the New start line on Fayetteville street facing the state capitol building. In Raleigh, this is the street where ALL of the big events happen: New Years Eve, 4th of July, Parades, Festivals. It's closed on the weekend more often than not. So, it makes sense. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"> I take off at the front of coral 5. This is my warm up for the race. A nice quick start before settling down into my marathon pace. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"> Even at this stage in my journey, it's hard to remind myself that I need to go slow to go fast. The only section where I allow myself to pick up speed is on Blount Street which is one of the only long downhill sections of the course. No headphones in this section. I'm just enjoying the sights and sounds. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"> The big globe at the NC museum of Natural Sciences </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"> The governors mansion</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"> Moore square </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"> Marbles kids museum</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"> Shaw university</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"> Chavis park</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"> Then it's time to relax and count off those hills. If you're not from Raleigh, these streets probably don't mean anything to you. But they roll around in my mind often while I'm training for this race. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"> Glascock Street</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"> Peace street</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"> Hillsborough street</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"> Western boulevard </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"> Avent ferry </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"> Gorman stre</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"> Dorothea Dix</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"> Lenoir street</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"> I know these hills. I'm ready. </span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0UOWNNJ_fnE/WOpjSIv5LPI/AAAAAAADcns/vawe4DSO3LsQ6F8qO_BHHufon7kJEZefgCPcB/s1600/IMG_9635.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0UOWNNJ_fnE/WOpjSIv5LPI/AAAAAAADcns/vawe4DSO3LsQ6F8qO_BHHufon7kJEZefgCPcB/s400/IMG_9635.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LaeY4a6KyPU/WOpjSIpb7PI/AAAAAAADcns/QwqisjcC51QD4bcs9sZl40a0jIASVrozgCPcB/s1600/IMG_9629.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LaeY4a6KyPU/WOpjSIpb7PI/AAAAAAADcns/QwqisjcC51QD4bcs9sZl40a0jIASVrozgCPcB/s400/IMG_9629.JPG" width="400" /></a><span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"> We hit he marathon/ half marathon split at Hillsborough street and made our way up the hill to Meredith College and back down Hillsborough. This where I found someone to run with and keep my pace in check. I stayed with them for seven or eight miles. We chatted about everything from other runners and running clubs to the accuracy of our Garmin watches. We got through NC State's Centennial Campus and their bag pipe band and onto Avent Ferry road. Then I hear someone say, "that looks like lunch." They were Referring to the mounds of hills in front of us. I admit, I need to become a better hill runner and I'm intimidated. But I didn't back down. Still, This is where I began to fall apart and cramp up. I walk it off and run when I can making the last 8 miles the hardest. I went from mid 9 minute miles to 10, 11 & 12 minute miles. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"> Gorman Street is what some might call a disrespectful hill at mile 18. Part of that slow down I also blame on a blister that felt like it was trying to form on my pinky toe around mile 16. That blister never actually formed, but I felt the pain. It's the same toe that developed a blister about a month ago. Same shoes. Different socks. I also could have been hydrating more often. It's always frustrating to have good training runs only to have trouble on race day. It's part of the reason why I keep signing up for race after race. Anyway, I finally make it to the Dorothea Dix campus and I can almost smell the finish line but there's still a long way to go.... but finally a downhill. I pass the half marathon sweeper vehicles and struggle bus as I approach the final challenge: the Lenoir street hill to Boylan street. I tell myself,... if You can make it up this hill, you're almost done. </span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CJf5u1IRpg8/WOhZzSKNhiI/AAAAAAADcK0/Bu0MUafDb_415fNJFJVDb7ZNfeqUp_DzgCPcB/s1600/IMG_1697.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CJf5u1IRpg8/WOhZzSKNhiI/AAAAAAADcK0/Bu0MUafDb_415fNJFJVDb7ZNfeqUp_DzgCPcB/s320/IMG_1697.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"> It was true. Of course it's never over until it is over. But here comes the new finish line on McDowell street right between the convention center's shimmer wall and the Red Hat Amphitheater. It's all down hill. So, everyone looks fast coming to the finish line... even me. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"> I forced myself to smile a little as I thought about the last 8 miles. Then I looked up at the time and I really started to smile... so I gave the announcer a high five. Despite all that I went through, I was still able to beat Oprah's marathon time. It's funny because when I mention that milestone to some people, they never even knew that Oprah had ever run a race. Diddy, you're next. </span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zDLMBayjZ74/WOhZzWwIKwI/AAAAAAADcK0/yws3b2TXKQsSvWznnj0DoxDArxJ7_fuUQCPcB/s1600/IMG_1692.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zDLMBayjZ74/WOhZzWwIKwI/AAAAAAADcK0/yws3b2TXKQsSvWznnj0DoxDArxJ7_fuUQCPcB/s400/IMG_1692.JPG" width="400" /></a><span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"> Anyway, the new finish line makes it much easier to get to gear check, and marathon jacket pick up. You are also closer to the beer tent and the finish line concert if that's what you want to do. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"> For me it's jacket time, Selfie time and time to cheer my racing family across the line and plan my next race. </span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01313697111148309729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3542472334752183161.post-29153526514393608472017-03-29T11:54:00.000-04:002017-03-31T21:38:12.944-04:00Counting down to Rock n Roll Raleigh 2017<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This weekend I'll run my 4th Rock n Roll Raleigh Race. For me, this is the race that unlocked the crazy. It was my first half marathon ever. I came back the next year for another half to improve my time. I did that. Then last year I ran my first full marathon here. That's all after trying to resist the peer pressure to run 26.2 miles. Now I'm getting guys to upgrade to the Full Marathon. It's great. Now, it's time to do it again. I'll run the 5k on Saturday. Rest or party at a couple of meetups. Then run the marathon on Sunday.<br />
It's interesting this year because there are a few changes. I've done this 4 times and I can tell you that the changes are good. Instead of ending on Fayetteville street the race will start on Fayetteville Street between the state capitol building and the Duke energy Center for performing arts. It makes sense because Fayetteville Street is where everything BIG happens in Raleigh: parades, festivals, food truck rodeos and Acorn drops on New Years Eve.<br />
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0DRqdHGDO0s/VSsEXppVMlI/AAAAAAACVUY/ZY5JKgkM4rc_6q7KqyfgO6yab6EtDCpfQCPcB/s1600/IMG_0222.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0DRqdHGDO0s/VSsEXppVMlI/AAAAAAACVUY/ZY5JKgkM4rc_6q7KqyfgO6yab6EtDCpfQCPcB/s400/IMG_0222.JPG" width="400" /></a> But the race won't end on Fayetteville street. It'll end by the Raleigh convention center's shimmer wall. This is exciting because I'll be able to fall into the finishers festival on tired legs after the race and enjoy the music. In previous years, you basically had to walk two blocks to get your marathon jacket, medals engraved or beer. It took me about 25 minutes to get from the finish line to the finisher zone last year. Maybe I exaggerated a little, but it felt like a long time.<br />
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Also changing is the trip through Meredith college. You'll enter on Hillsborough street loop around and go back. You avoid a hill or two but it's not much of an elevation change for the overall course. I can't complain too much because I didn't have to run out to Umstead park but I'm glad for this change. I'm sure there's a reason to make this minor change.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WV86huzeuMY/WNvU9pdkpoI/AAAAAAADbZ8/CL2sdCOv2ZEdDO1wKxupxBq3LVVWRlQ4ACPcB/s1600/IMG_0067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WV86huzeuMY/WNvU9pdkpoI/AAAAAAADbZ8/CL2sdCOv2ZEdDO1wKxupxBq3LVVWRlQ4ACPcB/s640/IMG_0067.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rock n Roll Raleigh 2016- the marathon finisher jacket </td></tr>
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There are still plenty of hills....<br />
Glascock street,<br />
Peace street,<br />
Western Blvd,<br />
Avent Ferry Rd,<br />
Gorman st,<br />
Thistledown dr,<br />
Blair dr<br />
and Lenoir st to Boyland Ave.<br />
So, really nothing NOTHING has changed.<br />
Hey, <a href="http://www.jayknightlife.com/2016/03/race-recon-rock-n-roll-raleigh-marathon.html" target="_blank">Here you can find</a> last year's assessment of all of the hills along the full and half course. I call it my<a href="http://www.jayknightlife.com/2016/03/race-recon-rock-n-roll-raleigh-marathon.html" target="_blank"> Race Recon</a>.<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rqW56L8OZe4/WNsN2E2ADlI/AAAAAAADbX0/5W_5E8eP_JQvTnsLrlrF55dviozklzHEQCPcB/s1600/14%2B-%2B27" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rqW56L8OZe4/WNsN2E2ADlI/AAAAAAADbX0/5W_5E8eP_JQvTnsLrlrF55dviozklzHEQCPcB/s640/14%2B-%2B27" width="640" /></a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5TlH1yFX6AZ16VhmQo1rULyeycOYzG5LTLWxcS6eBvltQrVnBEw704GdyGf13XQhpvJyNJ02Qb4GZgeHbYkq9k6_tJH6h0DyEhCmITGn5sy5XRY5fky3uFQwB2biptJAk7GNYKN6TH8-z/s1600/743986-1003-0033s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5TlH1yFX6AZ16VhmQo1rULyeycOYzG5LTLWxcS6eBvltQrVnBEw704GdyGf13XQhpvJyNJ02Qb4GZgeHbYkq9k6_tJH6h0DyEhCmITGn5sy5XRY5fky3uFQwB2biptJAk7GNYKN6TH8-z/s640/743986-1003-0033s.jpg" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rock N Roll Raleigh 2014</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rock n Roll Raleigh 2014</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01313697111148309729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3542472334752183161.post-73260593737246818762017-03-28T12:06:00.000-04:002017-03-28T12:06:35.948-04:00My 2nd Marathon: Publix Atlanta and what a party it was<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saturday's Shakeout Run</td></tr>
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The Publix Atlanta Marathon was one of the most amazing running experiences of my life and it had nothing to do with my finishing time. For me it all started over coffee back in November. We had heard about this Atlanta based group called Team Take Down Publix. The idea is to have the most African-American marathoners finish a race...EVER! More than 400 light, dark and milk chocolate runners.<br />
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Publix is the only marathon in Atlanta and it has a reputation as one of the hardest and hilliest courses in the south. So, why would I want to run it? Simple: peer pressure. Back to that coffee in November. After a Sunday morning group run at Buffalo road park and on the Neuse river trail,... we all met for coffee. Suddenly, there's a dozen people who say they'll run the hardest race in the south, there's a Facebook instant message group and a t-shirt design for CRuSH -- Carolina RunSquad Heroes. At least one person blames me for starting all of this but it's not my fault.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is from that day in November where it all began</td></tr>
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The number of local runners headed to Atlanta soon doubles with 50 from the Tar Heel State.<br />
I have to admit.... it sounds like an awesome weekend already, right?<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Car pooling Crew From NC to GA</td></tr>
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Fast forward 18 weeks to race weekend. We're carpooling into Atlanta. Hotels are all set. Then I start to think about the foggy memories I have of Atlanta. That one weekend in college. A bus trip to the Atlanta classic. In all these years I'd never been back unless you count the layovers at Heartsfield Atlanta Airport or trips to see family outside of Atlanta. So, this was going to be fun.<br />
Can we just say this once and get to the good stuff: traffic is terrible, parking is expensive. Deal with it. <br />
So, the woman responsible for bringing runners from all across the country for amazing weekend, Heather King, also set up a series of fun events to keep everyone occupied for the weekend: A House Party, Shakeout Run, Day Party and Post Run Party.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm too good to put my spades where you can see them</td></tr>
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Friday night we got the party started right with an Uber to the first Venue which wasn't actually a house,... but it felt like one inside. From the potluck food selection to the Hunch punch and the DJ,... it was all House Partay. But we ain't gonna hurt nobody. Anyway, I won that first spades tournament game with my partner Carlos. I think we even ran a Boston on them with the last hand. It was a really fun night. Soon, runners who had gone to another pre-race party were showing up to enjoy the night.<br />
Day two of the schedule involved a shakeout run at 8am. Which was perfect timing to allow me to eat the free breakfast before and afterwards. #winning<br />
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After the run,.. an awesome group picture and second breakfasts-es, it was off to the Expo. Well, maybe we should just call it bib pickup. The location was down in what felt like the basement of a hotel. It was a small room. There weren't too many vendors. I did enjoy some popcorn from the Mizuno booth.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Expo</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Do we expect too much from Expos? Maybe... at least there was popcorn!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hi nuun</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Add caption</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">and a Big wall to sign your name. I wonder what happens to this wall after the marathon is over.</td></tr>
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I loved seeing Nuun represented and the booth seemed really busy. The guy at the PNC Bank booth was a little pushy. Dude, I just want a cool picture in front of your fake finish line. I wanted him to stop strying to sell me a bank account. Moving right along. It's day party time. This party may have even topped the last one. No one got hurt,... but North Carolina did raise up, take their shirts off, and swing them like helicopters around their heads. A good time.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The patio at the day party</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Outside at the Day Party</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Team CRuSH</td></tr>
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All of this and I still haven't been to WaHo. That's short forWaffle House. (I'm trying to sound cool)<br />
By now it's time to eat dinner and turn down for..... for Race day. All f my clothes were already rolled up into categories, shakeout clothes, race clothes and post race dry clothes. Somehow, I forgot to bring my warm clothes. All I needed was the long sleeve compression tee,.... but it did not make the trip this time.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BMR Raleigh Durham Chapel Hill Representing in GA</td></tr>
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I also should've planned or packed a breakfast. All I needed was some peanut butter crackers, a bagel, a banana and some juice. I found one of those fuel bars in my bag and eat that.<br />
Race day temps start in the 40s. Not too bad.<br />
The first stop is the group picture. You have to prove that this all happened right? TTDPM<br />
Next stop. Another group picture. This time with BlackMenRun. The weekend consisted of a number of race groups coming together for the cause ,... BMR, BGR, National Black Marathoners, Running Nerds and more.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Group Picture TTDPM</td></tr>
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At this point I'm cold but I have a few minutes to relax. So, I drop into the hotel and come out at the very last minute.<br />
As with most races,.. I start off too fast.<br />
I'm surrounded by half marathoners. So, I try to let them go by me and start to get into a rhythm. I'm still trying to slow down 3 miles into the race. I was really happy to run by the Dream Center but I was really, really happy to hit mile 7 and split away from the half marathoners.<br />
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zyJhCFzDu54/WNl9cLEhx-I/AAAAAAADbNc/RIvRwgqxuIgzagF63RGhuebRszl0GhH3gCPcB/s1600/IMG_1218.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zyJhCFzDu54/WNl9cLEhx-I/AAAAAAADbNc/RIvRwgqxuIgzagF63RGhuebRszl0GhH3gCPcB/s400/IMG_1218.JPG" width="400" /></a> That's where I feel like the race really began. After a porto potty break, I found myself on a constant wheel chasing nutrition. I had my Nuun and my Huma,... but having nothing in my stomach for breakfast didn't really help. When your running, your body diverts some of the blood away from your digestive track to your leg muscles which hinders digestion. So, later in the race when I was experiencing leg cramps, I was eating but it doesn't seem to do anything because it's too late to eat real food. That's also why those gels are the best thing for you along with salt tabs and pickle juice.<br />
What is there to say about the course other than the hills? I enjoyed running through hilly Decatur. Their signs along the route with cute rhymes kept me a little distracted from the race.. which was a good thing. The Oreo cookies where great. I think it was girl scouts at that fuel stop.<br />
The peanut butter pretzels were too good. I tried to eat too many. I couldn't breathe for a second. The jelly beans were a great addition. I Shouldn't have put them in my pocket. About 10 miles later I was wondering why he back of my right leg was so sticky and why my shorts were stiff. You can imagine what I was thinking.<br />
By the time we get back into the Atlanta everyone was passing me. I obviously started out too fast. After five humagels, and three bottles of Nuun, I'm finally close to the finish. I'm cramping in both quads, but determined to finish. I know it wasn't going to be a PR but I also know that I can finish strong. So, I did what I could... And cramped up across the finish line trying to do the airplane landing pose. 26.2 miles done.<br />
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hhIEy-JZt_s/WNl9cCem-jI/AAAAAAADbNc/pLyk78XgI7o90IHSxm9cfvbRXEWopVn_QCPcB/s1600/IMG_1305.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hhIEy-JZt_s/WNl9cCem-jI/AAAAAAADbNc/pLyk78XgI7o90IHSxm9cfvbRXEWopVn_QCPcB/s400/IMG_1305.JPG" width="318" /></a> A really fun race. Now, in retrospect... I think I'd do that race again. Especially now that I have more knowledge of the course and the area.<br />
The best part of this race was the post race tent party. Nothing was really planned. There wasn't a DJ. But there was some alcohol and a lot of smiles and congrats going around. It felt like a good old family reunion or HBCU homecoming. Many of us stayed until the last person came in. Which is pretty special because the half marathon runners usually get the big party while the marathon runners return to empty streets, street sweepers and roads reopening.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BMR CMO Edward Walton</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">David, Sheila and Kia</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matthew and Nikki</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ken, Jason, David and Me</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">, Nikki, Healther, and Lilly</td></tr>
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Anyway... after 26.2 there's still another party to attend. Another cool spot in Atlanta close to downtown. Great music. Good food. It was a cigar bar. That was a first for me. It was walking distance from the hotel, so no Uber. By the time we got there, I wanted to sit anywhere. The floor,... the bar,... someone's lap. We stuck around for a little while and we walked back to the hotel.<br />
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Still no WaHo.<br />
After dinner and some post marathon laziness we finally made it to WaHo.... but not the popular WaHo underneath the Ferris Wheel where we would probably find an interesting crowd. We went to a brand new WaHo closet to the Hotel that no one knew about. We became the interesting crowd.<br />
Boom... The Atlanta experience is complete. Well,... there are some things that we left for another time. And there will be another time.<br />
Peace Atlanta. Thank you for the challenging course , the sights and the good times.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leon</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carlos</td></tr>
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More siteseeing pictures...............<br />
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More pictures from the Ride down.......</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01313697111148309729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3542472334752183161.post-20348682710292821132017-03-25T08:30:00.000-04:002017-03-25T08:30:00.192-04:00Back For More: Rock N Roll DC 2017, My second year in a row<div>
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oAASVt2D1k4/WNYCVLMwkWI/AAAAAAADads/t78OLTZRLJAifspTVzHO2gOxb0OzsQN2ACKgB/s1600/IMG_9646.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oAASVt2D1k4/WNYCVLMwkWI/AAAAAAADads/t78OLTZRLJAifspTVzHO2gOxb0OzsQN2ACKgB/s640/IMG_9646.JPG" width="640" /></a> Washington DC, the district, D.C. Is just 61 square miles yet it is home to our nation's three branches of government along with dozens of monuments, museums and foreign embassies. It's one of my favorite places to visit. It is unique in so many ways. </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4Ge468i4geo/WNYCVNPn8qI/AAAAAAADads/FpihN4I2xdcfhAyDMnw9fa9UGZUHECAwgCKgB/s1600/IMG_9648.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4Ge468i4geo/WNYCVNPn8qI/AAAAAAADads/FpihN4I2xdcfhAyDMnw9fa9UGZUHECAwgCKgB/s320/IMG_9648.JPG" width="320" /></a> Last year I ran out his race and wasn't to happy with my results. So, I returned on a mission to succeed. I'll get to that in a moment. </div>
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First, you have to know my plan going into this race. When I signed up for this race, I was about 15 weeks into an 18 week Marathon training cycle. Also, as a Rock'n'blog team member, I agreed to run the Snapchat account for the weekend. Cool right? </div>
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Washington D.C. is either a short flight or a nice 4 hour road trip from Raleigh, so.... I hit the road. </div>
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Somehow,... I cruised into the city missing all serious traffic jams. I rolled in during the beginning of the Friday afternoon rush hour. </div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xQPAOkoxBQM/WNYCi-2x8xI/AAAAAAADagI/Rw0034xicJUT7tfQ3WEy0hrS-7Hn4n1gwCPcB/s1600/IMG_9633.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xQPAOkoxBQM/WNYCi-2x8xI/AAAAAAADagI/Rw0034xicJUT7tfQ3WEy0hrS-7Hn4n1gwCPcB/s320/IMG_9633.JPG" width="320" /></a> As usual, straight from the road to the Expo to pick up my bib. Getting out of the car and walking no up to the D.C. Armory, in the cold blistering wind... I got my first indication of what this weekend was going to be like. </div>
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Keep in mind, one day before this... it was 70 degrees outside. Very confusing weather pattern leading up to the race,..but with some reminders from a Rock n Roll email and constant checks on my weather channel app... I think I was prepared.</div>
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The security check to get inside went surprisingly fast.<br />
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I bought some cheap clothes to put on over my running gear and throw off if the need be. You can find some deals at a thrift shop. </div>
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I don't know about you, but I like to buy a memento from each Race Expo.... either a mug, glass or a magnet. This time I add to my glass collection. </div>
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Alright, so off to the hotel. I'm staying outside the district with a college friend. That makes this all easy,...saves some cash,... it also means I'm hanging out Friday night. Nothing crazy,... just shooting some pool and eating Mexican food. </div>
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Skip to race morning. Remember I told you it was 70 on Wednesday. I pulled up to the parking lot and got out in the crisp cold air to find pockets of ice. Several puddles had frozen over. Crazy right? </div>
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Important tip: buy your metro pass after you pick up your bib at the Expo on Friday. </div>
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After forgetting to bring my debit card with me,.... I had to wait In line for about 30 minutes to purchase a metro pass. I got in the metro and made my way to the gear check UPS trucks just before they were about to shut it down. </div>
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I rolled up to the start line after the national anthem and as the first coral was taking off. What a scramble right? And did I mention that I left my headphones in the car?</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ig-iQgPCtUY/WNX_hnfFt6I/AAAAAAADagI/fy3uTtYlrJsXUOD3mXEzw-pbup7FnogqQCPcB/s1600/IMG_0691.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ig-iQgPCtUY/WNX_hnfFt6I/AAAAAAADagI/fy3uTtYlrJsXUOD3mXEzw-pbup7FnogqQCPcB/s400/IMG_0691.JPG" width="300" /></a> Last year I was extremely early. Not this time. </div>
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I'm officially going to call this the coldest race I've ever run. That race that I ran in December in Durham was cold.... but not like this. The temperature in DC that morning was in the low twenties with a feel like temperature in the teens. My hands were freezing which made it hard to take pictures without dropping my phone. I don't want to become another victim of the cracked screen. The sun came out, but my hands never really warmed up until the very end. </div>
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The course was a little different in the beginning. We did not go out to Arlington National Cemetery. Instead, there was an out and back loop added that went under Penn station. The rest of the course was very familiar. You have the blue mile hill which honors service men and women who have died serving our country. E energy on the hill is contagious. The cheers can really get those legs pumping. Without the aid of headphones, this was a much needed and appreciated push. Soldiers and their families lined up to deliver high fives. Then before you know it.... you're at the top of the hill and your legs are burning. But the crowd is still so loud you have to keep going. </div>
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So my hands are still frozen. But the high fives don't stop! Remember,... I'm the SnapChat guy. </div>
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I Avoided the college students with the beer and and hard liquor and stuck to my Nuun bottle. </div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DjpY8QFC9vg/WNX_hl9YSDI/AAAAAAADagI/xBUKYy9j20oEoVSRLE_SQ0ATBLaYnSnigCPcB/s1600/IMG_0724.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DjpY8QFC9vg/WNX_hl9YSDI/AAAAAAADagI/xBUKYy9j20oEoVSRLE_SQ0ATBLaYnSnigCPcB/s400/IMG_0724.JPG" width="300" /></a> Having run this race before, I found that it was a different experience running without headphones. It's the only marathon run completely inside the district. The White House, the Washington monument, the Lincoln Memorial, the Kennedy Center, Watergate, Howard University, past Union Station (at a distance) and the US Capitol. </div>
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I slowed down a little after e Glukos aid station. I must've misjudged how close or far I was to the finish. Or maybe you can blame the pre-race party the night before. </div>
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Anyway, I roll into the finish line past RFK stadium 1 minute and 20 seconds slower than last year. Ultimately, I was slower because I had to be slower. My goal race-- a full marathon-- was scheduled for on week later. So, we'll call this a training run. </div>
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After crossing the finish line, I took a couple of pictures and made a B line for the changing tent/locker room. I felt great after getting into some dry clothes and rocking out with Sly and the Family Stone. You know, classics like: Hot fun in e summer time, thank you, everyday people and dance to the music. Good music. Cold morning. </div>
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Time to make changes in my training.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01313697111148309729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3542472334752183161.post-19349048563116912342017-01-30T18:51:00.001-05:002017-01-30T18:51:21.901-05:00Longest Run Since my 1st marathon: A 21 mile journey For runners, Monday's are usually set aside for the ultimate humble-brag: MedalMonday. I've done quite a few of those. Today is also Motivation Monday. I want to talk about all the things that went wrong on yesterday's run. It's not a complaint track,.... or a woe is me post. This is a testament to perseverance. Never give up no matter the circumstances. It might not look pretty, but get it done.<br />
The schedule in my training plan for the Publix Atlanta marathon in March called for a 21 mile run. So, I hook up with my Black Men Run group for a Sunday run along the Falls of Neuse trail which has plenty of room for long runs. It's a new-to-me start point in the trail so I throw on the GPS and ride out. I get a Mike from the house and realize GPS stopped working. It's an ongoing issue with my phone. <br />
So, I click on the turn by turn directions list and keep it moving. I finally get there to realize that I've left two water bottles at home filled with Nuun, my preferred hydration.<br />
It's too late to turn back so I grab a backup water bottle out of the trunk and one of my BMR guys gives me some water, I drop in a Nuun tab and get ready to ride out. The backup water bottle is clean, but it leaks. It's 30 degrees this morning,... so that'll be a problem down the road.<br />
After a selfie or two, I'm flustered. I double check everything and get my headphones set. I don't want anymore problems. The crew gets a head start. I try to catch up. My stupid little fanny pack thing -that I never wear- isn't cooperating so I stop to adjust. My hands are ice cold. I expect to be cold on a morning like this. I'm used to it. I grew up in Connecticut. But not like this. I check my gloves and they're soaked. That's why I'm cold. Keep it moving. The sun will be up soon. (Of my fingers will fall off)<br />
Mile 3, I've caught and passed most of the run group. After 4 miles I'm on my own. Me and my tunes. Skip to my 8 or nine. I'm feeling pretty good despite it all. Then my music skips back to the beginning of the song for no reason.<br />
That's a tell tale sign of a short in wireless headphones. It's a design flaw I've noticed in several models that I have reviewed. If the controls are on the cord instead of the earbud you're going to have this problem. The sweat from my hat and my ear drip on the controls for an hour destroying them from the inside.<br />
My hands are too cold to bother. So, now it's just me and the trail. The deer, the squirrels,.. the sound of kids playing soccer. The sound of bicycles coming and not calling out 'on your left.' I love running without music sometimes.<br />
So, I make it to the halfway point and it's perfect. If you know the area, from Anderson Point to the WRAL soccer field is exactly 10.5 miles. This gives me a place to fill up my busted water bottle and water the flowers - if you know what I mean.<br />
The hydration and fuel plan worked out well too. I went through 4 humagel packs- 1 every 5 miles. Nuun worked as usual. No cramps no other issues.<br />
So, now I'm mentally exhausted. I'm 2 miles from my house. I could go home and make my wife take me back to my car. But I finish it. The gloves eventually came off. Yes, I walked a little bit. But running is very much a mental sport. If you can remain focused for the whole race, you've lost. The second half was supposed to be faster than the first. It almost was.<br />
Around mile 16 the battery on my Garmin died. I knew it was coming. I hadn't charged it the night before and only had one power bar. So,... making it to mile 16 was a tiny miracle. I ran with NikePlus as a backup,... but as you may all know. Nike GPS rarely agrees with Garmin.<br />
Every run can't be perfect. There's always an obstacle to overcome... but we get over it and move on.<br />
This was my first run longer than 16 miles in at least 10 months and I was still on track to beat my first marathon time. See you out there next time.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01313697111148309729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3542472334752183161.post-42415701779957149792016-12-07T07:30:00.000-05:002016-12-07T07:30:03.865-05:00How to salvage a terrible run: Last night was bad<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Last night was my worst run in a long time. Raise your hand, clap three times and stomp your feet if any one of these have destroyed your run. <br />
1. Flat tire-<br />
2. Location <br />
3. Vacation<br />
4. Timing<br />
5. Distance discrepancies<br />
6. Humidity and gadgets<br />
7. Darkness<br />
8. Confusing app<br />
9. Frozen phone<br />
10. Neighborhood Watch<br />
Well I had them all. I'm thankful that I didn't have an injury or Stomach issues.<br />
But here's what happened. Some are self explanatory.<br />
1. So, I was supposed to do a morning run but instead spent that time changing a flat tire on the rental and swapping it out for a different car.<br />
2. Location: We can thank mass shootings for making it hard to find a safe place to do a track workout in some states or communities. Here in Cape Coral, FL all of the high schools with a track are surrounded by a fence. I Passed one today that had Teacher's cars inside the fence and the fence/gate was closed with NO TRESPASSING signs up everywhere. To avoid causing a school lockdown,.. I kept it moving without finding a track. I even checked MapMyRun for any indication that someone nearby ran a track somewhere. Nothing. Last option-- run the street, mark the distance. This could've worked but I had electronic issues.<br />
3. Vacation-- places to go, people to see, things to take pictures of.<br />
5. Without a track I wasn't sure how I'd accurately measure 200 yards, but I came close enough and I know how to add so, I at least got the miles in.<br />
6 I tried but I got a little impatient with my phone, Apple Watch and the NikePlus app. I figured it out after the run. My NikePlus app froze before I could start. So, I tried to use my Watch. There is also a delay between the Watch and the app. I was supposed to be doing 11x200s. If you ever run with the series one Apple Watch you'll be frustrated to find that you don't get split times or lap times. Lap times were useless because sweat in my armband cell phone holder kept pausing the run. It paused and started 65 times.<br />
7. Run at night. Take a light. Since I was running in a neighborhood (#10 neighborhood watch), I got a few curious onlookers,... a couple of curious drive-by's but I kept my headphones in. I was too confused by the app to give them any attention. One lady came out with her dogs barking and watched from behind her backyard fence. There was a patrol car parked in her driveway, so I know what that was about. I saw a minivan pass me two or three times. The last time was slow with the high beams on.<br />
8. The app paused and restarted more than 65 times. It was only supposed to do it 11 times.<br />
Bonus: and I didn't even take a selfie.<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01313697111148309729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3542472334752183161.post-23188194850346440702016-11-28T15:25:00.003-05:002016-11-28T15:50:01.082-05:00Skinny Turkey Half marathathon 2016 my 15 race this year<br />
Half marathon number 15 for 2016 is done. When I looked at all of the possible races for 2016 one year ago and wrote them all down on my white board,... my ankles started to sweat with nervousness. I wasn't sure if I'd get it done, If I'd have enough time to train or if I'd get hurt. But Here I am. I'm stronger, smarter (run I.Q) and I'm ready for 2017. Here's my list for 2016. I may have one more race before the year ends (Duram Race 13.1,... But I may also have a scheduling conflict.)<br />
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<ol><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AqYHZCHOfQo/WDyNVYxTZbI/AAAAAAADSFU/kho-sRDi280E00OAmA9Ma0_jsxmGcsCQwCKgB/s1600/IMG_2070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AqYHZCHOfQo/WDyNVYxTZbI/AAAAAAADSFU/kho-sRDi280E00OAmA9Ma0_jsxmGcsCQwCKgB/s320/IMG_2070.JPG" width="320" /></a>
<li>Race 13.1 Wilmington</li>
<li>Rock n roll DC</li>
<li>ROCK N Roll Raleigh</li>
<li>Rock n roll Nashville</li>
<li>Race 13.1 Knoxville</li>
<li>Race 13.1 Richmond</li>
<li>Race 13.1 Raleigh Full</li>
<li>Rock n Roll Virginia Beach</li>
<li>Rock n Roll Philadelphia</li>
<li>Race 13.1 Greensboro</li>
<li>Hillsborough historic half</li>
<li>Race 13.1 Charlotte*</li>
<li>Race 13.1 Fayetteville</li>
<li>Rock n roll Savannah</li>
<li>Skinny Turkey half</li>
</ol>
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You can ask my family. I feel like I've always been the guy wanting to downsize Thanksgiving. Less food more fun, more family time. Healthier menu. I say healthier because there are some things you can't have thanksgiving without-- mac n cheese, sweet potato pie, turkey, ham, stuffing. What do you do to combat all of those calories? Smaller plate and exercise. That's why this year, I ran a half marathon on thanksgiving morning. There are a lot of reasons to run a race on thanksgiving.<br />
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1. Bragging rights: because I'm either going to bore you to death or stir up some excitement if you ask me about running.<br />
2. Excuses: it's an excuse to sit around with your feet up and watch football or the Macy's Parade or sleep-- or all at the same time.<br />
3. Health: we'll burn some calories early in the morning and get the body's furnace going early. ( metabolism)<br />
4. Psychological: I just trained and crushed a half marathon, do I really want another scoop? Do I really want another plate? Do I really need dessert? If I eat that then I'm just as bad as everyone else? Mind games.<br />
Skinny Turkey is one of those cool local races. If you run this one and two others - City of Oaks and Race 13.1 Durham- you get a fourth finishers medal. I won't be getting the third medal this year because I'm not that cool. It does have its own cool medal and a cool mascot. The race is held each year at Wakefield High School in North Raleigh along with the Just Think First 5k. All of this is to support a school program that reminds teens to not drink and drive. It's the legacy of a tragedy at the school more than a decade ago. So add that to the list if reasons to run a race.<br />
5. Charity: we can't all volunteer at soup kitchens. But we can run 3 miles or 13.1 to support good causes.<br />
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I took my son with me to packet pickup and he surprised me by asking to sign up for the fun run. Skip ahead to race morning. He's geared up to run an I find out After the race that instead of doing the fun run he takes off with the 5k group and does a whole 5k in 40 minutes.<br />
Alright, let's talk about the actual race. The weather on race morning is cold but not too bad. I go with gloves and long runner tights. I know from the elevation chart that there are hills... A lot of them. I think I said to someone before the reach that there are hills, but after mile 9 it kind of flattens out. Well, not really.<br />
The amount of elevation gain on the course was 996 feet. That's the most of any race I've run. There are hills from beginning to end with no flat sections. You are either going up, down or getting ready to do one of the two.<br />
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For an added challenge , there's A section of the course about 5 or 6 miles in where you loop back across the 5k runners. For about a mile or so, I had to keep reminding myself and willing myself to keep my own pace and not my 5k pace. I still wound up running a faster mile in that section. My game plan going in was to run the initial downhill section of the course fast but to hold back on the hills. I wanted to wait to attack the hills until later.<br />
I like this race You run through some of the city's wealthy neighborhoods with big homes, large lawns, a golf course and nice cars. That's not important to me. All I see is hills and pavement.<br />
No matter how you slice it, I'm proud of this race. I kept my average pace under 9 min/ mile and I was able to turn it up late in the race when it mattered.<br />
No cramps, thanks to NUUN and HumaGel.<br />
But I still feel those hills in my legs three days later.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01313697111148309729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3542472334752183161.post-11568326322013921212016-11-21T16:03:00.001-05:002016-11-28T15:52:02.347-05:00Rock n Roll Savannah Fast 5k and a Missed Opportunity<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">Last race review, and I'm all caught up... and we go to the Rock n Roll Savannah 5k and one mile fun run. This was a really cool race last year my wife, her sister and Ethan ran this race. Well,.. Ethan ran the kids fun run and my wife and her sister ran their first 5k. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">This years race course was changed quiet a bit and the changes were great. Last year we ran through a nearby neighborhood and a small portion of the run was on a narrow dirt trail. Well, maybe there was some gravel or pavement,.. but I just remember running in the grass a lot to get around people (serves me right for trying to start in the back with my family. ) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">Anyway this year the race took us through a pretty nice neighborhood with attractive home, manicured lawns and all those oak tree dressed in Spanish moss. Pause for a moment and go back to the beginning when I almost didn't make the race. I got stuck in traffic coming from Bluffton, SC. There was a very minor crash -- no one hurt, but the car was immobilized-- on a two lane road. </span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uS3qAJ5aId8/WDDlfEwYIDI/AAAAAAADRxM/G5NseUuYW8YL9X7aQhaZtYEEbgojPwJWwCKgB/s1600/IMG_1880.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uS3qAJ5aId8/WDDlfEwYIDI/AAAAAAADRxM/G5NseUuYW8YL9X7aQhaZtYEEbgojPwJWwCKgB/s400/IMG_1880.JPG" width="400" /></a><span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">One lane each way. It's really one of the major roads connecting the two cities. That delayed me by at least 30 minutes. You see, I was going to leave much earlier to relax and take pictures but somehow I got convinced to wait. So, here I am tearing through the streets of Savannah with time running out. When I finally make it the parking lots are closed. PANICK or just keep driving and parking in the first spot you can find. I honestly think the police closed the parking lots too soon because I walked or ran past several open spaces. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">Anyway, I make it to the start line, take a deep breath and focus on the ga,e plan. I squeeze into the 7min/mile pace group just in time for the announcer ( my favorite Rock n Roll announcer with the British accent) to tell us there is a five minute delay. That was just enough time to get all of my electronics synced up and ready to go. So, boom we're off and we make our way through he neighborhood. It's almost as if I hadn't run a half marathon the day before.</span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q3HPnsx0fiI/WDDlfG49zVI/AAAAAAADRxM/Wlb_2FlfpdgqU3fTEE7jyOak9r6Tzn4PwCKgB/s1600/IMG_1883.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q3HPnsx0fiI/WDDlfG49zVI/AAAAAAADRxM/Wlb_2FlfpdgqU3fTEE7jyOak9r6Tzn4PwCKgB/s640/IMG_1883.JPG" width="640" /></a><span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"> </span><span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"> I felt great, but I didn't want to push hard too soon because I was on an unfamiliar course. </span><span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">I just made sure to keep my pace fast and challenging. Skip the aid stations and keep pushing. 1.5 miles to go and it was time to turn it up. 1 mile to go and it's time to catch and pass some people. Half mile to go and I can see the stadium which is the finish line.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"> I was pacing with a few other runners. Now was the time to test my legs and their legs. So, I go into that sprint that helped me during my last fast 5k. But this time I could not hold on for quite as long. Either that or I didn't start soon enough. I came in a few seconds slower than my fastest 5k. </span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W176DYS7-yE/WCA23FMKllI/AAAAAAADQ0g/_1Nq6gi_Pdw_YCasQqbAJrsnTH3pW1auwCPcB/s1600/IMG_0606.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W176DYS7-yE/WCA23FMKllI/AAAAAAADQ0g/_1Nq6gi_Pdw_YCasQqbAJrsnTH3pW1auwCPcB/s320/IMG_0606.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"> Hey , here's a tip. If anyone ever offers a race where another medal is involved and there's a pie as a bonus,...sign up right away. Do not talk about it. Do not collect $200, and do not pass go. Sign up. I was so excited about it that I forgot to sign up for the Georgia Pie Challenge. All I had to do was add the one mile race to all of my plans and I'd be able to pick up a tasty pie. But the 1 mile pie race sold out. How in the world? I definitely missed out. But I got some cool pictures of the one mile pie hogs taking off and crossing the finish line. I hope that pie was worth it. I bet it was so... worth it. Lol. I cheered them on in disgust sand left. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"> I got back on the road to get ready for medal Monday. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"> The only complaint that I heard all weekend was that some out of town runners wanted to run the races on Sunday but couldn't because it was an afternoon race and they had to catch an early flight back home. Bummer. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"> Two more races to go this year! It's time to close the year out strong. See you next post. </span></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01313697111148309729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3542472334752183161.post-85141430375086980572016-11-19T18:45:00.002-05:002016-11-28T15:46:47.338-05:00Rock n Roll Savannah 2017<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I'm almost caught up on my Fall Race reviews.. and I found myself back in Savannah Georgia for the annual Rock n Roll Savannah Marathon and Half Marathon. I think I've said this before, but I love going to the Rock N Roll Health Expos. For the 3rd time this season, I stopped off at the Toyota test drive booth to get a $10 Brooks gift card. you also had the option of getting a Starbucks or Whole Foods Gift card. But, I already had two Toyota Brooks Gift cards from other cities, so you already know what I'm here for. The only thing-- you can't use the Brooks Gift card for shoes. </div>
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I went to the health expo this year with my mom. She's really the reason why I travel to Savannah each year. She lives nearby.. and she actually liked the Prius. My test driver instructed me to punch the gas and slam on the breaks. He wanted to show off the power of the --brace yourself-- Minivan. Yes, I test drove a minivan. I still say I'll never drive a minivan... unless you disguise it as an SUV or Crossover vehicle...lol. </div>
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If I wanted to spend 3 hours walking around the expo signing up for freebies and stuff, I probably could. I always target the Toyota booth, the Westin booth and the Geico booth when I go. </div>
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But I can't spend all day here... because there is much more to do. After a 4 hour drive to Savannah, I felt the need to get some pavement under my feet to loosen up my legs. So, I head back to mom's house for a quick four mile run around the neighborhood... and some quality time with the family. </div>
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Let's skip ahead to race morning. Parking was a repeat of last year. I literally parked right around the corner from the same exact parking space that I held last year. My parking strategy is to get roughly- halfway between the start line and the finish line... and to get into the city before the roads are blocked off for the race. One cool thing that I noticed as I was following GPS into the city- the Google Maps app projects the race route with road closures onto the map. That really helps if you're trying to find a good parking place. Or you can park across the river and take the ferry to the start line. It would be a disaster if everyone tried to do what I did. So.... let's just keep that secret between you and me. </div>
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A Cool tidbit I parked right down the street from a restaurant featured in Forest Gump. I guess it's where Jenny worked as a waitress. </div>
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I'd have to watch the movie again to really figure out where it was used. Anyway-- off to the start of the race and it wasn't too long before I ran into a couple of BMR Brothers, fellow Rock n Bloggers and our WeRunSocial people. For the second time this fall I rolled up to the start line without eating breakfast. That's how I usually roll on my long run days, .... But I'm thinking that I need to change that. I was super-duper hungry. So, I scarfed down a banana and kept it moving. </div>
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Still hungry, and I needed to locate the group photo meetup location.The waving lady statue. </div>
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Picture perfect.. except for the timing of the picture-- 7am. That's exactly when the gear check closes. So, after a sprint to the UPS truck and back to the statue... I took a quick picture and head off to the start line. I haven't mentioned the weather yet.. But unlike last year, It was actually cold and windy this year. Last, year It was warm and humid at the start line. I remember sweating during my warm up, shedding clothes and giving them to my wife. This year, I had my gloves on. Great running weather.</div>
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Race Strategy: Get out fast and maintain that pace. Savannah is often described as a fast flat course... and based off my knowledge of the course from last year I hoped to run it fast. I figured out a way to get to the front of my coral. That's one way to start fast. Countdown and takeoff.<br />
I catch up with the tail end of the Coral in front of me and keep it moving.<br />
The first seven miles were great. Then I started to slow down considerably. From a sub 9min/mile pace to 9:30 then 10min/mile pace from miles 9 through 13. I don't know what's going on... but judging by my post race meal.. I probably should've eaten that morning.<br />
No cramping issues, .. but there was some walking. More than I wanted or expected.<br />
I like how Rock N Roll breaks it down in the<a href="http://www.runrocknroll.com/finisher-zone/search-and-results/?resultpage=1&eventid=37&subevent_id=2&bib=5500" target="_blank"> FinisherZone.com</a><br />
My 5K pace 8:10/mile -- too fast.<br />
10k pace 8:25/mile -- too fast.<br />
10 mile pace 8:54/mile -- finally slowing down.<br />
<a href="http://cdn.runrocknroll.com/wp-content/sites/35/2016/11/SAV16_Social-CH-Big-Duke-Salute.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cdn.runrocknroll.com/wp-content/sites/35/2016/11/SAV16_Social-CH-Big-Duke-Salute.jpg" height="200" width="144" /></a> Again it comes down to fuel. I'm glad I had my Nuun and HumaGels to keep my hydrated and fueled up.The key is to figure out a good breakfast for race morning that won't cause me to have to make a donation at the porto potty.<br />
And let's not forget about the real reason for running this race. It's a beautiful city. I loved running down Augusta Avenue. It's a predominantly African American neighborhood with some really old homes. We also got to run under those old oak trees covered in Spanish moss. We ran past Big Duke Fire Alarm Bell which RNR says once served as the fire and general alarm for the city until 1985. -- I was 5 years old. Of course you finish in Savannah's oldest park-- Forsyth Park.<br />
So, I after getting my finisher's medal I grabbed up my heavy medals -- the Six String! The Southern Charm Medal! I'm pretty proud of those. A Lot of work went into those three medals.... and Yes, I was making noise on my way back to the car! Sounding like wind chimes.<br />
Now time to get something to eat and take some siteseeing pictures. Somehow I wound up at Tybee Island. That's when I started to realize just how much damage was left behind by Hurricane Matthew. So many trees were down. The access to the beach was closed in many locations,... but I was still able to find a way out there.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01313697111148309729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3542472334752183161.post-18114108148202494542016-11-19T00:06:00.001-05:002016-11-19T00:06:32.932-05:00My fastest 5k So Far and how it just kind of happened<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3G8KOtQB_OM/WC3j2jSesRI/AAAAAAADRqQ/e8ViBeAoDGwMoN4Z8ed_N9mHj8uYNMc_wCKgB/s1600/IMG_1738.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3G8KOtQB_OM/WC3j2jSesRI/AAAAAAADRqQ/e8ViBeAoDGwMoN4Z8ed_N9mHj8uYNMc_wCKgB/s640/IMG_1738.JPG" width="640" /></a>I don't normally sign up for a race at the last minute unless it's a 5k or I get peer pressured into it. This time it was both. I mentioned the race at work and boom,... a couple of minutes later, I'm running the Dia de Los Muertos 5k in Raleigh. It's a pretty cool race to celebrate a traditional Mexican holiday which is kind of like Halloween, ... but not really. So, I didn't train for it. Didn't plan for it. It wasn't even on my radar,... So, I had to give myself a crash course on.. well the course. It starts out in Downtown Raleigh near the state Capitol building.. and makes it's way down through the historic Oakwood neighborhood and through -- yes-- Historic Oakwood Cemetery. I really didn't think this one through. Dia De Los Muertos translatest to Day of the Dead. So, It's all beginning to make sense. </div>
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Race day sign up was easy. The weather was chilly, .... but not too cold. Perfect. </div>
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So, I noticed that there aren't too many faster runners around. mostly kids and walkers. So, my strategy at the start line is to get out front... right behind the leaders and stay with them as long as possible. Why? I think I found a dose of confidence after the race in Fayetteville. The split times surprised and impressed me. I didn't think i could keep such a fast pace for four miles. So, pushing a little harder for three miles shouldn't be a problem. </div>
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Boom, let's go. </div>
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I don't think they ever tell anyone to run a race as hard as you can at the beginning. But that's what I did. I ran at my top pace without going into a full sprint. The first half mile was all down hill anyway. There was a nice hill to climb before we made the turn into the heart of Oakwood then It was downhill again. And yes... I'm aware.. that i'll have to climb those hills momentarily. I'd rather forget the run through the cemetery. This is at least the second race in the last year that took us through a cemetery. It is what it is. </div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s5xlzmTC0po/WBTjzeQneMI/AAAAAAADPp0/IUas9C08hIEH85a0UcM9cTOwiVK7M2cjACPcB/s1600/IMG_0155.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s5xlzmTC0po/WBTjzeQneMI/AAAAAAADPp0/IUas9C08hIEH85a0UcM9cTOwiVK7M2cjACPcB/s400/IMG_0155.JPG" width="400" /></a>Aside from the headstones.. there were some lively hills in the cemetery. I made it out just in time to see the last walker going down the hill into the cemetery. Yup that's a big hill coming out of the cemetery. One of those sole sucking hills that would definitely have a mental impact on a young racer if it was placed within a longer race -- 10k, 13.1, 26.2.</div>
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But not today. I let the music in my ears give me the charge up this hill.</div>
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Take a deep breathe... relax for the downhill... and head back uphill for the finish. </div>
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I can't lie it was tough. I counted only 3 people to cheer us up this hill. One was a volunteer, One was in elementary school.. and the last one -- his mother. </div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L8TJCD0QWyM/WC3j2us0dOI/AAAAAAADRqQ/7IeTgekhbYgVCFNQ0kjzAD_pnyPyaxcawCKgB/s1600/IMG_1742.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L8TJCD0QWyM/WC3j2us0dOI/AAAAAAADRqQ/7IeTgekhbYgVCFNQ0kjzAD_pnyPyaxcawCKgB/s320/IMG_1742.JPG" width="320" /></a>So, I focus on how much track I have left. As soon as I get within a half mile to go.... I turn it up. Okay,... So, this is when one guy tries to match my speed to either beat me or follow me in. I turn it all the way up... even with the uphill climb to the finish. But the funny thing is... once you get your knees up high and your arms pumping... It doesn't even feel like you're going up hill. I wasn't focused on the clock when i crossed the finish line.. but as soon as I looked back it said 22 minutes. It wasn't until the official timing results were released that I found out-- it was a 21.42 finish. My fastest 5k So far, thanks to the fast start.. and the guy who pushed me at the end. Good stuff. </div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01313697111148309729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3542472334752183161.post-23526214540842575352016-11-17T11:36:00.000-05:002016-11-28T15:46:47.298-05:00Review: Race 13.1 Fayetteville<div style="color: rgb(69 , 69 , 69); font-family: ".sf ui text"; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"> Next on my list of Fall races to review: Race 13.1 Fayetteville. It is important to note that this race was scheduled for October 22nd ... less than two weeks after Hurricane Matthew caused massive and widespread flooding all across Fayetteville and Eastern North Carolina. If a large rive runs near your home you impacted in some way. Months later, several communities are still recovering. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"> So, I was pleasantly surprised that this race even happened. The race directors did a great job communicating that there would be changes to the route because flooding and roads that were sill closed or trails that were still too dangerous. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"> I was happy to volunteer for this race at packet pickup for the morning. I expected a rush of people just before the race but instead, I was surprised at how many bibs hadn't been picked up at all. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"> Race morning turned out to be older and windy -- more than I was expecting. But I was prepared. Well, I was prepared to run in the cold. It I was prepared to stand in the cold and wind for so long. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"> So, I jumped off the volunteer role and jumped into the crowd and took off. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"> I didn't think about strategy for this one, but I wanted to have a strong start. So, I targeted the 1:45min pace group. I was more than amazed that I was able to stick with them for the first four miles. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"> I guess allowing someone else to set the pace makes it easier. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"> First mile: 7:48</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"> Miles 2, 3 & 4: 8:00 avg. </span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Sr4Ch-hJajQ/WC3bNT-qCLI/AAAAAAADRqA/ZwsF9H6AA7ExAj4aOW_-u_vLk-QpCkf0ACKgB/s1600/IMG_1692.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Sr4Ch-hJajQ/WC3bNT-qCLI/AAAAAAADRqA/ZwsF9H6AA7ExAj4aOW_-u_vLk-QpCkf0ACKgB/s400/IMG_1692.JPG" width="300" /></a><span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"> Ah yes, mile 4 is where the first turnaround was located. Right at the top of a couple of hills. No big deal. But my desire to keep up with the 1:45 pacer at this point may have hurt me. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"> Mile 5: 8:20. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"> And I stayed that range until mile 8 where I hit 8:55/mile. Highway miles are good for cars, not good for running. Not as bad as running on a treadmill but close. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"> Again, I found myself struggling for the last four miles. The averages dropped to more than 9:20/mile. But I recovered for the last mile. My energy was low and my running firm started to fail toward the end but I held on for a good 1:51 finish. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"> At this point, I think I found a good strategy. My thinking is that I'm not always going to be able to save energy for the end of the race. Everyone wants those negative splits. I'm happy to have those, but I'd rather have even splits. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"> So I basically need to work on late race leg strength, core strength, hip strength, form and focus to bring me to that next level. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"> On to the next one. </span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01313697111148309729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3542472334752183161.post-54428903256891099222016-11-16T11:01:00.000-05:002016-11-28T15:46:47.317-05:00Race review: The inaugural Historic Hillsborough Half<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0LHXmemk7nI/WAGXGj9zAzI/AAAAAAADOMA/f6dKROqyej4Jq6IZdHTBKkkt4Hjzt49qwCPcB/s1600/IMG_1479.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0LHXmemk7nI/WAGXGj9zAzI/AAAAAAADOMA/f6dKROqyej4Jq6IZdHTBKkkt4Hjzt49qwCPcB/s400/IMG_1479.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"> It's been a long time since I've posted here. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"> A busy election season, birthday parties and back-to back races will kind of so that to you.( yup, I just placed part of the blame on Trump and Clinton) I'd hate to try and squeeze all of the updates into one post so stay tuned ,.. subscribe and prepare for a series of race reviews, headphone And electronics reviews and pictures. It's all coming. </span><span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"> So after taking the whole month of October off, let's start with the inaugural Hillsborough Half. I love taking part in the first event for any race. Plus, this time around, I was given a complimentary race entry thanks to a friend of mine at Mack Orthodontics. He's also a fellow BLACK Men Run member here in the Raleigh Durham Chapel Hill chapter. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"> Anyway, if you run a race in Hillsborough... you might want to expect some hills. First clue: Hills-borough. It has bills in its name. Leading up to this race, I hadn't run a sub 2 hour race in months. Coming off of a tough summer training season, I found myself struggling to get back to my normal pace for weeks. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"> The strategy going in was to fall into a sub 9 minute per mile pace and hold that for as long as possible. Hydration: Nuun and water. No gatorade from the water stations on the course. Fuel: human gel packs. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"> Gear: BMR shirt, Legend Compression Sleves and Smart Omni Boots ( Wirelesś headphones.) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"> Most of the major hills were in the first half of the race. The first hill climb went from 510ft (elevation) to a little over 650 ft. Then back down to 500ft. all of that in the first 25 minutes. Over the next hour I took on another two major hill climbs before the course leveled out. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"> Packet pickup was easy. I got there early enough to beat the crowds. Gear check was also helpful. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"> At the starting Line:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"> It was kind of hard to get started. This race was a simple gun start. So, no timing pad to cross at the beginning. Also, no corals or pacers and all the 5k runners mingled in. That first mile was just a warmup. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"> The course took us on a beautiful tour through Hillsborough. The trip down Churchton street was nice- it was dotted with historic markers, the iconic Colonial Inn, a museum. We also ran past the Burwell School, the Margaret Lane Cemetery and the Occoneechee Indian Village. Hillsborough' river walk was also a nice stretch. It's part of North Carolina's mountains to Sea trail. Near the end, there was a lap around the Occoneechee Speedway which is really just what remains of a race track. In the decades since the last NASCAR race was held here, the pine trees have taken over. A footprint of the oval, the concrete bleachers/ stands and an old race car are all that remain. It's the only surviving dirt track from the inaugural 1949 season. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"> Unfortunately, by then - mile 11- my plan was beginning to fall apart. I ran out of fuel and I just could push any harder for some reason. I could've or should've eaten a better breakfast before the race. Until then, I was on pace to match one of my fastest race times. I'm still happy with the time. 1:56. So, goal achieved. On to the next race right? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"> But wait, the best thing about this race: free race photos! </span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01313697111148309729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3542472334752183161.post-90145245056158442232016-09-21T15:45:00.000-04:002016-11-28T15:46:47.360-05:00Race Recap: Rock n Roll Philadelphia 5k & 13.1 2016<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sZXyVmKPhGs/V-LeRaV09nI/AAAAAAADMwU/1G5gLCP30hIX8fhks9KQloa0nY4IBEumACPcB/s1600/IMG_1165.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sZXyVmKPhGs/V-LeRaV09nI/AAAAAAADMwU/1G5gLCP30hIX8fhks9KQloa0nY4IBEumACPcB/s640/IMG_1165.JPG" width="640"></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"> There's a lot to squeeze into this race review: a hostel, a shooting, two races, no sleep and 5 medals. Epic ( or some other overly abused word that has become a cliche'.)</span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S1a9poKyn6E/V-LeRdC_QII/AAAAAAADMwU/pQb0cyRGzrcgOeZxvqpCgYlPt_oijhXHACPcB/s1600/IMG_1088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S1a9poKyn6E/V-LeRdC_QII/AAAAAAADMwU/pQb0cyRGzrcgOeZxvqpCgYlPt_oijhXHACPcB/s320/IMG_1088.JPG" width="240"></a><span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"> This past weekend is proof that every race weekend is not created equal. Rock n Roll Philadelphia was really cool for me. First of all, I've never vacationed in Philadelphia. I have family from the area. My grandfather grew up running from the rainbow skinners. We used to drive down from Connecticut for church conventions but I don't ever remember spending time downtown or sightseeing. I got that this time. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"> The plan was to run two races and take home 5 medals, meet up with some college friends, and meet a bunch of friends from Facebook, Instagram, BlackMenRun and WeRunSocial. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"> I made my travel plans late,.. but I wasn't completely out of options. I found a hostel to stay in. That's not a typo. A hostel has dormitory style living quarters with bunk beds in a room. Sometimes they can be sketchy. You can save cash if you're on a longer trip or traveling to different cities.... or if you procrastinated and waited until the last minute to lock in your travel. I might fall into one of those categories. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"> So, after a 6 hour drive turned into an 8 hour drive I rolled into the health & Fitness Expo with 5 minutes to spare. Then it was off to check in at the hostel and go out. </span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-firGF6n1cSY/V-LeRWyL0EI/AAAAAAADMwU/TGQkFnkbuOIlpAFvG-W7naUJFW8scwwOQCPcB/s1600/IMG_1149.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-firGF6n1cSY/V-LeRWyL0EI/AAAAAAADMwU/TGQkFnkbuOIlpAFvG-W7naUJFW8scwwOQCPcB/s320/IMG_1149.JPG" width="320"></a><span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"> The hostel's name was Philadelphia House and it was nestled in Old City which is a very beautiful part of the city that is bustling with old world charm. It's an area between Penn's Landing and independence hall. Inside the building was cool. Common area downstairs. Living quarters and bathrooms upstairs. My hope was that I'd run into a couple of other runners here. There were only 4 of us. The rest were foreigners ( Germany, Sweden, Australia.) none of them were vagrants or homeless as some people tried to warn me. It's a pretty cool idea. I don't recommend it for family trips,.. but if you're going with a group of friends and don't have a hotel this might be cool. But--- and the is a big But,... bring your own sheets and stuff or sleep with all of your clothes on. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"> If you are preparing for a busy race weekend, you should always get as much sleep as possible. Yup, sleep is important. Unless,...you're hanging out with good friends that you haven't seen in 15 years. If that's the case, you might get an hour or two of sleep. Yup an hour of sleep is plenty... especially if it's only a 5k. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"> None of that should be considered good advice. </span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8PZc29QgboA/V-LeRaGHJZI/AAAAAAADMwU/rbSKPKR7zac_ym56lHOFSMbeAL30d_xyQCPcB/s1600/IMG_1101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8PZc29QgboA/V-LeRaGHJZI/AAAAAAADMwU/rbSKPKR7zac_ym56lHOFSMbeAL30d_xyQCPcB/s320/IMG_1101.JPG" width="320"></a><span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"> But I had fun. That's all at matters. I did witness the aftermath of a shooting rampage in Philly Friday night. We happened to be parking near Penn Presbyterian Hospital when we heard and saw police officers block traffic and drive the injured officer straight up to the emergency room door. It was pretty swift and dramatic. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"> The suspect was killed after injuring the police officer and two other people. I pray for all of their recoveries. A reminder of the crazy world we live in. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"> Saturday morning, and I'm still running off of adrenaline-- literally. No sleep,.. up I'm ready to dig deep for at least 25 minutes. </span><br>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"> Parking was easy and the walk to the start/finish line was nice and relaxing. Meet-up #1: BlackMenRun pre-5k stretch and photo-op on the rocky steps in front of the art museum. Those are the steps made famous by that whole workout montage in the "Rocky" movies. </span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fGfxA90A0xU/V-LeRRd6puI/AAAAAAADMwU/i_YjUSS901cm7pS8kRLfPPqR5X9ehHoSACPcB/s1600/IMG_1219.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fGfxA90A0xU/V-LeRRd6puI/AAAAAAADMwU/i_YjUSS901cm7pS8kRLfPPqR5X9ehHoSACPcB/s320/IMG_1219.JPG" width="255"></a><span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"> You know I had to get the obligatory Rocky pose at the top. Group pic, group stretch and race to the start line. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"> The race was cool. I got stuck in the wrong coral and behind a bunch of walkers. So my first mile was slow for a 5k. The last mile was more like it. I thought I was going pretty fast at the end until I looked over and there was a guy pacing me in flip flops. So, I kicked it up a knot hand he matched me. I'm a runner/former sprinter... so I kicked it up even more. We are full on racing at this point. The only thing slowing us down... weaving around slower runners. It's always cool to cross the finish and still feel like you had more to give. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"> Anyway, after taking a shower I returned to the Health and Fitness expo because I missed it the first day. Then off to the next meet-up with WeRunSocial at the Reading Terminal Market. I've never seen anything like it. More than 100 shops in one tightly confined space. I don't know how the do it. It's not just a food court it's everything and according to the website, it's been around for more than 120 years. </span><br>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"> Cool location,.. cool people. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"> Now time to sleep, eat.. and prepare for the next race! The half marathon on Sunday. Saturday night was almost perfect. Most of the people in the hostel went out for a bar/pub crawl. So it was quiet until they returned. Then there was that guy that snored like a buzz saw. Easy fix : headphones. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"> On race morning, I'm good. I was going to take the train to the race,... but one of the guys from the hostel recommended taking the bus instead. So the four of us did that and it was perfect. The bus dropped us off really close to the start line-- about a half mile from the start. Along the way, we picked up one more runner. She was visibly nervous and excited about her FIRST half marathon. She has a pretty interesting story. Way better than mine. She started running to quit smoking and after a divorce. She's done 5ks and a 15k but never 13.1. She says someone gave her the bib a week ago because of an injury. Anyway,... I hope she met all of her goals and expectations. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"> Sunday started out warmer and more humid than Saturday morning. Not bad,.. but not great. Random thought: " I wish I had done number 2 at the hostel"</span><br>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"> At the same time, I'm missing my Garmin. I left it at home by mistake. </span><br>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"> On to the photo-ops with BMR and WRS. I hit a snag at gear check -- probably thanks to the bombs in NYC and NJ. I can usually just give them my backpack. This time, I had to unload my stuff into Rock n Roll's clear plastic bags. I appreciate the added security. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"> I don't appreciate the heat. To be honest, it's warm and humid, but at least the sun is hiding behind the clouds. If the sun did decide to come out,... it would be trouble. </span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nGhUJgvt5Do/V-LeRckgaeI/AAAAAAADMwU/t047GTPI4pgMuFBlYkdK2IEa1O2fPC0IgCPcB/s1600/IMG_1172.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nGhUJgvt5Do/V-LeRckgaeI/AAAAAAADMwU/t047GTPI4pgMuFBlYkdK2IEa1O2fPC0IgCPcB/s320/IMG_1172.JPG" width="240"></a><span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"> So, I'm starting this race without my Garmin, but with my Apple Watch and phone. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"> Everything should be fine right? I told myself that I wasn't going to worry about. I wasn't going to ruin my race because of it. So I tried, but I didn't get nikeplus going in time for the start of the race. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"> Without frequent updates on my pace, I went out pretty fast. The first 5k in 26:50 (8:39/mile), 10k 54:59 (8:51/mile), 10 mile 1:36:33 (9:40/mile) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"> Final time 2:12:01. Not my best time. But that's ok. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"> I literally just ran out of steam at the end. </span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dy3XdvKsaa8/V-LeRZoa_gI/AAAAAAADMwU/N58chVGa-oI_zJ04NOzOlr_9bSOkVVG4QCPcB/s1600/IMG_1184.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dy3XdvKsaa8/V-LeRZoa_gI/AAAAAAADMwU/N58chVGa-oI_zJ04NOzOlr_9bSOkVVG4QCPcB/s640/IMG_1184.JPG" width="640"></a><span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"> Oh, and my headphones died halfway through the race. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"> In two of the races that I've run at least one person has died,... including my first half. So, seeing people on stretchers and laid out on the ground may have had a mental impact on my level of determination toward the end. I made it across the finish line upright. It was a tough, amazing, long, fun,exciting weekend. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"> It's a weekend I'll never forget, but that I don't want to repeat any time soon. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"> After the race, we medal. And Rock n Roll likes to medal a lot. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"> List of medals: </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"> 1. 5k Ben Franklin runs too medal</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"> 2. 13.1 the half marathon Liberty Bell and market street medal</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"> 3. Remix guitar medal for doing the 5k and 13.1</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"> 4. The Odyssey medal for running Washington, DC, Virginia Beach and Philadelphia </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"> 5. The Roadie bus for doing 5 Rock n Roll halfs or Fulls this year. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"> That weird sound on my way back to the hostel wasn't the chains from the host of Christmas Past,.. that was the sound of hard work!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"> On to the next race. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"> If you want to join me here's a discount code! Let's go earn some heavy medals. </span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01313697111148309729noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3542472334752183161.post-39904462375748110242016-09-07T18:49:00.000-04:002016-09-07T18:49:31.127-04:00Party with a Hurricane: My Rock N Roll Virginia Beach experience<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--THuG6z_v0A/V89j0qbemSI/AAAAAAADLUM/sZSgqSq3tDQVWYkDvSLwPizYJsdfHFl2QCPcB/s1600/IMG_0845.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--THuG6z_v0A/V89j0qbemSI/AAAAAAADLUM/sZSgqSq3tDQVWYkDvSLwPizYJsdfHFl2QCPcB/s640/IMG_0845.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> This was my first race since the allergic reaction that sent me to th ER in early August. That episode was quickly followed by a blot clot in my arm. August was tough for this runner. Rock n' Roll Virginia Beach actually wound up being my longest run in the past 2 months. I was cleared to run by two doctors and I haven't had any issues in two weeks. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> So, let's start with the obvious elephant in the room. Yup, the one that spun its way from the Gulf of Mexico through the Florida panhandle (woo-hoo -- FAMU & Tallahassee & Carraballe Island), then across Georgia and North Carolina to make for a messy race weekend for more than 6 thousand people. I'm talkin' about Hermine! It was a Hurricane, then a tropical storm.. then a hurricane again. Either way, I wasn't really up for another white-knuckle 3 hour drive. So, I took the timely advice from the race directors and stayed my butt home Friday night.</span><br />
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N8Sd8g6NolU/V89jqrqR1qI/AAAAAAADLUY/RRw3Sn9HXZIGntd19vLiDDgrmdBQXV5KQCPcB/s1600/IMG_9168.CR2" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N8Sd8g6NolU/V89jqrqR1qI/AAAAAAADLUY/RRw3Sn9HXZIGntd19vLiDDgrmdBQXV5KQCPcB/s320/IMG_9168.CR2" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"> Rock n Roll race advice (part 1):</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> 1. Always print your confirmation sheet before you leave the house (I left mine at home by mistake) </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> 2. If they offer text notifications: SIGN UP IMMEDIATELY.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> The text notifications are awesome and they aren't abused. They only offer text alerts when there is a great concern for the start of the race.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> In this case, they had already cancelled Saturday's 'Mile in the Sand' run. So, I wanted to be in the loop. If not, just check your email.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> I arrived around 1 or 2 o'clock Saturday for the Health and Fitness Expo. I love the expos. This is the first time in a while that I've gone by myself before closing time. That means I wasn't rushed, distracted or nervous. But I was probably really annoying to some of the exhibitors.</span><br />
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8g38zBaCd-A/V89jqo67oGI/AAAAAAADLUY/FTIM9-4N8dk9J1j8A53sRvNc-HlSSNyxQCPcB/s1600/IMG_9137.CR2" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8g38zBaCd-A/V89jqo67oGI/AAAAAAADLUY/FTIM9-4N8dk9J1j8A53sRvNc-HlSSNyxQCPcB/s320/IMG_9137.CR2" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"> I talked with the stars of the documentary-- "From Fat to Finish Line." If I remember correctly, it took them 4 years to make the documentary. I had just previewed the trailer for their movie on Amazon a couple of days ago. Really nice people. Later, I turned down an offer from a guy who was selling wireless headphones. He didn't believe me when I told him that I already had plenty of wireless headphones at home. (I actually had three in my running bag)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> The Toyota booth is always fun. I recorded a little motivational video. They had a custom patch making station. I thought that was really cool. I had a hard time coming up with something unique. I settled on "I run for Pikachu." Which is not completely true,.. but it's funny and a conversation starter. One of the girls in the Toyota section gave me the stank eye- jokingly- because of it.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> The Brooks area is always a blast.. they broke out the big motorized shoe. I won the race to the top of the mountain race.... and I got a bag to put my stuff in.</span><br />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TndlB-_ojLU/V89jqjH7KNI/AAAAAAADLUY/eH-lDMKL538jirPOO1CIvBjkicywtJxfACPcB/s1600/IMG_0833.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TndlB-_ojLU/V89jqjH7KNI/AAAAAAADLUY/eH-lDMKL538jirPOO1CIvBjkicywtJxfACPcB/s320/IMG_0833.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"> The Convention Center was a beautiful place. The boardwalk is even more beautiful.. but not on this day. I walked out to the boardwalk to "take some pictures" but the wind wasn't having it. It wasn't even really raining. It was all the sand beating up against my skin that made it terrible.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> The strip was nearly a ghost town because of Hermine. It would rain, then stop raining, sprinkle, then rain again... .and the wind didn't stop. Still, with all of that,... the waves were mesmerizing. The wind on the beach was like an artist.. creating little mosaics in the sand.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> So... I went back to my hotel, just like 99% of everyone else.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> Rock n' Roll Race advice (part 2):</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> 3. I always drive around the start and finish line to search for FREE race day parking.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> I look for schools, libraries, shopping plaza's, street parking,.. anything that will be closed on race day and that won't be used for PAID or VIP parking. I avoid trying to park in hotel lots for obvious reasons.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> So, after locating three good locations, .. I went home and prepped for the big day.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> Even with some pre-race day prep, finding free parking on race day wasn't easy. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> I got stuck behind road blocks.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> Some cities block the streets pretty early. Virginia Beach seemed early but only because I was running late that morning. I couldn't get to two of my scouted locations... but the third was a jewel -- a school.</span><br />
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UKSY0vhOVsk/V89j0uaNk9I/AAAAAAADLUY/3LGO4UDxSXMHTqbyNcwvefTwrWNIFwBMACPcB/s1600/IMG_0843.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UKSY0vhOVsk/V89j0uaNk9I/AAAAAAADLUY/3LGO4UDxSXMHTqbyNcwvefTwrWNIFwBMACPcB/s320/IMG_0843.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"> I Met up with some of my Black Men Run brothas and Black Girls Run Sistahs and it was race time.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> After a gloomy, wet and windy Saturday... Sunday was perfect. 70 degrees, a little breeze and cloudy!!!!! All things I like to check off on my runners wish list for a race.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Okay, .. so say a little prayer. Ask for prayers on Facebook live and let's go. Of course in the back of my mind I'm thinking about all the health issues from August. That allergic reaction. The blood clot. It all could have been a lot worse, but I'm healthy now and and ready for my longest run since June. So, I'my plan was to take it easy.This is an assessment run.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> This summer has been hot, humid.. and not suitable for this northern boy. I dread the wet, sweat drenched, shoes, clothes, socks and so on.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> There was one long stretch of road that was really, really boring.. until I saw the leader come around the corner. Man that dude was moving fast.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> Finally a turn at mile 6.</span><br />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RFTmoD3xS74/V89jen3Xd_I/AAAAAAADLUY/rpUpmFXSM64HjKb-N5wma07xdFpedwF9wCPcB/s1600/IMG_0877.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RFTmoD3xS74/V89jen3Xd_I/AAAAAAADLUY/rpUpmFXSM64HjKb-N5wma07xdFpedwF9wCPcB/s320/IMG_0877.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"> The most fun for me was giving high fives to some of he soldiers or airmen stationed at Camp Pendleton. Also the ice pops, .. OH MY GOD, the ice pops. I wanted to take a picture with them and hug them. I took two ice pops and ate all of them. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> Yup I stopped at some of the water stations and walked. I walked a couple of times in between but I finished strong. The only real hills in this race were on the bridge... going out and coming back. </span><br />
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Gn4KZvV8Clo/V89jeppNPGI/AAAAAAADLUY/BzqKoDrV984ZMZWHoRpfX3GhNbLs8t5ygCPcB/s1600/IMG_0854.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Gn4KZvV8Clo/V89jeppNPGI/AAAAAAADLUY/BzqKoDrV984ZMZWHoRpfX3GhNbLs8t5ygCPcB/s320/IMG_0854.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"> Today's race was not about passing people or getting a PR. It's also about the people you run with. After running with someone for a couple of miles you start to feel a sense of comrade-re. Even more.. if you're struggling.. and you see someone else struggling at the same time.. you really start to get that bond of "we can make it together." I like encouraging people... even if I can't physically do it for them. </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ngNVzl5odLc/V89jesUjxnI/AAAAAAADLUY/gHg0FrmxhscfEPgWfSwlqWwRmEoT_iDNgCPcB/s1600/IMG_0856.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: x-large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ngNVzl5odLc/V89jesUjxnI/AAAAAAADLUY/gHg0FrmxhscfEPgWfSwlqWwRmEoT_iDNgCPcB/s640/IMG_0856.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> It's amazing how much of a push someone can give you.. even if they pass you. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> At the end, I even had enough energy to cut a little dance and a high five with the race announcer. Well, I thought I had enough energy. Then.. my quads cramped up. I knew it was coming... but I was able to walk it off across the finish line. I'm always down for a party celebration. I feed off good energy! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> That walk back home was something else though.. I almost sat down in a strange chair.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> When I got back to the hotel, I had a interesting conversation with the hotel attendant. It was almost past check-out time, So I wanted let him know I'd be out ASAP. Then he started asking me questions. -- The first Question: How far did you run for your marathon?</span><br />
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L17mDz8xbb4/V89jets9eGI/AAAAAAADLUY/53_mrYtAY4o-wQDf7jQWr6BBXEYHthpnQCPcB/s1600/IMG_0873.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L17mDz8xbb4/V89jets9eGI/AAAAAAADLUY/53_mrYtAY4o-wQDf7jQWr6BBXEYHthpnQCPcB/s320/IMG_0873.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"> Answer: It was only a half marathon so-- 13.1 miles. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> What is the point of running so far? </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> I thought... Here we go. This guy's got jokes. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> Second Question: So, what ARE the health benefits? Physical? Mental?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> That was followed by another polite answer... and I'm glad I was patient with the guy. It turns out he really wants to get into running, but didn't know where or how to start. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> He asked about how I found Races, how many miles a week I run, and How I train. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> As a runner I sometimes forget about the learning curve... All of the things that I didn't know. One big example: Body Glide. Yup, that's a <strike>mistake</strike> lesson I'll never, -- ever -- forget. </span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01313697111148309729noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3542472334752183161.post-77671472280495148492016-09-01T11:06:00.000-04:002016-09-06T20:16:53.815-04:00Compression Socks & Sleeves Review: The Goldie Locks Rule<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So, this has been an amazing summer of running, training to get ready for the fall running season. It's also been a great summer to get inspired by some of the best athletes in the world as they made their way from Eugene, Oregon to Rio de Janeiro.<br />
The gear that we run with is essential to our success. While I'm not an Olympic level athlete, I still want to perform at my best with getting injured.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eiEWVmnha24/V8g7Bql7AEI/AAAAAAADKlI/1LCSY_rkmwoYj9vpmjr1tzn1zlL-T3GAQCPcB/s1600/IMG_9861.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eiEWVmnha24/V8g7Bql7AEI/AAAAAAADKlI/1LCSY_rkmwoYj9vpmjr1tzn1zlL-T3GAQCPcB/s400/IMG_9861.JPG" width="400" /></a> This is what brings me to Compression socks. They are great for increasing blood flow, they'll help you recover faster after a long run and they are good for preventing shin splits. Also, I don't know if this is proven or not... but in many cases they help stop Knee pain.<br />
Last year, I ran into a lot of trouble with muscle cramps during the latter stages of a race. In the Race 13.1 Charlotte it Started around mile 9. I had to walk most of the last three or four miles. In Savannah, it started at mile 11 but I was able to keep it moving until just before teh finish line. During the Thanksgiving Day turkey trot in North Raleigh, I made it to the last mile before I had to walk it out. I tried everything. I've changed my diet, increased water/fluid intake before a race. I've added more bananas to my diet. Two things seemed to work. Focusing on different muscle groups and compression socks.<br />
I have had compression socks that are too tight, too loose and some that were tight but did not stay in place. They would fall down to just under my calf.<br />
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mpzJh5uKRng/V8g6Jdn3S8I/AAAAAAADKlA/bWteF9LgxyYzUNIkky2H05rPStgAqbHFQCPcB/s1600/IMG_9779.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mpzJh5uKRng/V8g6Jdn3S8I/AAAAAAADKlA/bWteF9LgxyYzUNIkky2H05rPStgAqbHFQCPcB/s320/IMG_9779.JPG" width="320" /></a> For the too tight category: Imagine trying to take socks off after running 13 miles. Then you try to catch your breath, dry off, drink your post run sports drink and change your clothes. <br />
As you're taking your wet socks off -- because it's summer time and you're like me and sweat like a pig in a slaughterhouse -- you trigger a cramp in your calf. That cramp was not from running.. but from trying to pry that super-tight sock off your leg.<br />
Let's just say that happened too often and was painful! Ending your run with a cramp is not how you want to begin your recovery and prepare for your next run or race.<br />
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The first pair of compression socks that I bought were from Target. I thought they were the best... and maybe they were good for about three four-- tops - five runs/races. After that they were just socks. They weren't really tight anywhere and and real use for them had faded away in the washing machine. Too loose.<br />
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Another air of socks, I bought online because I thought they were cool. the 13.1 socks. They were tight, and they were pretty good but the fit wasn't quite right. I always follow directions on how to fit these things right. Whenever I put those socks on, I can almost bet that they'll be under my calf muscles in less than 3 miles. </div>
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These socks made by Legend Compression Wear are just right. When I have these in I run with confidence. Legend in a local Nirth Carolina based company that has its roots in medical compression socks. So, you know there is real research behind their products. </div>
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So, when do I wear my socks? I'll usually save them for longer runs ( anything more that 7 miles.) If I have had a tough training week or just before a race I'll wear them around the house or to the store under my clothes. The goal there is to promote muscle recovery. I'll wear them before a race especially if I have a two race weekend! And finally I like to wear them during long drives to and from races. I'll usually have a pair of socks to run in and a post-race sock to recover in. It sounds like I wear them all the time, but I don't. I don't want to depend on them too much. I noticed that here were only a few Olympians this summer sporting compression socks or sleeves - most notably Allyson Felix.<br />
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<a href="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CqQ-TpaW8AA8BXT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="481" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CqQ-TpaW8AA8BXT.jpg" width="640" /></a><span style="text-align: start;">Check these socks out. You can also get a discount by using code AmbFriend2016 for 15% off!</span><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j5mHrxyQV3A/V8g7BiVJU5I/AAAAAAADKlI/UzJu8m9ReIEktMyk-mnsRS9nvsfCVtPJACPcB/s1600/IMG_9100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j5mHrxyQV3A/V8g7BiVJU5I/AAAAAAADKlI/UzJu8m9ReIEktMyk-mnsRS9nvsfCVtPJACPcB/s320/IMG_9100.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01313697111148309729noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3542472334752183161.post-74368924661212394662016-06-20T21:21:00.001-04:002016-06-20T21:21:43.116-04:00Headphone giveawaySo these are my current go to headphones. A full review is coming. But I like them so much, I want to share the love with three people AND I want to give you a special code to give everyone else a discount of 50% off on Amazon. <a href="http://amzn.to/1WClmCt">http://amzn.to/1WClmCt</a> Code:<b style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">FX4KJGR9</b><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> S</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">o here's the code the only thing you have to do is find this picture on J&L Audio's Facebook page,</span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/J-L-Real-1184376264914484/" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">https://www.facebook.com/J-L-Real-1184376264914484/</a><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> like it... Then find the same picture on my Facebook page. </span>https://www.facebook.com/KnightLifeStudios/ <div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> I'll randomly pick a winner tomorrow. June 21st if I have enough entries. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NpxQQcSMq6Y/V2iWpVJtO3I/AAAAAAADEVA/1r_FWzy-2FE/s640/blogger-image-1918518495.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NpxQQcSMq6Y/V2iWpVJtO3I/AAAAAAADEVA/1r_FWzy-2FE/s640/blogger-image-1918518495.jpg"></a></div></span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01313697111148309729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3542472334752183161.post-71965443198106900742016-05-22T18:47:00.001-04:002016-05-23T11:17:56.417-04:00Race 13.1 Richmond recap at the Richmond International Raceway<br>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Time: 1:51:34</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Position 57 out of 374 </span><br>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KpnKxe_zifY/V0G17_kduQI/AAAAAAADBzw/_PX_z4hxmwodptaQW1-72i653gHOA9LkgCKgB/s1600/IMG_6938.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KpnKxe_zifY/V0G17_kduQI/AAAAAAADBzw/_PX_z4hxmwodptaQW1-72i653gHOA9LkgCKgB/s640/IMG_6938.JPG" width="640"></a>I knew going into this one that it was going to be a challenge...but not because of the hills or heat. This time the rain was my nemesis. I looked at the forecast, like I do with every race, five days in advance it was a 100% chance of rain. 3 days out, 100% chance of rain. 1 day out, 100% chance of rain. So, I dressed accordingly: nothing heavy, a hat and shorts. </div>
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I got on the road and drove to Richmond in the middle of the night. At around 4:30 it starts to sprinkle, then rain, and then pour down on the highway. I had to slow town to about 50 mph in a 70mph zone. At that time, as I was trying to keep from hydroplaning. I thought,..."Is this what I'm going to be running in?" </div>
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Long story short,...yes! </div>
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I wanted to do this race because I like NASCAR. I used to fall asleep on the couch on Sunday afternoons after church listening to drone of those engines. I have never been to a real race, but I thought it'd be cool to run on a race track... And it was. </div>
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You enter in infield through a cool pedestrian tunnel. The tunnel walls are filled with signatures of people who have walked through here. I didn't have a marker to add my name, but I wish I did. </div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x3IZBUIm0HM/V0G17_iGRKI/AAAAAAADBz8/1oBE2wiijZI1gwF0eh4R7quIZXZQLWemgCKgB/s1600/IMG_6917.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x3IZBUIm0HM/V0G17_iGRKI/AAAAAAADBz8/1oBE2wiijZI1gwF0eh4R7quIZXZQLWemgCKgB/s320/IMG_6917.JPG" width="320"></a> On race day, I'm sure the infield is much louder and filled with sounds of engines, air wrenches and torches. But this morning, all I could hear was the pitter patter of rain. </div>
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First a pit stop in the bathroom. Then the start of the race comes pretty quick. We did one full lap around the D shaped oval, then we went down an access tunnel onto the course which used a mix of access roads around the track, through parking lots and out onto the roads that surround the track. </div>
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Honestly, I wasn't thinking about hills, groups of people or anything really. I was focused on dodging puddles, defogging my glasses and just trying to see where I was going. Did this slow me down? Minimally. Some of the puddles were ankle deep and sometimes it wasn't the size of the puddle but the splash from one foot into the other that would get one foot wet. But I have a motto. Train in it, win in it. I never retreat to a treadmill because of a sprinkle. So, I had confidence in myself and even my shoes that I could still run fast in the rain. My shoes, the Brooks Launch 3 are the best shoes that I've ever taken out in the rain. They seemed to dry out within a few steps of each puddle.<br>
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One other thing that helped me stay focused: headphones. I got some headphones in the mail just in time for the race from J&L Real on Amazon. I knew I needed something that could withstand the elements and these did not disappoint. I'm always nervous about using new things on race day, but I made an exception. </div>
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At times the rain was a light sprinkle, sometimes it was a steady rain and the were many times when it was a driving, downpour where all I could hear was the sound of oversized raindrops on my skull. </div>
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It might sound miserable, but who doesn't like to play in the rain? You only have to worry about lightning ( there wasn't any) and getting warm and dry when it's all done. </div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YPMUI2vfzDA/V0FmfdTGm_I/AAAAAAADByw/paMiH8UDXNgLESUR44e_VFeE4alQVIdrACKgB/s1600/IMG_6924.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YPMUI2vfzDA/V0FmfdTGm_I/AAAAAAADByw/paMiH8UDXNgLESUR44e_VFeE4alQVIdrACKgB/s320/IMG_6924.JPG" width="320"></a> I always wonder about the people who wear those plastic bag things to stay dry. Don't you sweat on the inside of that and get wet anyway? I'd rather have the sweat washed off of me. </div>
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Back to the race. It was a blur. I was following the 1:45 pacers in the beginning, then they left me. The first miles was a 7:55- a little too fast for my first mile. The 2nd mile was even faster- 7:48. Way too fast because that would be my fastest mile of the morning. I <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Ran up to the first out and back section and people were still passing me. Mile 3-8:09, 8:17, 8:21, 8:36, 8:36. It's only seconds. But seconds matter in every race. Then we ran up to the cemetery- another out and back section - and that's when it finally started to get quiet. Mike 8- 8:33, 9--8:24. Wider gaps between runners require more focus to maintain pace. I tried to push the pace, but didn't really have it in me. Mike 11 was my fastest in the second half of the race. The last mile was a sluggish 8:40. That should have been my fastest lap because it was a lap around the race track. Still, it was an awesome race. I have a new favorite pair of headphones and I found a new location for chafing. ( sad face)</span></div>
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The only thing missing this weekend was an actual race car or maybe some race car sound effects on the loud speaker. </div>
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Where is the next race? Race 13.1 Raleigh. I wish I could do Rock n Roll San Diego because it's on my birthday ... But the way my savings account is set up.....( insert joke here) </div>
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I'll be running at home. </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01313697111148309729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3542472334752183161.post-6947014272623233852016-05-17T09:30:00.000-04:002016-05-17T09:30:28.671-04:00Race 13.1 Greensboro: Race Recap with a new PR<div>
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Finish Time: 1:48:28 (New PR)<br />
Finish Overall: 101 out of 1424 runners<br />
Gender: 71 out of 302 (men were vastly outnumbered)<br />
Age/gender Group: 17 out of 59<br />
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I don't want to say the race was awesome just because I walked away with a PR and still felt enough strength in my legs to do a happy dance. But I did get a PR. I Finished with an official time I'd 1:48:41 although Nike+ had me finished much earlier at 1:45. This all scares me. Because I know I'll want to beat that time. Then I'll want to beat that time. I just have to keep working harder and smarter ( not longer)to prevent a plateau or injuries. </div>
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Let's talk about the race</div>
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I woke up a zero dark 30. Actually, it was 3:15. I had packed the night before. I didn't used to put too much though for emphasis on preparing for a race the night before. Why? Because I did track in high school. All I did was wake up throw on my uniform, get my Gatorade ( now it's Nuun) and get I the car. </div>
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Now, I make sure the main running gear is set, post run dry gear is set and I have backup clothes in case the weather isn't as expected. Or it is as expected but feels warmer or colder when I step to the line. </div>
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What else? Make sure everything is charged, </div>
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PackIt Sport from EagleCreek Gear makes that so easy. </div>
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It's also easier to leave in the middle of the night without waking your wife and kids. </div>
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So, that made it all easy to jump in the car and get on the road. </div>
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I added a surprise to my packing gear that I'll share later. </div>
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The drive into the city was really easy. (thank you OnStar Nav) There is no one I the road at that time I the morning. Even the club hoppers are home by 4 and 5AM. </div>
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I made it to Packet pickup after getting lost. Well, not really. I just couldn't find the start finish line. It was BEHIND the Apple Store. ( thanks OnStar, SMH)</div>
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Still, I had Plenty of time. </div>
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I was the First one in the Porto potty twice. There is something special about that feeling. No gross smells or mystery fluids except your own. </div>
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Then I do what I always do. Wait. I'm always early for the race. Eventually, the parking lot filled up. </div>
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This was Black Girls Run's national meet up and they showed up. </div>
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Their picture or gathering in front of the movie theater was massive. </div>
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Black Men Run also represented. It was very encouraging to see all of my chocolate sistahs and brothas out for a run. I've never seen anything like it. </div>
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I got out and did a less than one mile warmup. Just a small random loop. I didn't want to get lost. </div>
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I made it to the Start line right on time. I don't know about you, but it seems like time goes by faster at the start line. You go from the national anthem to fixing your music to starting your running app in what feels like a span of two minutes. Then your off. </div>
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Got in between the 1:45 and 2:00 pacers. It was perfect. </div>
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I was chasing some fast people young and old. Can I really hang with them? YES. </div>
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I kept listening for my split updates and I was shocked. </div>
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Then I realized I felt good. So, I kept pushing the pace. </div>
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I knew that the main hills were in the beginning and end. Plan accordingly. </div>
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The first hill just warmed up my legs. </div>
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It was followed by some rollers. But nothing too serious. </div>
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In the first four miles I was chasing. I just wanted to keep this lead pack in my sights. They pulled away a little but I was happy with my pace so I let them go. </div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aJR3D4_sBno/VzpxYqWGoZI/AAAAAAADBJM/aiCVeyKCDwg_lagia3qrFhsSPUc1RplHQCLcB/s1600/IMG_6904.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aJR3D4_sBno/VzpxYqWGoZI/AAAAAAADBJM/aiCVeyKCDwg_lagia3qrFhsSPUc1RplHQCLcB/s320/IMG_6904.JPG" width="320" /></a> Mistake? Maybe. Maybe not. </div>
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Then I was following runners with the occasional pass. </div>
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After the turnaround at the top of that middle hill, I was in full predator pass mode-- Picking people off and passing. I made sure to encourage those that I had been following to let them know how much they helped me. One guy had stopped at an aide station to clean Gu off his hands and I told him, "Come on,get up there I've been following you!" </div>
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He laughed it off and shot back up in front of me. I eventually passed him but only because he got stuck in two way traffic on a narrow portion of the trail. </div>
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The last 3 miles I was almost afraid to kick it up. This is where I've had trouble in the past with cramps and lack of energy. </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rnq0EuwQxG4/Vzp2Pk3kz-I/AAAAAAADBKQ/F94nXnPKGkMUd1cYKm_l9yJryUW1J14JACKgB/s1600/IMG_6872.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rnq0EuwQxG4/Vzp2Pk3kz-I/AAAAAAADBKQ/F94nXnPKGkMUd1cYKm_l9yJryUW1J14JACKgB/s320/IMG_6872.JPG" width="320" /></a> Then another brother passes me. Well, he doesn't pass me with authority. He pulls up on my shoulder and tries to pass me but something inside of me said - NO, not this time. Two miles to go and I take off on him. 1.5 to go and he's back. I said, NO yet again. </div>
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I started to think of the book "<a href="https://www.velopress.com/books/run-like-a-champion/" target="_blank">Run Like a Champion</a>" by Alan Culpepper. How do people run at such a high in testify level?</div>
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I knew he'd be back again at 1 mile to go. Now we are full on racing side by side and trying to avoid traffic from the 5k and the 10k. At this point I knew I had more left in me but I held back. Half mile to go and I gave it all I had --- but He had more I the tank after a slight up hill climb to the finish. </div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s0x6v0rlVz8/Vzp2PlzBHLI/AAAAAAADBKQ/zfyLisuGGBI4iPFjPePSqXvBK5EUyBW8wCKgB/s1600/IMG_6890.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s0x6v0rlVz8/Vzp2PlzBHLI/AAAAAAADBKQ/zfyLisuGGBI4iPFjPePSqXvBK5EUyBW8wCKgB/s320/IMG_6890.JPG" width="320" /></a> At that point I could've turned off my headphones and just went for it. </div>
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It was a fun two miles. That last mile could've been my fastest. I missed that by ten seconds. </div>
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I came in 101st place out of 14-hundred runners ( I could have been 100 or even 99), 71st out of 300 men and 17th in my age group. That's one of my highest finishes. </div>
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I think I could've finished stronger without my headphones in the last two miles. My music playlist was on point this time around but I do think it can slow you down especially when you're trying to listen to the music and updates from a running app. It makes it hard to gauge how close your competition is and how close the finish line is. You can listen to your body and You can also get a boost from the crowd as you bring it home. </div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RmgXrp18tB0/Vzp2PrGbHAI/AAAAAAADBKQ/LSln1Dx_6_kxVV4sA24CdX15yI7HiVn9gCKgB/s1600/IMG_6885.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RmgXrp18tB0/Vzp2PrGbHAI/AAAAAAADBKQ/LSln1Dx_6_kxVV4sA24CdX15yI7HiVn9gCKgB/s320/IMG_6885.JPG" width="320" /></a> Afterward, I couldn't even be mad at myself. I looked at the clock and I had just beat my personal best time by 5 minutes. </div>
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I don't know if the cameras caught my excitement. I don't think people at the finish line could understand a man crossing the finish with so much excitement-- so far behind everyone. </div>
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It's validation of hard work, sacrifice and dedication. All those strength exercises, diet changes, reading and blogging weren't for nothing. </div>
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It didn't all hit me at once, but I knew I had done something right this time. </div>
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I really haven't done enough races to get it yet,... But I'm getting there. </div>
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Afterward, you may have seen me celebrating, dancing (running man), laughing and eating. Just know that I'm not crazy, that's just me. With all of that celebrating I couldn't believe how strong my legs felt after pushing so hard at the end. I owe it to hydration, nutrition, rest and training. </div>
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Oh, so I brought a surprise with me for the post race party. I am so tired of the funky ride home -- even on short trips like this. I can always change my shorts and shirt, but underwear is always a problem. The solution is the pop up dressing room. It's sold on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AZ0ZO56/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_dp_ss_2?pf_rd_p=1944687562&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B007ZJ99HE&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=1FMJX2V5QVDFE1861B9N" target="_blank">Amazon </a>in the camping section. I think it's perfect for runners. You pop this out of your trunk. Put it on the ground. Anchor it so it doesn't fly away before you finish changing. If you need to, have a friend stand look out. Step in, zip it closed and change ALL of your clothes. You can even take wipes with for a really real fresh feeling and experience. </div>
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It's better than finding a gas station restroom to change in ( especially in North Carolina, lol.) You also keep your car seats clean. Plus I have limited space in my car. </div>
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I'm not trying to sell these. I have no deals with the company. I've had mine for two years and this is the first time that it dawned on me to use it like this. Now, for colder days,... You might want to think of other options. I felt weird about it at first, but don't knock it,.. Until you've tried it.</div>
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What was different?</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JpEcUyO6n2U/Vzp2vomPfPI/AAAAAAADBKU/yxOgnREyoWYlnC2MVDX50iTj5ot9A1UzQCKgB/s1600/AB82A604-6A2D-4F9F-BB33-0796F329D432.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JpEcUyO6n2U/Vzp2vomPfPI/AAAAAAADBKU/yxOgnREyoWYlnC2MVDX50iTj5ot9A1UzQCKgB/s320/AB82A604-6A2D-4F9F-BB33-0796F329D432.JPG" width="320" /></a> I've gone on a no lactose diet. Thanks to the book '<a href="https://www.velopress.com/books/athletes-fix/" target="_blank">The Runner's Fix</a>' by Pip Taylor - I've identified a possible food sensitivity in Lactose. I'm not calling it an allergy. But I have been feeling really strong. I still have 2 weeks to go without lactose. </div>
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The weather was cold-- great running weather </div>
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The stress was lower </div>
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In Tennessee I was also on vacation so I was sightseeing instead of resting for and between races. </div>
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Sleep - I got plenty</div>
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Hydration was on point. I drank when I was thirsty. ( first I the Porto potty, it was a privilege) </div>
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Training-- I worked on hill training,... But I also worked on rest and running slower on easy days. You have to train hard on your hard or long workout days but rest days are rest days. Easy days are easy days. </div>
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Crowd-- it was a down and back race. On the way back everyone was really supportive. It was awesome. </div>
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Also not too crowded, although it was crowded for this race series. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01313697111148309729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3542472334752183161.post-18712793207383865992016-05-07T23:51:00.000-04:002016-05-08T12:05:52.218-04:00More thoughts: Nashville and Knoxville, The self assessment<div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"> It's been a week since my crazy two race weekend. </span></div>
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There were a lot of factors that were in my control or anyone's control. One of those factors happens to be the weather. Why didn't I take a picture during the downpour as people huddled for cover? I know the answer to that. It started to rain after I did my warm up. So, I was in full race mode. I was trying to put my game face on. Plus, after a couple of phone battery issues,... I wasn't going to touch it until the race was done. I guess I was a little too cautious. A. If win for this race, my phone didn't die and my headphones didn't die or get lost. ( I'm still sad about my MeeAudio X7s- water proof and long lasting) </div>
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All of the things that I can control: Food, sleep, running gear, arrival time, parking were all on point for Nashville. But I kind of messed up on Knoxville. I wanted to make sure my family enjoyed this new city even though I was in a deep state of exhaustion. I did so much walking and touring around the city after the race that I did something that I have never done on NikeFuel. I won the perfect day trophy which means I was active for 16 hours in one day. Craziness. </div>
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I probably should have reduced my expectations for both races. </div>
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After a few slower than normal training runs, and trying to dodge an office cold..I didn't feel my best at the starting line. In fact I felt my best about a week before Nashville. Sometimes it's hard to avoid sick people at work, homes, parks, kids neighbors. You get real paranoid of any cough or sneeze around race time. </div>
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I think I did catch something.</div>
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There's no way I got enough rest between races, from touring the city to staying up late, to getting up early for the 2.5 hour drive.. I was still exhausted four days after the race. </div>
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Nutrition and hydration between races was bad. I'll just leave that there. I needed more race fuel between races to replenish what was lost and give my body enough nutrients to do it again. </div>
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I also didn't hydrate enough.... And actually I drank coffee before Knoxville. I never drink coffee before a race. It'll dehydrate you and make you want to go to the bathroom. </div>
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I'm surprised I didn't have GI distress....oh wait I did. </div>
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If you read my previous post, I barely made it with enough time to get my bib and pin it on,... So no Porto potty break before the race. </div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/KIcMbe38CiQ/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KIcMbe38CiQ?feature=player_embedded" style="clear: left; float: left;" width="320"></iframe>Pace</div>
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Let's talk about the amount of people running. 20 thousand people running a race in any city is an awesome accomplishment for Rock n Roll. I love that they start everyone in corals. That puts the fastest runners out in front. Generally, I like to stick with my coral. I've moved into a different coral once to start with friends. I've been in the wrong coral because the volunteer holding the coral sign didn't understand that he was supposed to move up as the crowd moved up. I've never seen anyone singled out on race day for being in the wrong coral. I think that's awesome. You are on the honor system on race day. If you look around, most people follow the rules. I put myself in the 2 hour group because it's a new city and I wasn't sure what I was getting into. I should've put myself in a faster coral/pace group. </div>
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If you watch my video from Nashville ( I strapped a GoPro to my chest and let it record the first three miles and the last two or three miles.) you only have to watch the for two minutes to see how many people in had to get around. It took my twice as long to get anywhere close to my normal pace. 6 miles instead of two or three. By then I was frustrated. I had lost so much time and Mojo. Seconds are easy to make up at the end. Minutes are not. Now I'm being passed and we're getting near some of the challenging hills. Pace is important to me. I can tell how I feel in comparison to how fast I'm actually going (effort.)</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's what DC looked like for me. I was able to fall into a sub 9 minute mile pace for the whole race. The crowd pace when from 9:09 to 10:36 (taken from Rock N Roll's FinisherZone.com</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My pace in Nashville started at 9:13/mile and I never got any faster than 9:04/mile. The crowd's average pace started at 11:15/mile and dropped down to 11:36/mile</td></tr>
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I want to return to Nashville one day to show those hills who's boss. These are the things I beat myself up about after a race. </div>
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Knoxville was a different story. No crowds, no rain. Plenty of heat. Not enough hydration and hills. Really, the hills in both locations were no worse that running at Umstead park in Raleigh. But it was a psychological thing. It was the second day of running blind. I kind of knew where the hills where going to be. Then I saw one of those hills. I was going down that steep hill. What made that hill different, was the fact that I knew I'd be running back up it. </div>
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On this day, I didn't want it bad enough. Conclusion.. Too hot, not enough hydration. </div>
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So, one week later... I no longer want to quit running. I'm at peace with those two accomplishments. It was a great family weekend. Memories were made. That's all that matters. </div>
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Would I run two half marathons I n one weekend again? Yes, but only if I have more control over my environment. That means it'd have to be a race close to home or I'd have to be traveling alone. </div>
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I'll do it again. But, not this year. </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01313697111148309729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3542472334752183161.post-83564519856568890662016-05-02T17:57:00.000-04:002016-05-07T13:02:45.408-04:00Two half marathons, one weekend: Nashville to Knoxville 26.2 total miles<div>
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Sometimes you have to test your limits. That's what this running thing is really all about, right? After conquering a full marathon earlier this month,... I went ahead with plans to run two half marathons in one weekend. A lot of things could go wrong. But we don't focus in the negative, we expect and plan for the positive. </div>
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Let's focus on the half marathon weekend madness, the marathon weekend, the running tour of Tennessee, The Jekyll and Hyde Race weekend challenge. </div>
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Saturday, April 30th is Rock n Roll Nashville. </div>
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Sunday, May 1st is the Race 13.1 Knoxville race. </div>
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Same distance, similar terrain but very different experiences. That's why I call it the Dr. Jekyll and <br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nD2JHKD_VVw/VybIpMQCgXI/AAAAAAADACg/Ytu99NVJ3WYy8o1PMb5Ie1erEDviW6zuQCKgB/s1600/IMG_7704.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nD2JHKD_VVw/VybIpMQCgXI/AAAAAAADACg/Ytu99NVJ3WYy8o1PMb5Ie1erEDviW6zuQCKgB/s320/IMG_7704.JPG" width="240" /></a> Mr. Hyde weekend challenge. While the Rock n Roll series has become a mega event with thousands of runners, road closures, parking and traffic headaches... The race 13.1 series is the calm opposite. You can pick your packet up 30 minutes before the starting horn sounds. Sunday, I got mine 15 minutes before the start, but who's counting. </div>
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So let's start with Nashville-- the music city. I was really impressed with the city. I had never been there before. As an outsider, I noticed what seemed to be a lot of new construction and historic buildings. Downtown on Broadway it gets interesting. You have a lot of neon lights, country music, cowboy hats and cowboy boots. </div>
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Next time, I'll come home with some cowboy gear. </div>
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Our first stop was the convention center for packet pickup. That took longer than expected because of traffic, but we had a one hour head start on the game because guess what,.. Nashville is in another time zone. The convention center is right next to the Country Music Hall of Fame. If you look up the street or down the street it's almost looks like one building flowing all the way down the block. </div>
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We also went to the Parthenon which was made famous by the movie Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief. It's the only full scale replica of the Greece temple to Athena in the world. Did you know that it was only supposed to last for 6 months during some kind of world fair in the 1890s. It was part of a huge complex of buildings. This is the only one left. Now it's a museum and aThe backdrop for a lot of prom, wedding and baby pictures. With all the marathon runners and half marathon runners in the city for the weekend, you'd think it would be a very popular place. I returned after the race with my medal and to take a tour inside the museum.<br />
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No time for tours and stuff Friday night,... Race day will come really early in the morning. For Rock n Roll races, I really don't like parking late. Unless I have VIP parking I always get there super duper early. In Savannah I parked on the street-- in a free spot-- and walked to the start line. In DC I was dropped off before the streets closed. In Nashville I pulled into the parking lot of Nissan Stadium ( home of the Tennessee Titans) as the volunteers were just getting their bearings. </div>
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Park, relax,... Go through final checks on electronics and game plan, eat, nap if I have to. I think I visited the Porto potty twice. Eventually it's time to take the pedestrian bridge to downtown. Gear check, warmup and then it starts to rain. It was only a little bit at first. You could stand under a tree without getting wet. Then the organizers announced a delay. That's when the sky opened up. Most people found a building overhang to hide under or a hotel lobby to hide in. Once the rain passed, the corals started to fill up and it was finally time to run. </div>
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The music City really lived up to its name. No joke... There was a band or cheer squad on every mile. The support crowds were huge and nearly constant. </div>
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More than 18,000 people ran the half marathon , 3,100 ran the 5k and 2,900 ran the marathon. That's A LOT OF PEOPLE!!!. Maybe I didn't put myself in the proper coral, but I found myself always behind a slower group of runners. I'm pretty sure people started walking after the first mile. I love seeing friends run together-- as long as I can get around them when I need to. It was very hard to maintain a pace. I didn't get into a running groove until way too late. I loved hills,... So I'm not going to complain about that. They presented a great challenge. </div>
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Still, I finished in a respectable time of 2:01:23. What a great experience!</div>
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After I crossed the finish line all I could think about was..... Let's do it again tomorrow. But it's not all about me. So, I go pick up the family. We go to the Parthenon then a self guided tour of the city. We drove by Vanderbilt University, Fisk University and the Meharry Medical College. We also went to the Gaylord Opry Resort and hotel. </div>
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There's a garden and trees, and a river inside this hotel. It was like a beautiful walk in the park. It was cool to see all of the high school prom couples running around taking pictures. If you decide to go here,... Don't pay to park in the hotel parking lot. Drive down to the next exit and park in the shopping plaza behind the resort and walk over. ( I know. That's a lot of walking for a guy who's running another half marathon in the morning. )</div>
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Just look at these pictures. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMSK2LcLCKJ4ErMZjemrzNFuX_iA8fjqQM3PA7E5S6CCONSN7jz18m-0KrMikQvXHPm7a7g-TOpytAG1loXo5DQyac8cnLkyn7faPa1f7CBFTXIZlP33AeWy5u-DmIfe_SmyKwbqAiVDn3/s1600/IMG_0124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMSK2LcLCKJ4ErMZjemrzNFuX_iA8fjqQM3PA7E5S6CCONSN7jz18m-0KrMikQvXHPm7a7g-TOpytAG1loXo5DQyac8cnLkyn7faPa1f7CBFTXIZlP33AeWy5u-DmIfe_SmyKwbqAiVDn3/s400/IMG_0124.JPG" width="320" /></a> So remember how I said Nashville is in another time zone? On our way back home, that time change would return to haunt me. It's a two and a half hour drive. To make it to Knoxville by 6:30, I needed to leave Nashville by 3 am instead of 4 am. So, off we go into the dark night. We arrive at 6:35. I park the car as close to the start/finish line as possible which is about 200 yards away. I jump in line to pick up my packet and run back to the car. By the time I get my bib on and clothes changed and back to the starting area the announcer says, " we're going to start in five minutes." </div>
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No time for stretches. That runaround for my bib will have to be my warmup. But I made it just in time for the second half of my marathon weekend. The only thing I didn't have was water for my Nuun tablets. Luckily, a half mile into the race there was a FleetFeet water station. I filled up and took off. Here, I got into a groove early, running sub 9 minute miles... But eventually the hills and heat began to catch up to me. </div>
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When you know you didn't prepare the best for a race and all you can do is finish--- you finish. I was doing great until the last 2 miles. It was hot, my Nuun was gone and leg cramps started to begin. I made it back to that FleetFeet table and the had some Nuun to help me out. That was what needed. Still, it was my slowest half ever at 2:21. Add the two days together and it's still better than my full marathon time in Raleigh. </div>
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Anyway, I did all of that running and sweat. You must be wondering how that 8 hour ride home was. You'd think it was ripe with funk but it wasn't thanks to my Eagle Creek Sport packs. The shoe locker kept the funky shoe smell away and the Roll Sack kept my wet clothes from funding up the car, contaminating my clean clothes or growing mildew. Check out this video.<br />
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Pictures taken of the mountains on the ride home.<br />
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So, that was my final Rock N Roll Race until September. Wow! After Three Races in three months, I think I might just go through withdrawal. Well, probably not since I purchased a season pass for the Race13.1 series. The September races are Rock n Roll Virginia Beach and Rock N Roll Philadelphia. I wish I could go to Rock N Roll Chicago. We'll see how the next couple of months shake out. Rock N Roll has been really cool. I really appreciate being picked at a Rock N Blogger and the perks that come along with it. I won't disappear for the next three months but I will be taking a chill pill for the summer months. (or not- I'll never rule out a free race entry or a fun weekend)<br />
If you want to run with me in in an upcoming race use my code and save $15. The code is: JayKnightLifeRuns<br />
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