tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49302442488872475422024-03-26T09:16:11.961-07:00Sandy RunsMy adventures as Marathon Maniac #4436, Half Fanatic #1955, a Marathon Globetrotter and a 50 States Marathon Club finisher. I'm an RRCA certified running coach hoping to share with you my love of the sport.Sandy Hugillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12757839732019464486noreply@blogger.comBlogger211125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4930244248887247542.post-25268316637752261122019-02-20T00:45:00.000-08:002019-02-20T00:45:50.389-08:002019 Hong Kong Marathon Race Report<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">I registered for the <a href="https://www.hkmarathon.com/" target="_blank">Hong Kong Marathon</a> on a whim. I was already going to Asia to attend my friend Christine’s wedding in Thailand and then run the <a href="https://www.marathon.tokyo/en/" target="_blank">Tokyo Marathon</a> the following weekend. My friend Dave posted on Facebook about the Hong Kong Marathon, which was a week before the wedding. I entered the lottery not expecting to be selected, but I was. It was going to be a two-country-marathon adventure. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>It’s the year of the pig (or boar) and we got this medallion in our race packet. </i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">I was woefully under-prepared for the Hong Kong Marathon. My training suffered through the winter, but knowing I had a 6-hour time limit for the marathon, I wasn’t terribly worried - until I got sick. At the end of January I caught a severe cold that I’m still not fully over, three weeks later. I was weak, slept little, and worked out zero times in all of February. But the Asia trip was coming anyway, and being a realist, I gave myself permission to DNS (did not start) or DNF (did not finish) the race, as my health and my body dictated.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">I left the US on Thursday. My air travel was miserable with coughing and headaches. I arrived in Hong Kong on Saturday after a night in Tokyo. I went to the expo and had a meal with my friend Dave. I felt a little better Saturday night, enough that I knew I would at least start the race and see what I could do. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Ready to start wearing my <a href="https://marathonglobetrotters.org/" target="_blank">Marathon Globetrotters </a>shirt and my new flag skirt from <a href="https://www.wildcatrunnergearco.com/" target="_blank">Wildcat Runner Gear</a></i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">Race morning came after the best sleep I’d had in days, but I still woke up with coughing fits and was popping cough drops in the start corral. The weather was nice though, and the race well-organized, and I had a job to do. I started in the third wave of runners. The first contained age qualifiers and challenge runners. They were followed by the Run 1 group, and finally I was in the Run 2 group, which started 50 minutes after the first group. It was crowded for several miles/kilometers before the pack thinned out. I’m not going to fully describe the course because Dave does an outstanding job of that in <a href="http://goalorientedrunner.blogspot.com/2019/02/race-report-2019-hong-kong-marathon.html" target="_blank">his race report</a>, if you’re interested. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Approaching the starting line</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>My AirBNB was in this building right next to my start corral - how's that for location?</i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">I’ll just tell you that the Hong Kong Marathon was bittersweet for me. It was a difficult course due to lots of bridges and tunnels, so lots of uphill that either went on for a very long time (e.g. the 2+ mile long Tsing Ma suspension bridge) or was very steep (tunnels). I was not fit and healthy enough to run the uphills and had to only walk them, so that slowed me down, but it was all I could do. I constantly worried that I would be swept from the course. When I wasn’t going uphill I did run/walk intervals most of the race, and I ran the downhill sections as fast as I could without walk breaks. I had to mitigate my slow walking pace on the ramps. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Selfie on the big bridge</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Heading into one of many tunnels</i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">The marathon was run mostly on highways, but there were some spectacular views. There were no spectators until the final few kilometers in the Central district on Hong Kong Island. There was no entertainment at all. Mostly, my negative thoughts were with me all morning. Yes, I could have trained better, but no, I could not have anticipated being so sick for so long. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">We had some tough headwinds on some of the bridges and I had to hold onto my hat so it wouldn't blow away. Some of the winds were so severe that they almost pushed me backward. Aid stations were advertised to be every 5 kilometers, but they were more frequent than that. After the first one, all had sports drink and some had bananas or Kit-Kat bars. Unfortunately, more than one aid station ran out of supplies for the back-of-the-pack runners. I was happy that I chose to carry a water bottle, which I refilled occasionally.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>This was the sports drink, very mild in flavor; it came in a squeeze-able pouch, which made it easy to drink</i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">The race had several cut-off points and I barely squeaked through the last two. The last one was at 41K, so very close to the end. I figured that anyone who made that checkpoint was safe. Not so. There were about 20 of us who made that cutoff and finished the race, but we will be removed from the results or listed as disqualified because we were over the 6 hour limit. I crossed the finish line timing mat in 6:02:55.</span><span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>I finished the Hong Kong Marathon.</i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">We late finishers were also denied medals when we crossed, so that added insult to injury. I understand that beyond 6 hours I would not be considered an official finisher. But usually in these cases, US marathons will still issue medals to those who went the distance. Several of us appealed to the race crew, both in English and in Cantonese, but they all just said no to giving us medals. What’s unfair is that runners in the earlier waves may have also finished over a 6-hour chip time, but still been issued medals because they finished before 1:00 PM. The last finishers with me finished no more than 3 to 4 minutes over the limit, with the finish line still assembled and timing mats still operating. </span><span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The medal that I didn't receive; I will settle for a photograph and maybe look for one on eBay (photo credit: Dave Holmen)</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Proof of finish, even though it doesn't "count"</i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">This was a hard day for me. I pushed my sick self through a tough course that any sane person wouldn’t have done after being ill for almost three weeks. Earlier in the race I fully expected to be swept from the course, but somehow I found the drive to keep going even while feeling quite weak. Only in the finish chute did I finally feel a sense of joy that, yes, I made it! And then after crossing the line, there were no volunteers with medals, there never would be, and I would have nothing to show for my effort. </span><span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqHCYJK15U0ZSKSAjNEGhDAF1AR2L0DUvK0fSPvtJQnwwP3Eli4PtYYMzD9o-H0y2mxPeXueMfWA8ZiO-_zw0JWnyRPL9g74QIZ0Amf3lREUuivtf9C2FOpDXgqtsAaCPzglhTjGhhPJLx/s1600/55759EBC-69A9-4EEE-8B50-684257C700A6.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqHCYJK15U0ZSKSAjNEGhDAF1AR2L0DUvK0fSPvtJQnwwP3Eli4PtYYMzD9o-H0y2mxPeXueMfWA8ZiO-_zw0JWnyRPL9g74QIZ0Amf3lREUuivtf9C2FOpDXgqtsAaCPzglhTjGhhPJLx/s640/55759EBC-69A9-4EEE-8B50-684257C700A6.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>I have my shirt, my bib, a finish line towel, and my year of the pig medallion, but no medal</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">So, did I run the Hong Kong Marathon? Yes, I did, all 26.2 miles or 42.2 kilometers of it. You just won’t find me in the results and I can’t claim a “finish” that counts in any of my running clubs’ stats. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;">Even after that let-down, I'm feeling good about Tokyo, my real goal race. The temperatures will be better for running, the course is easier, and I'll be two weeks healthier. So I guess Hong Kong was just a training run. </span></div>
Sandy Hugillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12757839732019464486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4930244248887247542.post-49996457458649190942019-01-02T13:17:00.001-08:002019-01-02T13:17:18.392-08:002018 Running RecapI haven't blogged all year. In fact, I didn't even finish my 2017 race reports. What happened? I still ran. In fact, I ran several races, and did meet some of my annual running goals. But I also focused on other areas of my life that needed attention. I dropped the ball on some things, and I missed some of my other running goals. Right now I'm not going to write new running goals, because I'm not ready. I will, however, state one broad goal, and that is this: I will post a running-related story once per month in 2019. So, here's the 2018 recap:<br />
<h2>
My 2018 Goals</h2>
<ul>
<li><b>I will lead the 11:00 pace group for CWRC.</b> CWRC is the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ColumbusWestsideRunningClub/" target="_blank">Columbus Westside Running Club</a>, which I joined after moving to Columbus, and this goal was about the winter/spring training program leading up to spring races. I started this, but I didn't finish. Very early on it became clear to me that I was not in the game mentally and not prepared to lead others on a weekly basis. </li>
</ul>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwTVL-K6WdcZF-xoXa_KFVRJnZpIp7erWpaD0Fa5X6aqKBolHjaSMwcBpKDQEqCU3VDmxBYrR13pdm7zh7AEj42I0l8YP31CRAfs2fD7w6_PsNidkKAoKnrrJorf15eaq2hlvhbZqBxzlb/s1600/CWRC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwTVL-K6WdcZF-xoXa_KFVRJnZpIp7erWpaD0Fa5X6aqKBolHjaSMwcBpKDQEqCU3VDmxBYrR13pdm7zh7AEj42I0l8YP31CRAfs2fD7w6_PsNidkKAoKnrrJorf15eaq2hlvhbZqBxzlb/s640/CWRC.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>A January training run with CWRC</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<ul>
<li><b>I will attend three out of four CRC speed workouts each month.</b> CRC is the <a href="https://www.columbusrunning.com/" target="_blank">Columbus Running Company</a>, a local running store chain. The location closest to me offers free weekly speed sessions on Wednesday nights. I did not do this either. I attended some speed workouts, but I had trouble finding my mojo and being consistent. </li>
<li><b>I will pace my first marathon.</b> The goal was to pace the <a href="https://www.carmelmarathon.com/" target="_blank">Carmel Marathon</a> in Indiana, and I did it. It was very rewarding. As a double-loop course, I had half marathoners who ran with me for the first loop, and full marathoners who ran with me for both loops. I paced two additional marathons in 2018: the Cleveland Marathon and the Marine Corps Marathon.</li>
</ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0IySNEGYpkrxE-YDM7jHlzLbusFbBp4ywuW2gMTzMG-xnFflxacEJMFkvdePWWuqpRNexXhx4lDHKyypthUwCK50XcQGzOMqUrdFZPH2WWHuh0XzN1XIBeHJBbhDTRzpMHpEJ6nnNGLIF/s1600/Carmel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0IySNEGYpkrxE-YDM7jHlzLbusFbBp4ywuW2gMTzMG-xnFflxacEJMFkvdePWWuqpRNexXhx4lDHKyypthUwCK50XcQGzOMqUrdFZPH2WWHuh0XzN1XIBeHJBbhDTRzpMHpEJ6nnNGLIF/s640/Carmel.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Bringing home my first full marathon pace group at Carmel Marathon (actually, my runners had run ahead in the finish chute and Nilda, who had already finished, ran in with me)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<ul>
<li><b>I will run in at least 1 new country.</b> I did this. I ran the Reykjavik Marathon in August and had a great time in Iceland.</li>
</ul>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeGKInLrKpg-c9wYuYaZQ59X8liG_YjyEuuKznviOa91xO4Ukq2YNOPIEc3LtJ7yXQt6l3Y7E14wIkNzXBmN7u3c8_amBhOlT8iXu-uRtU-SjKUAgcgcwycPYnDPz5R-V_oU8EzEe2RlCF/s1600/Reykjavik.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeGKInLrKpg-c9wYuYaZQ59X8liG_YjyEuuKznviOa91xO4Ukq2YNOPIEc3LtJ7yXQt6l3Y7E14wIkNzXBmN7u3c8_amBhOlT8iXu-uRtU-SjKUAgcgcwycPYnDPz5R-V_oU8EzEe2RlCF/s640/Reykjavik.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Stopped for an on-course pic in Reykjavik, where the course was beautiful - and windy!</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<ul>
<li><b>I will attempt PRs in the 5K, 10K and Half Marathon.</b> I probably could have done this if I had been consistent with the speed workouts, but I wasn't, and so I didn't.</li>
<li><b>I will lock in two </b><a href="https://www.worldmarathonmajors.com/"><b>World Marathon Majors</b></a><b> races for 2019.</b> Well, 50% success. I did get into 2019 Tokyo Marathon through a charity entry. But I was not selected for the London Marathon, my other target. I'll try again for London 2020.</li>
<li><b>I will take on my first coaching client.</b> I did not do this, and it should wait until I have my own act together a little better.</li>
</ul>
<h2>
2018 Highlights</h2>
So, if I missed most of my goals, but still ran a lot of races, what did I do?<br />
<ul>
<li>Ran seven marathons, including three that I paced.</li>
<li>Ran nine half marathons, including three that I paced.</li>
<li>Ran one 10 miler</li>
<li>Ran one 15K</li>
<li>Ran two 10Ks</li>
<li>Ran one 5 miler </li>
<li>Ran two 8Ks</li>
<li>Ran seven 5Ks</li>
</ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy3Y0gcZsxvTvq__vmr83xIDhyFjfETr-qmHiOSmnEL2L8aG_SM6ZqWpj98fx5QmpROBEWKvc1UdkegxYUiMCGTqZAYptTn7hXH6CydvjvizrnPNbhDQ-0MkST19Tu-TASXnEyh-_OQRuu/s1600/gasparilla.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy3Y0gcZsxvTvq__vmr83xIDhyFjfETr-qmHiOSmnEL2L8aG_SM6ZqWpj98fx5QmpROBEWKvc1UdkegxYUiMCGTqZAYptTn7hXH6CydvjvizrnPNbhDQ-0MkST19Tu-TASXnEyh-_OQRuu/s640/gasparilla.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Meb was on course at the <a href="https://rungasparilla.com/" target="_blank">Gasparilla Half Marathon</a> in Tampa in February; I ran all 4 races of the Michelob Ultra Challenge</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD08Dlv1V7RsFWbPPk3UAGqg2vH5cmhhcd5uux9FibVbkPCYoG1MQRHRMMj7Cl9KhrFdZHLJyOCDtb596ghXUYUKdqPKmcmSL_AxzQhlmYQyfJOuRhLFtOdD317qe-8QKn-hXpGO1vFy-U/s1600/B10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD08Dlv1V7RsFWbPPk3UAGqg2vH5cmhhcd5uux9FibVbkPCYoG1MQRHRMMj7Cl9KhrFdZHLJyOCDtb596ghXUYUKdqPKmcmSL_AxzQhlmYQyfJOuRhLFtOdD317qe-8QKn-hXpGO1vFy-U/s640/B10.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>It was great to see Rachael and Karen for my 3rd running of the <a href="https://www.baltimoretenmiler.com/" target="_blank">Baltimore 10 Miler</a>; it's always hot and hilly, but they have good beer</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjteUB3aIfvZUZrj2OSCyfCpDxTzCJfpxkYCf3usDzOhIaBOV5-EGxwzyLyrtAfD7p3tCn6yFov_clPQK5g4xYVicqBJM1qAhiNhEIPzk2GiRNbEhEKeK95DZ3lBtyOnwqsuc7HGEJ_Df3h/s1600/mcm+admins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjteUB3aIfvZUZrj2OSCyfCpDxTzCJfpxkYCf3usDzOhIaBOV5-EGxwzyLyrtAfD7p3tCn6yFov_clPQK5g4xYVicqBJM1qAhiNhEIPzk2GiRNbEhEKeK95DZ3lBtyOnwqsuc7HGEJ_Df3h/s640/mcm+admins.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Happy Hour with my friends and fellow Admins of the best <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/361625103860878/" target="_blank">unofficial Marine Corps Marathon Facebook group</a> ever!</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
2018 was, perhaps, one of my lightest race years in a while. But that's OK. An unwritten goal was to decrease spending on race entries, and that I did.<br />
<br />
<h2>
2019</h2>
My first race of 2019 is a trail race this coming weekend, a 20K. My first marathon is the Hong Kong Marathon in February, followed by Tokyo two weeks later. There will be some other events, and I'll try to keep my race schedule on the blog current going forward. We'll see how the year progresses as I get myself sorted out.<br />
<ul>
</ul>
Sandy Hugillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12757839732019464486noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4930244248887247542.post-31074903986103035012018-01-03T13:31:00.000-08:002018-01-03T13:31:44.832-08:002018 Running GoalsAs <a href="https://sandyruns.blogspot.com/2018/01/2017-running-recap.html" target="_blank">reported here</a>, I fell short of meeting my 2017 running goals. I was on track for some good success until two things happened: 1) I became injured, which was not under my control; 2) I started a new job and failed to adjust to my lack of free time - this, I could have done better to mitigate. But I'm feeling great about 2018 already. I'm in a better place than last January, both mentally and physically. Soon, a move to a townhouse in the Merion Village neighborhood of Columbus will put me closer to the Scioto Trail, Schiller Park, and to two of the three local groups that I run with. <br />
<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgorw5zZ6-1GioLI8d9gLdIAYJf6QIVBZdfdIk6rgHQxhyDnKXCwXhCHHoi6ILBeUPRJ6n-A72du2wV9zJQ_vB0WxHxnGAYALszwBlra8HPF8FlXGpgHKKWWU856RdbhUUFIvpA9wd4NHN5/s1600/Snow+Run+20171230.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgorw5zZ6-1GioLI8d9gLdIAYJf6QIVBZdfdIk6rgHQxhyDnKXCwXhCHHoi6ILBeUPRJ6n-A72du2wV9zJQ_vB0WxHxnGAYALszwBlra8HPF8FlXGpgHKKWWU856RdbhUUFIvpA9wd4NHN5/s400/Snow+Run+20171230.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Saturday morning training run with CWRC; this one was technically from 2017 (December 30), but it shows I'm getting out there even in bad weather, and I plan to keep that up</em></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
In addition to working on consistency with my training, I plan to pick up where I left off before last year's injuries. That means working on speed with the intent to earn some new PRs this year. Here we go.<br />
<h2>
My 2018 Goals</h2>
<ul>
<li><strong>I will lead the 11:00 pace group for CWRC.</strong> Unless I am out of town, ill, or have a really good excuse (like moving day next week), I will attend every <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ColumbusWestsideRunningClub/" target="_blank">Columbus Westside Running Club</a> (CWRC) Saturday training run, for which I am the 11:00 minute pace leader. We have already started our spring training season.</li>
<li><strong>I will attend three out of four CRC speed workouts each month.</strong> The Wednesday night speed sessions with <a href="https://www.columbusrunning.com/" target="_blank">Columbus Running Company</a> (CRC) were a big reason why I got close to some new PRs in 2017. I need these workouts in my life. But I also know that life happens, so I am setting the goal of making it to three sessions per month, starting after my move.</li>
<li><strong>I will pace my first marathon.</strong> I love pacing half marathons and kept telling myself I couldn't pace a full marathon because I'm inconsistent. But really, that was just an excuse. If I can pace a 3:00 half, I can pace a 6:00 full. I'll do so on my birthday weekend at <a href="https://www.carmelmarathon.com/" target="_blank">Carmel Marathon</a> in Indiana.</li>
<li><strong>I will run in at least 1 new country.</strong> At this time, I'm targeting the <a href="https://beerlovermarathon.be/" target="_blank">Beer Lovers' Marathon</a> in Liege, Belgium. It's in May, so I need to figure this out soon. Another possibility is the <a href="http://marathon.is/reykjavik-marathon" target="_blank">Reykjavik Marathon</a> (Iceland!!!) in August.</li>
<li><strong>I will attempt PRs in the 5K, 10K and Half Marathon.</strong> I came very close in 2017 before I was injured, so I know it is possible. I'm not setting a PR goal for the marathon, but if I can do it for these other distances, the marathon will follow. </li>
<li><strong>I will lock in two </strong><a href="https://www.worldmarathonmajors.com/"><strong>World Marathon Majors</strong></a><strong> races for 2019.</strong> No more hoping to be selected via lottery/ballot. When Tokyo Marathon charity registration opens, I will apply. And I will also contact Marathon Tours about running London. I'm not going to think about Boston yet.</li>
<li><strong>I will take on my first coaching client.</strong> I do not have a solid plan for how I will incorporate coaching into my life. But I don't want to lose the knowledge I gained in RRCA Coaching Level 1 class. My first client will most likely be a family member. </li>
</ul>
<h2>
What am I NOT putting down as a goal?</h2>
<ul>
<li>No more vague goals like "work on consistency" will cut it. Only specific, measureable goals.</li>
<li>No strength training goal, but I plan to work this into my training plan anyway.</li>
<li>No goal for number or type of races. I will let the above goals guide me, and schedule races that fit into that plan as it shapes up. </li>
<li>I am not planning to pace as many races as the last couple years. As much as I love pacing, I need to focus on myself this running year.</li>
</ul>
I think I can do this. On the surface, these goals may seem easy, but achieving them would put me in my best running shape in over 5 years. That's something. And the international race goals? Those will enrich my life, as I am energized and fulfilled by travel. I just need to stay injury-free, and all of this will be mine.Sandy Hugillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12757839732019464486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4930244248887247542.post-68123197783760106812018-01-02T10:31:00.000-08:002018-01-02T10:31:14.757-08:002017 Running RecapIt's time to review the 2017 running year. I made several changes in my life (moved out of state, started a new job), and had a few injuries. This made it difficult to achieve all of my 2017 goals. Still, I'm happy to celebrate a few victories. Here's a rundown of each 2017 goal and its outcome.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJP0EXiVsoXO7qy-6QGmeE2l3BrADDXzTUbyLEbgUvUFIrtI8dx8hSYRJx6HohSBHDRwY-wBcRQ2cBLsvULjNLGyVME1TRkxrOpjAAsYMSxPqLZrZXsbDNsp3CP8H4jrwwaqpwYrIGCQ_6/s1600/Medina+Half+Finish+Line.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1066" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJP0EXiVsoXO7qy-6QGmeE2l3BrADDXzTUbyLEbgUvUFIrtI8dx8hSYRJx6HohSBHDRwY-wBcRQ2cBLsvULjNLGyVME1TRkxrOpjAAsYMSxPqLZrZXsbDNsp3CP8H4jrwwaqpwYrIGCQ_6/s640/Medina+Half+Finish+Line.jpg" width="425" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Finishing the Medina Half Marathon a couple minutes under goal time, knowing that a half marathon PR would come soon....but it didn't come due to injuries.</em></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<strong>2017 Goal:</strong> I will focus on consistent running. Starting no later than February, after my move, I'll run on Tuesday nights with the Columbus Westside Running Club (CWRC). I'm also going to run with them on Sunday mornings as part of their half and quarter marathon training program. I'll log extra miles on several Sundays to get into marathon shape.<br />
<strong>Outcome:</strong> While I did become a regular at CWRC Tuesday nights, I rarely showed up for Sunday morning runs. For part of the year I was also a regular at running groups on Wednesday and Thursday nights, but my attendance trailed off when I started a job in August. I still need to work on consistency.<br />
<br />
<strong>2017 Goal:</strong> I will do regular strength training. I enjoyed my kettle bell workouts in 2016, so I'll get back into those. I'll also dust off my pilates machine and use it. I have dumbbells and resistance bands too, so I can do a variety of strength workouts at home.<br />
<strong>Outcome:</strong> I started out the year with regular, but not completely consistent, strength workouts using kettle bells or the pilates machine. Injuries sustained in the spring and summer interrupted the workouts, and I never got back into the groove in the latter half of the year.<br />
<br />
<strong>2017 Goal:</strong> I will run in at least 2 new countries, achieving full membership status in the <a href="http://www.marathonglobetrotters.org/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #f43d3d;">Marathon Globetrotters</span></a>. I'm currently at 8 countries, which gives me provisional (non-voting) membership. I need to get to 10. I will earn both Italy (Rome Marathon) and France (Paris Marathon) in April on back-to-back weekends.<br />
<strong>Outcome:</strong> Success. I ran in 3 new countries. In addition to <a href="https://sandyruns.blogspot.com/2017/04/2017-maratona-di-roma-race-report.html" target="_blank">Italy</a> and <a href="https://sandyruns.blogspot.com/2017/04/2017-marathon-de-paris-race-report.html" target="_blank">France</a>, I checked off <a href="https://sandyruns.blogspot.com/2017/12/2017-hefei-international-marathon-race.html" target="_blank">China</a>, running the Hefei International Marathon in November.<br />
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<strong>2017 Goal:</strong> I will improve my average marathon finish time. I do not expect a PR this year. This is a rebuilding year. As much as I'd love to earn a PR, a more realistic goal is to focus on running a marathon in 5:15 or less. Once I do that, I can set my sights on a PR.<br />
<strong>Outcome:</strong> Not achieved. I was actually doing great with speed gains up through May, but then I injured my calf in June, and then reinjured it in September. I think I would have earned both a marathon and half marathon PR if not for the injuries.<br />
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<strong>2017 Goal:</strong> I will plan my approach to completing the <a href="https://www.worldmarathonmajors.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #f43d3d;">World Marathon Majors</span></a>. I still need to finish three of these: Tokyo, London, Boston. I won't run any of these in 2017, but I can plan for 2018. Tokyo and London are lottery/ballot entries, and I may enter those lotteries, or I may make plans to run one of these marathons with a tour group. As for Boston, until I really improve my fitness and seriously train for it, my best chance of running Boston is through charity. That's probably not going to happen in time for the 2018 Boston Marathon. But in 2017 I'll start making my plans for the remaining Majors.<br />
<strong>Outcome:</strong> Not achieved, and I won't be running any Majors in 2018. I was not selected for the Tokyo or London lotteries. Later this year I will most likely register to run 2019 Tokyo as a charity runner. And I will look into 2019 London through Marathon Tours. Boston will wait.<br />
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Even though I fell far short of meeting my goals, I still feel like I accomplished some things this year:<br />
<ul>
<li>I completed 30 races: 5 marathons; 8 half marathons; 1 10-miler; 1 quarter marathon; 2 10Ks; 1 5-miler; 3 4-milers; 1 7K; and 8 5Ks. Also, I ran two untimed, organized events that were each approximately a 5K distance.</li>
<li>I did regular speed work for several months and saw real pace improvements. I got very close to earning PRs in the 5K, 4-miler, 10K and half marathon before my injury in June. This tells me that speed work works, and I will get back to it in 2018.</li>
<li>I paced three half marathons, and committed to pacing my first marathon in 2018. I continue to enjoy helping other runners to achieve their goals.</li>
<li>I became a Road Runners Club of America (RRCA) Level 1 <a href="https://sandyruns.blogspot.com/2017/09/im-certified-running-coach.html" target="_blank">running coach</a>. This goal was unplanned, but when the opportunity to take a local certification course came up, I jumped on it.</li>
<li>I <a href="https://sandyruns.blogspot.com/2017/09/crewing-at-burning-river-100-miler.html" target="_blank">volunteered and crewed</a> for Burning River 100 Mile Endurance Run. What a great experience it was to be part of this event. If I wasn't in awe of ultra runners before this, I certainly was afterward. And maybe...maybe I will consider running a 50 miler in the next year or two.</li>
</ul>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK1fBMgsc-_ZkbVWauCrlz-JjAb6043ja5UbsZu0XcRN6wNTw8p7qx44kxyJN2EDsPSrPcOPHtMqPxzvnIb98pQ3du3E5vJNhmPbCAspyITmrifXvQTJvSGQ7nj-FzEa9pY6pQ_imbf0jI/s1600/Sandy+Hugill+2017+Rome+Marathon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK1fBMgsc-_ZkbVWauCrlz-JjAb6043ja5UbsZu0XcRN6wNTw8p7qx44kxyJN2EDsPSrPcOPHtMqPxzvnIb98pQ3du3E5vJNhmPbCAspyITmrifXvQTJvSGQ7nj-FzEa9pY6pQ_imbf0jI/s640/Sandy+Hugill+2017+Rome+Marathon.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>About to finish Maratona di Roma in April on a cold, rainy day; Italy was one of three new marathon countries for me, and even if the weather wasn't ideal and the cobblestones were tricky, I loved my run through the Eternal City</em></td></tr>
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<br />
This was a year of transition for me. Things went well while I had more time on my hands (there were some months when I was not employed). Things did not go as well when my new job took away from my free time, and when I sustained injuries. In 2018, barring injury, I plan to pick up where I left off. I'll post about my 2018 goals soon in a separate blog post.Sandy Hugillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12757839732019464486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4930244248887247542.post-59703844433080201682017-12-09T19:19:00.000-08:002017-12-09T19:20:57.930-08:002017 Hefei International Marathon Race ReportMost of my regular followers will know that I was selected as part of a team of five to represent Columbus, Ohio at the marathon of our sister city Hefei, China. I blogged about the announcement <a href="https://sandyruns.blogspot.com/2017/09/china-marathon-event-in-columbus-come.html" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="https://sandyruns.blogspot.com/2017/06/im-going-to-china-as-columbus-marathon.html" target="_blank">here</a>, and about my team's fundraiser <a href="https://sandyruns.blogspot.com/2017/11/off-to-china-for-hefei-international.html" target="_blank">here</a>. On November 8, 2017, we set off to the Far East, arriving in Hefei, China late evening on November 9th. We spent five days in Hefei, after which everyone went separate directions. My travels took me to Bangkok, Thailand, and then back to China to spend time in and around Beijing. But this post is about Hefei and the marathon I ran there.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0De9v41p-2VNf7JR9G0MHIRlYwMwQipZunAlg4Sbzf5-sgBk5Qwp-RjDhTkeKKAwIENuKxC7CRrZuK_yFaLNp6WA381_n7qJMaATHoWusVLE-1Wf7cYQmO6U6f5R8iFtkzgV_8budnlqu/s1600/fullsizeoutput_416e.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="529" data-original-width="527" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0De9v41p-2VNf7JR9G0MHIRlYwMwQipZunAlg4Sbzf5-sgBk5Qwp-RjDhTkeKKAwIENuKxC7CRrZuK_yFaLNp6WA381_n7qJMaATHoWusVLE-1Wf7cYQmO6U6f5R8iFtkzgV_8budnlqu/s640/fullsizeoutput_416e.jpeg" width="636" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Post marathon with Courtney, Bernard, me, Echo and Lily in back</i></td></tr>
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The <a href="http://www.hefeimarathon.com/" target="_blank">Hefei International Marathon</a> is a large event, with tens of thousands of participants across all race distances (marathon, half marathon, 5K and 10K). The marathon had the smallest race field of all events, but included some very competitive elite runners.<br />
<h2>
The Lead-Up</h2>
Through the sister city marathon exchange, our team of ambassadors was treated as VIPs. We stayed in the hotel that served as the race headquarters, and shared a floor with some of the elite athletes. Like the elites, we didn't need to go to the regular packet pick-up; our packets were waiting for us at the hotel. And those packets contained racing singlets and shorts, like the elites received, and bibs for front and back. In contrast, regular participants received a short-sleeved event shirt and a different colored bib to be pinned on their front only. But at the time we got our packets, I didn't know about the regular event t-shirt.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlBm8QOGbD4iFv-qC2-gdPibc-kP5NlMb6FsH6uHmG5a3IjiublgXDejmd5e0yHTB4bm-ILpxy-s3hh40nXZLJwROrhJOdLgd8h2xVSMvfJZzvKEIIeeawvSRsEERd4WvojAfyR2ZZpQ1X/s1600/fullsizeoutput_4138.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="915" data-original-width="1600" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlBm8QOGbD4iFv-qC2-gdPibc-kP5NlMb6FsH6uHmG5a3IjiublgXDejmd5e0yHTB4bm-ILpxy-s3hh40nXZLJwROrhJOdLgd8h2xVSMvfJZzvKEIIeeawvSRsEERd4WvojAfyR2ZZpQ1X/s640/fullsizeoutput_4138.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The marathon table at our hotel</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6GqeT0rAtgXyIZ3WZ429M_LcECSd1x4kqk3Bk1uWSjGVEJY4tPKLAuL3JoLEO8WRA5VxFbJdpEQ-2nsBK3euD7Osjv9E6aFSLqw_LTTLejsrQ2RiDhszsplngBU4X-a8H1Ea2T81FIaW7/s1600/fullsizeoutput_413b.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1432" data-original-width="1600" height="571" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6GqeT0rAtgXyIZ3WZ429M_LcECSd1x4kqk3Bk1uWSjGVEJY4tPKLAuL3JoLEO8WRA5VxFbJdpEQ-2nsBK3euD7Osjv9E6aFSLqw_LTTLejsrQ2RiDhszsplngBU4X-a8H1Ea2T81FIaW7/s640/fullsizeoutput_413b.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>VIP packet (shorts not pictured); only later did we get regular marathon t-shirts; we were also gifted volunteer jackets</i></td></tr>
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The marathon was on Sunday, but on Saturday our hosts had a big day planned for us. It was tough to keep going all day when we were short on sleep and trying to adjust to the time change, but I wouldn't change a thing. We had a great day that started with a visit to Sanhe, an ancient city about an hour's drive outside Hefei. There, our hosts Bernard, Echo, Lily, Cindy and Oliver treated us to a traditional countryside lunch. Afterward, we drove back to the city for a party in our honor. The attendees included some runners and other members of an English-speaking club. Everyone seemed happy to meet us and to practice their English. We played some games and spent some time getting to know each other. The group made homemade dumplings for dinner and moon cakes for dessert. It was fun, but a long day, and when it was over we were all very grateful to get some sleep before the race.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtcGbTB4xgo4T0-noS6nYR_V1FKa1BzdgzYU8MKXVyh2rKU4AtAwPJz-ZNEFFoC0M7GhpOkYFeCS3zPn7xbLEoQQLHYZcmhfZODqQ7_wXPse-nKMvUqiPqs7nCukMJDRLDA3Fp6doFkvhb/s1600/fullsizeoutput_4176.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="636" data-original-width="960" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtcGbTB4xgo4T0-noS6nYR_V1FKa1BzdgzYU8MKXVyh2rKU4AtAwPJz-ZNEFFoC0M7GhpOkYFeCS3zPn7xbLEoQQLHYZcmhfZODqQ7_wXPse-nKMvUqiPqs7nCukMJDRLDA3Fp6doFkvhb/s640/fullsizeoutput_4176.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>At Sanhe: front row: Bernard, Courtney, Cindy; back row: Echo, me, Will, Avery, Kristian, Oliver (Lily was the photographer)</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0eDEQhryf0HlnqTD62JJTH_8SHjRzLUBryZZjSmyL4YqmCuJKXNy-N9dgwvix99XMXUK8L8Cku9LjVou5iEvRgZzCkjU865IoU-C50oWTBhdR-Nfbc30em-SFO6pbe1V1Dn0OYcuSY0Kl/s1600/fullsizeoutput_4175.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="449" data-original-width="694" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0eDEQhryf0HlnqTD62JJTH_8SHjRzLUBryZZjSmyL4YqmCuJKXNy-N9dgwvix99XMXUK8L8Cku9LjVou5iEvRgZzCkjU865IoU-C50oWTBhdR-Nfbc30em-SFO6pbe1V1Dn0OYcuSY0Kl/s640/fullsizeoutput_4175.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>At the dumpling and English party with some of our new friends</i></td></tr>
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<h2>
Pre-Race</h2>
My team was up early to catch the shuttle bus to the race start several miles away. We rode the bus with the elites, mostly African runners. They must have wondered who we were, because we were a nice-looking group, but we were clearly not in their league. The bus dropped us off at a convention center which served as the start and finish staging area. We didn't know where to find our hosts because they were coming from their own homes, not from the hotel. We got caught up in visiting some of the vendor booths, watching various groups of runners meet up in matching outfits, and being asked by random people to take photos with us (there aren't a lot of foreign visitors to Hefei, so we stood out). Eventually, we found Bernard, Echo and Lily.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5au3vcXcI3v7XkvoavOoo7Qmtx2RXzlgECDt2Dm-3knkLYIvaswPZLX9bpAzH_jOoPsjPmU1Oq1SyEfQdRH-53KbACA3TLxDkZDzVgKYpXypgp2UQ7uCRSOX9E20y-N4fBYArAbTg0Ebc/s1600/fullsizeoutput_4144.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5au3vcXcI3v7XkvoavOoo7Qmtx2RXzlgECDt2Dm-3knkLYIvaswPZLX9bpAzH_jOoPsjPmU1Oq1SyEfQdRH-53KbACA3TLxDkZDzVgKYpXypgp2UQ7uCRSOX9E20y-N4fBYArAbTg0Ebc/s640/fullsizeoutput_4144.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Will, Kristian, Courtney and Avery make their way to the convention center</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ5WwiumEVAdyhEyTcSnOHPmQMYmORwalV59Uw6yWxONZfTcxLzErs9Wz0swy7PvljKH6a3bc8h_8cgIkBChzu6XlTzLl4AgkWZ7m2D9e77n-PdmgDlzcs7fNwKtHL0Q5Q3zJAPEqOHMzK/s1600/fullsizeoutput_4145.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1012" data-original-width="1600" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ5WwiumEVAdyhEyTcSnOHPmQMYmORwalV59Uw6yWxONZfTcxLzErs9Wz0swy7PvljKH6a3bc8h_8cgIkBChzu6XlTzLl4AgkWZ7m2D9e77n-PdmgDlzcs7fNwKtHL0Q5Q3zJAPEqOHMzK/s640/fullsizeoutput_4145.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Many teams dressed alike</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSm25izejsvcz4Ul5FbVwGoqwuieH72iwbz-lUJMwlneIFV7zHSKRGzjS450eEDAkArv3W5uRhjdkPDIQ1gTeONU95Pb80_pkalQRuFW44Ef1bQFdItKCTfJJUJw6EtzhrM8BtIDQl4xKG/s1600/fullsizeoutput_4149.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSm25izejsvcz4Ul5FbVwGoqwuieH72iwbz-lUJMwlneIFV7zHSKRGzjS450eEDAkArv3W5uRhjdkPDIQ1gTeONU95Pb80_pkalQRuFW44Ef1bQFdItKCTfJJUJw6EtzhrM8BtIDQl4xKG/s640/fullsizeoutput_4149.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The drumbeats told us it was time to get to the start corrals</i></td></tr>
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By the time we found our hosts, time was already running short. Most of us needed a bathroom break and then to check our bags. Our group somehow separated with Echo leading Avery, Courtney and me, and Bernard leading Kristian and Will. There was some confusion over where the VIP bag check was located, and every volunteer that Echo talked to told her something different, so we ran around frantically as race time approached. In the end, Echo got us to the starting line with just about five minutes to go. Bernard, Kristian and Will were already there.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyaFN2vz2WRjFUmV_WYbN9WsYjQZIigj6EsSB5ngTGn5y86Gu5zOu0p0XHSIjzRXIMM-DrCk-WgPLiBMNaP-_NZJIkY2cRRTNEXPkc5-J-QEDo1Cgi2d-oHvPaBKp3lkImohhsbldEn4sr/s1600/fullsizeoutput_4148.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1228" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyaFN2vz2WRjFUmV_WYbN9WsYjQZIigj6EsSB5ngTGn5y86Gu5zOu0p0XHSIjzRXIMM-DrCk-WgPLiBMNaP-_NZJIkY2cRRTNEXPkc5-J-QEDo1Cgi2d-oHvPaBKp3lkImohhsbldEn4sr/s640/fullsizeoutput_4148.jpeg" width="490" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>This was supposed to be a pre-race pic of me, but I like that Will was an unknowing photo bomber and he's clearly in a good mood, laughing about something (plus, check out his VIP half marathon bib number)</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1mSdbxMEVWHCIMMBWTqDH2VTQD2ilmy5j7w9_E4mNxzbJLGYMUD8fA28-J8tJq3InUX3TStRNsUkYlRG4_KpALwDIr1d23sodu6ZM99Mj7_p09WoT7os-Il-S8PMHIvOjeHXiHlTMnWPC/s1600/fullsizeoutput_414d.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1083" data-original-width="1600" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1mSdbxMEVWHCIMMBWTqDH2VTQD2ilmy5j7w9_E4mNxzbJLGYMUD8fA28-J8tJq3InUX3TStRNsUkYlRG4_KpALwDIr1d23sodu6ZM99Mj7_p09WoT7os-Il-S8PMHIvOjeHXiHlTMnWPC/s640/fullsizeoutput_414d.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Hustling to the start, that's Echo's pink cap and Courtney's blonde hair</i></td></tr>
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When I say that we made it to the starting line, I mean, right there, up front with the elites. That's how they treated VIPs at this race. It felt weird to be in the front, knowing that 90% of the marathon field would be faster than me, and I would need to get out of the way as soon as the gun went off. At the same time, it was somewhat exhilarating to be starting with the elites. I positioned myself behind everyone, but then the first corral runners were given the opportunity to toe the line, and I almost got knocked down before even starting.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUER4-uq_izanoaldKiM6RpxUdZ31fgJARSUdfXwd6CmhsLjaA7joZnAfIpG3hxQwbz-XnnW7mBmZEuT6E_8CbND_Qqq6BA9Hw_gpYRXdkMwFE94k2nJyD5iOX8SPhNQlARXEE9YDveTRE/s1600/fullsizeoutput_414e.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUER4-uq_izanoaldKiM6RpxUdZ31fgJARSUdfXwd6CmhsLjaA7joZnAfIpG3hxQwbz-XnnW7mBmZEuT6E_8CbND_Qqq6BA9Hw_gpYRXdkMwFE94k2nJyD5iOX8SPhNQlARXEE9YDveTRE/s640/fullsizeoutput_414e.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Yup, we would pass through these people and get RIGHT THERE up front under that arch</i></td></tr>
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<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_N6qeOLqXWRTb68GI1WT2x0nsb8m2G3j6KEeacJl1BELQ6xnP378GW5cAMEvGeCP-uUi8j_96g0Pe2FLesqKU5vwRDpXbIl_KHIuTtEM5VJK_NflxrC9TDgaCCr6SHX6FVu2Kgrd9YYyT/s1600/fullsizeoutput_4174.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="636" data-original-width="960" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_N6qeOLqXWRTb68GI1WT2x0nsb8m2G3j6KEeacJl1BELQ6xnP378GW5cAMEvGeCP-uUi8j_96g0Pe2FLesqKU5vwRDpXbIl_KHIuTtEM5VJK_NflxrC9TDgaCCr6SHX6FVu2Kgrd9YYyT/s640/fullsizeoutput_4174.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>I never saw the final pic, but here's Lily's take on Bernard getting a pre-race pic; note the elite guy on the left wondering who the hell we were</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9cQHsE2ycwWO0o5BzQHlCARu1xB1pylJY4zBeKHGFCUr32ihVL0d3VhxeTXwC6WoPOyqL1iF-VXtXHemY0a5V3IyfAqT6F4hf_q4NAbT5Jm8I5nS5uHrjzQslHVGl0FmkdP5iSfc-MFYD/s1600/fullsizeoutput_4150.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1203" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9cQHsE2ycwWO0o5BzQHlCARu1xB1pylJY4zBeKHGFCUr32ihVL0d3VhxeTXwC6WoPOyqL1iF-VXtXHemY0a5V3IyfAqT6F4hf_q4NAbT5Jm8I5nS5uHrjzQslHVGl0FmkdP5iSfc-MFYD/s640/fullsizeoutput_4150.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Quick pre-start selfie with Avery and Courtney, with Echo in the background</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h2>
Game On</h2>
We really didn't have much time to take in the scene. As soon as we realized we were up front with the elites and other VIPs, and got one or two photos, the race started. I had to run faster than normal in order to not get trampled. Most of our group sort of stayed together for 500 meters or so. Bernard, Will and Courtney were a little bit ahead. Avery, Echo and I were slightly behind. I was not able to keep up the pace and told Echo and Avery that I would need to slow down and begin taking walk breaks as soon as it was safe to do so. I had hoped that Avery and I could stick together for a little while, but I lost her after my first walk break. There were just so many runners and I couldn't keep my eye on her, let alone was I going to be able to catch her. That was OK. I had to do my own thing.<br />
<br />
My original goal was to go out at a 5:30 pace. I thought this was reasonable. The weather was much more cooperative than it was a month prior at the <a href="https://sandyruns.blogspot.com/2017/10/2017-columbus-marathon-race-report.html" target="_blank">Columbus Marathon</a>. And the blood blisters under my big toenails were pretty much healed. I hadn't run much since Columbus, but I thought this would be a reasonable pace. I shared this information with Echo before we started, and she said something about running with me, but after my first walk break, I realized she was going to run significantly faster. As in most of my marathons, I was on my own. That gave me the opportunity to concentrate on the sights and sounds around me. The race experience was much like at any other large marathon, aside from the scenery, the many "looks" I got from Chinese runners for being a foreigner, and the occasional selfie I was asked to be in. Many runners wore their race shirts, so you see a sea of blue in my photos.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPNNGzGdYzTvbUd7Mi4levQXyqLemA4emim6Pp8KxwG4leSU5WYetlnGa6wcGCQObYgeFpwEiq-pVHQM48i0marGxkJfbcRSDRmYsxIg7FVF8KeEW69FuDsTxD_6DeuDZCtyPljKlBhAND/s1600/IMG_0322.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPNNGzGdYzTvbUd7Mi4levQXyqLemA4emim6Pp8KxwG4leSU5WYetlnGa6wcGCQObYgeFpwEiq-pVHQM48i0marGxkJfbcRSDRmYsxIg7FVF8KeEW69FuDsTxD_6DeuDZCtyPljKlBhAND/s640/IMG_0322.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>This was a typical view early in the race; and yes, that's air pollution making the sky gray; it was not a rainy or overcast day</i></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-L_UjJEhPW7C0syJXfgre4fHsZ6bU_VOwl81lzgVFlzyAbXALwBa6vUrkvhko3EE5G-Q8rvMV9DWLAhZkRJnZhB8nsGsYezp8bKggaW5iE9NYCg4KpYSxbhWglEfMlycCjIG-PnFSAGoD/s1600/fullsizeoutput_4158.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-L_UjJEhPW7C0syJXfgre4fHsZ6bU_VOwl81lzgVFlzyAbXALwBa6vUrkvhko3EE5G-Q8rvMV9DWLAhZkRJnZhB8nsGsYezp8bKggaW5iE9NYCg4KpYSxbhWglEfMlycCjIG-PnFSAGoD/s640/fullsizeoutput_4158.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>I don't know what this was, but I liked it</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
It was kind of exciting when we ran past some familiar sites. Yes, I had been in Hefei long enough to recognize landmarks in the Wanda area where our hotel was located. Most notable was the amusement park that was near the Wanda Mall.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF9gKBEh07CTfjnS9RzsA2ru-SY3GEnNU5opDxJhnqgqsV30eQb34ouMXTNR777vOC0n2gmYtO0dWdN_lBp5CR8Xz_RedA6s1OzWCmuHlH2tCmXPb_7NSFfgNrViRIU63K9V7rTGHuEHSy/s1600/IMG_0329.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1203" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF9gKBEh07CTfjnS9RzsA2ru-SY3GEnNU5opDxJhnqgqsV30eQb34ouMXTNR777vOC0n2gmYtO0dWdN_lBp5CR8Xz_RedA6s1OzWCmuHlH2tCmXPb_7NSFfgNrViRIU63K9V7rTGHuEHSy/s640/IMG_0329.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Headed to Wanda City were we'd almost run right by the hotel</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNcmIhXm4UMtHsQQEjs2AlqieZN6yKxeqdvcQg54Mt_pbNhruTGp9zpN34M9x1NfvTn6ecoDG6edC1jMXHcgjsfMq5kI9F_KSU4jO4EyIeIcSi482Yu9mNN3rCcSzMH29XQchz-ECneD6E/s1600/IMG_0331.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNcmIhXm4UMtHsQQEjs2AlqieZN6yKxeqdvcQg54Mt_pbNhruTGp9zpN34M9x1NfvTn6ecoDG6edC1jMXHcgjsfMq5kI9F_KSU4jO4EyIeIcSi482Yu9mNN3rCcSzMH29XQchz-ECneD6E/s640/IMG_0331.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Colorful performers on the course</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMqk9xqzStDZEjYKCXfPt9wmgqITOOTD6Uzh8CvgTbZo5J04TtNwapRIsbxax-6sTkHmYSrBL-aX3O9cedyXeSOX6A8tYEM52jFmuMPgsxBFjjkZztZ_FXnzCrxX8w6RzyUm0Ln5TIg3Lt/s1600/IMG_0333.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMqk9xqzStDZEjYKCXfPt9wmgqITOOTD6Uzh8CvgTbZo5J04TtNwapRIsbxax-6sTkHmYSrBL-aX3O9cedyXeSOX6A8tYEM52jFmuMPgsxBFjjkZztZ_FXnzCrxX8w6RzyUm0Ln5TIg3Lt/s640/IMG_0333.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The amusement park near our hotel</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h2>
Slowing Down</h2>
I was doing fairly well on pace for most of the first half. And then I started experiencing some abdominal cramping. At first I thought this was typical side stitches, but then I realized it was something more. I had to slow down and walk a little more. The 5:30 pacers passed me. I knew I would not make my goal. And at this point the pack had long since thinned out as the half marathoners turned off miles ago. There were still several runners, and some very enthusiastic volunteers, though few spectators except for in a couple spots. The race was definitely going to become harder mentally, in addition to physically.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8LxTOkO5Nq6zJB0_6SuNEcRaqgglDiB8QmDMeWk8HR0bgk0hQE3oYmuksy8ouJW0Bri1bnAyb8tUhU_p50ntnnqtDbYRWJctjpe9ggYJ0AaZptqJNW9BeU8PddU-mwRkL0gktOBAviPPX/s1600/fullsizeoutput_4159.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1036" data-original-width="1600" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8LxTOkO5Nq6zJB0_6SuNEcRaqgglDiB8QmDMeWk8HR0bgk0hQE3oYmuksy8ouJW0Bri1bnAyb8tUhU_p50ntnnqtDbYRWJctjpe9ggYJ0AaZptqJNW9BeU8PddU-mwRkL0gktOBAviPPX/s640/fullsizeoutput_4159.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The 5:30 pace group passing me</i></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA9XKU1pTRaXO8OKz-aLdhMp5u4T5O4M5joOnggzl_Zs-sfpQRogygz1PpW-LJTV9gL4zvYrmzTn9ieOvnJoW_Fp5asaAhvaoo6w3gbYr4ULjGNGcNok0TlpyvmWBjJPNgzCSo6d6UOPLr/s1600/IMG_0339.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1203" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA9XKU1pTRaXO8OKz-aLdhMp5u4T5O4M5joOnggzl_Zs-sfpQRogygz1PpW-LJTV9gL4zvYrmzTn9ieOvnJoW_Fp5asaAhvaoo6w3gbYr4ULjGNGcNok0TlpyvmWBjJPNgzCSo6d6UOPLr/s640/IMG_0339.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Posing in front of one of the largest freshwater lakes in China; it's bigger than it appears from this angle</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h2>
No Longer Alone</h2>
At about the halfway point I saw Bernard, Echo and Courtney on the out and back. It was nice to see some friendly faces. I crossed over to their side of the road for a photo op.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRzB1LfWzPxc6WNX2MAjWgFZHTTUcE4OZLAFo9NTIIK867g2r1pEr_xbmyF3Ka2qAZwa_crEC0C82qNzpHDKXcVb3jAryVhcbaoEMT3OD8QWtrzx_xrxNvtB9xfPza27sEBkgwdSszjolk/s1600/IMG_0343.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1203" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRzB1LfWzPxc6WNX2MAjWgFZHTTUcE4OZLAFo9NTIIK867g2r1pEr_xbmyF3Ka2qAZwa_crEC0C82qNzpHDKXcVb3jAryVhcbaoEMT3OD8QWtrzx_xrxNvtB9xfPza27sEBkgwdSszjolk/s640/IMG_0343.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Selfie with Echo and Courtney</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEictLOkR4Ei4Df3U61RNlC2R2EwEahvpR80AXVEZf_ctPsXTLKdmsPiWk-EhtzdPvPukhNZogwNteRXNRF8gGT2cuOb8GK6mFb-12Lo3O4v5QfYTG9usB89LjMi3eXJ1MHGXksNAoOeidm4/s1600/fullsizeoutput_415a.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEictLOkR4Ei4Df3U61RNlC2R2EwEahvpR80AXVEZf_ctPsXTLKdmsPiWk-EhtzdPvPukhNZogwNteRXNRF8gGT2cuOb8GK6mFb-12Lo3O4v5QfYTG9usB89LjMi3eXJ1MHGXksNAoOeidm4/s640/fullsizeoutput_415a.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>A fun photo with Bernard, Courtney and Echo</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
After the photos, Courtney and Echo ran on, and Bernard said he would stick with me. Of course, this meant that he'd be repeating part of the course, and really slowing his time down (he's a fast runner who has qualified for Boston). But his offer to run with me is a fine example of Chinese hospitality. He wanted to make sure I was going to be OK.<br />
<br />
So Bernard ran and walked with me for pretty much the entire second half of my marathon. There was, in fact, a lot of walking, as my cramps got worse and I really began to feel "off". I never felt like I would have a GI emergency, but I also wanted to take it easy. Was the source of my discomfort the fact that I'd been in China for a few days and I was still adjusting to the food? Was the air quality affecting me? I'll never know, because I felt better after finishing the marathon. But in the second half of that marathon, I was not right.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdlfduAiGAMtcUBkhQV-1Uv-phptJJ3_KfZYrt-alJjNp0zHkSCZNyaRTa4x0oNSUctdCjcaUR6GqFiw8jXIPZ1Vd5qpffrfa6Lo6jl6jnEjML1_o_bWpjXtGKh30odggcBxSE3ERTQeS6/s1600/fullsizeoutput_415b.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1498" data-original-width="1600" height="598" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdlfduAiGAMtcUBkhQV-1Uv-phptJJ3_KfZYrt-alJjNp0zHkSCZNyaRTa4x0oNSUctdCjcaUR6GqFiw8jXIPZ1Vd5qpffrfa6Lo6jl6jnEjML1_o_bWpjXtGKh30odggcBxSE3ERTQeS6/s640/fullsizeoutput_415b.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>I saw these guys near the halfway point</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpD_FKdMUWQpW_3_0euaQvTG_NOLlgFL32pLaz2P_vr-ijxpdCtu1j3rXhi-uHXIKdiuEgPfvKSJmI0j9RF8qcUtDgYVBFirrD1naF73eqp-MxY9c_RF0L04HDSNnLFCjK3jP1nQUwruSh/s1600/fullsizeoutput_415c.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpD_FKdMUWQpW_3_0euaQvTG_NOLlgFL32pLaz2P_vr-ijxpdCtu1j3rXhi-uHXIKdiuEgPfvKSJmI0j9RF8qcUtDgYVBFirrD1naF73eqp-MxY9c_RF0L04HDSNnLFCjK3jP1nQUwruSh/s640/fullsizeoutput_415c.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>This man ran the whole marathon in his donkey costume; his donkey's collar had jingling bells, and he played up his role, calling out commands to the donkey</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
There were a couple miles that we only walked. I kept apologizing to Bernard, which was probably unnecessary. He was clearly going to finish with me and help out in any way he could. At more than one aid station he ran ahead to get water for me. He was such a great host and marathon buddy.<br />
<br />
I always like to note the differences in marathons in other countries. This one operated much like large marathons in the US and Europe. It was very well managed. The course was well marked and the volunteers plentiful. The aid stations were about 5K apart and were well-stocked with bottled water (poured into cups), a sports drink that I didn't try, and many things to eat. I liked the little individually wrapped cakes. There were also bananas, tomatoes and some other things. Some, if not all, aid stations had wet sponges, though I didn't find the temperatures to be hot enough that I needed one.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZlFUKKmUyeUokFRWzRpsbPUlpx0rapQO-vfR7XXJK-QjjiB2afpD5v8QvE8dzGQl_MkztNmQZlewz73VFCFLbCB6RqtqdHpHcdhULpoSebZ7Q4gDe_OdP_VaBkI1W-AzWVXEoijKPIeC4/s1600/IMG_0360.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZlFUKKmUyeUokFRWzRpsbPUlpx0rapQO-vfR7XXJK-QjjiB2afpD5v8QvE8dzGQl_MkztNmQZlewz73VFCFLbCB6RqtqdHpHcdhULpoSebZ7Q4gDe_OdP_VaBkI1W-AzWVXEoijKPIeC4/s640/IMG_0360.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>There were many short tables at aid stations, versus some marathons that have longer tables; different colored tablecloths meant different things and I believe white was for water</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKP_zN5-OjyyY_UJVD9RZLu8t7k_hq3BQtKvi50i7txDh792zO-4bppoWYvTvvd_OSZqdGPmzZbYFakFIZN5XP2I2O0J-_s26YiP6LLyyDEvFajLJTqqDQ3yadAYskHw6QZDLjFAWLVfWH/s1600/IMG_0357.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKP_zN5-OjyyY_UJVD9RZLu8t7k_hq3BQtKvi50i7txDh792zO-4bppoWYvTvvd_OSZqdGPmzZbYFakFIZN5XP2I2O0J-_s26YiP6LLyyDEvFajLJTqqDQ3yadAYskHw6QZDLjFAWLVfWH/s640/IMG_0357.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Blue tablecloths meant sports drink; on the left, Bernard walks ahead</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHdeOQ2u8EPOdAqymXfagSATdcN9HBdAtklro6KNBK9osCC6I9L9wXdn4HYzcYK_mNiQLdz5GFh1V-LNKYzHNDPAbA3tsIHNKnFlHMVa71WyPkiVSgNnVMBpFLxZ4ikcBE1MvP9XhPzqZt/s1600/IMG_0359.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHdeOQ2u8EPOdAqymXfagSATdcN9HBdAtklro6KNBK9osCC6I9L9wXdn4HYzcYK_mNiQLdz5GFh1V-LNKYzHNDPAbA3tsIHNKnFlHMVa71WyPkiVSgNnVMBpFLxZ4ikcBE1MvP9XhPzqZt/s640/IMG_0359.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Typical food selections: tomatoes, bananas, small wrapped cakes (the chocolate one was good)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
In the last few miles, I recognized where we were and I improved both mentally and physically. My cramps were still there, but had subsided a little bit. I was able to do more running. And I wanted to do more running, because I so desperately wanted to be done.<br />
<h2>
Finish</h2>
We were ahead of the time cutoff, but it was clear that race officials and volunteers were starting to tear things down as we approached the finish line. Bernard and I finished together and stopped for a couple quick photos. No one in our group was at the finish line.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTH5ngKkxB6VxIehyfytEv7Mm-Udy_Z9WU0G7KbyAC32-SUw31PKFk4EGL-ibUBTUzYNmINXF7Snw5HsrBzrxunt_AlkfEI1bIj9sGiwJAsAF0UVLXXH55_6TEG-6iBjoGSo_0LC2h3kOy/s1600/fullsizeoutput_4194.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1520" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTH5ngKkxB6VxIehyfytEv7Mm-Udy_Z9WU0G7KbyAC32-SUw31PKFk4EGL-ibUBTUzYNmINXF7Snw5HsrBzrxunt_AlkfEI1bIj9sGiwJAsAF0UVLXXH55_6TEG-6iBjoGSo_0LC2h3kOy/s640/fullsizeoutput_4194.jpeg" width="608" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Finishers! And Bernard practically ran a 50K after doubling back to stay with me</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We walked through the finish chute and picked up our post-race bags. This was my second international marathon where the medal and food was all packaged in a drawstring bag. There was also a towel.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKwH2BT9SbgwnRTwhTDrOjqjgsmacAXSX2e4__vG4zOIkVSEGuApkk0mILVnPEmAU3xUJRxnKnsxSRItaHHBwmj2AGj3zWMFKx-gIRPJ79e7s2N5fCjcIOAqJ9UVBwjZvMpygejNXENIxG/s1600/fullsizeoutput_4166.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKwH2BT9SbgwnRTwhTDrOjqjgsmacAXSX2e4__vG4zOIkVSEGuApkk0mILVnPEmAU3xUJRxnKnsxSRItaHHBwmj2AGj3zWMFKx-gIRPJ79e7s2N5fCjcIOAqJ9UVBwjZvMpygejNXENIxG/s640/fullsizeoutput_4166.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Contents of the post-race bag; the medal came in its own little box, the white thing was a drinkable yogurt, and there was a second mango juice that I drank</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Bernard and I made our way to the VIP area where I was able to retrieve my checked bag (mine was the last VIP bag, so the volunteers left immediately afterward). Courtney, Echo and Lily were there waiting for us. Avery, Kristian and Will had already returned to the hotel after their half marathons.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRqLd6Pep1JfwUrGluNYwKAHbHsEHU44UB4DnIrU8Cj8vK9iDazWYnYHF5ucZ6xiD6TX3hOyHb9Kn5mUzxTweO7vMWnVTSyruQGOwOPEkO8yLcZhOyA1_rtJMduu8YeQlE2kJ1fT3yP7DL/s1600/fullsizeoutput_4167.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1253" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRqLd6Pep1JfwUrGluNYwKAHbHsEHU44UB4DnIrU8Cj8vK9iDazWYnYHF5ucZ6xiD6TX3hOyHb9Kn5mUzxTweO7vMWnVTSyruQGOwOPEkO8yLcZhOyA1_rtJMduu8YeQlE2kJ1fT3yP7DL/s640/fullsizeoutput_4167.jpeg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Hefei International Marathon finisher; China was marathon country #11 and continent #3 for me</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3xB2SVGVUKqEpNac7U7VoUoU9tWfJ6JwyjmtBlE4vlqOfwLTWwuFFLzCKm6EbZqUchRpFEGNFXZgZB6-sHikcLZV-lxElZ2jFzTtmeFJrWpvPxmh6uQH2Ly09OXwQlPA0Fjjsc6wFJ_O9/s1600/IMG_0393.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3xB2SVGVUKqEpNac7U7VoUoU9tWfJ6JwyjmtBlE4vlqOfwLTWwuFFLzCKm6EbZqUchRpFEGNFXZgZB6-sHikcLZV-lxElZ2jFzTtmeFJrWpvPxmh6uQH2Ly09OXwQlPA0Fjjsc6wFJ_O9/s640/IMG_0393.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Beautiful medal</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<h2>
Post-Race</h2>
Bernard drove Courtney and me back to the hotel, where we had some time to rest and get showered and changed before dinner. Our entire group would be going out to eat with our hosts. The restaurant was pretty spectacular, with lots of separate rooms. We had one dining room all to ourselves, and some opera singers performed for us. The courses kept coming, and many of them were vegetarian, so I was happy.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzhvB-cNqeM_zQCmBqV1Ax0RclyniGnrqV6OYOH1dmGvtjM9BHYDJPGA4zwwlM6XKtQB_kJtivy_NAobyhAiJ0OqtTZz-tgpBydjt8tpIwBa_A_SYrxRk_9lOPk0jxpZd_fWVkqUCSSg-e/s1600/fullsizeoutput_4180.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="529" data-original-width="702" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzhvB-cNqeM_zQCmBqV1Ax0RclyniGnrqV6OYOH1dmGvtjM9BHYDJPGA4zwwlM6XKtQB_kJtivy_NAobyhAiJ0OqtTZz-tgpBydjt8tpIwBa_A_SYrxRk_9lOPk0jxpZd_fWVkqUCSSg-e/s640/fullsizeoutput_4180.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>At the post-race dinner, we had to do an O-H-I-O on the stage</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Post-race festivities continued the next day. Our group split up to do different things in the morning (I went to a brewery and <a href="http://www.thebrewerylog.com/2017/12/lazyleisure-beer-house-hefei-anhui-china.html" target="_blank">blogged about it here</a>), but in the afternoon we all went to a tea company to learn how to make a proper cup of black tea and green tea, and we were each gifted a tin of black tea. Then we were treated to dinner at Hefei's foreign affairs office, the official hosts of our sister city marathon exchange. We enjoyed a nice dinner and were gifted a Hefei t-shirt. There's a theme here, and it's about hospitality. Though our group didn't always know what was next on our itinerary in Hefei, our hosts had us covered. They saw to our needs and our wants and went above and beyond to make us feel welcomed and special. We truly did receive the VIP treatment by every person we encountered in Hefei.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpFoCVOvZ0aqla5c1DzTVIFaA10ryBCPO65pwxtm8wL55xq3Swjtsgbj3cLtjDY7mLO4vB5EPiDx8ejPXkYIzLxflCpb2_fMsu1eDMXI3TVgtJIIYYt5cuEvL8G8n-WXxEoIco3Zl7HTzi/s1600/IMG_0567.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1047" data-original-width="1600" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpFoCVOvZ0aqla5c1DzTVIFaA10ryBCPO65pwxtm8wL55xq3Swjtsgbj3cLtjDY7mLO4vB5EPiDx8ejPXkYIzLxflCpb2_fMsu1eDMXI3TVgtJIIYYt5cuEvL8G8n-WXxEoIco3Zl7HTzi/s640/IMG_0567.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>After the Hefei foreign affairs dinner: Becky (who made many of our arrangements), Courtney, Will, the foreign affairs chairwoman, Avery, Kristian, me, Bernard, and another foreign affairs office representative</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
This marathon exchange was something very special. I've run several marathons outside the US, but I've done them all on my own. This time, I represented the city of Columbus, Ohio and participated in cultural exchange activities, getting to know my Chinese friends and hosts, learn about their city, and recognize the similarities and differences between us. I had a great time, as did my fellow ambassadors. I will keep in touch with some of my new friends and I will remember the city of Hefei fondly. I hope I also did Columbus proud. Thank you to <a href="http://columbussistercities.com/" target="_blank">Greater Columbus Sister Cities International</a> and to the <a href="http://www.columbusmarathon.com/" target="_blank">Nationwide Childrens Columbus Marathon</a>. Thank you to the city of Hefei, China.<br />
<br />Sandy Hugillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12757839732019464486noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4930244248887247542.post-59134754305424662812017-11-07T14:35:00.000-08:002017-11-07T14:35:11.814-08:00Off to China for the Hefei International MarathonI've been laying low since the <a href="https://sandyruns.blogspot.com/2017/10/2017-columbus-marathon-race-report.html" target="_blank">Columbus Marathon</a>, making sure not to reinjure the calf and allowing the big toe blood blisters (yuck!) to heal. But now it's almost time to leave for China!<br />
<br />
My team of five <a href="https://nationwidechildrenhostpitalcolumbusmarathon.wordpress.com/2017/06/07/columbus-marathon-ambassadors-selected/" target="_blank">Columbus Marathon Ambassadors</a> had our big fundraiser in October at Land-Grant Brewing Co. We collected donations through raffle ticket sales, a silent auction, and from a portion of drink sales. It was a fun event, and the evening's take will definitely help to off-set our travel costs. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinrQoFwZ7HRfx9TTbmvzMxyySmhBsvwbsmQC8pNSryyMuF3ShJAvJeKiMiOkRF2iF0md9csk5v-TwBReFsb6eI7I0RhjM6G90zt68lTf6brnNcc2GVFuvi3XoV-7NShv0ihGVPc0gJ8pqg/s1600/Ambassadors.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="538" data-original-width="1080" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinrQoFwZ7HRfx9TTbmvzMxyySmhBsvwbsmQC8pNSryyMuF3ShJAvJeKiMiOkRF2iF0md9csk5v-TwBReFsb6eI7I0RhjM6G90zt68lTf6brnNcc2GVFuvi3XoV-7NShv0ihGVPc0gJ8pqg/s640/Ambassadors.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Columbus Marathon Ambassadors to Hefei, China: Will, Courtney, Kristian, Avery, me</em></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC4Z1p7_ojkl1Utfryhax4kSdjET4tOoxx1VdOyLuahfxFL0NqzNMBZ-HQeWSoffPuc6co-Mtp5TQG5aYt_FkrIJKWUJrT4-Dyh5KOjJa5xTjcUFtAWVygvFxtf4f5jj7urWu2OdpnIw0b/s1600/LG+Fundraiser+table.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC4Z1p7_ojkl1Utfryhax4kSdjET4tOoxx1VdOyLuahfxFL0NqzNMBZ-HQeWSoffPuc6co-Mtp5TQG5aYt_FkrIJKWUJrT4-Dyh5KOjJa5xTjcUFtAWVygvFxtf4f5jj7urWu2OdpnIw0b/s640/LG+Fundraiser+table.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Our raffle and silent auction table at Land-Grant, before it got busy</em></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<h2>
Thank You</h2>
I'm no stranger to international travel, but this will be my first time visiting China, and it will also be my first time as part of a cultural exchange. I am honored to represent Columbus in our sister city Hefei. There are lots of people and organizations to thank, and there will be more thanks upon my return, but for now:<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://columbussistercities.com/" target="_blank">Greater Columbus Sister Cities International</a> (GCSCI) - thanks to Tiffany Conn and her team for all the hard work in coordinating the marathon exchange program</li>
<li>The GCSEI Hefei Committee - thanks for choosing me as an ambassador, and extra thanks to Eric McGraw for all his advice and for coaching us in ordering food from a Chinese restaurant menu (important stuff!)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.columbusmarathon.com/" target="_blank">Nationwide Children's Columbus Marathon</a> - thanks to race director Darris Blackford and his team for putting on a world-class event, and for their generous sponsorship</li>
<li><a href="http://columbusschoolofchinese.com/" target="_blank">Columbus School of Chinese</a> - thanks to Chris Stellato and Connie Hahn for providing Chinese cultural training and for assisting with travel arrangements</li>
<li><a href="https://www.landgrantbrewing.com/beer/beard-crumbs/" target="_blank">Land-Grant Brewing Co.</a> - thanks for hosting our fundraiser and for sponsoring us (and for making great local beer)</li>
<li><a href="http://fleetfeetcolumbus.com/" target="_blank">Fleet Feet Sports</a> - thanks for outfitting us in team shirts and for hosting our fun run at the Land-Grant event</li>
</ul>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFPhGVsyX0CwJArkIyntTxQSVN_n3Z6HgWCY3HQm0oW0BOjMGt1u18Ka9yZeqy0uiTgR-SlTFet_iOuNf46f-ObpIfPCqKKXEJRwxYfMEMBqD6hdUzwNNuAyR6oggIfRk7I7yKxX82Rls3/s1600/IMG_9959.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFPhGVsyX0CwJArkIyntTxQSVN_n3Z6HgWCY3HQm0oW0BOjMGt1u18Ka9yZeqy0uiTgR-SlTFet_iOuNf46f-ObpIfPCqKKXEJRwxYfMEMBqD6hdUzwNNuAyR6oggIfRk7I7yKxX82Rls3/s640/IMG_9959.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The artwork on our t-shirts honors all three of the GCSSI marathon exchange cities; the Hefei team got red shirts</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Thanks, as well, to the many other local businesses who supported my team's fundraising efforts. I hope I'm not forgetting anyone: City BBQ, Columbus Pedal Wagon, Columbus Running Company, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, Condado Tacos, Dirty Frank's, Donatos, El Vaquero, Five Below, Fleet Feet Sports, Four String Brewing Co., Graeter's, Meijer, One Up Bands, Open Sky Day Spa, Second Sole, Show Me Columbus, Sideswipe Brewing Co., Union Café, Victory Medal Hangers.<br />
<br />And of course, much gratitude for our community supporters who purchased raffle tickets or silent auction items. I will aim to represent you and Columbus well. Wish our team luck as we run the <a href="http://www.hefeimarathon.com/" target="_blank">Hefei International Marathon and Half Marathon</a> on November 12, 2017.<br />
<br />Sandy Hugillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12757839732019464486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4930244248887247542.post-43918471772057249282017-10-23T19:04:00.000-07:002017-10-24T08:08:17.570-07:002017 Columbus Marathon Race ReportI'm so relieved that <a href="http://www.columbusmarathon.com/" target="_blank">Columbus Marathon</a> is over and that I did not re-injure my leg. If you've been following me, then you know that I originally pulled something in my calf in June, healed it (or so I thought), and then hurt it again at Mile 10 of <a href="https://sandyruns.blogspot.com/2017/09/air-force-half-2017-good-bad-ugly.html" target="_blank">Air Force Half Marathon</a>. I had to miss a couple races and work on rehabbing it again. Unfortunately, my calf's good day was a bad day for my big toes. I developed bad blood blisters under the nails, had to see a doctor, and missed Marine Corps Marathon. The good news is that I should be healthy for my marathon in China. Without further ado, here's my Columbus race report.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm5XeJasCeDFvQvwzp2xM4H4PkoRQStw5CFPBEzq8zfw4nj3JOu7rNdgE5p9dtN85m2zzUNE1oBi0LoJUjnryBgdIom_hKwAkfAUd3_TQT5azc3gi2qilTSysSC7DRWy-DLznLi0EeL60h/s1600/IMG_9590.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm5XeJasCeDFvQvwzp2xM4H4PkoRQStw5CFPBEzq8zfw4nj3JOu7rNdgE5p9dtN85m2zzUNE1oBi0LoJUjnryBgdIom_hKwAkfAUd3_TQT5azc3gi2qilTSysSC7DRWy-DLznLi0EeL60h/s320/IMG_9590.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Earned the hard way</i></td></tr>
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<br />
I knew I would run Columbus again after moving back in January. It was a good race for me the first time I ran in 2006, and now it was my local marathon. Then in June I was selected as a <a href="https://sandyruns.blogspot.com/2017/06/im-going-to-china-as-columbus-marathon.html" target="_blank">Columbus Marathon ambassador</a> to our sister city of Hefei, China. This underscored the importance of running this event. I was registered months ago, and my friend Karen decided to come run with me, traveling from Maryland.<br />
<br />
I got to the expo Friday afternoon a little bit before Karen got into town. I spent some time at the <a href="http://columbussistercities.com/" target="_blank">Greater Columbus Sister Cities International</a> booth, where I got to meet runner Hewei Liang (Bernard) from Hefei. I would see him in a month on my trip to China. When Karen arrived we picked up our race packets and spent some time visiting vendor booths. We both loved one of the marathon shirts in the <a href="http://www.secondsoleohio.com/" target="_blank">Second Sole</a> booth. After the expo and on Saturday Karen and I hit up some Columbus breweries (of course) and some favorite places to eat. We had a low-key dinner at home while watching the Ohio State game.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigQKg0rnpz9L71ycxYnup7HNGAhFZP8MG5qk9Q-zNNBngCoPRam70eKmR4N9h4q3NYkVWgbKqptx-bh8CbR8KA1Ef4hFqxmZehYtvu81yBPBrRlhsPhLM658XQr8Cf0owhw4hSKQq3hyphenhyphenCB/s1600/IMG_9500.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigQKg0rnpz9L71ycxYnup7HNGAhFZP8MG5qk9Q-zNNBngCoPRam70eKmR4N9h4q3NYkVWgbKqptx-bh8CbR8KA1Ef4hFqxmZehYtvu81yBPBrRlhsPhLM658XQr8Cf0owhw4hSKQq3hyphenhyphenCB/s400/IMG_9500.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Official Columbus Marathon vehicle</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiClivYFIM1nRssWS3ZJXBiW5wtXQrCy3WMZx2xDPgGR9xvA_7ynp61G3QK0mH5y-HGm3-VC3vO6AqMFAOZsHRZa3lb7mkf_mNB0fwZ1KQ9I99WUWgNEzaAVFGVbyaLwYTjnzkeNH9noqrM/s1600/IMG_9502.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiClivYFIM1nRssWS3ZJXBiW5wtXQrCy3WMZx2xDPgGR9xvA_7ynp61G3QK0mH5y-HGm3-VC3vO6AqMFAOZsHRZa3lb7mkf_mNB0fwZ1KQ9I99WUWgNEzaAVFGVbyaLwYTjnzkeNH9noqrM/s320/IMG_9502.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Bernard, me, and Paul (previous ambassador)</i> </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1vvY7RGkp85yy38BaD_p73AkCgYc7kfEzr4DUOX3Z3K6KONeEzP7Chx_wxumz01brfX1mIQuKSHKFvNmbKQ_wI6m2kTaSCGxQ4SVTC9pziVvq57Q3DaZb1LU3WHZLUG1BQwwdXjrJ_2uy/s1600/IMG_9503.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1vvY7RGkp85yy38BaD_p73AkCgYc7kfEzr4DUOX3Z3K6KONeEzP7Chx_wxumz01brfX1mIQuKSHKFvNmbKQ_wI6m2kTaSCGxQ4SVTC9pziVvq57Q3DaZb1LU3WHZLUG1BQwwdXjrJ_2uy/s400/IMG_9503.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Expo vendors from above</i></td></tr>
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<br />
Race morning was Sunday, and it was going to be a hot one. It didn't feel too bad to start, but it would get uncomfortably hot and humid quickly. We planned our clothing choices and hydration to our best advantage and set out early. As the <a href="http://www.marathonmaniacs.com/" target="_blank">Marathon Maniacs</a> ambassador for Columbus (yes, I am two kinds of running ambassadors), it was my responsibility to coordinate the Maniac photo. We got a nice group there for a 6:45 AM picture, but I know there were other Maniacs at the race too. Andrew, the Maniac ambassador for Cincinnati was at the photo and this was going to be his 50th marathon. After the photo, Karen and I headed to <a href="https://columbusrunning.com/" target="_blank">Columbus Running Company</a>'s VIP tent for running clubs, where I met up with some of the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ColumbusWestsideRunningClub/" target="_blank">Columbus Westside Running Club</a> (CWRC) crew, and we got a photo there too. After a port-o-potty visit, it was time to head to the start corrals.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbhvFl_LAAltbrUQ_0Wbq2gAc_Oc-xeDjiHIUwxhdJ4BTl3GaCddtKKr09fdA0TB3cLnFL_WHyrr05fQWB-bMEeaIbzoOMvk99ASs46qq9mBxX4CU1DeVNOfjJW-OoupGOgko3DNnZDcmG/s1600/IMG_9510.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbhvFl_LAAltbrUQ_0Wbq2gAc_Oc-xeDjiHIUwxhdJ4BTl3GaCddtKKr09fdA0TB3cLnFL_WHyrr05fQWB-bMEeaIbzoOMvk99ASs46qq9mBxX4CU1DeVNOfjJW-OoupGOgko3DNnZDcmG/s400/IMG_9510.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Some of the Marathon Maniacs at the race</i> </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ9HEAyWlhyphenhyphenM-0e-xW93bv2UOsdCYtgyEHu5ruzZ4l_VjFvHHXSNRd1CuqZ541jpabN8svk6hFu12NgauLreVbsUsDkAwdgBDpKGHOloTJQ3U3X9k7akMs-WlXDVBvi-guT8s3nkmadZCJ/s1600/IMG_9584.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ9HEAyWlhyphenhyphenM-0e-xW93bv2UOsdCYtgyEHu5ruzZ4l_VjFvHHXSNRd1CuqZ541jpabN8svk6hFu12NgauLreVbsUsDkAwdgBDpKGHOloTJQ3U3X9k7akMs-WlXDVBvi-guT8s3nkmadZCJ/s400/IMG_9584.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>And some of the CWRC members at the race</i></td></tr>
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<br />
Karen and I were in different corrals, so we wished each other good luck and then separated ways. In my corral I found Kristian and Avery, two of my fellow Columbus Marathon ambassadors who would be going to China with me. The start of the race was nice, with a very fine rendition of the Star Spangled Banner and fireworks for each wave of runners. Unfortunately, I didn't have a good view of the fireworks as my corral was down a side street. But they were a nice touch.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTNnLlq-KCNpeN-_YT4w_O2NSb_5jau0lTEkPk_fXPdRr2ZHtBUIqmo1P3eQt3eZmf6B0f-aRYYNAYQc71SNHtBSShSDvrK9nujhBy1gztQUD9NUemgdZ4uzC_5IpUPsKFIAS22FxCHVAb/s1600/IMG_9513.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1203" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTNnLlq-KCNpeN-_YT4w_O2NSb_5jau0lTEkPk_fXPdRr2ZHtBUIqmo1P3eQt3eZmf6B0f-aRYYNAYQc71SNHtBSShSDvrK9nujhBy1gztQUD9NUemgdZ4uzC_5IpUPsKFIAS22FxCHVAb/s400/IMG_9513.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>I found Kristian before the start</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpNA0in348MZDLUtR679Gnl_1SuvHgDXoBGJLFpUGj8ms9eapIaGaUA8WfCibjqbRZzZzUYzfTEhyphenhyphenwpMCSjW0gkrv79yWYXxJqX7EbPYfpHMZ7oZuw1a1gPz1mWfJfCDV8bLq2bD7-xhai/s1600/IMG_9515.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpNA0in348MZDLUtR679Gnl_1SuvHgDXoBGJLFpUGj8ms9eapIaGaUA8WfCibjqbRZzZzUYzfTEhyphenhyphenwpMCSjW0gkrv79yWYXxJqX7EbPYfpHMZ7oZuw1a1gPz1mWfJfCDV8bLq2bD7-xhai/s400/IMG_9515.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Not quite to the start yet</i></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_rMbklQvXVcOyDGLx2WV6AboI4POI0bMGGD6ADi2MSkAfgumdYf3JXeLl9cW2ElOwD4rxM9VjtL8_1yX2w0soJhm1TaVJpQQH9pn0r0vgXropdaRrVldHdC_jlDCoodBLYQYbrYojNucA/s1600/IMG_9527.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_rMbklQvXVcOyDGLx2WV6AboI4POI0bMGGD6ADi2MSkAfgumdYf3JXeLl9cW2ElOwD4rxM9VjtL8_1yX2w0soJhm1TaVJpQQH9pn0r0vgXropdaRrVldHdC_jlDCoodBLYQYbrYojNucA/s400/IMG_9527.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Kristian and Avery, who was running in memory of her father</i></td></tr>
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<br />
Months ago, my goal for this race was to earn a new PR, and at the end of May I was on track for that. I had been running faster and doing speedwork, and had a great <a href="https://sandyruns.blogspot.com/2017/06/2017-medina-half-marathon-race-report.html" target="_blank">half marathon in Medina</a>, where I finally believed this was the year I'd be ready to PR. My June injury put an end to those dreams. The re-injury in September was another downer. So, I set a revised goal for Columbus Marathon, which I thought was achievable based on my recent performance at the <a href="https://sandyruns.blogspot.com/2017/08/2017-emerald-city-half-race-report.html" target="_blank">Emerald City Half Marathon</a>. I set my watch for intervals of 3 minutes running and 1 minute walking, and mostly kept to the plan for the first half of the race. We headed East past the Ohio Statehouse, to Bexley, and then back to run past <a href="http://www.nationwidechildrens.org/" target="_blank">Nationwide Children's Hospital</a>, the race beneficiary. In Bexley I saw Andrew on the course. He had run 20 miles the day before (Maniac!) so on this day he was taking it easy and simply enjoying his 50th marathon; Columbus had also been his first.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQDgQ-ZI-RocjQftEXYsU0sNGWvjjGpDCQflM5mWL2o2_u4m1Z5G8Dgl48c0otD5YMhmPvqtuCxed6w-jO82eaOdYZVFbKII1xbN9jMRp3j_i5k9cqwnkXCegkMxIGfc583ITpstIoI4Es/s1600/IMG_9530.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1203" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQDgQ-ZI-RocjQftEXYsU0sNGWvjjGpDCQflM5mWL2o2_u4m1Z5G8Dgl48c0otD5YMhmPvqtuCxed6w-jO82eaOdYZVFbKII1xbN9jMRp3j_i5k9cqwnkXCegkMxIGfc583ITpstIoI4Es/s400/IMG_9530.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Selfie with the Ohio State House</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKzbbXzfZBI2PBnnVXMzSvDvLyzGyhFqaMbXiwsa6t1q-DkJ3rZ9ad1pO4UyzwbtkbvW3Cqx6rk6p8rH8Ledm9mxWBgQr8KyPZ_xN3yrzaMws_wtBTlSKKAd5-9vrrknblW5TQjL4iD-JF/s1600/IMG_9533.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1203" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKzbbXzfZBI2PBnnVXMzSvDvLyzGyhFqaMbXiwsa6t1q-DkJ3rZ9ad1pO4UyzwbtkbvW3Cqx6rk6p8rH8Ledm9mxWBgQr8KyPZ_xN3yrzaMws_wtBTlSKKAd5-9vrrknblW5TQjL4iD-JF/s400/IMG_9533.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Possibly the worst pic of me ever taken, plus a photo bomber and a clueless guy in blue; but Andrew was doing great at his 50th marathon</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXG7_YH_zy5Q2HBFaYxjC7tIumh1V9ip8DhW-PQCZtFnMkT2lKJrHCvcXE_Ry-i4_KaJr3Ay5gafGYtB8m5EMe5JC_9zZpsu9lHMdaVj_grZiBfeaezqj05uAv3-Ncm-ptIjfd_x84WF8X/s1600/IMG_9536.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXG7_YH_zy5Q2HBFaYxjC7tIumh1V9ip8DhW-PQCZtFnMkT2lKJrHCvcXE_Ry-i4_KaJr3Ay5gafGYtB8m5EMe5JC_9zZpsu9lHMdaVj_grZiBfeaezqj05uAv3-Ncm-ptIjfd_x84WF8X/s400/IMG_9536.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Drexel theater in Bexley</i></td></tr>
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<br />
Every mile featured a Nationwide Children's patient. Runners had the opportunity to high-five the child, who always had a tent with a big support group of friends, family and volunteers. As we entered the mile, we could see a sign with the kid's name, and then follow-up signs with fun facts about that kid, such as their interests and hobbies. In the crowded miles, I didn't always have a good opportunity to get across the race course, but when it was less-crowded, I made a point to give a high-five, or at least a wave and shout-out to the kid. Part of the course near the hospital featured signs with the names of the fundraising runners. I learned that, like the more famous St. Jude's Children's Research hospital, Nationwide Children's does not turn down a patient based on their family's ability to pay. That's awesome, and that's why this marathon is so important to the city.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidQxwTcWQoFzopZeUuCQjMxq0TAjXvdKWdzXA9Af_poj4GflWzHYbZlShW3STCusnyP8Dyll-c0x95bsMMp5J-AtT2Dt0Aq3POrLQpEVg1gq_LHfc6pviZwBGyW-3dfBPRsQA8LoyBMKrz/s1600/IMG_9538.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidQxwTcWQoFzopZeUuCQjMxq0TAjXvdKWdzXA9Af_poj4GflWzHYbZlShW3STCusnyP8Dyll-c0x95bsMMp5J-AtT2Dt0Aq3POrLQpEVg1gq_LHfc6pviZwBGyW-3dfBPRsQA8LoyBMKrz/s400/IMG_9538.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Nearing Nationwide Children's</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqSHFa1tjca42C4VuJHU9rZQ1my5B8Y2OB7voYVTiE70fc9jU1jVdCUL58qEQPXl8RHNnrSEo2eqv9PqVb7hrliwYiwQcqdSmVagcoSPAz9_m7hgTBaVqKXV9jnZeqrjTJS0ADB8dmEihI/s1600/IMG_9541.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqSHFa1tjca42C4VuJHU9rZQ1my5B8Y2OB7voYVTiE70fc9jU1jVdCUL58qEQPXl8RHNnrSEo2eqv9PqVb7hrliwYiwQcqdSmVagcoSPAz9_m7hgTBaVqKXV9jnZeqrjTJS0ADB8dmEihI/s400/IMG_9541.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Fun stilts ladies outside the hospital</i> </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNGjl78wNoJ4JXh3c_y_2aOcRyDTGraMjBmHw8haYiiPv9YIxuVh34KIE4kn3a96JxEopH54wuauTZCetAHFi1sfCsLDxF4Xy11HrnV79dkT0F9IelJxOskrLQGbhs8vAnuOnSQ2D_B5iA/s1600/IMG_9542.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNGjl78wNoJ4JXh3c_y_2aOcRyDTGraMjBmHw8haYiiPv9YIxuVh34KIE4kn3a96JxEopH54wuauTZCetAHFi1sfCsLDxF4Xy11HrnV79dkT0F9IelJxOskrLQGbhs8vAnuOnSQ2D_B5iA/s400/IMG_9542.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>It's for these kids</i></td></tr>
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<br />
Close to Mile 13 the half marathoners split off for their finish. Before that, I found Carl from CWRC, or rather, he saw me. Carl had finished the half marathon and then came out to cheer on the remaining club members. It was great to see a friendly face!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMjb9VUcOytwipEt8DQIKhKrFHqKgQM0AQs2e_960Cs7KfVe2UAU3Ef2OT3gNJk96ZmRILq_r9eUXs4VvDV6TrAM4WkNs2XzmnZlnUJS3Lyjz7PduWoxw3F5Oe69rqK0Y2mF9IpGy4lRE3/s1600/IMG_9546.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMjb9VUcOytwipEt8DQIKhKrFHqKgQM0AQs2e_960Cs7KfVe2UAU3Ef2OT3gNJk96ZmRILq_r9eUXs4VvDV6TrAM4WkNs2XzmnZlnUJS3Lyjz7PduWoxw3F5Oe69rqK0Y2mF9IpGy4lRE3/s400/IMG_9546.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Seen in Schiller Park in German Village</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC4nijIMa2TwFIghDObLhFWOloWfXjRUscURAiXT7bjTz344GQEGHfiKqQilbrZru_0Yg8W4Gl0WDV0QXowPTPrnF7FvnzuNkdhL7rTalxGw3GjlvLtg3p7Pn2xr_0EkxJzMvmhpcxjwSO/s1600/IMG_9548.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1203" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC4nijIMa2TwFIghDObLhFWOloWfXjRUscURAiXT7bjTz344GQEGHfiKqQilbrZru_0Yg8W4Gl0WDV0QXowPTPrnF7FvnzuNkdhL7rTalxGw3GjlvLtg3p7Pn2xr_0EkxJzMvmhpcxjwSO/s400/IMG_9548.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Because anytime you can take a selfie with two unicorns, you have to do it</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgovhzNiS89FRIRElZp6Ivycs8HbyhZ6OLljbqd7RPmf_k2RDYKo6Z1ehFqy1EuEiLJHSvCgBOZjyjPur_EYPkHCAjT7cI7bWvMmQRbrIT5Mx2Y7GRl0Gqj7G_B8LnhcJ7PLtNXQVS8-mmg/s1600/IMG_9549.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgovhzNiS89FRIRElZp6Ivycs8HbyhZ6OLljbqd7RPmf_k2RDYKo6Z1ehFqy1EuEiLJHSvCgBOZjyjPur_EYPkHCAjT7cI7bWvMmQRbrIT5Mx2Y7GRl0Gqj7G_B8LnhcJ7PLtNXQVS8-mmg/s400/IMG_9549.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>These guys just looked so cute out on High Street</i></td></tr>
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<br />
After the split from the half marathoners, we headed to the Short North and then to Ohio State campus. After Mile 13 I ate an energy gel that I wasn't used to and within five minutes my GI tract was protesting. I was on pace to meet my goal, but I was going to need to stop, and there were no port-o-potties in sight. Just when I was about to find a local business and beg to use their bathroom, I was saved! My new friend Andrea was outside her condo on High Street, right on the marathon course. She saw me coming and was cheering for me, when she and her husband Jim offered me the use of their bathroom right inside. They also filled up my water bottle with ice, which was great, because my energy drink was lukewarm. I didn't care that I lost some time on this stop; it was necessary and helped me out not only physically but also mentally. I didn't stay too long though.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZZz4-UburRaKJwtRXYB2S21GxgblAMCrmdMhm5P5lQS5DIKFi7ZHA7HsRNf9WQO-U3IasBBmy4cfVjhuE_j2DAPPLQ54CKbmzRpGaQiyZ3bvtVz_1nZOoD3emE0BO6XpLoikuWjAEavyC/s1600/IMG_9551.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1203" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZZz4-UburRaKJwtRXYB2S21GxgblAMCrmdMhm5P5lQS5DIKFi7ZHA7HsRNf9WQO-U3IasBBmy4cfVjhuE_j2DAPPLQ54CKbmzRpGaQiyZ3bvtVz_1nZOoD3emE0BO6XpLoikuWjAEavyC/s400/IMG_9551.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Thank you, Jim and Andrea!</i></td></tr>
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<br />
I was feeling better now, but the heat and humidity were getting worse. Not only that, but there were strong winds. I slowed down. I was now definitely behind pace, and I could only expect to fall further behind as the weather worsened. And it did worsen. We started the race under overcast skies, but the sun came out later on. That was not good. The race, which had started out at a threat level of Yellow, changed to Red. Lots of people were slowing down. I felt well enough that I knew I would finish the marathon; it just wouldn't be pretty. I walked much more in the second half, but tried to stick with intervals. I couldn't afford to slow down to a solid walk; that would have taken way too long. I leap-frogged the course with some runners and passed others. I found Avery on the course in the campus area. She was doing a lot of walking due to an injury, but she was on track to finish.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik00J8d2jy_6cCuqzCTzbwmhdHZBRqgUfItE3N6g_a-vWM4YlJo1hh0vFMEnq7RRyFGD9puv_q52nvqU1ZMZfJPBhMCcU7u0_S-q3IT1hy64NlZDdLQzcD69cmzKZGpWWOPbYwkpLC4yTZ/s1600/IMG_9557.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik00J8d2jy_6cCuqzCTzbwmhdHZBRqgUfItE3N6g_a-vWM4YlJo1hh0vFMEnq7RRyFGD9puv_q52nvqU1ZMZfJPBhMCcU7u0_S-q3IT1hy64NlZDdLQzcD69cmzKZGpWWOPbYwkpLC4yTZ/s400/IMG_9557.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>We ran right by Ohio Stadium...no, right by it...but this pic from a distance was better than the close-ups</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifjtLUp0zTGvY_oYOKUkoiYgTk_VyLafI-9d12uLOqCb3LPgSSU2htNNzUv9aiTu7rbPCYH3HkFVL1sQk_xiQgN4fXnQxl5zWWfhrqpjfYNV0Yfk5_CtZLLhcolg4mZcjOvkjYvYb_JUXk/s1600/IMG_9558.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifjtLUp0zTGvY_oYOKUkoiYgTk_VyLafI-9d12uLOqCb3LPgSSU2htNNzUv9aiTu7rbPCYH3HkFVL1sQk_xiQgN4fXnQxl5zWWfhrqpjfYNV0Yfk5_CtZLLhcolg4mZcjOvkjYvYb_JUXk/s400/IMG_9558.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The stretch by the cornfield was full of corny jokes, signs and music, and lifted my spirits</i></td></tr>
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<br />
In Upper Arlington there was some shade, and beautiful houses to look at. There were also several residents out spectating. One group near Mile 19 had an unofficial aid station and I could tell the water was cold from the condensation on the carafe. I had to stop, since everything else I'd had to drink was warm, and the ice cubes from Andrea had already melted and my drink was warm again. Then I saw that these kind folks also had beer, so I had a small cup of that too. Cold and refreshing!<br />
<br />
Running through Grandview was tough. It was hot and there were some long stretches without shade. And then in Grandview Yard we ran on some cobblestones. They weren't as bad as the cobblestones in Rome and Paris, but they were still uncomfortable. Carl was out there on the course again in Grandview. It was so nice to see him. Then we had more CWRC club members at Mile 22+. I love how my running club supports its runners!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcUbQhKuQSIRzFei7To0P5EdSUtfIxgvjZXxnyLniCmIPowT2Obpkq-umOIqCuzaW2EPC7BuZsAGaP6jXlQRCg-p_uLVkqtowvIJxcwP20jSC6WZh9aY87MvzQdoROeQOrZhIhow1yB4v9/s1600/IMG_9562.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1203" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcUbQhKuQSIRzFei7To0P5EdSUtfIxgvjZXxnyLniCmIPowT2Obpkq-umOIqCuzaW2EPC7BuZsAGaP6jXlQRCg-p_uLVkqtowvIJxcwP20jSC6WZh9aY87MvzQdoROeQOrZhIhow1yB4v9/s400/IMG_9562.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Silly selfie with Carl - thanks again for being there when the going got tough</i></td></tr>
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<br />
I made my way back to Victorian Village and knew that I was in the final miles of the course. Unfortunately, I slowed down even more. I had some side stitches, as sometimes happens when I run in heat and humidity. And I developed a strange pain behind my ear; thank goodness it subsided quickly after I massaged it a couple times. Feeling as blah as I did, but knowing that I would finish the race, I decided to walk even more. With all my goals unmet, my time no longer mattered, and it was more important to finish feeling as well as I could, without hurting any body parts.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNuSHMwMcj3VrMwhs8265WBj-3OQZEjjkU4UYxKMI7tcEGS4bMALnrEVe38IpXSVWWk44YAUNSrwGvN1y8B22GA8yL58i5nN3AnJsxxVeFMCYfNga2Wnyv9HoUFR81gJni87rExF9du857/s1600/IMG_9569.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1203" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNuSHMwMcj3VrMwhs8265WBj-3OQZEjjkU4UYxKMI7tcEGS4bMALnrEVe38IpXSVWWk44YAUNSrwGvN1y8B22GA8yL58i5nN3AnJsxxVeFMCYfNga2Wnyv9HoUFR81gJni87rExF9du857/s400/IMG_9569.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Goodale Park in the last mile and a half - I've done many a run here</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw_aNl4Kmu0r_e0AX8x0H1QlJ7AgMf8Bj6rajcU4HoKVqhIJeDF-hOIVTQRC07j3oKAaC_gibKgIWrbSjghBGOW4MeI_D1Ow5iziYfycdEt2DAnG3iWPThTAM9-I-T3o5uXcl2cA9TzEjd/s1600/fullsizeoutput_3d3e.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1597" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw_aNl4Kmu0r_e0AX8x0H1QlJ7AgMf8Bj6rajcU4HoKVqhIJeDF-hOIVTQRC07j3oKAaC_gibKgIWrbSjghBGOW4MeI_D1Ow5iziYfycdEt2DAnG3iWPThTAM9-I-T3o5uXcl2cA9TzEjd/s400/fullsizeoutput_3d3e.jpeg" width="398" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The best decorated Halloween house I saw, on Buttles across from Goodale Park</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWOIfp7a1a3ovRBE1Y_8jb4Q6tRgrv1EwDg5o9IXzs5Za7aTkExqOmFS96k4WVQNcOTvg1VoJCAgkeo3SE8ClFjKC7E0j6ZD-j5xxnDMHH-zmA_cwIywMVtPczwP9zbzRtDO6MlwlGqc-5/s1600/IMG_9571.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWOIfp7a1a3ovRBE1Y_8jb4Q6tRgrv1EwDg5o9IXzs5Za7aTkExqOmFS96k4WVQNcOTvg1VoJCAgkeo3SE8ClFjKC7E0j6ZD-j5xxnDMHH-zmA_cwIywMVtPczwP9zbzRtDO6MlwlGqc-5/s400/IMG_9571.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>So near to the finish, and yet so far, and also uphill into the wind; this last mile dragged</i></td></tr>
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<br />
As I neared the final turn of the race with a half mile to go, I saw Kristian on the course. She had finished her half and was out there cheering on the marathoners. Another familiar face. Good. And then in my last .2 of the course, there were Andrea and Jim. Wow! I love running my hometown race where people know me and cheer my on along the way. That was unexpected and wonderful. I picked up my pace from a walk to a shuffle and crossed that finish line.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioe19jlX4YiI7TLmyMu_68mKD7374pRU8a_z6-QBA4jM0OOXEfFaxW6h5PVPAxxBkgx6ZtYBxfY7EfFhAH7ITznVTFU9ffWnJvmIa6HbTzb6JOgU4nsFtSDL55RVtCwGNr_-LOdQWrtA7G/s1600/IMG_9585.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioe19jlX4YiI7TLmyMu_68mKD7374pRU8a_z6-QBA4jM0OOXEfFaxW6h5PVPAxxBkgx6ZtYBxfY7EfFhAH7ITznVTFU9ffWnJvmIa6HbTzb6JOgU4nsFtSDL55RVtCwGNr_-LOdQWrtA7G/s400/IMG_9585.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>In the finish chute now, Andrea got this pic of me; if I'd known, I'd have picked up my pace</i></td></tr>
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<br />
After crossing the finish, I was handed a bottle of warmish water and a volunteer placed my medal around my neck. There was some guy offering me a heat sheet, which I really didn't need. And then I looked at his face and realized it was Chuck. Well, of course I'll take the heat sheet from Chuck; I'd use it sometime in the future. Chuck had not only run the marathon, but he was part of the Columbus Marathon crew both before and after the event. Apparently he just took a couple hours off work on Sunday to run the race. I had seen Chuck twice on the course in out & back sections. He told me that he didn't come close to meeting his goal either. He's much faster than me, but we're all human and we all have tough days and tough races.<br />
<br />
Walking on, there were some water misters, so I stopped in front of those to cool off. That felt nice. And I wished they'd had misters on the course. I also wished that the water bottle had been on ice. I needed something cold. I walked through the rest of the finish chute, picking up a few snacks. I walked past the guy handing out chocolate milk, because I really don't like chocolate milk. But when he told me it was cold, I was sold. It was way too sweet for me, but I drank most of it anyway.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj8UPeNvFDUqYCMBqDnbMvmdkXrluUR7DjyUUXVuEjJNT9Mv7ruvw5_-K8tBjplA5GqNq-z-NMsM_Of1oz9Uz6mEVj7ODEnfzdbZO-NQFG6vi76McjEPFUOl1IHLa3X5-fES8NfokGwKLg/s1600/IMG_9583.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj8UPeNvFDUqYCMBqDnbMvmdkXrluUR7DjyUUXVuEjJNT9Mv7ruvw5_-K8tBjplA5GqNq-z-NMsM_Of1oz9Uz6mEVj7ODEnfzdbZO-NQFG6vi76McjEPFUOl1IHLa3X5-fES8NfokGwKLg/s400/IMG_9583.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Neither of us had the race we wanted, but Karen and I got it done</i></td></tr>
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<br />
Karen was waiting for me back at the VIP tent. She finished about an hour ahead of me and had some time to talk to the CWRC runners. I was the slowest of the full marathoners, but some of them waited at the tent until I texted Karen that I had finished. That was nice. We sat there for a little bit so I could rest my legs. Then we went back to the parking garage, where I found Kristian and Avery again. At the car, Karen and I tidied ourselves up a little bit, and walked over to Gordon Biersch for some beer and cheese curds. Andrew said hi to us while we were at the bar. Another friendly face.<br />
<br />
Walking out of Gordon Biersch an hour later, the weather had changed. It was now chilly. We were shivering in our short sleeves as we walked to the parking garage. We were so cold that we stopped at Starbucks for a warm drink. Where was this weather earlier when we needed it? We could have done without the wind, but those cool temps would have been so welcome just a few hours earlier. We got home, cleaned up and then went out for a celebration meal at Condado Tacos and we each had a specialty margarita; mine was jalapeño. In spite of a less than stellar race, I had a good weekend. It was great having Karen visit (the cats thought so too), and weather aside, the Columbus Marathon was a world-class event. It was also nice to know so many people on the course and be cheered on by name. I was also very lucky that my calf held out, but disappointed by the blood blisters that developed later. In any case I'll be ready to run in China as a Columbus Marathon ambassador, and excited to represent my city and it's awesome marathon.<br />
<br />Sandy Hugillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12757839732019464486noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4930244248887247542.post-78141375134180845062017-10-09T14:17:00.001-07:002017-10-09T15:51:54.045-07:00Run & Ride King's Island Half Marathon ReportThe <a href="https://www.runandriderace.com/kingsisland" target="_blank">Run & Ride King's Island Half Marathon</a> was my first pacing gig for <a href="http://beastpacing.com/" target="_blank">Beast Pacing</a>. Beast has a lot of races, and I've been trying to get on their calendar for a while. I was supposed to pace another race with Beast the week before King's Island, but had to cancel that due to my calf injury at <a href="https://sandyruns.blogspot.com/2017/09/air-force-half-2017-good-bad-ugly.html" target="_blank">Air Force Half Marathon</a>. For the King's Island race, I was mostly recovered and pretty sure that I would be just fine pacing. And I was...but that doesn't mean it was an easy day.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho_C4ifCKJvEHAwB0Do12RvGVmu9JICCAS3t2gJ36nk0r2M5hhd0vXMqXsR1Luuem1QLwrZi0JLQ4DHRFhSnH3iIBbkJNWn9t0buLaSXu1P5LqxXhtgEi4jBCcoC9Gc8up3X_6YUcEbqFz/s1600/IMG_9478.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho_C4ifCKJvEHAwB0Do12RvGVmu9JICCAS3t2gJ36nk0r2M5hhd0vXMqXsR1Luuem1QLwrZi0JLQ4DHRFhSnH3iIBbkJNWn9t0buLaSXu1P5LqxXhtgEi4jBCcoC9Gc8up3X_6YUcEbqFz/s400/IMG_9478.PNG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>The Beast Pacing team for Run & Ride King's Island - with my injury history, there was NO WAY I was going to jump!</em></td></tr>
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<br />
The Run & Ride race series puts on running events at several amusement parks across the country. Runners get to run through and around the parks, and then be guests at the park after the race. Sounded like a fun day to me, and King's Island is not far from home, so I expressed interest in this race as soon as the call for pacers went out. I got the 3:00 pacer slot. There was also a Sweeper slot, which I temporarily switched to after my injury. But then I met my fellow pacer Lynne at packet pick-up, and she was happy to switch back with me when she learned that my injury was better.<br />
<br />
I stayed over in Mason, Ohio (outside Cincinnati), where <a href="https://www.visitkingsisland.com/" target="_blank">King's Island</a> is located. It was much easier for me than driving down early in the morning. (And also allowed me some time to visit Cincinnati breweries.) We weren't able to get our pacer shirts at packet pick-up the evening before, so I still needed to arrive early on race day. I was one of the first ones there. I guess there isn't a huge need to be early for a smaller race like this, which has loads of parking (it is a theme park, after all). I found the other Beast pacers and we decided to meet up a little later for a group photo. Then I found Abbi, who drove up from Louisville for the race. She had Glenn with her, and they each brought their kids, who would be running the kid's race.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLMIrfXxS7nrcqgq2nSP-3r08njxctWUa7JrjfYbxiNSN5QaIIb7SS6QBoHaUZ8Fn4Kvrc6ih35KwbaABjBEID6qiCdkThyphenhyphenop7HENXeo4vH_fQjxqJOPihYMGFqLQFh4GEnyhG3JAxBzhY/s1600/IMG_9412.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLMIrfXxS7nrcqgq2nSP-3r08njxctWUa7JrjfYbxiNSN5QaIIb7SS6QBoHaUZ8Fn4Kvrc6ih35KwbaABjBEID6qiCdkThyphenhyphenop7HENXeo4vH_fQjxqJOPihYMGFqLQFh4GEnyhG3JAxBzhY/s400/IMG_9412.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Charlie Brown all ready for the Great Pumpkin</em></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXhxOO38UtBDDY6w2_xkVmAq0ZpeN4FD7EFRYueCMGt8Ema9FlEcnIhSEv1nM-DlTE_-ZkghilCodB731luYIWmzq9aq1R2xjMBs0yhXm61qHFM-FUJK6eBQ0rR4mPS7cwnWYM6JLotBzI/s1600/IMG_9414.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1544" data-original-width="1160" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXhxOO38UtBDDY6w2_xkVmAq0ZpeN4FD7EFRYueCMGt8Ema9FlEcnIhSEv1nM-DlTE_-ZkghilCodB731luYIWmzq9aq1R2xjMBs0yhXm61qHFM-FUJK6eBQ0rR4mPS7cwnWYM6JLotBzI/s400/IMG_9414.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>My first Beast gig - ready to roll</em></td></tr>
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<br />
Closer to race time there was more light in the sky. There was a Half Fanatics photo and a Beast Pacing photo at the start corral. It was good to see Andrew again (the Cincinnati <a href="http://www.marathonmaniacs.com/" target="_blank">Marathon Maniacs</a> ambassador), and to meet the other pacers. Jascia was a pacer and also the Cincinnati <a href="http://www.halffanatics.com/" target="_blank">Half Fanatics</a> ambassador. Lots of serious runners with serious race resumes!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGAVFicTpIW1muMaQFeI0qbfysfMkU6TRuDegQrSqZIGTdWLFOefBjFi9PFEnOcXguGCCZgIuODD7Ov4WX6fHeOKQ21Z-3_a7btIeE738fNMeBDO0MR8aEjcOw5FAs-ZVCDSS0UJgwUvrM/s1600/FullSizeRender+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="808" data-original-width="1159" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGAVFicTpIW1muMaQFeI0qbfysfMkU6TRuDegQrSqZIGTdWLFOefBjFi9PFEnOcXguGCCZgIuODD7Ov4WX6fHeOKQ21Z-3_a7btIeE738fNMeBDO0MR8aEjcOw5FAs-ZVCDSS0UJgwUvrM/s400/FullSizeRender+4.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Half Fanatics - at least some of us</em></td></tr>
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<br />
I lined up in the small corral behind most of the other pacers. Lynne lined up behind me. There were a handful of runners who planned to do around 3:00, so I chatted with them for a bit. I told them I was planning to do 2.5 minute run intervals followed by 1 minute walk intervals. Two of the ladies had come from Texas and were running half marathons in the 50 states; they had run in Indiana the day before, and this was to be their Ohio race. One guy came all the way from Florida. Most of the others were local or semi-local.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuwIGg0cx55NExN9QdL8n1kcyGkxbe_K4nQcLmt-1xaLb0WELzSQkMiOLcbXU3OfQj2-9mYjv4m4IJo26q4Z7y5T4Nqwvhxs_OHHt-KQueS3mBA6F5tdslStLxotpqDlBCBGh8CjGajcBo/s1600/IMG_9415.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuwIGg0cx55NExN9QdL8n1kcyGkxbe_K4nQcLmt-1xaLb0WELzSQkMiOLcbXU3OfQj2-9mYjv4m4IJo26q4Z7y5T4Nqwvhxs_OHHt-KQueS3mBA6F5tdslStLxotpqDlBCBGh8CjGajcBo/s400/IMG_9415.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Start corral - you can see all the orange Beast Pacing signs</em></td></tr>
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<br />
The race started and I set out at my 3:00 pace, which is so natural to me at this point. I could do this pace half-asleep. It's slower than I run on my own, but it is the only pace that I have ever done as an official pacer. Our first two miles were pretty much in the parking lot. Yes, it was a huge parking lot, and we did a lot of zigzagging across it. That was obviously not the most interesting part of the course, and since this was a two-loop course, we'd come back to it again. Eventually, we entered the park. We did some mileage both in the "public" parts of the park, and also on the employee-only access roads. It reminded me a little bit of running Disney races through the theme parks with no guests there yet, and only a handful of employees getting set up for the day.<br />
<br />
Behind some of the rollercoasters there were some very steep hills. I did more frequent run/walk intervals as I often do on long or steep hills, at 30 seconds run, 30 seconds walk. At the 3:00 pace, runners are just not prepared to run up long, steep hills, and breaking it up into smaller chunks helps us to crest the hills much faster than walking only. It worked for a while, and then the three main runners (the Texans and Floridian) had to drop back and run with Lynne. Did I say that those hills were steep? I'm really not kidding. Whoever designed this course had a sadistic streak. They were even too steep to run down safely. But, I was a pacer, so I couldn't fall back.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr0IP1zRTJYh0cVJg8cQC5CU6P3G9Bd_4RY-DqLpcLOsgc4FVyArokz-SSAuNEUdGkGXUXGeejkQ1uIzOOQb83y1rtdYh4qlWyxqzw8ib3_0gdCsQG49WvQRE7h9Mi09WKX8cvce_RvtTZ/s1600/IMG_9416.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr0IP1zRTJYh0cVJg8cQC5CU6P3G9Bd_4RY-DqLpcLOsgc4FVyArokz-SSAuNEUdGkGXUXGeejkQ1uIzOOQb83y1rtdYh4qlWyxqzw8ib3_0gdCsQG49WvQRE7h9Mi09WKX8cvce_RvtTZ/s400/IMG_9416.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>In the park</em></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4ZYnbIvI8YpFnWgykWFT_S6nFtQ4sHDMGJTL4Ge7atq2ex7gjt1cE08SWGZ-y5mmLH_WAebuoQPNJUN9hyBMnx_0gnhSWCKELQBgSaFrtiuthY5haRPbCdu4ZuHdpZGpHyANggrjZDT8U/s1600/IMG_9417.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4ZYnbIvI8YpFnWgykWFT_S6nFtQ4sHDMGJTL4Ge7atq2ex7gjt1cE08SWGZ-y5mmLH_WAebuoQPNJUN9hyBMnx_0gnhSWCKELQBgSaFrtiuthY5haRPbCdu4ZuHdpZGpHyANggrjZDT8U/s400/IMG_9417.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Up close and personal with some coasters</em></td></tr>
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<br />
The next bits of the course I ran alone. Sweeper Lynne and the last three runners were behind me, and we were also being passed by quarter marathoners who started their race after ours. Eventually, we were passed by fast guys who were finishing their second loop of the half marathon.<br />
<br />
One thing I noticed about this course was that the mile markers were not placed evenly. This, and the crazy hills, made it difficult to hit even mile splits. I knew I was roughly on pace, but my Garmin mile indicators pretty much never lined up with the course mile markers. As a pacer, I'm trained to go by the physical mile markers, not my watch. But that is hard when they are not evenly placed. At the halfway point I was a couple minutes behind pace. Lynne was visibly behind me with the three runners once I cleared the halfway timing mat and started my second loop of the parking lot. But then I didn't see her following me. I was in the back, and I saw a bike sweeper in front of me following some slightly faster runners. I know I was a little behind, and would be able to make it up in the second loop. But - Lynne and the three runners with or near her were not allowed to start their second loop. My heart was breaking for them since they came so far, and they really weren't more than a couple minutes behind me. Why have a Sweeper if the Sweeper was going to be swept? <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFniOT1Pym2lQu2u2k-xnbpQpZ7UVODVDhdkOUCRIbFPjMnZQT7FwRc2l4MNO-xd4CRRiOk5kB21loO-RVNolo_6S5kG2MqL9XxhGWeHWW4VdYZ8YkvVksW27E-vwUeBPhihmCLLbzApwG/s1600/IMG_9420.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFniOT1Pym2lQu2u2k-xnbpQpZ7UVODVDhdkOUCRIbFPjMnZQT7FwRc2l4MNO-xd4CRRiOk5kB21loO-RVNolo_6S5kG2MqL9XxhGWeHWW4VdYZ8YkvVksW27E-vwUeBPhihmCLLbzApwG/s400/IMG_9420.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>If I recall, King's Island's Eiffel Tower is a 1/3 scale replica; kinda small to me since I saw the real one in April at Marathon de Paris (check out <a href="https://sandyruns.blogspot.com/2017/04/paris-breakfast-run-fun.html" target="_blank">this blog</a> and <a href="https://sandyruns.blogspot.com/2017/04/2017-marathon-de-paris-race-report.html" target="_blank">this one</a>)</em></td></tr>
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<br />
So, I did my second loop mostly on my own too. The quarter marathoners were finished, of course. I did pass some half marathoners who had slowed down. At times, I ran with them for short bits. Everyone seemed to be doing well, even if they had slowed down. No one was in distress of any kind, and so I kept up my pace, or rather picked up my pace slightly to make up the couple minutes I needed. When I passed the bike sweeper, he told me that everyone who was still on the course would be allowed to finish. That was good...but it didn't help Lynne and her runners. This bothered me for the entire second loop, and because I was mostly alone, I had a lot of time to think about it.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghe4ZqN-HY10SRMNaGxHSfT_vAdJIRkmaXlB-j2WFW19g9plVuYR9Pv_4F0V9i3ufmVPEchq-tQzXWkGa35wZr5Udqv4NWP1SJJOP6PZu1Av2aSCzA38sgb3YZ1Cy7SDRMvUUTN7de-Z7V/s1600/IMG_9421.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghe4ZqN-HY10SRMNaGxHSfT_vAdJIRkmaXlB-j2WFW19g9plVuYR9Pv_4F0V9i3ufmVPEchq-tQzXWkGa35wZr5Udqv4NWP1SJJOP6PZu1Av2aSCzA38sgb3YZ1Cy7SDRMvUUTN7de-Z7V/s400/IMG_9421.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Fun section of the park, running among the animated dinosaurs</em></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWJRRihdV7LZzbdU1qBuOhduYFvdepI5V1u2t76LIpGKY8ziFpmNgiQDLyec6dPgU1q-JDfHlnIQMMGctgmVmX4zIqpiV4AvH86xom3PUpIIS74JLdiL9NZ7muZmomDybx3YRIT3N6uZtY/s1600/FullSizeRender+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWJRRihdV7LZzbdU1qBuOhduYFvdepI5V1u2t76LIpGKY8ziFpmNgiQDLyec6dPgU1q-JDfHlnIQMMGctgmVmX4zIqpiV4AvH86xom3PUpIIS74JLdiL9NZ7muZmomDybx3YRIT3N6uZtY/s400/FullSizeRender+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Many of the dinosaurs were in their Halloween costumes; this one was a bee</em></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY-OU-f5fkJxdwPukFRytXrELd_NC4ZF06xQvFnKmOnKZz4cyVGhKMqHvYpdwB6jZbnGcnorUXLOUs7UWDzofvZczYrfxbxprkxaOOI4S_I6NjfxVUcHMlj_uVxrfMxvpIFx3ds9-7avKv/s1600/FullSizeRender+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1329" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY-OU-f5fkJxdwPukFRytXrELd_NC4ZF06xQvFnKmOnKZz4cyVGhKMqHvYpdwB6jZbnGcnorUXLOUs7UWDzofvZczYrfxbxprkxaOOI4S_I6NjfxVUcHMlj_uVxrfMxvpIFx3ds9-7avKv/s400/FullSizeRender+2.jpg" width="331" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>My favorite dinosaur was a cowboy</em></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdvJv4sNdF4gx4Y8y3O0cGRJWsq-jBeuuOmKVg7QPAQSjAGoMJ3TXo0bsp_R2rWKbYB_o9X91p2TVqadEEgxkcpYjPJ0maavP0bVVxr5_w7-oOKMILHOlWc6YIGddpVYVqEdpI7nILrXUz/s1600/FullSizeRender+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1201" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdvJv4sNdF4gx4Y8y3O0cGRJWsq-jBeuuOmKVg7QPAQSjAGoMJ3TXo0bsp_R2rWKbYB_o9X91p2TVqadEEgxkcpYjPJ0maavP0bVVxr5_w7-oOKMILHOlWc6YIGddpVYVqEdpI7nILrXUz/s400/FullSizeRender+3.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>This dinosaur was a very angry wizard</em></td></tr>
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<br />
Finally, I got to Mile 12. My watch showed 2:40, which meant I had 20 minutes in which to do the last 1.1 mile. That didn't seem right. Pacing a 3:00 half marathon means doing a 13:44 minute mile. In order to do a 20:00 mile I had to stop and walk, which I did. I wasn't sure what was going on there. But then I realized that the Mile 12 sign was way too early, and I had to pick up the pace again. This was the hardest pacing gig I've ever done, in terms of maintaining even splits. It just wasn't possible.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsEZjEYb-6W0lhrmpIwgQtmUbWs1KumPUE-PZUl8dxAAKUT7DEUTzZO70R-z3FJ4ZBrIlCynM5HyTq4nBNe5odHWACSSczbGtUuxFoZmLye4mKYuOPlOtdXM7iuhYjO00o2hfvicTp2lKy/s1600/IMG_9427.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsEZjEYb-6W0lhrmpIwgQtmUbWs1KumPUE-PZUl8dxAAKUT7DEUTzZO70R-z3FJ4ZBrIlCynM5HyTq4nBNe5odHWACSSczbGtUuxFoZmLye4mKYuOPlOtdXM7iuhYjO00o2hfvicTp2lKy/s400/IMG_9427.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Big hill: I'm standing at the top of the hill looking backward..move your eyes back, under two loops of the coaster, then see the road in front of the building, where it goes back uphill - there's a runner running down; zoom for full effect - it's a crazy-steep hill!</i></td></tr>
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<br />
I saw Robert, our Beast team leader, as I was coming in for my finish. I finished in exactly 2:59:59. We had a chat about the course markings and the fact that the course was short overall - another challenge for a pacer. The only reason I was able to come in on time as I did was because after the first loop, I knew what to expect - Mile 12 signage notwithstanding. Then an official who may have been the race director approached us. She mentioned that the runners who had been with Lynne were upset that they were swept. Of course they were. She asked how my pacing had been. I admitted that I was just behind pace at the halfway mark. She asked if I knew about Lynne's pace. I told her that Lynne couldn't have been more than a couple minutes behind me, so I was surprised that she was not allowed to start the second loop. We learned that the park was enforcing a very hard time-of-day cut-off for the second loop so that they could open the parking lot to traffic. Because the race started later this year, that meant that the sweeper needed to be faster this year, at least on the first loop. I asked why there was even a Sweeper to begin with if they wanted that person to keep a 14:00 pace, which was just over my pace. Shouldn't the 3:00 hour pacer have really been the sweeper? Having Lynne out there gave the runners a false sense of security. Yes, the published required pace was 14:00 according to the website, so technically, the three runners did not keep up, but still...<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1eKqNU1iXOCVRnjaN_8qfaWlZLtd9XBZFaJMHI6wmaXFO0J2gS8CTh_A-CXaFTYS9cBbQvetxPXHFqffkIrYxuf4dnSOH9PtJCu__JDcOEh8WCkQj3OU9vCPl_ra0CrvKRTD86qa9u_ad/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1eKqNU1iXOCVRnjaN_8qfaWlZLtd9XBZFaJMHI6wmaXFO0J2gS8CTh_A-CXaFTYS9cBbQvetxPXHFqffkIrYxuf4dnSOH9PtJCu__JDcOEh8WCkQj3OU9vCPl_ra0CrvKRTD86qa9u_ad/s400/FullSizeRender.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Cute Snoopy medal, and this yellow cloth was a buff, not the shirt; the shirt was red with the Charlie Brown zigzag print</em></td></tr>
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<br />
I was still disheartened as I said goodbye to Robert and Jascia. I got cleaned up and changed and then got in touch with Abbi to meet her crew in the park. I had to pay $15 for my park ticket. Pacers didn't get a free entry.<br />
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The rest of the afternoon was fun, riding rollercoasters with friends. But the jarring of the coasters, especially the wooden ones, did my lingering headache no good. I had to leave early because I was miserable.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaMvWQf_HPiUwfO0j5Qh624PMOuGzzdPNepd9PkilUzcrt2ZJuhyphenhyphen8IVS4ykyZ7CjPrSjS3MERoUSAQnKoj7Co340baTrXbeZ5iPSMgOPR5eV0bW7oaLq1mp4CxWWIZKWMCw65GDR2h8fLl/s1600/IMG_9440.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaMvWQf_HPiUwfO0j5Qh624PMOuGzzdPNepd9PkilUzcrt2ZJuhyphenhyphen8IVS4ykyZ7CjPrSjS3MERoUSAQnKoj7Co340baTrXbeZ5iPSMgOPR5eV0bW7oaLq1mp4CxWWIZKWMCw65GDR2h8fLl/s400/IMG_9440.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>We ran into Andrew in the park; represented here: Marathon Maniacs ambassadors from Columbus (me, wearing the race shirt), Cincinnati (Andrew) and Louisville (Abbi)</em></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmj7ENNq8BS76KAc0D5MHnlAKKAJsagYbEJauTezci0Vva_dg6-zIhcfOpG0eXpJhAudq9Q_6I7zvsxjH7f_97Lj5DIj5rnRAIXEuOYin9Jb1Y-foXhcNKUM3vHY52UrbHtZij7KkYeehq/s1600/IMG_9436.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmj7ENNq8BS76KAc0D5MHnlAKKAJsagYbEJauTezci0Vva_dg6-zIhcfOpG0eXpJhAudq9Q_6I7zvsxjH7f_97Lj5DIj5rnRAIXEuOYin9Jb1Y-foXhcNKUM3vHY52UrbHtZij7KkYeehq/s400/IMG_9436.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>The funny graveyard in the park; a commentary on our society</em></td></tr>
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<br />
Final thoughts about the Run & Ride King's Island Half... Cool concept, but more than a week later I'm still upset about the Sweeper fiasco. I'm upset about the poorly spaced mile markers and the short course, which made the job tough for all of us. I did like the parts of the course that were inside the park. But unlike Disney races, there were no character photo ops or any form of entertainment besides the DJ at the start/halfway/finish area. The aid stations were well-staffed; the volunteers were really great, as they are at most races. There was both water and Gatorade at most, if not all, aid stations, and there were gels at a couple points on the course. The shirt and the medal were fun with a Peanuts theme, and our packets contained the buff and a magnet. Pacers got a Run & Ride specific pacer shirt, so we didn't need to wear our regular Beast Pacing shirt. That was a bonus, but I think Pacers should have been given free park entry. I didn't get any food because I was talking to Robert and the race director while they were packing it up, but at least I managed to snag a bottle of water before it was too late. So - a day with some plusses and some minuses. Would I pace it again? Yes, mainly out of spite.Sandy Hugillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12757839732019464486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4930244248887247542.post-33300553112707721282017-10-05T14:05:00.000-07:002017-10-05T14:05:01.833-07:00Don Scott Trot 5K - at Ohio State AirportI grew up in the flight path of the <a href="https://osuairport.org/" target="_blank">Ohio State University Airport</a> aka Don Scott Field. There were always small planes flying over the backyard. But I never had a reason to visit the airport myself - until now. The <a href="https://osuairport.org/events/2017/09/don-scott-trot-2017-registration-now-open" target="_blank">Don Scott Trot 5K on the Runway</a> was the perfect opportunity.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_GXUjnDA2d64P3FPcDsJZd0WUaSZaVwp7CkzRgqEVnBywbiLhc3uf8g7u8FJJpN2duJE5qN3u7vAYtZGAC-IS4olhqUSIJBGdrK4ZOndutCkuKUq4UrpVwjAHLLQAYkZSDTBBmnSMdzy8/s1600/FullSizeRender+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1373" data-original-width="1031" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_GXUjnDA2d64P3FPcDsJZd0WUaSZaVwp7CkzRgqEVnBywbiLhc3uf8g7u8FJJpN2duJE5qN3u7vAYtZGAC-IS4olhqUSIJBGdrK4ZOndutCkuKUq4UrpVwjAHLLQAYkZSDTBBmnSMdzy8/s400/FullSizeRender+1.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>With Shelly before the start; of course I wore Buckeye colors at the Ohio State University airport!</em></td></tr>
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My friend Shelly had just run her first 5K at the <a href="https://sandyruns.blogspot.com/2017/08/2017-dublin-irish-festival-5k.html" target="_blank">Dublin Irish Festival 5K</a> in August, and this little airport run caught her eye as a candidate for her second. This was a small race which sold out with 300 participants. Parking was easy and so was packet pick-up the morning of the race in the airport's Hangar 7.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuEd9wlplV3HAF3Q0Tnb_KEp40El8J6rV9MPPHTmfh2h-6Y_v_TLeAQbD_DSq1xvbLn7Udw7V_KiaeZIIB345O5Ne2sOU37l7DUWxNK1_vu7FX9eZiBy_5peLKWU9fGf2wODUjA1ba8vGZ/s1600/IMG_9377.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuEd9wlplV3HAF3Q0Tnb_KEp40El8J6rV9MPPHTmfh2h-6Y_v_TLeAQbD_DSq1xvbLn7Udw7V_KiaeZIIB345O5Ne2sOU37l7DUWxNK1_vu7FX9eZiBy_5peLKWU9fGf2wODUjA1ba8vGZ/s400/IMG_9377.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Hangar 7 packet pick-up</em></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiSWvoGaBTlyN-tEjDp7Dm3fGMSEFYLP0zfI-jQiyLgcjpubb8HuwdTNmL5O5FD_ZqKUwC2nUcFn_hTNBs2h7URcaeuaHeJzvboHssaXULaDVkD4MZlcAgUc8vXTVDtmbn4cbak5FFF9QE/s1600/IMG_9374.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiSWvoGaBTlyN-tEjDp7Dm3fGMSEFYLP0zfI-jQiyLgcjpubb8HuwdTNmL5O5FD_ZqKUwC2nUcFn_hTNBs2h7URcaeuaHeJzvboHssaXULaDVkD4MZlcAgUc8vXTVDtmbn4cbak5FFF9QE/s400/IMG_9374.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Small planes outside the hangar</em></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY7EQveG4c9pBgxOAiz27bt5TP54FxK6to1vas5nWVh14TOljSxTrG6jRpdhLpne21HKvNMmRfKXq2BzZotSnmMRM5amDfygqb8mL29gBtRaPG_CC52zrYB59dodUJ6oALKyHNgKkbgb9q/s1600/IMG_9380.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY7EQveG4c9pBgxOAiz27bt5TP54FxK6to1vas5nWVh14TOljSxTrG6jRpdhLpne21HKvNMmRfKXq2BzZotSnmMRM5amDfygqb8mL29gBtRaPG_CC52zrYB59dodUJ6oALKyHNgKkbgb9q/s400/IMG_9380.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Sun is almost up at the airport</em></td></tr>
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<br />
It was a chilly morning and I wore long sleeves. I probably could have done fine with short sleeves, but I appreciated the extra warmth before we got going. While Shelly and I were waiting for the race to start, Iliana found me. I didn't know she would be there. So, now there were two of us representing the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ColumbusWestsideRunningClub/" target="_blank">Columbus Westside Running Club</a>. Iliana said that this was her first 5K a year ago, so she wanted to return.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUAcEbCEEv4pYQns3xSDOdD8EZGOZgzqYQUYsa66Xe66nBEobgmx1oaf9xWZM3kNfaXGNK5iEf3f3IdyQ5uTCIryYqBKWYbAT64iz8Q37sqSYP89zq6yb_QhmvfhQL93nsnHi_Fms3khJE/s1600/FullSizeRender+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1533" data-original-width="1341" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUAcEbCEEv4pYQns3xSDOdD8EZGOZgzqYQUYsa66Xe66nBEobgmx1oaf9xWZM3kNfaXGNK5iEf3f3IdyQ5uTCIryYqBKWYbAT64iz8Q37sqSYP89zq6yb_QhmvfhQL93nsnHi_Fms3khJE/s400/FullSizeRender+2.jpg" width="348" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>With Iliana before the start</em></td></tr>
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<br />
When the runners made their way to the starting line, we let Iliana go ahead of us. Shelly and I were planning for an easy pace. My leg was still not 100% recovered from my injury two weeks prior at <a href="https://sandyruns.blogspot.com/2017/09/air-force-half-2017-good-bad-ugly.html" target="_blank">Air Force Half Marathon</a>. And Shelly was still not sure how committed she was to running (she prefers kick boxing and other forms of exercise), so she was happy to do run/walk intervals with me.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU80rrzE6_T7qfR82OZbZXzASn-6VHkMeXKb9oHntz5h-0oKTZ5mWjbschAnS7RDfm1Myde-IXYflwOpYZGfh8vva01aAtSlFYDLdSgVBWh5VlNVGpKASL3peMT3PQzYkKSegeAKIXnaIz/s1600/IMG_9387.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU80rrzE6_T7qfR82OZbZXzASn-6VHkMeXKb9oHntz5h-0oKTZ5mWjbschAnS7RDfm1Myde-IXYflwOpYZGfh8vva01aAtSlFYDLdSgVBWh5VlNVGpKASL3peMT3PQzYkKSegeAKIXnaIz/s400/IMG_9387.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Ready to start</em></td></tr>
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<br />
We set out at my easy pace of about 13:00 minute miles, doing 3 minutes of running followed by 1 minute of walking. It felt right for that day. I was happy that the weather was cool, because the sun was bright and on a hot day, the tarmac could have roasted us. We ran back and forth on the runway and taxiways of the airport, which was completely closed to air traffic during the race. We ran past the control tower, the hangars and some of the outer buildings. There wasn't much scenery other than that, but that's about what we expected.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs08WAlC4cu4KON36vBYB_rXHwgN5EslWulONXSZ-JAdwK2N0ZxmXzW7I47hsQv_UgEpozVYOoce_XhTmCIqNkPFVJBGW0VQbnyFKq5ejF93tuphoorKHGGAniALVnyzaQcYnFefcnV9Oe/s1600/IMG_9388.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs08WAlC4cu4KON36vBYB_rXHwgN5EslWulONXSZ-JAdwK2N0ZxmXzW7I47hsQv_UgEpozVYOoce_XhTmCIqNkPFVJBGW0VQbnyFKq5ejF93tuphoorKHGGAniALVnyzaQcYnFefcnV9Oe/s400/IMG_9388.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>The traffic control tower</em></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRKvPoRnsJocNNfBCldwgZPeVGZagb9SJQPKpL3EfMpSkqwPWAlbFUOOwNbEQy5zGhU0gQmQIMkXcboSw8unkL-rL854ARd6UYLmwQ4mEe3dn11o1qNcEW8L3fKj4zHw0ZV2LjBy6e13t7/s1600/IMG_9390.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRKvPoRnsJocNNfBCldwgZPeVGZagb9SJQPKpL3EfMpSkqwPWAlbFUOOwNbEQy5zGhU0gQmQIMkXcboSw8unkL-rL854ARd6UYLmwQ4mEe3dn11o1qNcEW8L3fKj4zHw0ZV2LjBy6e13t7/s400/IMG_9390.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Pretty much our view</em></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDQjX1tlhcS6DgEvZFLe3KbtVvKozfwjOJ8Q1BRt2mm8iT3e1dXOC6kY5Zb-JabArPeYUt_eTl09JSO6-fFRqECQ5py3Zg3-r-EwQZUg2eca4iYlhmBDw5mgcq2Ixj_TB-itXOsY-KF-R7/s1600/IMG_9391.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDQjX1tlhcS6DgEvZFLe3KbtVvKozfwjOJ8Q1BRt2mm8iT3e1dXOC6kY5Zb-JabArPeYUt_eTl09JSO6-fFRqECQ5py3Zg3-r-EwQZUg2eca4iYlhmBDw5mgcq2Ixj_TB-itXOsY-KF-R7/s400/IMG_9391.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>View from the farthest point</em></td></tr>
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<br />
There was one aid station about halfway through the race, which was plenty. I had failed to bring water with me for my drive to the race, so I was happy to take some from the aid station. Shelly and I were toward the back of the pack, but definitely not last. There were some other runners and walkers behind us, including some people with strollers. We passed a few people in the second half of the race. I was just happy that my leg was holding out. It helped to be running on a pancake-flat course.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj0U5iOGNdkk3ShcmqF8iEeDiKMJmUu7Uvd8mE1_JN5BsrMbhDcWAA7qZQ1sgcmirjb3I2aoWw_1xe84zZCOi3vqDv6DBgh3gmqwuWN3Lwn0nqvjgA0LFjICxaqZ93d42JtbCnpce5Y0AJ/s1600/Capture.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="631" data-original-width="963" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj0U5iOGNdkk3ShcmqF8iEeDiKMJmUu7Uvd8mE1_JN5BsrMbhDcWAA7qZQ1sgcmirjb3I2aoWw_1xe84zZCOi3vqDv6DBgh3gmqwuWN3Lwn0nqvjgA0LFjICxaqZ93d42JtbCnpce5Y0AJ/s400/Capture.PNG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Our finish pic, in glorious silhouette</em></td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
We made our way to the finish outside Hangar 7. There were a few folks out there cheering. Shelly and I crossed together and she finished her second 5K faster than her first! There was no fancy finish chute, just a table a few feet away where we picked up our medals. They were really cute - Brutus Buckeye (the Ohio State mascot) wearing an old-school aviator helmet and goggles. We also got water and packs of almonds. There were granola bars and bananas too, but I wanted the almonds.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1ub0K6sIrcPT5pJ0nyC5s-mK8LwZIRG5KA2EK-BRcTDHMXThs0ZhSNQcSjt66avF8RyPM2YUgTlcPapN13onnn6U4Jpnon3rYx8q5BHTjzrSxxvOWCiYKBXVKP1XnSlmGTYaF-faEKLUD/s1600/IMG_9402.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="1512" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1ub0K6sIrcPT5pJ0nyC5s-mK8LwZIRG5KA2EK-BRcTDHMXThs0ZhSNQcSjt66avF8RyPM2YUgTlcPapN13onnn6U4Jpnon3rYx8q5BHTjzrSxxvOWCiYKBXVKP1XnSlmGTYaF-faEKLUD/s400/IMG_9402.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>I love this medal!</em></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyvT83Xw3OHDcx6u9SzCMDdvc27AAlTecZbfJNqPMaontHHz7QgWJQQKfLBXSwCOn2EQQbV7AmIeBewKTfXHtet8JuWV36aBoR4OaudzTiSA2p_rKsQlL4yY9wspbIr30sDT8U7ld9mb35/s1600/IMG_9400.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyvT83Xw3OHDcx6u9SzCMDdvc27AAlTecZbfJNqPMaontHHz7QgWJQQKfLBXSwCOn2EQQbV7AmIeBewKTfXHtet8JuWV36aBoR4OaudzTiSA2p_rKsQlL4yY9wspbIr30sDT8U7ld9mb35/s400/IMG_9400.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Brutus medal and a little plane</em></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjng-W-WQxUnCRsgRVKFULFHVi-JA674S-tjttjWVo-mfRBNYVCFcO2veMUaGs9hV_EAFm71BdV57XwCocdRuhNBThRiaLODPJBq_HjZiD0ysrjsTN6ZqotkW8_L7HqN9jgja1CP-kZoOu9/s1600/FullSizeRender+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="1512" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjng-W-WQxUnCRsgRVKFULFHVi-JA674S-tjttjWVo-mfRBNYVCFcO2veMUaGs9hV_EAFm71BdV57XwCocdRuhNBThRiaLODPJBq_HjZiD0ysrjsTN6ZqotkW8_L7HqN9jgja1CP-kZoOu9/s400/FullSizeRender+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>The unisex t-shirt</em></td></tr>
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<br />
There were several small airplanes parked outside the hangar, so we cooled down while walking around and looking at them, taking a photo here and there. I didn't see Iliana, which probably meant that she had a fast 5K and had already headed home. I was happy for her.<br />
<br />
I'd do this race again. It was flat and fast (if you wanted to go fast), a great opportunity to see a small airport and take over its runway, and the t-shirt and medal were nice. It was very well-organized for a small event, and fun! If you put it on your list for next year, don't wait until the last minute to register. It sold out this year and a few people I know missed out.Sandy Hugillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12757839732019464486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4930244248887247542.post-87175813124548196172017-09-27T06:55:00.001-07:002017-09-27T06:55:12.899-07:00China Marathon Event in Columbus - Come One, Come All!If you follow my blog or keep track of me on social media, then you know I was selected as a <a href="https://nationwidechildrenhostpitalcolumbusmarathon.wordpress.com/2017/06/07/columbus-marathon-ambassadors-selected/" target="_blank">Columbus Marathon Ambassador</a> to represent my city and run a marathon in Hefei, China this November. (<a href="https://sandyruns.blogspot.com/2017/06/im-going-to-china-as-columbus-marathon.html" target="_blank">Here's my blog about it</a>.) Well, November is coming faster than you'd think!<br />
<br />
<strong>The Main Event</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
The big news for now is that the Hefei Ambassador team (Avery, Courtney, Kristian, Will and me) is planning an event at <a href="https://www.landgrantbrewing.com/" target="_blank">Land-Grant Brewing Co.</a> on Wednesday, October 18th - and you are invited! If you're local to Columbus, please come on out that night. Land-Grant will donate a percentage of sales to fund our travel. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPSlG0204dPTpdcIHbkg31tozbo-QynZ7r8RdtG3GpXVRlMoXrQ6_WQm2fEm1XjojR4rCoh7oXiGiaYDFxLT_N-OtieC8jmNL1BAPBGnuWbPxqVJmIGZ3d9vQdQm03jhCbHe-hots8DbAN/s1600/Land+Grant+Fundraiser+Flyer+V1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1237" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPSlG0204dPTpdcIHbkg31tozbo-QynZ7r8RdtG3GpXVRlMoXrQ6_WQm2fEm1XjojR4rCoh7oXiGiaYDFxLT_N-OtieC8jmNL1BAPBGnuWbPxqVJmIGZ3d9vQdQm03jhCbHe-hots8DbAN/s640/Land+Grant+Fundraiser+Flyer+V1.png" width="492" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em></em><br /></td></tr>
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Our event will include:<br />
<ul>
<li>An optional <strong>pub run</strong> organized by Fleet Feet Sports, so bring your running shoes!</li>
<li>A <strong>silent auction</strong> - we have great prizes from local businesses</li>
<li><strong>Raffles</strong> - we're doing both a prize raffle and a 50/50 cash raffle</li>
<li>A <strong>food truck</strong>, so you won't go hungry</li>
</ul>
Plus, you'll get the opportunity to interact with me and my fellow ambassadors to Hefei as we prepare the final arrangements for our trip. All while enjoying delicious craft beer from Land-Grant. Here's the Facebook event URL: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/120557468609750/">https://www.facebook.com/events/120557468609750/</a>.<br />
<br />
If you can't make it to our event, there are still ways to help:<br />
<ul>
<li>Business owners/managers - we're still accepting prizes for our silent auction and raffle; <a href="mailto:hefeiathleteambassadors@gmail.com" target="_blank">email us here</a>.</li>
<li>Anyone - you can donate (tax-deductible) to Greater Columbus Sister Cities International on behalf of the Hefei Ambassador team; <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sister-cities-marathon-exchange-donation-page-tickets-35697160167#tickets" target="_blank">click here</a>, select "Tickets" and choose the "Hefei Marathon Ambassadors-Group" option. </li>
<li>Close friends and family - you are welcome to sponsor me directly; just keep scrolling through the options until you see my name.</li>
</ul>
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>Other China Preparation</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
What else is going on with my trip to China? Next week I have two events to help prepare me for China:<br />
<ol>
<li><a href="https://columbusworldaffairs.org/program-training/global-fluency-training/" target="_blank"><strong>Global Fluency Training</strong></a> is a non-country specific session intended to improve travelers' cultural awareness. I've traveled quite a bit and I'm comfortable in various settings, but I couldn't turn down this free session offered to the Ambassadors.</li>
<li><strong>Hefei Training</strong> at the <a href="http://columbusschoolofchinese.com/" target="_blank">Columbus School of Chinese</a> will help get us ready for the Sister City we'll be visiting as Columbus Marathon Ambassadors.</li>
</ol>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAVxcYG5DpR8iTkhf4tOFYhktfoWcVfgCb24OUt6N2UzIVxfPURy_YZbVsnDEsj501IoZhfbsNFngCFK9bF_ILQtAboWn6dKs2iuDftC_buiwKVHR4vmMaieFDxGkh2EFh9C6UDx_Wc_gV/s1600/Hefei-900x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="900" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAVxcYG5DpR8iTkhf4tOFYhktfoWcVfgCb24OUt6N2UzIVxfPURy_YZbVsnDEsj501IoZhfbsNFngCFK9bF_ILQtAboWn6dKs2iuDftC_buiwKVHR4vmMaieFDxGkh2EFh9C6UDx_Wc_gV/s640/Hefei-900x300.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Hefei, China (image courtesy of <a href="http://columbussistercities.com/hefei/" target="_blank">Greater Columbus Sister Cities International</a>)</em></td></tr>
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<br />
Logistics-wise, I still need to book my flights! I needed to wait until I had my travel visa, and since I received it the prices have gone up. But my primary challenge is with trying to fly into one city and leave from another, and trying to add a stopover in Bangkok (to visit my friend Christine) on my way home. I need to figure this out right away.<br />
<br />
The Ambassador team is still waiting on our itinerary for our time in Hefei. We know what days we will be there, but other than the marathon, we don't know our schedules. Other than the time in Hefei, I plan on spending a couple days in Beijing with a day-trip to the Great Wall. So I should look into tickets for the Great Wall trip and figure out exactly which sites I'll be visiting in Beijing. I need to do all the standard research I do before any trip; I just haven't been able to prioritize this yet.<br />
<br />
Lots to do, little time! But I'm genuinely excited! I hope you can share in the festivities at Land-Grant on October 18th. I'll be sure to blog about it!<br />
<br />Sandy Hugillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12757839732019464486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4930244248887247542.post-79054567308909787462017-09-25T17:12:00.001-07:002017-09-25T17:27:14.186-07:00I'm a Certified Running Coach!<div>
I'd like to announce that I'm a newly minted Road Runners Club of America (RRCA) Level 1 coach! I'd been thinking about the <a href="http://www.rrca.org/our-programs-services/programs/coaching-program" target="_blank">RRCA Coaching Certification</a> for a while. I figured the modest financial investment would be worthwhile given the education I would receive. The problem was that it was hard to get into the classes, and most of them required travel to another city. When I found out that there was one scheduled for this September in Columbus, I jumped on it. </div>
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<strong><br /></strong>
<strong>Preparation & Overview</strong><br />
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</div>
<div>
In addition to attending class and taking a 100 question test, I would need to provide proof of CPR and first aid certification. My CPR certification was more than two years old, so I got myself into class in May, just a week after I registered for the coaching class. Then I took an online First Aid course the week leading up to class.</div>
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<div>
There were two official pre-work items that all students needed to do:</div>
<ol>
<li>Watch an online video of Randy Accetta (Coaching Director for RRCA) present on the history of running coaches and coaching philosophy.</li>
<li>Use the RRCA website to find RRCA running clubs in our area.</li>
</ol>
<div>
The RRCA class was a busy two days in early September. It was almost like not having a weekend, since class was on Saturday and Sunday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. There were 35 students registered with one no-show. Several of the students were already coaching and wanted the official credential. Several of us were new to coaching and wanted to apply the knowledge to our own running or to help friends and family. The facility hosting the class was <a href="https://www.risefitnesscommunity.com/" target="_blank">RISE Fitness Community</a>, and five people attended from RISE. We were led by RRCA instructor Cari Setzler, who has an interesting background. Cari is a veterinarian by profession, but is not currently in practice. She is a sub-elite runner herself, and has years of experience coaching individuals and cross country/track teams. I liked the wealth of experience and the medical perspective she was able to bring.</div>
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<strong><br /></strong>
<strong>Class Day 1 - Saturday</strong><br />
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<div>
The first day of class was heavy on lectures about RRCA, types of runners and their motivation, types of training and workouts, physiology, and how to build a training plan for a distance runner. It was a lot of information but I found it very interesting. It confirmed some things I already knew from years of running. It also filled in gaps in my knowledge, and explained the reasons for other things. At the end of the day we were given some homework.</div>
<ol>
<li>Take a simple assessment to determine our communication style, which should help us understand how to interact with clients and how to develop our own coaching philosophy.</li>
<li>Begin to create a training plan for fictitious marathoner Robin, who was hoping to run a Boston Qualifier in 12 weeks.</li>
</ol>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOJUo4Di7OcrN5HJgZZ7zeh2m3o1_x2_pgk1uZb3Yml9e6sTQ4QTU4RQUOqJo6Ji_GOj6wu6jBNmT5LV2KhHUujQGp8JYajrvt1zOHIkPI3UMqreoMJ67Di-ELS4Tfu22_UbhzrixHaRyO/s1600/IMG_9114.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1544" data-original-width="1160" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOJUo4Di7OcrN5HJgZZ7zeh2m3o1_x2_pgk1uZb3Yml9e6sTQ4QTU4RQUOqJo6Ji_GOj6wu6jBNmT5LV2KhHUujQGp8JYajrvt1zOHIkPI3UMqreoMJ67Di-ELS4Tfu22_UbhzrixHaRyO/s400/IMG_9114.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Selfie with my book</em></td></tr>
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<div>
<strong><br /></strong>
<strong>Class Day 2 - Sunday</strong><br />
<strong><br /></strong></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
We spent significant parts of the day in small groups working on the case study for Robin. My group had four people (one of them was a fellow <a href="http://www.marathonmaniacs.com/" target="_blank">Marathon Maniac</a>) and we worked well together. The rest of the day we learned about injuries, nutrition, ethics, the business of coaching, and other topics. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhixNlo8UgQSvKSpE0iHy-iN84iVVMdve6XyqJzW2PVDyd36UWlU7VI2brwX2TIf9xX4Yloi8__JssBUWj8S6kTRFvNN1GeJnfP7IBnkm3tXZnDXHPoWHtpUp9bAdYca0L719fHFV3c1ot4/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1312" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhixNlo8UgQSvKSpE0iHy-iN84iVVMdve6XyqJzW2PVDyd36UWlU7VI2brwX2TIf9xX4Yloi8__JssBUWj8S6kTRFvNN1GeJnfP7IBnkm3tXZnDXHPoWHtpUp9bAdYca0L719fHFV3c1ot4/s400/FullSizeRender.jpg" width="327" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Our group's version of fictitious runner Robin's training plan</em></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<br />
I found the class to be very informative, and some of the content in the manual will be useful to me immediately. I also got to try a group running class at RISE on the Sunday evening after RRCA class.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<strong><br /></strong>
<strong>The Exam</strong><br />
<strong><br /></strong></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
We had to pass the exam with a score of 85% within 30 days of completing the course. Instructor Cari suggested logging in, printing the test questions, and answering them off-line in preparation for completing the online test. That's what I did, but the online test would only allow me to print 10 questions at a time before answering them; that was a little annoying. On the positive side, it broke things up a bit and I worked in some other chores, like laundry, in between answering test questions.<br />
<br />
I felt pretty good about the course material. But the test took longer than I thought it would. I took time to verify all of my answers (the exam was open-book, but no collaboration was allowed with other coaching students). There were some questions that didn't seem to have a single correct answer, so I did my best on those. After submitting the test, I was immediately given my passing score.</div>
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</div>
<div>
<strong><br /></strong>
<strong>What's Next?</strong><br />
<strong><br /></strong></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Now that I'm a certified RRCA Level 1 Coach, what will I do about it? I have some specific ideas about coaching for supplemental income. Or at first, maybe taking on some work pro bono, to get some actual experience on my resume. I'm thinking about a target demographic of runners, which I'm keeping to myself for now. No matter what, I'm so glad I took the course. It has given me invaluable knowledge that has already improved my own training. And when I pace races, I will now bring with me this additional credential, lending myself credibility even beyond my race resume.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Are any of my readers looking for a running coach, or some advice from a coach? Would you like to be my first client? Let me know, and we'll see where it takes us!</div>
<div>
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Sandy Hugillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12757839732019464486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4930244248887247542.post-35316515485462793292017-09-21T18:10:00.000-07:002017-09-21T20:44:15.271-07:00Air Force Half 2017 - The Good, The Bad, The UglyWell, I ran the 2017 <a href="http://www.usafmarathon.com/" target="_blank">Air Force Half Marathon</a> last weekend, with mixed results. This was, of course, a class act event as always. I previously ran the full marathon in 2012. This year I made a late decision to go back and run the half as practice for my other upcoming half marathons.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCeE5tELoshqVKWJd9Pz2x2WZcNv8M8XwHRJ7XaTVrVjW8v-ihODzKtvvRvG-jiNUUkDL0A3aMTUIyZg9m9b3u6HZAhyphenhyphena269P1rv1dcZbsrcKeGLx4itrXAV30h-67pqampEN3GrFsYUNJ/s1600/IMG_9225.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCeE5tELoshqVKWJd9Pz2x2WZcNv8M8XwHRJ7XaTVrVjW8v-ihODzKtvvRvG-jiNUUkDL0A3aMTUIyZg9m9b3u6HZAhyphenhyphena269P1rv1dcZbsrcKeGLx4itrXAV30h-67pqampEN3GrFsYUNJ/s400/IMG_9225.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>I love how my half marathon medal photo turned out</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<strong>Pre-Game</strong><br />
<br />
Air Force Marathon is on a Saturday, and with no race-day packet pick-up, that means everyone needed to get to the expo no later than Friday evening. I got off work at 4:30 PM on Friday and had a rough time getting from downtown Columbus to Wright State University in Fairborn. Traffic was a mess, and then when I got off at my exit to the Nutter Center, roads were closed as the Air Force 5K was about to start. I was routed way out of my way and had to park about a mile from the expo. Walking to the expo, I was going against the stream of 5K runners. It was fun to see them, and but it was not fun walking in the gravel on the side of the road in my work shoes.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtkDCt8b_FT4YUMTBoPtoCKS85hydU8modlARx1J6i6Gc2zgJszZRu-TE67dddg-7MtHOR6FbMgPdV6zr9Uo3P1rKKmeiD0F0-_8Zh1-NnjV6_8xln-gNngGPfBsHmPNKFyGjsQHcHCCW3/s1600/IMG_9157.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtkDCt8b_FT4YUMTBoPtoCKS85hydU8modlARx1J6i6Gc2zgJszZRu-TE67dddg-7MtHOR6FbMgPdV6zr9Uo3P1rKKmeiD0F0-_8Zh1-NnjV6_8xln-gNngGPfBsHmPNKFyGjsQHcHCCW3/s400/IMG_9157.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Friday evening 5K runners</i></td></tr>
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Once I got to the expo I quickly picked up packets for myself and for Scot. This year the shirts were neon yellow with black sleeves: long-sleeved for the half and full marathoners and short-sleeved for 5K and 10K runners. I didn't spend much time at the expo, but I made a point of visiting the <a href="http://www.carmelmarathon.com/pages/home" target="_blank">Carmel Marathon</a> booth where Robert was working. I was already registered to run Carmel in 2018. I also saw fellow marathoner and cat-mom Jen.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP63YfZCAw0mHY_p_FkV0fHdUVKi4JaQOqKaqk2ZfMjsdAd8_k2QHBTYKG0EebW866EX2-5gQ46CjpmqXdZrQ8dYqFGueUq2q-f0DH81tgoUq0waesJHHkFXOWECBCaamNiiyhidiFBZ-7/s1600/IMG_9158.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1203" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP63YfZCAw0mHY_p_FkV0fHdUVKi4JaQOqKaqk2ZfMjsdAd8_k2QHBTYKG0EebW866EX2-5gQ46CjpmqXdZrQ8dYqFGueUq2q-f0DH81tgoUq0waesJHHkFXOWECBCaamNiiyhidiFBZ-7/s400/IMG_9158.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>With Robert and Jen at the Carmel Marathon booth</i></td></tr>
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The walk back to my car was frustrating because now I was carrying stuff, and I was still not in proper walking shoes. But I got to see some of the 5K runners finishing, so that was nice. And because I was parked so far out of the way, I had little traffic getting back to the highway. When I got back home, Scot had arrived from DC and there was time for a quick pizza dinner and then sleep.<br />
<br />
<strong>The Good</strong><br />
<br />
Wake-up was a 4:00 AM, in order to get to Wright Patterson Air Force Base without worrying about traffic and parking. Although my half marathon didn't start until 8:30, the full marathon started at 7:30, so Scot needed to be there earlier. We had no problems with the drive or parking. Once we got to the start area (a bit of a walk from the parking), the port-o-potty lines were moving relatively fast. So, far, a good start to the day.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXZ13t8vp4alVKIiLg-iuPy_2RplA9oW3gJqSy1hrwW4yYpnV-8OBgOdSxrgjCeUCDIaCnRlMr0ByOK2oFdfMunml2v6hax8ToAwWmyL776iRPyhs3wmkiyCmbwNxxZUTgZKOT5EacNgrq/s1600/IMG_9171.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXZ13t8vp4alVKIiLg-iuPy_2RplA9oW3gJqSy1hrwW4yYpnV-8OBgOdSxrgjCeUCDIaCnRlMr0ByOK2oFdfMunml2v6hax8ToAwWmyL776iRPyhs3wmkiyCmbwNxxZUTgZKOT5EacNgrq/s400/IMG_9171.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Scot (and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MagentaTheRoadTripFlamingo/" target="_blank">Magenta the Road Trip Flamingo</a>) with Sid</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXE-P6iWHnl4mNwsfiJi8MHqgP-ciGEzsNbHdKUkOg8WfOFAqxhqCxh6Zfl2praqk49j8oS1hg82dbPELfo2U28cSxDVEn_FMenMoCkinY0wUNm8ulwN8pZ3R99CBctOKTJPHWT4SYZjqK/s1600/IMG_9172.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1203" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXE-P6iWHnl4mNwsfiJi8MHqgP-ciGEzsNbHdKUkOg8WfOFAqxhqCxh6Zfl2praqk49j8oS1hg82dbPELfo2U28cSxDVEn_FMenMoCkinY0wUNm8ulwN8pZ3R99CBctOKTJPHWT4SYZjqK/s400/IMG_9172.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="http://www.marathonmaniacs.com/" target="_blank">Marathon Maniacs</a> Columbus Ambassador (me) with the Cincinnati Ambassador (Andrew)</i></td></tr>
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Each year the Air Force Marathon features different aircraft. The chosen airplane makes an appearance on the t-shirt, the medal, and does a fly-over before the marathon start. This year marked the 70 birthday of the USAF and there were two aircraft models: the F-22 Raptor and the P-51 Mustang. It was interesting to see a fast jet and a slower plane flying together. That must have taken some coordination! After the fly-over the marathoners and 10K runners started their race. I would have an hour to wait for my start.<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: small;">Fly-over before the marathon</span></i></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN8vuiJX8N9BW8u8HptGUn-WGRWYWh3faLz_W2kOQItvK_enI1UCgTRLft618sLy1i4E-X2IYBz9t6CBhjk1ZQc-wHEzX4nTau3TBC6SAobThL4apOjfOuvB63odDQwWhWMcMrLs0H3q-W/s1600/IMG_9180.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1203" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN8vuiJX8N9BW8u8HptGUn-WGRWYWh3faLz_W2kOQItvK_enI1UCgTRLft618sLy1i4E-X2IYBz9t6CBhjk1ZQc-wHEzX4nTau3TBC6SAobThL4apOjfOuvB63odDQwWhWMcMrLs0H3q-W/s400/IMG_9180.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>With Nilda and Eddie</i></td></tr>
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I hung out in the start area, walking around and looking for people I knew who were running the half marathon. I didn't find anyone. Instead, I got a photo of myself with the AF Marathon mascot Tailwind. The Raptor and Mustang didn't make another pass for the half marathon start. Instead, we got parachutes!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFaVyJzqlackMxgfKdIJ1j9Ui22s0_HGwDjSP70b-PLc17379xlGKm6qItXL0pWif48SLROqK7zfljuYAzAcjwIyt73ARLAjjRgZZcDlJ3M7okpS0HFWUkXl2OKnkRYzObBzb9jOnMYhE4/s1600/IMG_9186.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFaVyJzqlackMxgfKdIJ1j9Ui22s0_HGwDjSP70b-PLc17379xlGKm6qItXL0pWif48SLROqK7zfljuYAzAcjwIyt73ARLAjjRgZZcDlJ3M7okpS0HFWUkXl2OKnkRYzObBzb9jOnMYhE4/s400/IMG_9186.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>My pre-race pic with Tailwind</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-ZrmNNY2LtqUPkZORopWS9nqmEt04Gy9phHxbEaGgPRF_gpISlGNqVJpjVr8R0ehkf1psWYJlvKdD8AucCP4s3B18QjIWa19RJ1hYMmyW_Yq1PyWgvq10dCgeVfZxQmwV0pj-7x5yrlkV/s1600/IMG_9192.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-ZrmNNY2LtqUPkZORopWS9nqmEt04Gy9phHxbEaGgPRF_gpISlGNqVJpjVr8R0ehkf1psWYJlvKdD8AucCP4s3B18QjIWa19RJ1hYMmyW_Yq1PyWgvq10dCgeVfZxQmwV0pj-7x5yrlkV/s400/IMG_9192.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Half marathon start corral</i></td></tr>
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<i style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;">Parachute landing before the half marathon</i></div>
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After the cannon boom, we half marathoners were off. I started out between the 2:30 and 2:45 pacers since my game plan was to run a 2:40 pace for the first six miles. This was a 12:12 minute/mile pace and was practice for a half marathon I would be pacing the following weekend. I was not used to running this pace on purpose, so I needed to train my body in how it felt. I went out a little too fast, then had to make a port-o-potty stop at mile 2.5 or so, so that put me slightly behind. I would never stop at a potty if I was actually pacing a race, but I had the freedom to do it on this day. In my next few miles I started leap-frogging with the 2:45 pace group. It was necessary for me to catch them because I was running a faster overall pace. But they would occasionally pass me during my walk breaks. I was pretty close to my goal of 12:12 pace for the first 6 miles. Not perfect, but it was good practice, and my plan was to practice it again during my weekday runs before the pacing gig. So far, so good.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXd1gTSaz7W_OXOucyCzo5wogcNs63rzwvw9cEOnET-unlf40FyQbmSXhkJrxGGgrH5WBhZ704iY1VIcMzLEryaq9DvdWxVg359ZafkzxYaTI3EQCSLUPyIUmZMiyNGS64Yycb3dcP4BKL/s1600/IMG_9200.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXd1gTSaz7W_OXOucyCzo5wogcNs63rzwvw9cEOnET-unlf40FyQbmSXhkJrxGGgrH5WBhZ704iY1VIcMzLEryaq9DvdWxVg359ZafkzxYaTI3EQCSLUPyIUmZMiyNGS64Yycb3dcP4BKL/s400/IMG_9200.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>A lot of the course looked kind of like this</i></td></tr>
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<strong>The Bad</strong><br />
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The rest of AF half was for me to do whatever I wanted to do. At first I thought I'd speed up and end up with a negative split for this race. But it was a hot day and the heat actually slowed me down. I ended up behind the 2:45 pacers, and I was not happy about that. I had intended to zoom past them and have an awesome feeling second half. I was rested enough and my body felt up to it...if it wasn't for that heat! At the very least, I would stick with the 2:45 group, not have them leave me in the dust. But they did. I started taking extra walk breaks, especially when going uphill. I made sure to hydrate well, so I was in no danger of heat-related illness, but I just couldn't pick up the pace consistently. I was so happy that I was not pacing that race, because it could possibly have been my first pacing fail.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd-GJlo6DxPrmR3AOHRoBkNGRgX0MvGNiiiBte_vmwzMZ-oCGIbL8L0XYWyXTIh94AJiwYRPY8tSWcDXCfWdGjv0YZ1807mRjwNW_3musWkPUzMJYQ4fb-3uftqq75EKncktwTjPm6rDIP/s1600/IMG_9202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1203" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd-GJlo6DxPrmR3AOHRoBkNGRgX0MvGNiiiBte_vmwzMZ-oCGIbL8L0XYWyXTIh94AJiwYRPY8tSWcDXCfWdGjv0YZ1807mRjwNW_3musWkPUzMJYQ4fb-3uftqq75EKncktwTjPm6rDIP/s400/IMG_9202.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Selfie with this aircraft</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix2HHSNXPIoWcGpwsw7rYDOhsiB2sNcPyO1XOZOi08gxg-tA1nKXT9yXArpk8Z0zx-Y_ALzbKTdWSrsH5SQHnY7Lt9b3Zr4o5qiKes8Lyp1gmo3ga-0EQoMqcj6Q9MAMWjeQ41FLsdC7mI/s1600/IMG_9203.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix2HHSNXPIoWcGpwsw7rYDOhsiB2sNcPyO1XOZOi08gxg-tA1nKXT9yXArpk8Z0zx-Y_ALzbKTdWSrsH5SQHnY7Lt9b3Zr4o5qiKes8Lyp1gmo3ga-0EQoMqcj6Q9MAMWjeQ41FLsdC7mI/s400/IMG_9203.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Wright State University</i></td></tr>
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I saw runners who were slower than me begin to pass me. These were people I recognized as being behind me at my port-o-potty stop, who passed me when I stopped...but I caught back up to them after the break. This meant I was noticeably faster than them in the first half of the race. But now some of those folks were passing me. Not good. Eventually, I accepted my fate. I told myself it was OK to walk as much as I needed to in order to beat the heat, as long as I ran all the downhills and didn't walk all the time. After all, this was not a goal race for me. I needed to save myself for my upcoming pacing gigs and for my three fall marathons.<br />
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<strong>The Ugly</strong><br />
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But at Mile 10, things got worse. My left calf decided to hate me. I had injured it during a speed work session back in June. I never got a diagnosis, but I strained or pulled something on the inside of the calf a couple inches below the knee. At that time I took three weeks off running and rehabbed it at home, doing all the tricks I knew about compression, stretching, massage and using my ultrasound machine. I returned to running in July. I was a little slower, but had no pain or discomfort, and my form was not compromised. I ran <a href="https://sandyruns.blogspot.com/2017/08/2017-emerald-city-half-race-report.html" target="_blank">Emerald City Half</a> at the end of August and then did two trail races. It seemed as though I was all better. But apparently not, after re-injuring the exact same spot during Air Force. This was very discouraging.<br />
<br />
My calf hurt running. It hurt walking. It especially hurt going uphill with a fully flexed foot. I had to just walk, but my walking pace was slow. I calculated my finish time if all I did was walk at that pace, and it was over 3 hours. I didn't want that to happen, so I occasionally ran for a few paces on a flat or downhill section of the course. But mostly, I walked. In the last mile I heard a friendly voice calling my name. It was Kate. I didn't even know she was at this race. She said she had seen me earlier in the race when she was in line at a port-o-potty. Now she had caught up to me. Kate was nice enough to walk with me for a little while so we could catch up. She was telling me about running during pregnancy, and how it had slowed her down, but she was still planning some full marathons for the fall. I was happy that she was having a good pregnancy and was able to run. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvXbTJDV1zmmOrX-alzHhncwpn_ZeJdc_E5lXvlsrAZZSv4KAS09SHAl_SYiA9gL7gaxTGDubGp8_FKBVEcqfjEMj7HwJC-1KTTXXL7FaXqhdNjH9nWy7VYbvCyXAZlFuCBfD-L5X9-z1Z/s1600/IMG_9206.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1203" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvXbTJDV1zmmOrX-alzHhncwpn_ZeJdc_E5lXvlsrAZZSv4KAS09SHAl_SYiA9gL7gaxTGDubGp8_FKBVEcqfjEMj7HwJC-1KTTXXL7FaXqhdNjH9nWy7VYbvCyXAZlFuCBfD-L5X9-z1Z/s400/IMG_9206.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Back on base, which means the end is near!</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbWGVWfnOpXm1mtDixPqEyH4OV9Jp43Jz7jxXAddo1Q5zsAzzmJlvwbj6dU2JazsqPH15UkHmn47jRSd-hgJC_H3tTSgAEUdYYy1_i_nX23_cgGE4PZ37fM6GQ9UCSPGrLGLB5fqOxJB1e/s1600/IMG_9208.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1203" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbWGVWfnOpXm1mtDixPqEyH4OV9Jp43Jz7jxXAddo1Q5zsAzzmJlvwbj6dU2JazsqPH15UkHmn47jRSd-hgJC_H3tTSgAEUdYYy1_i_nX23_cgGE4PZ37fM6GQ9UCSPGrLGLB5fqOxJB1e/s400/IMG_9208.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Kate found me and we got a selfie</i></td></tr>
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In the last half mile I tried to pick up my pace from slow walk to slightly faster shuffle. But my calf screamed at me and I felt a tearing feeling. Oh no! Not good at all. Now I was limping. With about a quarter mile to go, I encouraged Kate to run ahead for her finish. I would finish, but there was no way I was running another step. I walked in for my finish barely squeaking by in 2:59:11.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBK5sOks6nmHFnRg-SnF7tc-8H1kZBkafOV8uXa6hp8SrpOs7DqfJB2XheI_lNnut6k8J4R0UM66eZO-eGxAIerAaw690SCuoXwdjgQX22saW2h81kFnQVGDZQp7hIMqDT0MPx4kW3SwK_/s1600/IMG_9212.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBK5sOks6nmHFnRg-SnF7tc-8H1kZBkafOV8uXa6hp8SrpOs7DqfJB2XheI_lNnut6k8J4R0UM66eZO-eGxAIerAaw690SCuoXwdjgQX22saW2h81kFnQVGDZQp7hIMqDT0MPx4kW3SwK_/s400/IMG_9212.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Approaching the finish up ahead between those planes</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXrbfnqdCX6JbCqpkrEqqFq_7WKavfkaTDo0vYzG0kIJ1xAt-xwPtJEtEfeL2sHcJotbmJ9bTake8-bc2KNlyjQKh-gACeXUTesb5Pe98VcSIPEgYclsqLqVrdZd8YYOsFWihckvZ1nipn/s1600/IMG_9213.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXrbfnqdCX6JbCqpkrEqqFq_7WKavfkaTDo0vYzG0kIJ1xAt-xwPtJEtEfeL2sHcJotbmJ9bTake8-bc2KNlyjQKh-gACeXUTesb5Pe98VcSIPEgYclsqLqVrdZd8YYOsFWihckvZ1nipn/s400/IMG_9213.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>You just cannot beat a finish chute that is lined with aircraft</i></td></tr>
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<br />
<strong>The Aftermath</strong><br />
<br />
I found Kate at the end of the finish chute and we hung out and chatted for a while. Then she went to the massage tent and I went for my beer. I don't love a boring domestic beer, but I wanted anything they had to drink on this hot, disappointing day. While drinking my beer I went to the Geico tent to wait in line for my free massage for wearing my Geico Military shirt. I asked massage therapist Ponsi to be careful with my injured calf, and she did a great job overall, getting me all stretched out.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaK9h8UsZ8d5EZKIagTBkyQjNokGf5hsXDZ_lFWdSate1gDfn2jGNqahBkwxGcNt7pl1ggrnPnkFqEfLsDTYovFK6GH-QkHlaW7cG0iBR_gnbTqhurepUhZ8TncYyEFaWlDB9FPqgei15o/s1600/FullSizeRender+30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="983" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaK9h8UsZ8d5EZKIagTBkyQjNokGf5hsXDZ_lFWdSate1gDfn2jGNqahBkwxGcNt7pl1ggrnPnkFqEfLsDTYovFK6GH-QkHlaW7cG0iBR_gnbTqhurepUhZ8TncYyEFaWlDB9FPqgei15o/s400/FullSizeRender+30.jpg" width="245" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Post-race with Kate and baby on board</i></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJuCT0xlMX0-xbs6deC5qCXxn8OU7i8dqZJqrAZF4hPjvDrO8E6NkX0XIfqDIz1Ggc6lh8M073bTP3aKaFK-Dqu2EGWEWMvyXE8M4DA1ZsMiFXN5vAZaQQR4VFUh3gLjgprRgeArEGUHXI/s1600/IMG_9220.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1203" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJuCT0xlMX0-xbs6deC5qCXxn8OU7i8dqZJqrAZF4hPjvDrO8E6NkX0XIfqDIz1Ggc6lh8M073bTP3aKaFK-Dqu2EGWEWMvyXE8M4DA1ZsMiFXN5vAZaQQR4VFUh3gLjgprRgeArEGUHXI/s400/IMG_9220.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>I didn't care that it was cheap, domestic beer; it was cold and it was mine</i></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvMTW6Nq81JobR-nRbLtAkG_wQvr3VB7e2FpbBhg1YsIx7plT7iRa5fK4h22GsqueDVezgrwf4FUvkw1zlVK6US30-b6XXEI5k4ClR_iV9bqAwoXzKuqCMHSeeWlzUKS1fcLOpugUxrv1x/s1600/IMG_9222.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1203" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvMTW6Nq81JobR-nRbLtAkG_wQvr3VB7e2FpbBhg1YsIx7plT7iRa5fK4h22GsqueDVezgrwf4FUvkw1zlVK6US30-b6XXEI5k4ClR_iV9bqAwoXzKuqCMHSeeWlzUKS1fcLOpugUxrv1x/s400/IMG_9222.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Ponsi gave me a great post-race massage</i></td></tr>
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<br />
After my massage I found some shade behind the USO trailer and sat for a bit, eating some potato chips and drinking my beer. I kept thinking about my upcoming pacing gigs. I was supposed to pace a 3:00 half the next Saturday, followed by a 2:40 half on Sunday. Now, both of those races were out of the question. I couldn't guarantee making those times, and my leg needed to rest in order to heal. I would need to send some emails backing out of those pacing gigs, and I was very unhappy about that.<br />
<br />
I went and got another beer, thanks to Scot giving me his drink ticket before the race. I had some time to wait for him to finish the marathon. In the finish area tent I found a different Scott, a fellow <a href="http://www.halffanatics.com/" target="_blank">Half Fanatic</a> who had run in my pace group for <a href="https://sandyruns.blogspot.com/2017/05/2017-cleveland-half-marathon-race-report.html" target="_blank">Cleveland Half Marathon</a>. He was there with another HF Anoosha, who I met for the first time. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4sx1RJvKhUMJvZAZlUYk7Qsm-Fl44Y4TNPJX84poZwHisGjHSq-ccdBIoja-xBYrPLfoSVEDnGwot0M3j3C5y51UWmKQD2HsokJxzmT3PZA9eoDax7qtS50zlPDgsr0xLQkOQAWqUX7qY/s1600/FullSizeRender+29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1490" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4sx1RJvKhUMJvZAZlUYk7Qsm-Fl44Y4TNPJX84poZwHisGjHSq-ccdBIoja-xBYrPLfoSVEDnGwot0M3j3C5y51UWmKQD2HsokJxzmT3PZA9eoDax7qtS50zlPDgsr0xLQkOQAWqUX7qY/s400/FullSizeRender+29.jpg" width="372" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>With fellow Half Fanatics Scott and Anoosha</i></td></tr>
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<br />
I walked around some more looking for other folks that I knew, but never found them. And then...I was randomly sanding right in front of some medics as they were carrying a runner to the medical tent. And I noticed that the person on the stretcher was Sid. So, I went after them to the tent to see how he was doing. Sid's other friends Dave and Dolly were with him at the time. Apparently Sid finished the race just fine, but started exhibiting heat issues 30 minutes or so afterward. They gave him fluids and tried to cool him, but he needed to be transported to the base hospital. I'm happy to say that Sid is fine...he was one of the many victims of the heat on that day.<br />
<br />
Scot finished with Carrie; they had run <a href="https://sandyruns.blogspot.com/2016/11/2016-maine-corps-marathon-weekend.html" target="_blank">Marine Corps Marathon</a> together last year. She was a first-time marathoner then, and now she's a <a href="http://www.marathonmaniacs.com/" target="_blank">Marathon Maniac</a>. After photos and things, Scot and I had to get to the car and drive back to Columbus. We had tickets to the Ohio State game that afternoon, and even though we were a little late for the game, it was a good football day and Ohio State beat Army. It was a long day though, so I was happy to get home from the game, give my calf an ultrasound treatment, and then get some much-needed sleep.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG5-fRTyEq8VYdJuBoVrvHxATxQZH1wRDOyP8H_Xf9qgv9HApSUaaxcpgBY3PnayOtkqXoBF45QaBjdQIECNTF2URRQTDkQsNMLIreNZ-91onN3c5Tgam36mS52Z6Jhy4x7IbAo1f8sAiH/s1600/IMG_9231.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG5-fRTyEq8VYdJuBoVrvHxATxQZH1wRDOyP8H_Xf9qgv9HApSUaaxcpgBY3PnayOtkqXoBF45QaBjdQIECNTF2URRQTDkQsNMLIreNZ-91onN3c5Tgam36mS52Z6Jhy4x7IbAo1f8sAiH/s400/IMG_9231.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Inside Ohio Stadium "The Horseshoe"</i></td></tr>
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<br />
<strong>Race Review</strong><br />
<br />
Aside from my own poor performance, how did I like Air Force Half Marathon? Well, I had run the full marathon in 2012, so I had a basis for comparison. This race was very much like the 2012 version. It's a very well-managed event, as are all the military races I've done. It's fun, it's festive, there's always a great medal and shirt. The crowd support is somewhat lacking because most of the course is on the base, but where there are spectators, they are awesome. The half marathon course doesn't go out into the town of Fairborn as the marathon does, so I missed that bit. The section in Fairborn had the best spectator showing when I ran in 2012. But all race logistics were good: plenty of port-o-potties, aid stations spaced frequently and staffed by energetic volunteers, one gel station on the half marathon course, and a little, but not a lot, of on-course entertainment. The post-race food was about average, with water, juice and Gatorade to drink, fruit and Panera bagels to eat. Each beer ticket got you a PBR or a Miller Lite. For additional fare, Chick-fil-a had food and drink for sale.<br />
<br />
Now that I'm in Columbus and this is a semi-local race, I'll be back. I just hope I don't have bad luck with injuries. Not only did I injure my calf at Mile 10 this year, but I also pulled my IT Band toward the end of the marathon in 2012. So, my injury stats for Air Force races is 2 for 2. I'd like to see the race count rise but the injury count remain at 2.<br />
<br /></div>
Sandy Hugillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12757839732019464486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4930244248887247542.post-37922434887634317112017-09-20T07:34:00.000-07:002017-09-20T07:34:05.842-07:00Summer Squatch 10K Trail Race - in the Dark!In a first for me, I ran a trail race in the dark. The <a href="https://summersquatch10k.com/" target="_blank">2017 Summer Squatch 10K</a> was a Thursday evening event that started at 7 PM. It wasn't dark at the start, but it didn't take long for visibility to get tough in the woods. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7sgcW6Vdci356TwlMWpwLqe-KAMqtWsgizUhZ2_xXx5Sgvz1Ep5v0v_0_9xaPddnDgZwuXWcj2RnUZ2N3CA56kDvh_0KT3DTb2g9DEID8Z1nNfgpVuXu_8zWYF24iz7etPN0wrx5ix3cC/s1600/FullSizeRender+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1201" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7sgcW6Vdci356TwlMWpwLqe-KAMqtWsgizUhZ2_xXx5Sgvz1Ep5v0v_0_9xaPddnDgZwuXWcj2RnUZ2N3CA56kDvh_0KT3DTb2g9DEID8Z1nNfgpVuXu_8zWYF24iz7etPN0wrx5ix3cC/s400/FullSizeRender+3.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Night trail runner, with medal to prove it</em></td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I drove up to <a href="http://parks.ohiodnr.gov/alumcreek" target="_blank">Alum Creek State Park</a> after work on race day and was there in plenty of time to pick up my packet and get changed for the race. I took an apple to eat as a pre-race snack, and wore all my regular trail gear (Altra Lone Peak shoes, gaiters, and Camelback pack). It was only a 10K, but I wanted to be prepared. It had rained for a couple days before this, and I was unfamiliar with the trail. I didn't know what I would encounter, but I thought it might get muddy. I also knew it would be dark. I planned ahead and borrowed a headlamp because I knew mine was low quality and just wasn't going to cut it.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghxmOQKkfXsoldhIuab_SLnJ6KNsBiXJz3-kOha4CrqRENrDmiTn8UIXKiFHyZ_lRQV2BkzU0d4QjDl-eB7dENlKKwDk83J0kRzStjzY_piqKk8dWEZxg1bTIOlTqxH8Jjx9CbDm5bsqTF/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1547" data-original-width="1161" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghxmOQKkfXsoldhIuab_SLnJ6KNsBiXJz3-kOha4CrqRENrDmiTn8UIXKiFHyZ_lRQV2BkzU0d4QjDl-eB7dENlKKwDk83J0kRzStjzY_piqKk8dWEZxg1bTIOlTqxH8Jjx9CbDm5bsqTF/s400/FullSizeRender.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Our trailhead was past the dog park, but not well-marked</em></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdmjEa3lpKjUJWvU6sbrCvOptJlL39wHxz9VLVncHa11HWJt-7WWPHSTvfcrYjPmuoRwc9FmalB2A7TdvKUGTsTD21UZtXgAtjaHWBNK3DAiLz05EouSjujKIRlW1D9uQm6X8LE-fZLVqA/s1600/IMG_9139.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdmjEa3lpKjUJWvU6sbrCvOptJlL39wHxz9VLVncHa11HWJt-7WWPHSTvfcrYjPmuoRwc9FmalB2A7TdvKUGTsTD21UZtXgAtjaHWBNK3DAiLz05EouSjujKIRlW1D9uQm6X8LE-fZLVqA/s400/IMG_9139.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Runners getting ready</em></td></tr>
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<br />
This wasn't a very big race; there were only 67 finishers. But we set out onto the single-track trail almost immediately, so it was a crowded start. Visibility was good, which was important, as there were so many tree roots on this trail. They call it the "<a href="https://www.meetup.com/Rocks-and-Roots-Trail-Runners-Association/" target="_blank">Rocks and Roots</a>" trail, but a better name would have been "Roots and Roots". It really wasn't very rocky at all, just dirt (a little mud in some wet spots), roots, and one section covered in pine needles.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3s00DmTKvtOlsLSiJ-73vpXkIBD16rrR2JP-MlDyKyTWhidDSwTSsd2WwePqmEy7w9NvikFr9FfKk7mbqmTBPeBJDCWwJtq0POcbPP6Qyx_Jeid-xljiVA-P9Nv0fST1LhKxZJgIy88hw/s1600/IMG_9142.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1160" data-original-width="1544" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3s00DmTKvtOlsLSiJ-73vpXkIBD16rrR2JP-MlDyKyTWhidDSwTSsd2WwePqmEy7w9NvikFr9FfKk7mbqmTBPeBJDCWwJtq0POcbPP6Qyx_Jeid-xljiVA-P9Nv0fST1LhKxZJgIy88hw/s400/IMG_9142.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Happy to have my borrowed headlamp for later</em></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTgo87PlJQmI_KD_eaDTBtHlrUlHJKEDqhfu0R2z68o4VpwSN2sh1Vvsbc2Gf3sw4Q8ScdroZxcRtNnOIxUecFpE_5jEkgVkC_WFRxRlQC5ZdKuSHBbWMDll1FC4rH7pZtlKUb8qFNg_P7/s1600/IMG_9141.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTgo87PlJQmI_KD_eaDTBtHlrUlHJKEDqhfu0R2z68o4VpwSN2sh1Vvsbc2Gf3sw4Q8ScdroZxcRtNnOIxUecFpE_5jEkgVkC_WFRxRlQC5ZdKuSHBbWMDll1FC4rH7pZtlKUb8qFNg_P7/s400/IMG_9141.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Water crossing</em></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP-LyngQS0tFRzyu662tn_eWPcp5K-sWVrsqICig2B_9KwHyIT1hrjkMbvJj_v-rY2HQAXyBx1iv4INra3XoLNACsWZZCqWorMp1Fx0exixLfUgMhg_X6UCw3aM45vkfzpsK-Ruvmcbuqe/s1600/IMG_9143.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP-LyngQS0tFRzyu662tn_eWPcp5K-sWVrsqICig2B_9KwHyIT1hrjkMbvJj_v-rY2HQAXyBx1iv4INra3XoLNACsWZZCqWorMp1Fx0exixLfUgMhg_X6UCw3aM45vkfzpsK-Ruvmcbuqe/s400/IMG_9143.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Another water crossing; it was easier to just splash through the water on the left and not wait on the stepping stones</em></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBdcC_0ZwngOUl0IIozw663FCqChK54YQKYP4PSV-Dvzegcu8t3OKxOZvgB4OVXuvReK6RJqfmobWKUgRu6wkSpXMxhzIDbg2hcWjX0TWb8AIaYgTDLges69OZ9VYd_XGhB4OfueUG6-Kk/s1600/FullSizeRender+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBdcC_0ZwngOUl0IIozw663FCqChK54YQKYP4PSV-Dvzegcu8t3OKxOZvgB4OVXuvReK6RJqfmobWKUgRu6wkSpXMxhzIDbg2hcWjX0TWb8AIaYgTDLges69OZ9VYd_XGhB4OfueUG6-Kk/s400/FullSizeRender+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Water view</em></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
There were several of us running at approximately the same pace and we passed and were passed by each other a few times. I was having fun and moving swiftly (for me) in the first couple miles when there was still a good amount of light. And then I tripped on a root and fell. Not a big deal, I scraped my knees a little, but not too bad. I picked myself up and carried on, but I was a little more cautious now. And then it began to get dark and I was so happy to have the borrowed headlamp.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibVkNTCahGnJZ5SvvMfN5TrYvAEgDXX52R-cLLk6U7Tfm6mwIqDnYc1mKfcWrYvWft7XA4oaEB7HFY5WveN56U9URHIpQri3kawL8cyNhg57q7L08rBbX6waLQsTqavAFISZzcOasglpoh/s1600/IMG_9145.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibVkNTCahGnJZ5SvvMfN5TrYvAEgDXX52R-cLLk6U7Tfm6mwIqDnYc1mKfcWrYvWft7XA4oaEB7HFY5WveN56U9URHIpQri3kawL8cyNhg57q7L08rBbX6waLQsTqavAFISZzcOasglpoh/s400/IMG_9145.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Starting to get dark; not all parts of the trail were wooded</em></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOVLqD1FGtQBFSLhtKYsLX85OzVNslr4Mt87tb2l9KerV4zX3RqyOt8pfWcegzINo5tBhOhGUc3dR1XBaue13EouYY5ffEx3UtfELgJiH8tpEnqio7RhFWCM5OK6TFMXrzVbiwFy-pgZEu/s1600/IMG_9146.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1160" data-original-width="1544" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOVLqD1FGtQBFSLhtKYsLX85OzVNslr4Mt87tb2l9KerV4zX3RqyOt8pfWcegzINo5tBhOhGUc3dR1XBaue13EouYY5ffEx3UtfELgJiH8tpEnqio7RhFWCM5OK6TFMXrzVbiwFy-pgZEu/s400/IMG_9146.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>It's dark now, and that's the water peeking through the trees</em></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The darkness slowed me down. It was my first time running a trail in the dark. The headlamp helped, but not enough for me to maintain the same pace. I had to slow down a little bit. I had a couple stumbles, and then another fall. This one took me by surprise and I fell hard. Again, no major injuries, just some bruises, but now I was not confident enough to run. I slowed to a walk. At this point I was alone on the trail, so no one was visible ahead of me, and no one's light helped me by shining from behind. I saw a few distant headlamps on the switchbacks. But I was solo. And now I was using an abundance of caution so as not to slip or fall again. There were water crossings, most of which had wooden bridges, but the bridges were slick and muddy, so I had to be careful on those too.<br />
<br />
I got to the aid station with about two miles to go. It was nice to know I was on the right path. It was hard to see trail markings in the dark, but the good news was that the trail was fairly well worn, and even if I had to stop and look around in a couple spots, I was able to quickly find the right way.<br />
<br />
In the last mile other runners/walkers caught up with me, and for a short while the course sweeper was two positions behind. Then I was able to pick up my pace a little bit. And when we exited the woods I was able to muster a sort of sprint on the grass. I ended up 63rd out of 67 and it was my slowest 10K ever...but my first trail 10K, so does that make it a PR?<br />
<br />
At the finish there was water and granola bars. There may or may not have been bananas; I didn't notice because I don't eat them. Most of the faster finishers had left. It was dark, and there were bugs wanting to bite me. I took my fun wooden medal and went to the car.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkyaE89VZGuxCXb_B3SekPUPpRlqLJLppgaLhFa0jFVEqFqtdNMbPKpVtvLfl2QCzaERtX6DriYmU29JC_81NdYCXWdk3wh6hSLAfiKz3szkYtJ-HWCt0ZPDv5ukHMU1v86-ovetjcFCk7/s1600/FullSizeRender+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="1512" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkyaE89VZGuxCXb_B3SekPUPpRlqLJLppgaLhFa0jFVEqFqtdNMbPKpVtvLfl2QCzaERtX6DriYmU29JC_81NdYCXWdk3wh6hSLAfiKz3szkYtJ-HWCt0ZPDv5ukHMU1v86-ovetjcFCk7/s400/FullSizeRender+4.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Creative wooden medal with the Sasquatch</em></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOO1iVElIa9UJlGCwYc2jXzJtkmCPk2ZFLcAO9luGXHo98EueUs-U5ISjX624br7g4FDDGnmRUX9FXa6tQ01hnj8K4G4uxZI7HFfUMN2kK2Ji6syPi4LJ7hU6VBs0rw8xv9z_soRtZGLtY/s1600/IMG_9150.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOO1iVElIa9UJlGCwYc2jXzJtkmCPk2ZFLcAO9luGXHo98EueUs-U5ISjX624br7g4FDDGnmRUX9FXa6tQ01hnj8K4G4uxZI7HFfUMN2kK2Ji6syPi4LJ7hU6VBs0rw8xv9z_soRtZGLtY/s400/IMG_9150.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>See, my knees weren't banged up that much, but those dark spots are not shadows, they are dirt</em></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So now I've done a night trail race. I liked being in the woods at night, but I didn't like the fact that I couldn't run fast, if at all. As I said to the sweeper, I've gotten to the point where I'm fairly comfortable running single-track during daylight hours, but not in the dark...so I guess that's just another skill to master; and he agreed. I really didn't enjoy trying to run in the dark on the trail, but I won't get any better at it unless I do more of it. So, I guess I'll need to go buy my own higher-quality headlamp and find some more nighttime trail races or group runs. Sandy Hugillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12757839732019464486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4930244248887247542.post-22986489220314907542017-09-18T06:41:00.000-07:002017-09-18T06:41:05.446-07:00I'm the New Marathon Maniacs Columbus Ambassador!In a recent and unexpected development, I was just selected as the <a href="http://www.marathonmaniacs.com/" target="_blank">Marathon Maniacs</a> ambassador for Columbus, Ohio. I've been a club member for six years and have been running marathons for 12 years. When I moved back to Columbus in January, I immediately jumped into the local running community. So, I feel very good about this position.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTEoSYc1nN9xyImNa8-Aq1jK_CYh07dibKPfe7vbN5rcsgUhpegmfNkBAvWxG9qr7hR4d1HqC_FpKLw6DF1yOvFB_zzGX3GM_GoDPBAhMzNkiem-wuVrWkftJ7zf62FyvICAI_NPhEyHu3/s1600/FullSizeRender+x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="858" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTEoSYc1nN9xyImNa8-Aq1jK_CYh07dibKPfe7vbN5rcsgUhpegmfNkBAvWxG9qr7hR4d1HqC_FpKLw6DF1yOvFB_zzGX3GM_GoDPBAhMzNkiem-wuVrWkftJ7zf62FyvICAI_NPhEyHu3/s400/FullSizeRender+x.jpg" width="267" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Meet your new Marathon Maniacs Columbus ambassador!</em></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
As a Marathon Maniacs <a href="http://www.marathonmaniacs.com/Regional-Ambassador/">ambassador</a>, my responsibilities will be to:<br />
<ul>
<li>Serve as a regional spokesperson for the club, helping to find new members</li>
<li>Moderate the Marathon Maniacs Columbus Facebook group</li>
<li>Coordinate meet-up activities for Columbus-area races, including dinners and pre-race photos</li>
<li>Potentially work with local races to provide Maniac pacers</li>
</ul>
When I introduced myself in the Columbus Facebook group, I led with a list of my marathon achievements. It wasn't to brag, but to let people know what I've done. Hopefully this can help to inspire others, and can provide a starting point for conversations. Since I have all that info neatly typed and organized, I'll share it here for fun. Looking back, it's really amazing what you can do when you put your mind to achieving goals.<br />
<br />
<div>
<strong>My Overall Running Resume</strong></div>
<ul>
<li>Marathon Maniac #4436 / <a href="http://www.halffanatics.com/" target="_blank">Half Fanatic</a> #1955 / Double Agent (both clubs) #224</li>
<li>Maniac since 2011, though I technically qualified in 2006 (Columbus Marathon was one of my qualifying races!)</li>
<li>Half Fanatic since 2012</li>
<li>Marathons to date: 74</li>
<li>Half Marathons to date: 53</li>
<li>Achieved MM Titanium status (30 marathon states in 365 days) on 8/23/13</li>
<li>Finished 50 States on 5/30/15</li>
<li>I pace half marathons, but have not yet paced for a full marathon</li>
<li>Voting member and past board member of <a href="https://marathonglobetrotters.org/" target="_blank">Marathon Globetrotters</a>, having run marathons in 10 countries</li>
<li>I will soon be an <a href="http://www.rrca.org/our-programs-services/programs/coaching-program" target="_blank">RRCA Level 1 Coach</a> - I recently finished class and need to take my exam</li>
</ul>
<strong>My Columbus Running Resume</strong><br />
<ul>
<li>I'm from Columbus, but lived in the Washington DC area for several years; I returned home in January and joined the Columbus running community in full force</li>
<li>I am a 2017 <a href="https://sandyruns.blogspot.com/2017/06/im-going-to-china-as-columbus-marathon.html" target="_blank">Columbus Marathon ambassador</a> to Hefei, China, where I'll be running the marathon on 11/12/17 along with 4 other Columbus runners</li>
<li>I am a member of the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwip-rnD7a7WAhVlzVQKHScMAasQFggoMAA&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FColumbusWestsideRunningClub%2F&usg=AFQjCNF7SS_QFTsmTuTaNrGFqpu4FTQY9g" target="_blank">Columbus Westside Running Club</a> (CWRC) - we are an RRCA club and have group runs on Tuesday evenings and Sunday mornings</li>
<li>I also run with the <a href="http://www.shortnorthrunningclub.com/" target="_blank">Short North Running Club</a> some Thursday nights and do Columbus Running Company's Short North speed workouts on Wednesday nights</li>
</ul>
<div>
I'm sure there will be elements of my Maniac ambassadorship in the blog as I write up my experiences at local races. Stay tuned!</div>
<div>
</div>
Sandy Hugillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12757839732019464486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4930244248887247542.post-82261676968809458152017-09-15T08:07:00.000-07:002017-09-15T08:24:43.118-07:00Minnehaha 5 Miler Trail Race - Plus a Brewery ExtravaganzaOn Labor Day weekend I ran a trail race on a whim. It was the <a href="https://www.westernreserveracing.com/events/minnehaha-5-miler-good-turn-2-mile-kids-trail-race/" target="_blank">Minnehaha 5 Miler Trail Race</a> put on by Western Reserve Racing at part of their Tents & Trails or Dirty Trails series over Labor Day weekend. It seems I've been spending a lot of time at races in Northeastern Ohio this year. First it was the <a href="https://sandyruns.blogspot.com/2017/05/2017-pro-football-hall-of-fame-half.html" target="_blank">Pro Football Hall of Fame Half</a> in Canton in April. Then in May I paced the <a href="https://sandyruns.blogspot.com/2017/05/2017-cleveland-half-marathon-race-report.html" target="_blank">Cleveland Half Marathon</a> one weekend and raced the <a href="https://sandyruns.blogspot.com/2017/06/2017-medina-half-marathon-race-report.html" target="_blank">Medina Half</a> the following weekend. In July I volunteered and crewed at the <a href="https://sandyruns.blogspot.com/2017/09/crewing-at-burning-river-100-miler.html" target="_blank">Burning River 100</a>, where I discovered the Summit Brew Path and its bounty of 14 Akron/Canton area breweries to visit. For the holiday weekend, my real goal was to finish my Summit Brew Path. With a free room from Hotels.com, I decided to make an overnight of it, hitting up some breweries on Saturday and others on Sunday. I figured I'd find a pretty place to run on Sunday morning before heading out to the breweries. When my friend Chase mentioned the Minnehaha race, it took me about 10 seconds to register. And lucky for me, I saved $5 with a volunteer credit for my time spent at Burning River packet pick-up. There was no way this wasn't going to be an awesome weekend!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnuboYgkNfzu7PhVlwnXUJd2IZ5GodxiWAO0MfUnFk883eDoYTmlCUYhb8-C6rEE6TLGKkwvCAI4jWDVCkBENcW0i58cdA3JunqhHYGDSOWtQTGXOeo3nCzj9udSTZm6KE8d2AzYyvtpml/s1600/IMG_8989.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1544" data-original-width="1160" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnuboYgkNfzu7PhVlwnXUJd2IZ5GodxiWAO0MfUnFk883eDoYTmlCUYhb8-C6rEE6TLGKkwvCAI4jWDVCkBENcW0i58cdA3JunqhHYGDSOWtQTGXOeo3nCzj9udSTZm6KE8d2AzYyvtpml/s400/IMG_8989.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Ready to run a dirty trail!</em></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<strong>Saturday Breweries</strong><br />
<br />
I got a late start driving up on Saturday, but there was still plenty of time to achieve my brewery goals. I hit a record number of 7 breweries that day. I only needed <a href="https://www.scenicbrewingco.com/" target="_blank">Scenic Brewing</a>, <a href="http://muckyduckbrewery.com/" target="_blank">Mucky Duck Brewery</a>, <a href="http://www.hoppinfrog.com/" target="_blank">Hoppin' Frog Brewery</a>, <a href="http://2monksbru.com/" target="_blank">Two Monks Brewing</a> and <a href="http://www.aqueductbrew.com/" target="_blank">Aqueduct Brewing</a> (these guys have a river flowing through their basement!) for the passport, but later I met Chase at two additional breweries (<a href="https://rsheabrewing.com/" target="_blank">R. Shea Brewing</a>, which I'd visited back in July, and <a href="http://www.mcarthursbrewhouse.com/" target="_blank">McArthur's Brew House</a>, which wasn't a passport eligible brewery). Don't worry, I only had one or two 4 oz. tasters at each place and this was spaced out over several hours, so I was plenty sober and safe. After McArthurs, I said goodbye to Chase and drove to my hotel in Hudson and laid out my race gear for the morning.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSFyndV9fXAqfVQWHMIBGZL2TZ8HlYKGi86kv9IcvzHIw0HfZozbqk-rBFY8yKiQynFIQtZmbS4LAQeHdh_7WTJ6k2lgwXmQVFfX3bVibcczzGrrRU9ilegRBf-kGhgAf-picoTq0zwHtQ/s1600/IMG_8971.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="1512" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSFyndV9fXAqfVQWHMIBGZL2TZ8HlYKGi86kv9IcvzHIw0HfZozbqk-rBFY8yKiQynFIQtZmbS4LAQeHdh_7WTJ6k2lgwXmQVFfX3bVibcczzGrrRU9ilegRBf-kGhgAf-picoTq0zwHtQ/s400/IMG_8971.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Loved the Hoppin' Frog taps, and I also bought a cute logo pint glass that I really didn't need</em></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMFE9RM2lAksWIJOAGeRODZDWT9__xuIiuES0s7QDzBIXH5LW3es7vYgPIHynMDdS-vu5L5T4b6zFL7ylw6T5Ojx2Ee0OBOQ0kHaX9nMKdCPzVpZ1QkOCBmBFRjhfxXWd6CvGqvVaaMHQX/s1600/IMG_8973.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMFE9RM2lAksWIJOAGeRODZDWT9__xuIiuES0s7QDzBIXH5LW3es7vYgPIHynMDdS-vu5L5T4b6zFL7ylw6T5Ojx2Ee0OBOQ0kHaX9nMKdCPzVpZ1QkOCBmBFRjhfxXWd6CvGqvVaaMHQX/s400/IMG_8973.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>The Goodyear Blimp hangar was a sight on my Akron brewery tour</em></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMCYQGbUwDBxvw5424CizD0RkQqHx0V06C65pV37ReKC0Ayk6ZmytnxDSiszZL3Infyjw15d_yL6Pblc57_nAh3Qs_FzEpbVuLRn3Nip0kz5vgcwwsZ6YLTkb5xL-XClDPUxzY-f82JXtY/s1600/IMG_8981.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMCYQGbUwDBxvw5424CizD0RkQqHx0V06C65pV37ReKC0Ayk6ZmytnxDSiszZL3Infyjw15d_yL6Pblc57_nAh3Qs_FzEpbVuLRn3Nip0kz5vgcwwsZ6YLTkb5xL-XClDPUxzY-f82JXtY/s400/IMG_8981.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>At Aqueduct brewing, the stream in their basement - really cool!</em></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<strong>Sunday Race</strong><br />
<br />
Early Sunday morning there was rain. In fact, it had rained all day Saturday too. I wondered how muddy the trails would be, but it didn't matter...I was going to run no matter what. And the rain stopped a couple hours before the race started at the relatively late hour of 9:30 AM. I drove to the race site early to get parked and pick up my packet. We would be running at <a href="http://www.manatoc.org/" target="_blank">Camp Manatoc</a>, a Boy Scouts camp that is not normally open to the public. This was a once-a-year opportunity to run the trails in this part of <a href="https://www.nps.gov/cuva/index.htm" target="_blank">Cuyahoga Valley National Park</a>. Several runners had done the marathon or half the previous day, and some of them camped on the property overnight. The camp dining hall was serving up breakfast for the campers. I had brought my own apple to eat before the race.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY4oAexdiIDxfhyuYMWUPrlbFkxlYszuNfZ19B8t1ll5AX2vLsdCTwnhdnkvHVoWnDn1q3oZ17r9d9vUTIJjdh39oH8KFvePiO-13Et0r3oucPhbWrOSDjFqQJBH9qXXj2Q2j0Z4nsnzL3/s1600/FullSizeRender+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1433" data-original-width="1600" height="357" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY4oAexdiIDxfhyuYMWUPrlbFkxlYszuNfZ19B8t1ll5AX2vLsdCTwnhdnkvHVoWnDn1q3oZ17r9d9vUTIJjdh39oH8KFvePiO-13Et0r3oucPhbWrOSDjFqQJBH9qXXj2Q2j0Z4nsnzL3/s400/FullSizeRender+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Main entrance to Camp Manatoc</em></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyOphHTBSWweJFG7ew9h5m0zZJDin1hJ3YkUOCf_ankX8YoTImF4Ijes2V_sua65UtzmxMCf9lrut7fE4fl5xV5mBncyT-jS1jUx9X7HET4w8IE82r0tjRNQBklFgnh-jNolH7IYi-Z52k/s1600/IMG_8990.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyOphHTBSWweJFG7ew9h5m0zZJDin1hJ3YkUOCf_ankX8YoTImF4Ijes2V_sua65UtzmxMCf9lrut7fE4fl5xV5mBncyT-jS1jUx9X7HET4w8IE82r0tjRNQBklFgnh-jNolH7IYi-Z52k/s400/IMG_8990.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Camp Manatoc dining hall</em></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiizZaC5OjF_zQprsL15tTDoSPHnEbzPYHdtBdSAO68kihtBkp3LdUpnuB7NzICMOZoZwq4fCKSGpXO98j921tnM2uq8Ql3h5lwwcScFDsuNQYGebmdSmWA2uQ2u4Td0dhENYiS03dhHzkC/s1600/IMG_8991.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiizZaC5OjF_zQprsL15tTDoSPHnEbzPYHdtBdSAO68kihtBkp3LdUpnuB7NzICMOZoZwq4fCKSGpXO98j921tnM2uq8Ql3h5lwwcScFDsuNQYGebmdSmWA2uQ2u4Td0dhENYiS03dhHzkC/s400/IMG_8991.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Inside the dining hall, where post-race festivities were held</em></td></tr>
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<br />
When I checked in, Kelly told me I would have to wait until after the race to receive my hat, if there were any left. This was because I registered so late. I liked that this race gave out a hat instead of a shirt; that was kind of different and fun. Kelly assured me there would be some other premium for me if I couldn't get the official Dirty Trail Series hat, but I was crossing my fingers for that hat. At some point I found Chase, and then I found Jeff, who had volunteered with me at Burning River packet pick-up. More accurately, Jeff recognized me first. He had run the half marathon the previous day and was volunteering for the 5 Miler. It was nice to see a friendly face. I made my final race preparations, then gathered with some other folks to watch the kids race at 9:00. This was no toddler run; these were bigger kids and they had to run a 2 Miler! Shortly after the kids finished, the 5 Miler started. Incidentally, there were some kids in that distance too.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQDdV0MsALGT8pgO4f1i-UA3yRVCn-9vpcNFmCU3fG1Ko9Ynt_Zdh64VXrtbY66oJH_intR6uv5ZBFly39kCQXnABBZhnLk9IH5V7cGY2kAq-2_RyxVsg2mhx-834qSUHol8pJylaBB0vc/s1600/IMG_9014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQDdV0MsALGT8pgO4f1i-UA3yRVCn-9vpcNFmCU3fG1Ko9Ynt_Zdh64VXrtbY66oJH_intR6uv5ZBFly39kCQXnABBZhnLk9IH5V7cGY2kAq-2_RyxVsg2mhx-834qSUHol8pJylaBB0vc/s400/IMG_9014.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>The kids race runners take off</em></td></tr>
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<br />
We started off on the main road through camp, and we returned to the roads periodically. Some of the road segments were paved and some were gravel. But most of our distance was on single-track dirt trails through the forest. These were beautiful trails, and I hoped that the Boy Scouts appreciated them when they used the trails for running or, more likely, hiking. We lucked out with mostly dry trails. After all the rain I expected mud, but there was very little mud, and it was easily avoided. There were a couple water crossings, but none that got my feet wet, as there were wooden bridges or big stepping stones. But the trails were still a place to exercise caution. Often, the trail bordered a ravine and it was necessary for me to slow down a little bit and watch my step. There was an equal amount of climbing and descending, and I didn't find it terribly difficult, but...I only had to run 5 miles of it.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGNpajfAXGdd3fH9wJsapYScvAIBekxHVltGWnyfG3ihZSRrJbBSxHT3bJ9KNJlFw65GK3uWGWArT-iFjXEAtLHEX22fK-U6QdYTdZZyk7uO9yWj5w7DVJN1qHfXaT3ekl6jVj8D3Bq7tz/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1044" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGNpajfAXGdd3fH9wJsapYScvAIBekxHVltGWnyfG3ihZSRrJbBSxHT3bJ9KNJlFw65GK3uWGWArT-iFjXEAtLHEX22fK-U6QdYTdZZyk7uO9yWj5w7DVJN1qHfXaT3ekl6jVj8D3Bq7tz/s400/FullSizeRender.jpg" width="260" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>I'm ready to go, wearing my trail gear: trail shoes, gaiters and Camelbak</em></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq7KcWBXPKnMmki6DE75JvX1HwE6KetLRkqanvDewUtwCgg6Vqiq3JZoenvwjW3gpxJ1r9DzdKPsSgJQKVtxiuFc_uwW0YZEuwjugP-XfiHhoMALqwh7ka08Yn4PGMTGtzdUnP-b4z_NPI/s1600/IMG_9016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq7KcWBXPKnMmki6DE75JvX1HwE6KetLRkqanvDewUtwCgg6Vqiq3JZoenvwjW3gpxJ1r9DzdKPsSgJQKVtxiuFc_uwW0YZEuwjugP-XfiHhoMALqwh7ka08Yn4PGMTGtzdUnP-b4z_NPI/s400/IMG_9016.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Five milers getting ready</em></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSAFU0Rs7v4UcobtPpIL2xqkFlPTwxyyVUHyH3VSOKRcAWhxkwqs9Y90bnFe5PgHwnuW8NT_RK_bnIMwCH5HaxyoGAJ2WAyZXUfvcy21HQZDqBb9YsXYPoU0uMwGsK0_kHVaoWyzBFfTH3/s1600/IMG_9017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSAFU0Rs7v4UcobtPpIL2xqkFlPTwxyyVUHyH3VSOKRcAWhxkwqs9Y90bnFe5PgHwnuW8NT_RK_bnIMwCH5HaxyoGAJ2WAyZXUfvcy21HQZDqBb9YsXYPoU0uMwGsK0_kHVaoWyzBFfTH3/s400/IMG_9017.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Before the runners spread out</em></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3k8bsHZqzOpUozO0RSlBO9dAQVvjzm0ZH4p42AgrOr5K-AOGxNOqVwxdGHuZaGHA-yIkktdMTF1guSy-l42c4lOhJcSYeSWi0x03cxsB4-aIN4IrGeZauZUlkUt3vPnIECi0d_2ymmETY/s1600/IMG_9027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3k8bsHZqzOpUozO0RSlBO9dAQVvjzm0ZH4p42AgrOr5K-AOGxNOqVwxdGHuZaGHA-yIkktdMTF1guSy-l42c4lOhJcSYeSWi0x03cxsB4-aIN4IrGeZauZUlkUt3vPnIECi0d_2ymmETY/s400/IMG_9027.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Typical section of the single-track trail</em></td></tr>
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<br />
I varied my pace based on the terrain and just had fun. I also stopped to take several photographs of the landscape. The temperature and the level of sunshine were perfect. It was a beautiful day for a trail run. At the last aid station I saw Stacey volunteering. I'd met her at the Medina Half, and she is a fellow <a href="https://sparkleskirts.com/" target="_blank">Sparkle Skirts</a> fan. Another friendly face that I knew, and I don't even call that part of the state my home. I didn't think to get a photo with Stacey until I'd already left the aid station...bummer.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjao1f_F08YmaGQOD16XvAD321LspYNUDhl_z4VUK_jIZriTyDZysqocfpEiCE6EQn4-Irl7eJNax_3ExleGdJyPn6y9G70p14qH50Dytf1dRzo8K7oOgDVhcYwIg-TpyCmi9IMZABtqxI-/s1600/IMG_9032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjao1f_F08YmaGQOD16XvAD321LspYNUDhl_z4VUK_jIZriTyDZysqocfpEiCE6EQn4-Irl7eJNax_3ExleGdJyPn6y9G70p14qH50Dytf1dRzo8K7oOgDVhcYwIg-TpyCmi9IMZABtqxI-/s400/IMG_9032.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>The water crossings were easy due to bridges</em></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxVrmujd6fT6v3OHW4KJ589h7kAteujpNY8nuIosCQ41vE1Bm8ooGQqv4ud_yed_-ZGSKUDarjTTuhrKIomUflF-CROwjpyAC1fjqkDdWSSvvxZVnJ2g-2s6thphoOHNuubkRX-baBKIMX/s1600/IMG_9037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1160" data-original-width="1544" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxVrmujd6fT6v3OHW4KJ589h7kAteujpNY8nuIosCQ41vE1Bm8ooGQqv4ud_yed_-ZGSKUDarjTTuhrKIomUflF-CROwjpyAC1fjqkDdWSSvvxZVnJ2g-2s6thphoOHNuubkRX-baBKIMX/s400/IMG_9037.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>That's a waterfall behind me, flowing low at the time</em></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtdD3QaWK4H4ACutpgcKFi6rDt8FWsrhf3MnlWeoNou9CNWkApiI2HmWQZad_7bTFa9d8u3Pml00yclgiHZLpudpN7igQVPaHgJwmATY002AqXaZRVWRw6c8eo4FGTJN5HF1yp4c1uuO81/s1600/IMG_9038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtdD3QaWK4H4ACutpgcKFi6rDt8FWsrhf3MnlWeoNou9CNWkApiI2HmWQZad_7bTFa9d8u3Pml00yclgiHZLpudpN7igQVPaHgJwmATY002AqXaZRVWRw6c8eo4FGTJN5HF1yp4c1uuO81/s400/IMG_9038.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Foliage and flowers</em></td></tr>
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<br />
My time wasn't very fast for this race, but I didn't care. I just wanted to go for a run before my brewery visits, and this ended up being a great one. With another trail run coming up this month, I considered this a dress rehearsal. I wore my usual running clothes with the addition of trail shoes and gaiters. However, someone would have done fine on this course with regular running shoes and no gaiters, especially because it was a short distance. I also wore my Camelbak. It wasn't absolutely necessary to carry my own water, as the aid stations had me covered, but sometimes I like to drink when I want to drink and not rely on aid stations. And if by any chance I'd gotten lost (not likely...the course was well marked), I'd have water. So, for carrying water, the Camelbak pack was necessary. I didn't want to take a handheld in case I needed my hands to be free to catch myself falling, or to grab a root or a tree. Good news though...no falls on this trail run for me!<br />
<br />
After my finish, I was excited to learn that there was a Dirty Trails hat waiting for me! I took a few more photos, said goodbye to Kelly, Jeff and Chase, and drove back to my hotel to shower and check out. I was in a great mood from spending an hour or so running through the woods and taking in nature.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdT9CypTdKyemUevqw0miPX0EyNpaOhuQj_3xuTgakEHIhG-GxNdFK8B2FMl_1n-OkmmE-oX0fBYnvh5ybL6qKRY6W6XEhE6ZtBs8M9MoRqOwgS1dPYY29zMIGVwP9pkBQfsoHM3tNUCkY/s1600/FullSizeRender+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1396" data-original-width="1600" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdT9CypTdKyemUevqw0miPX0EyNpaOhuQj_3xuTgakEHIhG-GxNdFK8B2FMl_1n-OkmmE-oX0fBYnvh5ybL6qKRY6W6XEhE6ZtBs8M9MoRqOwgS1dPYY29zMIGVwP9pkBQfsoHM3tNUCkY/s400/FullSizeRender+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Yes! I got my hat!</em></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7TA29kDmgws5ZpMs5HFWcinqUoJj4R83GG0IjjjUhbAajELJnZc3XvLkVk6rGnkkkouqXm7yCdhxu0mvSPbixjh68w3gT3S9bDG_4yJYwdWE8ZB8-_8lyapKO64fnxalEsTTE1xrvtM_j/s1600/IMG_9043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1160" data-original-width="1544" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7TA29kDmgws5ZpMs5HFWcinqUoJj4R83GG0IjjjUhbAajELJnZc3XvLkVk6rGnkkkouqXm7yCdhxu0mvSPbixjh68w3gT3S9bDG_4yJYwdWE8ZB8-_8lyapKO64fnxalEsTTE1xrvtM_j/s400/IMG_9043.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Post-race selfie with Chase - I think we've both taken better pics...oh well</em></td></tr>
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<br />
<strong>Sunday Breweries & Scenery</strong><br />
<br />
Sunday's brewery tour was shorter than Saturday's. For one thing, I found out that one of the passport breweries had closed for the entire holiday weekend. There would be no way to finish my passport. And another brewery had incorrect hours printed in the passport; they were wrongly listed as being open on Sunday. So, there are still two Akron breweries that I will need to visit before the end of the year. The good news was that I was able to get a stamp at <a href="https://docks.beer/" target="_blank">Royal Docks Brewing</a> in North Canton, and I really liked their beer and the British theme. And on my way home, I hit up two more breweries that were not part of the Summit Brew Path, but were included in the Ohio On Tap app, so I could at least get virtual passport stamps toward that. Those breweries were <a href="https://www.lockportbeer.com/" target="_blank">Lockport Brewery</a> in Bolivar and <a href="http://www.millersburgbrewing.com/" target="_blank">Millersburg Brewing</a> in, well, Millersburg. These two were OK breweries, but the best parts of visiting them were the scenic views. Near Bolivar I got to visit the longest covered bridge in Ohio. Near Millersburg, I drove through Amish country and saw multiple buggies on the road. (Drivers - Please slow down and give safe distance when passing buggies!). Directly across from Millersburg Brewing was a beautiful courthouse.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3WA8dKLoYnymEFzZMMMb6hXVxdqQySdmMk5y3GC2BM5lbZlNYvI21cdOQLDBNNnVt5Js3FvK7QCHSO9LmbJW7wiuJcWJuJtQbdf15_q1HZS04pChGq-Xuh9b4GGV4FheMrIKro7zBSMUc/s1600/IMG_9074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3WA8dKLoYnymEFzZMMMb6hXVxdqQySdmMk5y3GC2BM5lbZlNYvI21cdOQLDBNNnVt5Js3FvK7QCHSO9LmbJW7wiuJcWJuJtQbdf15_q1HZS04pChGq-Xuh9b4GGV4FheMrIKro7zBSMUc/s400/IMG_9074.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>"Bridge of Dreams" is Ohio's longest covered bridge</em></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt7VegVWqTSZxGZwqlIXC_cycDL02H-YidXy0d5POwIeTWKplq0PBKDZw_NzeAeEznIhkpRtAghEymOBTuTSRnLEkCJNyku9S3fnf96QmGMexiY9l-moQ3h9LBUvneMldUTFWgvOOnZc-I/s1600/IMG_9089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt7VegVWqTSZxGZwqlIXC_cycDL02H-YidXy0d5POwIeTWKplq0PBKDZw_NzeAeEznIhkpRtAghEymOBTuTSRnLEkCJNyku9S3fnf96QmGMexiY9l-moQ3h9LBUvneMldUTFWgvOOnZc-I/s400/IMG_9089.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>One end of the bridge, which had horse poop all over the inside of it</em></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>View from on the bridge</em></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTmqw-Zu0vKRoxTzVEKzOgpO69Ilpw2tQ65Kgdw8JkonzLYHCOgWvqDW4Pat9anRcOt71mMVNGyuS2WBIWkr5oDah_1riupOO54fEGtHieiIVlvyXwcCauD9xONh5hSoOsWPh_RP6MenCG/s1600/IMG_9091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1544" data-original-width="1160" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTmqw-Zu0vKRoxTzVEKzOgpO69Ilpw2tQ65Kgdw8JkonzLYHCOgWvqDW4Pat9anRcOt71mMVNGyuS2WBIWkr5oDah_1riupOO54fEGtHieiIVlvyXwcCauD9xONh5hSoOsWPh_RP6MenCG/s400/IMG_9091.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Proudly wearing my Dirty Trails hat at the Bridge of Dreams</em></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii5tBg9CZgmqHqqSfRqzoJSslfyxaxZlSiw9rwJ23dw8vEVn_hiGx8YGabf3XJ5Ow7y8LQSpqAbylONvb1WgtQYjJKVJh5cCZSmL2oXmZdmU2J2aGpwbTcOK-4omk2MSVCgMvbwmZlmCD9/s1600/FullSizeRender+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1089" data-original-width="1293" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii5tBg9CZgmqHqqSfRqzoJSslfyxaxZlSiw9rwJ23dw8vEVn_hiGx8YGabf3XJ5Ow7y8LQSpqAbylONvb1WgtQYjJKVJh5cCZSmL2oXmZdmU2J2aGpwbTcOK-4omk2MSVCgMvbwmZlmCD9/s400/FullSizeRender+4.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Typical highway buggy view in Holmes County</em></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Bicycle buggies</em></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiORgbeSrkzIRD8KYvAqxjj2avvNTT-yQnqd22c20ZAcSdGSB7AXhGdSV15D_U0l4hjg0nT42wWhyphenhyphenvmiaLZEcypOurLRuFFtNcBNb0cAnuClu4zhd8kaHuKPC3f9WHTKz7-HEIItuDFWG7r/s1600/IMG_9067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiORgbeSrkzIRD8KYvAqxjj2avvNTT-yQnqd22c20ZAcSdGSB7AXhGdSV15D_U0l4hjg0nT42wWhyphenhyphenvmiaLZEcypOurLRuFFtNcBNb0cAnuClu4zhd8kaHuKPC3f9WHTKz7-HEIItuDFWG7r/s400/IMG_9067.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>The courthouse in Millersburg</em></td></tr>
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This was a successful weekend, even if I didn't finish my Summit Brew Path passport. I got to visit several breweries, see a friend, run a fun trail race, and explore new-to-me areas in my home state.<br />
<br />Sandy Hugillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12757839732019464486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4930244248887247542.post-17309372148304406552017-09-12T06:50:00.001-07:002017-09-12T06:50:37.056-07:00Vacation Beach Walking & Brewery RunIt's been well over a month since my trip to Carolina Beach with friends. This was just a short getaway (Thursday through Sunday), and I would be starting my new job the following Monday morning. That's a lot of driving from Columbus to the southern North Carolina coast just to stay three nights and then start a new job! I knew it would mean my training schedule, which had already suffered this summer due to illness and injury, would take another hit. But I was determined to get some exercise in. I scheduled myself for a very generic "Walk on the Beach" for both Friday and Saturday, since Thursday and Sunday were driving days. I decided I would consider my plan achieved if I got out there and did just a little bit more effort than sitting in the sun. And I assumed I'd be on my own for my pseudo-workouts. But I was wrong.<br />
<br />
We had a nice group of six ladies (and three tween girls) on the trip. This was my first time meeting Keri and Charlotte, but I already knew Anita as well as Shelly and Nikki (we'd just run the <a href="https://sandyruns.blogspot.com/2017/08/2017-dublin-irish-festival-5k.html" target="_blank">Dublin Irish Festival 5K</a> the previous week). It turns out that Charlotte is a cyclist and had just completed the 100 mile <a href="http://pelotonia.org/" target="_blank">Pelotonia</a> ride. She didn't want to remain idle for the entire beach weekend either. <br />
<br />
<b>Friday</b><br />
<br />
After some time in the ocean playing in the surf with the three girls, Charlotte and I set out for a walk to "the pier down that way (South)", which looked fairly close. It turned out that our round-trip walk from our condo was 3.5 miles. Not as close at it appeared.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Zvr9bEuQ88JEoe6vwfFTq3Rl4VzNyxH7CMBfmQTurdumTSlDhe0h-fX03qs0r2Fjy4frN4glYZtN59grjqJk2tm56T4mY8DAenl087aQ4sFNXQnIR6ZsqGktII54iDs6r6Kfxik5gIkt/s1600/20728349_1897004490621638_7808551299176970554_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Zvr9bEuQ88JEoe6vwfFTq3Rl4VzNyxH7CMBfmQTurdumTSlDhe0h-fX03qs0r2Fjy4frN4glYZtN59grjqJk2tm56T4mY8DAenl087aQ4sFNXQnIR6ZsqGktII54iDs6r6Kfxik5gIkt/s400/20728349_1897004490621638_7808551299176970554_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Ruins from an old pier? (photo credit: Charlotte O'Neal)</em></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOJ4f8Kibh4wYxBi98THFysV_4lLPmHRDq1L2pZjdWZF-TqfslqMOWAVsoUvuxWHJYZZGkxhSl7FUerfA43jRXEKvdhrkDuW05G-HkkPkGerU5A-pPEe4icJe_ChmWtv5GVeRmakgGl4vq/s1600/20767904_1897004497288304_5160125046095381108_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOJ4f8Kibh4wYxBi98THFysV_4lLPmHRDq1L2pZjdWZF-TqfslqMOWAVsoUvuxWHJYZZGkxhSl7FUerfA43jRXEKvdhrkDuW05G-HkkPkGerU5A-pPEe4icJe_ChmWtv5GVeRmakgGl4vq/s400/20767904_1897004497288304_5160125046095381108_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Pelicans! (photo credit: Charlotte O'Neal)</em></td></tr>
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We didn't exactly speed-walk it, but we certainly put in some work, walking barefoot at an average 21:26 pace. We stopped along the way to look at things, and for Charlotte to take pictures (I hadn't taken my phone), so some idle time factors into that pace. It was a beautiful day and a nice walk up to the Kure Beach pier. We also walked all the way out on the pier past many people who were fishing. I felt successful on this day, getting in a respectable walk on the beach.<br />
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<b>Saturday</b><br />
<br />
Over morning coffee, I did some research and found a brewery in Carolina Beach (of course I did). I proposed to Charlotte that we would run the 2 miles to the brewery, try some beer, and then walk back on the beach. She was up for the adventure, and we did this while everyone else went shopping.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGRBSgiMWY5lOEHTkXqp4bonr43z4gax46dcGHzX3FT6OZoRYq26qi2EGGnnAOUeVzXC1M8lFj58xNwqHwWOu1kvHH2zbmRi41oNlF2MEBX6T3G9MWDsPIV2L1T0UiAPZPH6Qm5Bh2V15F/s1600/IMG_8751.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1203" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGRBSgiMWY5lOEHTkXqp4bonr43z4gax46dcGHzX3FT6OZoRYq26qi2EGGnnAOUeVzXC1M8lFj58xNwqHwWOu1kvHH2zbmRi41oNlF2MEBX6T3G9MWDsPIV2L1T0UiAPZPH6Qm5Bh2V15F/s400/IMG_8751.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>With Charlotte on the highway - hot and steamy</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihVC26doTz-4lnOeOVGrX7T6LQwn7eN1wEOCDna3T3KIcvNtGYklX6CrXktEwfEGfWtqWFy9VlIGT6mtyP7MMqtfHZwcoKceVcgK_KsVY26nOu3TiMq0lrglgo6epMoMqXAMjEhzbMtPpK/s1600/fullsizeoutput_3c44.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1334" data-original-width="750" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihVC26doTz-4lnOeOVGrX7T6LQwn7eN1wEOCDna3T3KIcvNtGYklX6CrXktEwfEGfWtqWFy9VlIGT6mtyP7MMqtfHZwcoKceVcgK_KsVY26nOu3TiMq0lrglgo6epMoMqXAMjEhzbMtPpK/s400/fullsizeoutput_3c44.jpeg" width="223" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Route from beach condo to brewery</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh6B_ZD9NigcBN3QkbtlcWoper8A-AXN9GZNALtWDveiEXmWSDyAryjGNSSVHbokCBD2QzSHApeGSMpffGmJY-NRLyT0mVRVU0Vb6dFAFIFdZZF12bR2JcDvSIoS6zAKEguxJlZuJbFdpr/s1600/IMG_8752.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh6B_ZD9NigcBN3QkbtlcWoper8A-AXN9GZNALtWDveiEXmWSDyAryjGNSSVHbokCBD2QzSHApeGSMpffGmJY-NRLyT0mVRVU0Vb6dFAFIFdZZF12bR2JcDvSIoS6zAKEguxJlZuJbFdpr/s400/IMG_8752.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Saw some beautiful hours along the route</i></td></tr>
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The run to <a href="http://www.goodhopsbrewing.com/wordpress/" target="_blank">Good Hops Brewery</a> was hot! It didn't help that we started out during the hottest part of the day and ran on the roads, not the beach. We were on a highway for at least half the run, with cars going by fast. The good news is that there was a wide shoulder, so we were perfectly safe running single file. We did a run/walk, but walked a little extra. The only goal here was to get to the brewery, not to make a certain pace. Finally, we saw the brewery! My Garmin logged it as a 2.2 mile run. We each ordered flights and enjoyed them in the air conditioning of the quirky little brewery.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyjahKtwJLEaDO2QuBUm-_S7a0IG8eLNd-yp8tO1xG4MC6JA7F6fDys6FAwH5wXwlyN4m1z-bpB18ObkYB2qUNQOk4x6r6FeBUbYoIBAPurHR1HzhaH18VVpeHfizhVRZgihGXePAEl958/s1600/IMG_8757.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1203" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyjahKtwJLEaDO2QuBUm-_S7a0IG8eLNd-yp8tO1xG4MC6JA7F6fDys6FAwH5wXwlyN4m1z-bpB18ObkYB2qUNQOk4x6r6FeBUbYoIBAPurHR1HzhaH18VVpeHfizhVRZgihGXePAEl958/s400/IMG_8757.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Made it to the brewery - see our smiles?!?</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx3LAcvadh8pN-YxLFec5Od-mooMRFzMz17XmeunKYmqv2ludmyLABwYgJV2LeZIkphmPc_xIPn_Md_zJVO5gIQBnfZdO04wYr-Utaex1S8bpuhOC61n7bDU74op_LY_09HsKDF93TxYLd/s1600/IMG_8758.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx3LAcvadh8pN-YxLFec5Od-mooMRFzMz17XmeunKYmqv2ludmyLABwYgJV2LeZIkphmPc_xIPn_Md_zJVO5gIQBnfZdO04wYr-Utaex1S8bpuhOC61n7bDU74op_LY_09HsKDF93TxYLd/s400/IMG_8758.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>My flight in a cute hop board</i></td></tr>
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<br />
After our beer, Charlotte and I had to walk a ways through a residential neighborhood just to get to the beach, and then we were able to take off our shoes and walk the rest of the way on sand, with the ocean breeze helping to cool us off. This walk was logged as 2.27 miles at a 22:26 pace. But again...who cares? We put in about 4.5 miles on our second vacation day. We earned the beer, and felt good about getting in some mileage.<br />
<br />
It was great to have someone else to run and walk with on the beach vacation, because I'm pretty sure I wouldn't have gone as far without Charlotte. Next time I'm on a trip like this, I think I'll look for another brewery. Breaking up an effort with a reward of beer made for a very sweet vacation victory.<br />
Sandy Hugillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12757839732019464486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4930244248887247542.post-39184806212383898172017-09-04T17:49:00.000-07:002017-09-04T19:34:28.823-07:00Crewing at Burning River 100 Miler<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px;">Back in late July I spent a weekend in Northeastern Ohio, in and around <a href="https://www.nps.gov/cuva/index.htm" target="_blank">Cuyahoga Valley National Park</a>. I went up there to be part of the <a href="https://www.westernreserveracing.com/events/burning-river-endurance-runs-relay/" target="_blank">Burning River Endurance Run</a> race weekend. Burning River consists of a 100 Miler, two separate 50 Milers, and a 100 Mile Relay. It's a pretty big deal for ultra and trail running in Ohio. I wasn't planning to run any of the events, but I wanted to be involved somehow. When I learned that three of my running community friends were registered for the 100 Miler, that sealed the deal. I would spend my weekend helping out. This is a long read, but hopefully an interesting one for anyone who wants to know what it's like to spectate or crew at an ultra-marathon.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #1d2129;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px;">In the week leading up to the race, I started to plan out how I could be of service. My friend Tony had his own dedicated crew, so he didn't really need my help, but said he would appreciate seeing me at the aid stations. Both Dan and Aaron were planning to run without official crew, and said they'd also be happy to have me at the aid stations. I made a plan to volunteer at packet pick-up on the Friday before the race, and then hit as many of the crew-access aid stations as possible and do whatever I could for my friends. I stored the GPS coordinates for each aid station in my phone and printed out hard copies of the 100 Miler segment information and cut-off times. I packed a bag of basic supplies like sunscreen, bug spray, wet wipes, paper towels and simple snacks. I loaded my car with my camp chair, sun umbrella and a change of clothes for myself. I booked a cheap hotel room so I would have a warm, safe place to nap and to shower, and then I started my journey up to Cuyahoga Falls.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #1d2129;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px;"><b>Packet Pick-Up - Sheraton Cuyahoga Falls</b></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #1d2129;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px;"><b></b></span></span></span>
<span style="color: #1d2129;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px;">When I arrived at the Sheraton in Cuyahoga Falls, they were just setting up for packet pick-up. I was a bit early, so I went to the hotel lobby to check email and Facebook on my phone. Aaron found me in the lobby and we chatted for a bit before my shift started. I was stationed at the 50 Miler table, handing out bibs and shirts. There were two 50 Mile races. Runners were either registered for the front half, which started at the same place as the 100 mile runners, or the back half, which started at the 100 mile halfway point. I'd heard that the back half was the more challenging run, if not because of the course, then because these guys started in the afternoon and would be running overnight. It was a pleasure to check in the 50 mile runners and wish them good luck. I was able to take breaks to greet my friends as they picked up their 100 Mile packets, and I got to attend the pasta dinner with Aaron. </span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px;">After my shift was up, I decided to add to my collection of Ohio breweries. I found my way to Kent to visit <a href="https://www.madcapbrewco.com/" target="_blank">Madcap Brew Co.</a>, which was good. After my beer flight, I called it an early night and drove up to my hotel, which was about halfway between the start and finish of the 100 Miler.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px;"> </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjRX3sG1qpFSr_HIejOef6c_Y5y7VU4jmmCn3sQ8VbamxO1owQheoGUvcRH9yxMqPiPVFShRGx114YHNhOGhOnTZo5HcpIScTJJvsdkwIcqevLKBoZPTLXWcEgNZ_eeYEhyW-Hu1UuPiHB/s1600/20525436_10159074314980125_5264413637367716000_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="716" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjRX3sG1qpFSr_HIejOef6c_Y5y7VU4jmmCn3sQ8VbamxO1owQheoGUvcRH9yxMqPiPVFShRGx114YHNhOGhOnTZo5HcpIScTJJvsdkwIcqevLKBoZPTLXWcEgNZ_eeYEhyW-Hu1UuPiHB/s400/20525436_10159074314980125_5264413637367716000_n.jpg" width="297" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Packet pick-up volunteer, reporting for duty</i></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #1d2129;"><span style="letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px;">Before bed, I did some thinking about my game plan for the next day - what time would I get up, what should I wear/bring to the start and the early aid stations, when would I have a nap break, and other concerns. </span></span></span><span style="color: #1d2129;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px;">Even though I have several friends who run ultra-marathons, I had never really been part of one. I had never crewed or volunteered at anything longer than a marathon. I had an understanding of what ultra runners needed, having talked to many friends, and having read their race reports. And as a runner myself, I certainly knew what not to do in my attempt to support my friends. I had only done a little bit of trail running (one marathon, one half, various shorter trail runs), so I had a good idea what types of conditions they might encounter. But I had never run more than a short distance on trails in the dark, and I had not experienced the level of physical exhaustion and mental/emotional fatigue that my friends would be faced with. I hoped that I had enough tools to help them.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #1d2129;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px;"><b>Mile 0 - Start Line/Squire's Castle</b></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #1d2129;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="color: #1d2129;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px;">My wake-up came early. The race started at 4:00 AM and was about a 30 minute drive from my hotel. I got out the door in plenty of time, awake and alert because I didn't want to miss anyone. The drive was twisty-turny with little in the way of lighting. I relied on my high beams and my abundance of caution to get me to Squire's Castle in Willoughby. The castle was a neat venue; an outdoor-only shell of a medieval castle that some millionaire wanted to build, then abandoned partway into the project. But it was on beautiful property and made for a memorable starting area for the race.</span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsa2uX2cych_NfA23oiFQaZzmXUlvcUAthjlzznQYKzEEJkvFewd2SWae_B3iHFlZRPoeAQ2Fwq2OTysw2JdGAtDp_IMM3c8t1Cn2B3NnVnN8fvi4j-P94pqBskJ7eoTJrL81Wt7NNANPC/s1600/20374423_10159077349055125_3427864401159918814_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsa2uX2cych_NfA23oiFQaZzmXUlvcUAthjlzznQYKzEEJkvFewd2SWae_B3iHFlZRPoeAQ2Fwq2OTysw2JdGAtDp_IMM3c8t1Cn2B3NnVnN8fvi4j-P94pqBskJ7eoTJrL81Wt7NNANPC/s400/20374423_10159077349055125_3427864401159918814_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Runners congregating outside Squire's Castle </i></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #1d2129;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px;">I found Aaron and Tony in the dark and was able to get some pre-race photos and chat with them as they made their final preparations, which were mostly mental. I never did see Dan. In one of the castle rooms a Franciscan monk was preparing to give a Mass; he was also running the 50 Miler; I'd seen him the night before, picking up his packet in his traditional brown robe with rope belt. In other rooms, runners adjusted their gear and ate their breakfasts. Outside, others gathered, waiting for the National Anthem, which was sung by the woman who worked packet pick-up with me. There was little fanfare...no gun, no air horn, no music...pretty much just a "ready, set, go!" and then the runners were off. It happened so quickly that I wasn't ready with my camera. And then, they were gone. There was nothing left to do unless I wanted to stick around for the 50 Miler start in another hour. I didn't.</span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4cZ0ZyUDZ0zKF6UPIN6N7HltUSzGjTqTkjc-vyYbiuv7o1SSXnXB3VKxFFYdsWCLrqaBsBptK6LmJU8klUegi5O6K5NfnHhXiJ6-4TQ7-tuMd8HdmTxOrkmtWSFUKkiXB9S_d3NRixxuz/s1600/20374770_10159077349065125_7142079384269585554_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4cZ0ZyUDZ0zKF6UPIN6N7HltUSzGjTqTkjc-vyYbiuv7o1SSXnXB3VKxFFYdsWCLrqaBsBptK6LmJU8klUegi5O6K5NfnHhXiJ6-4TQ7-tuMd8HdmTxOrkmtWSFUKkiXB9S_d3NRixxuz/s400/20374770_10159077349065125_7142079384269585554_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>With Tony before the start</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBfqmlcrq27AWrGQ5CUixWiG1JUY-0sB6-in9oUofu0r6OjzdPEfcBhxFYHODu1BsB1krDn0vsS4IwIgy0b-TkQCEdSRyzRM6givT7Qz_8Bcw9Ip3x5tyoxoOeLFzD77RBnSuxzJdn4IoB/s1600/20430072_10159077349555125_4021450638185518661_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBfqmlcrq27AWrGQ5CUixWiG1JUY-0sB6-in9oUofu0r6OjzdPEfcBhxFYHODu1BsB1krDn0vsS4IwIgy0b-TkQCEdSRyzRM6givT7Qz_8Bcw9Ip3x5tyoxoOeLFzD77RBnSuxzJdn4IoB/s400/20430072_10159077349555125_4021450638185518661_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>With Aaron before the start</i> </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNKb2c6v8mpXnmUzgOIwRQeHVACczEj873v-KHoNjYpLq7YH7EgC2u5KzkaRdXociUD91CKcM-h9UVLB19DDhHHdzP68EAS7v9agKy5QY9tUDL56z57BKxBrZ1MnkY-kKKZ_I7uKr87wdh/s1600/20431634_10159077349225125_7875907122577720267_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNKb2c6v8mpXnmUzgOIwRQeHVACczEj873v-KHoNjYpLq7YH7EgC2u5KzkaRdXociUD91CKcM-h9UVLB19DDhHHdzP68EAS7v9agKy5QY9tUDL56z57BKxBrZ1MnkY-kKKZ_I7uKr87wdh/s400/20431634_10159077349225125_7875907122577720267_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Runners about to take off into the pitch black pre-dawn darkness</i></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129;"><span style="letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px;"><b>Mile 11.5 - Polo Fields</b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129;"><span style="letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129;"><span style="letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px;">Most of us who went to the start for our 100 mile runners left as soon as they took off. It was still dark, so there was little point in staying. I pulled up the coordinates for the Polo Fields aid station, which was at Mile 11.5. It would be the runners' second aid station, but the first one with crew access. There was plenty of parking, and the food and drinks were set up under a picnic shelter. Crew members and spectators set up chairs and blankets on the other side of the course from the shelter, behind plastic "police tape". It was dark and I was cold. I had brought all kinds of layers with me, but it was unseasonably cold for the end of July. I was kicking myself for not taking a blanket. The people on my left were sympathetic and let me borrow one of theirs. I struck up a conversation with the woman on my right, whose name I forget; I would see her throughout the day and night as she was crewing for her husband. We were all tracking our runners on the Race Joy mobile app, which was awesome. It was almost perfect in real-time. We could see where each of our runners was on the course map and get alerts as they crossed timing mats. A little bit after sunrise my first runner came </span></span><span style="color: #1d2129; letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px;">through, and it was Dan. He admitted that he went out a little fast in the early miles, which were mostly on road. But he was looking strong and in great spirits, and didn't need much of anything at this aid station, so I gave him some encouragement and saw him off. Next up was Aaron, who was also doing well early on. And then Tony came </span><span style="color: #1d2129;"><span style="letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px;">through. His crew team tended to him and I gave him hugs and took photographs.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3yDdiEWRVVslU9ebxQKQ_UuSqSJr6DfYiMe1qw8d1hkSkvAI5zvMo1J0ddaIhK8_kXD0zg8ydxd3yx14TihqVD0k18ph_EKM7IQld3ClYOcfxtBIuV9ZpCnXNnMJufCDhgsmp4m4CEyEE/s1600/fullsizeoutput_3b7e.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1334" data-original-width="750" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3yDdiEWRVVslU9ebxQKQ_UuSqSJr6DfYiMe1qw8d1hkSkvAI5zvMo1J0ddaIhK8_kXD0zg8ydxd3yx14TihqVD0k18ph_EKM7IQld3ClYOcfxtBIuV9ZpCnXNnMJufCDhgsmp4m4CEyEE/s400/fullsizeoutput_3b7e.jpeg" width="223" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Race Joy app showed the runners approaching Polo Fields; they're traveling south, so Dan was leading here</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf1gGeIyWB07wHdx3FtkYlZCq4V59yJKNS8wnu2-E_V_8P-t-z6fXWIj2v4NCsDN3D_Jn67b-BKHFP8Ev76adCPLNvv_U89ymONqEOcybNFXHOQDVI9haQU4NS759zzE1vh6qYlvWpXl_C/s1600/20374272_10159077604330125_258017925249782297_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="696" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf1gGeIyWB07wHdx3FtkYlZCq4V59yJKNS8wnu2-E_V_8P-t-z6fXWIj2v4NCsDN3D_Jn67b-BKHFP8Ev76adCPLNvv_U89ymONqEOcybNFXHOQDVI9haQU4NS759zzE1vh6qYlvWpXl_C/s400/20374272_10159077604330125_258017925249782297_n.jpg" width="290" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>At Polo Fields: Dan-O looking strong</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI1WPxr_vM5edx_dA8gtAnjM6_gETaxv4Twb7f5nxmSfABRvyX9n-xuLsVbq7aQ4gmNB5snciK5lL8lU5UX_WUURnmt2rKlDFpt0a9npuZP9STSnjy4uhyphenhyphenhsolliUrtOMoP0qLspy2tQFj/s1600/20294448_10159077603710125_1404357287393163614_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI1WPxr_vM5edx_dA8gtAnjM6_gETaxv4Twb7f5nxmSfABRvyX9n-xuLsVbq7aQ4gmNB5snciK5lL8lU5UX_WUURnmt2rKlDFpt0a9npuZP9STSnjy4uhyphenhyphenhsolliUrtOMoP0qLspy2tQFj/s400/20294448_10159077603710125_1404357287393163614_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>At Polo Fields: Aaron looking surprised when I caught him off-guard</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHOtv_dCJG-5MIcqLeEkD_IEis5DSPFV7-_dqab7g4IO_oT345d8PkhRBfGyJTOTnulmgbL46CtZVKDW6d-DpSyzCP05kLyZx8DJ79Ufs1YsKxv4t2FCAXPSQI7mudxd6p8q4wT1mFiKCH/s1600/20294368_10159077604955125_502979046540729026_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHOtv_dCJG-5MIcqLeEkD_IEis5DSPFV7-_dqab7g4IO_oT345d8PkhRBfGyJTOTnulmgbL46CtZVKDW6d-DpSyzCP05kLyZx8DJ79Ufs1YsKxv4t2FCAXPSQI7mudxd6p8q4wT1mFiKCH/s400/20294368_10159077604955125_502979046540729026_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>At Polo Fields: Tony taking a nutrition break</i></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #1d2129;"><span style="letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px;"><b>Mile 21.7 - Shadow Lake</b></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #1d2129;"><span style="letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #1d2129;"><span style="letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px;">I returned my borrowed blanket to its owners a bit before my runners arrived, so when they were all through the aid station, I was still a little cold and ready to move on. The sun was up, but the temperature was still spring-like...and odd for late July. This part of Ohio bordering the national park is full of smaller towns and villages, and has a rural feel to it. There are not a lot of larger shopping centers, and so I had trouble finding coffee. I thought I might see a Starbucks between Polo Fields and the next aid station, but I didn't. I also didn't see any independent coffee shops that were open. I was tired and was hoping to settle for gas station coffee, but the only gas station I found was of questionable cleanliness. I aborted my coffee search and drove on to Shadow Lake, the fourth aid station, but only the second one with crew access. This was at Mile 21.7. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #1d2129;"><span style="letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #1d2129;"><span style="letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px;">Everyone set up their chairs along a large field just outside the woods. There was no warning that a runner was coming until he or she popped out from the trees and the brush into the open field. Of course, the Race Joy app helped me to know when to expect my friends. Now, Aaron was in the lead (of my friends) and was doing well with his ambitious goal. My crewing skills were used a little more here. I helped Aaron out in finding his drop bag. I may or may not have helped refill water bottles; I can't remember. But this is where I remember starting to anticipate the needs of the runners at the aid stations. I talked with Aaron as he changed shoes and socks, and took care of his nutritional needs. Once Aaron was off, Dan came through. I did the same for Dan, finding his bag, helping him unpack and then repack it, going on runs for water or food, as needed. I was so busy helping Dan that I forgot to take a photo of him. He had slowed down but was still feeling well, and making good time. When Tony came through, I hung with his crew as they got him in and out of the aid station.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-ScQNFVbXXQKew06AA_9x1hipbaqkeVC8n6JtqineoFgLhJL8VdVDuntsKlGSDIiatNXNYIwWRNZRTga9wRcuo3DMxsz1zT4umFu-gserezscRtPgTKbfFXX2u1RL-nUB99OetBBaTAAH/s1600/20375835_10159078006815125_951932151530379667_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-ScQNFVbXXQKew06AA_9x1hipbaqkeVC8n6JtqineoFgLhJL8VdVDuntsKlGSDIiatNXNYIwWRNZRTga9wRcuo3DMxsz1zT4umFu-gserezscRtPgTKbfFXX2u1RL-nUB99OetBBaTAAH/s400/20375835_10159078006815125_951932151530379667_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>At Shadow Lake: Aaron mid-shoe change</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitq4tNK-NvB7hDtgwa65umYki5vZqlfsik_tIpGODc22MsHRbT5fNCOPEpJNL2blACjxIeX3i0sIcNMVaMdHXUjInFM9Fnec5_i9bXbH-sOtR1nDxEHKstHb-ktUM-OM3Cfel4VF6CC_kl/s1600/20476378_10159078003235125_4698678172811315259_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitq4tNK-NvB7hDtgwa65umYki5vZqlfsik_tIpGODc22MsHRbT5fNCOPEpJNL2blACjxIeX3i0sIcNMVaMdHXUjInFM9Fnec5_i9bXbH-sOtR1nDxEHKstHb-ktUM-OM3Cfel4VF6CC_kl/s400/20476378_10159078003235125_4698678172811315259_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>At Shadow Lake: Aaron post-shoe change</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNGVOmqQhORUitKy8LvnpFTCxqzXfbFH7FcE-7pG0pejn6d36zmpxFvzPC7a2M9R7QFfrTZ8EB1psAwWp_b3dGe1vGEi31nw5spt094PxmtEbXISYuL2jO_VRwzTBKfxYup8FauxM4KCDY/s1600/20245806_10159078007310125_2704990145539263262_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="958" data-original-width="960" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNGVOmqQhORUitKy8LvnpFTCxqzXfbFH7FcE-7pG0pejn6d36zmpxFvzPC7a2M9R7QFfrTZ8EB1psAwWp_b3dGe1vGEi31nw5spt094PxmtEbXISYuL2jO_VRwzTBKfxYup8FauxM4KCDY/s320/20245806_10159078007310125_2704990145539263262_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>At Shadow Lake: Dan's drop bag</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4X-Ts8D51DndZ_ps8eTjM5X7Kck48KdSa9FsYkejc1OWqRht3a94O3_jm9AcsaRIgUqWC3MCOAogcg7K04lZ3lxSAySEI3M7Iecv0Ow6Qr3vGBbDeiCFgPHuzt96EJTuWxoTdOtcENbwE/s1600/20431770_10159078005035125_911879013319401776_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4X-Ts8D51DndZ_ps8eTjM5X7Kck48KdSa9FsYkejc1OWqRht3a94O3_jm9AcsaRIgUqWC3MCOAogcg7K04lZ3lxSAySEI3M7Iecv0Ow6Qr3vGBbDeiCFgPHuzt96EJTuWxoTdOtcENbwE/s400/20431770_10159078005035125_911879013319401776_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>At Shadow Lake: Tony runs out of the woods and into the field</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge5U9Ct0I1u3WYtfDtymLh6gCA5Tznz1Lclb6KJa7QJ84Fz4HXVmI6_exoj-MF7Iu3RUF0TTdJOu9mQFN5eLjGdLOnc130Ue-meFCogbIvl2uqD1fwy390AzBWKfJj2ABw6xGblz70IWd-/s1600/20431597_10159078004050125_7047841043887830425_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge5U9Ct0I1u3WYtfDtymLh6gCA5Tznz1Lclb6KJa7QJ84Fz4HXVmI6_exoj-MF7Iu3RUF0TTdJOu9mQFN5eLjGdLOnc130Ue-meFCogbIvl2uqD1fwy390AzBWKfJj2ABw6xGblz70IWd-/s400/20431597_10159078004050125_7047841043887830425_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>At Shadow Lake: Tony charging his phone</i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px;"><span style="color: #1d2129;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="color: #1d2129;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px;">I feel undeserving to complain that I was dead tired at this point, given what the runners were going through. But I was. I hadn't slept well or much leading up to this event, and I had also gotten up super early. I was not too far from my hotel, so I decided to go back there for a brief nap and maybe to change some clothes. I would skip the Meadows aid station, but I would definitely be there at Boston Mills, the halfway (-ish) point. I hoped that my friends would be OK and not upset that I wasn't there. They all seemed to be doing great and had everything they needed in their drop bags, so I figured it would be OK.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #1d2129;"><span style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #1d2129;"><span style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px;"><b>Mile 50.7 - Boston Mills</b></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #1d2129;"><span style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #1d2129;"><span style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px;">I was feeling very refreshed after my nap and a snack. I put on some slightly fresher clothes and made my way to Boston Mills. This was a crowded aid station, as it was the finish line for the front half 50 Miler, the halfway </span><span style="letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px;">point for the 100 Miler and the starting line for the back half 50 Miler. There were all kinds of spectators and crew here. I found parking, but had to walk a bit. When I got to the aid station I found other crew members I recognized and sat with them for a bit. Then I saw Tony's crew and additional friends and moved over to their spot. It was nice to hang out and chat with Tony's friends, who gave me a Burning River Pale Ale from Great Lakes Brewing. The energy and spirit of ultra running were well-represented as we camped out at Boston Mills. We celebrated many 50 mile finishes and saw weary 100 milers come through. It was at this aid station that I saw Darris Blackford, the Columbus Marathon race director, as his wife tended to him. I didn't see Darris again this day, but he went on to finish the race with a very respectable time.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAVq8jqvvJ8DI36AVbbKcfd1M3r3w8UzlmmZcv_b8d2c2fscb2ThFXi8Iz4yYbUn9o7KzbUWibjmbiRrhsFdAD4SnpTGRyUqpyUWa7HKBuS1_XCwG2bksQpJ4KfDO5BNcQ8xdrXImlZHnH/s1600/IMG_8545.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAVq8jqvvJ8DI36AVbbKcfd1M3r3w8UzlmmZcv_b8d2c2fscb2ThFXi8Iz4yYbUn9o7KzbUWibjmbiRrhsFdAD4SnpTGRyUqpyUWa7HKBuS1_XCwG2bksQpJ4KfDO5BNcQ8xdrXImlZHnH/s400/IMG_8545.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>At Boston Mills: Drinking a Burning River with Tony's crew</i></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #1d2129;"><span style="letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #1d2129; letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px;">Aaron was still in the lead among my friends. I had his drop bag ready for him and lended him my chair as he changed shoes again. Aaron had been stung by some wasps on the last segment and though he wasn't allergic, there were a couple welts on his leg. He was still doing great on time, but had a touch of nausea and wasn't eating much, though he needed to eat. I helped him find some ginger ale at the aid station and one of the volunteers made him a peanut butter sandwich without jelly. We asked if they had anything for insect stings or allergies, but they didn't. I saw Aaron off and hoped he'd be able to keep some food down soon.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmo3xTdzgmLX5kcuo7j1_ck5HDiZINFAkv8A6hJCsssv6B0QvPa4s1zdyuNgXgn1Z9lJ48StHFZdB1DpeeMTz18oWW9X-ctkxX48gk2A_m6vJ6s-60l2BDxKp2N8PIb4iw8NnYOqsA_cvL/s1600/20374728_10159079538725125_6998838843246576171_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmo3xTdzgmLX5kcuo7j1_ck5HDiZINFAkv8A6hJCsssv6B0QvPa4s1zdyuNgXgn1Z9lJ48StHFZdB1DpeeMTz18oWW9X-ctkxX48gk2A_m6vJ6s-60l2BDxKp2N8PIb4iw8NnYOqsA_cvL/s400/20374728_10159079538725125_6998838843246576171_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>At Boston Mills: Not yet to his drop bag, Aaron wastes no time transitioning his gear</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLsH3H_IHHYQ4cjfoiNRy_kTuXRA6rCZXmYUMCnTQSDxovsPn-XaXxLs6SHugt0_-73DvQosvEhgaPE_VZESB5jK0XMPzUk0TorAkfpyOQXTO6cr5OtEqFRHYO4Gh0R_GxqynnfORyWVlH/s1600/20476218_10159079538715125_2415673366411087684_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="592" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLsH3H_IHHYQ4cjfoiNRy_kTuXRA6rCZXmYUMCnTQSDxovsPn-XaXxLs6SHugt0_-73DvQosvEhgaPE_VZESB5jK0XMPzUk0TorAkfpyOQXTO6cr5OtEqFRHYO4Gh0R_GxqynnfORyWVlH/s400/20476218_10159079538715125_2415673366411087684_n.jpg" width="246" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>At Boston Mills: another shoe change for Aaron</i></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #1d2129;"><span style="letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #1d2129; letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px;">Next up was Dan. Still making decent time, he had some back pain now. I sat him down in my chair as he tended to his feet, fetched some water for his bottles and some sports drink for him to drink while he was sitting. This was the first aid station where 100 mile runners could pick up a pacer. Dan's first pacer Christy met him here, and I wished them luck as they headed out. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy6UTSNh08MJwtjMXRP4sPTuFFGtPkqj5Dg3VWSI4fqysIF4U26XoQq96QncDsySaUK2R3Bc-RHorvvvtZoKxMF7ISqJYXA-UbpC5tkPq1Vi_MB-XMGdysZN65s5Nn3Il9p5YhDFD4LQ44/s1600/20374649_10159079907660125_5086849814366484761_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy6UTSNh08MJwtjMXRP4sPTuFFGtPkqj5Dg3VWSI4fqysIF4U26XoQq96QncDsySaUK2R3Bc-RHorvvvtZoKxMF7ISqJYXA-UbpC5tkPq1Vi_MB-XMGdysZN65s5Nn3Il9p5YhDFD4LQ44/s400/20374649_10159079907660125_5086849814366484761_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>At Boston Mills: Dan comes into the aid station with some back pain</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq07F6Sg2pp5tCHFTFoDcfvN7cfcD9mORejrS2bvKKzWMmONPHuZ-5NExTO4c9j_aoPkUrUOHQ8x7h6eOsF_vsE8YZAq-yaVOIJ80-ElHgkaufAxMp6tdKb8HBKpUKBQh-a4JMR7NOMfJ_/s1600/20429896_10159079907670125_1563190532184760648_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq07F6Sg2pp5tCHFTFoDcfvN7cfcD9mORejrS2bvKKzWMmONPHuZ-5NExTO4c9j_aoPkUrUOHQ8x7h6eOsF_vsE8YZAq-yaVOIJ80-ElHgkaufAxMp6tdKb8HBKpUKBQh-a4JMR7NOMfJ_/s400/20429896_10159079907670125_1563190532184760648_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>At Boston Mills: After another shoe and shirt change, Dan is still in good spirits</i> </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOaUSloza6uCZPyegCnyB-GpiAWH21FI_r9eNLINTbASz8zDg9UnX5hfsMpOoMXtNv81CUlbAdNBAaAMKS1mCU8NL3-CKMWJxKNCCEVfYf1lDqBzyHqDfK7KhsEkAzLovhFZHP2hM2oOQL/s1600/20431554_10159079907845125_5832268634201608733_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOaUSloza6uCZPyegCnyB-GpiAWH21FI_r9eNLINTbASz8zDg9UnX5hfsMpOoMXtNv81CUlbAdNBAaAMKS1mCU8NL3-CKMWJxKNCCEVfYf1lDqBzyHqDfK7KhsEkAzLovhFZHP2hM2oOQL/s400/20431554_10159079907845125_5832268634201608733_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>At Boston Mills: Dan with pacer Christy </i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHOCjL468XIdh4RisUFDpHjieGxsJrEsBSzNmxWmMDemXndCXRnYcxSUHI0xlyBSLcg17Q4NgmN698_LRAwLMsag2VyB3IiDFNxvaRRFmGUcbYNdfwGOxvaEUG6XxTohiGId3Q3Rnfglne/s1600/20479462_10159079907875125_5518257439475138314_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHOCjL468XIdh4RisUFDpHjieGxsJrEsBSzNmxWmMDemXndCXRnYcxSUHI0xlyBSLcg17Q4NgmN698_LRAwLMsag2VyB3IiDFNxvaRRFmGUcbYNdfwGOxvaEUG6XxTohiGId3Q3Rnfglne/s400/20479462_10159079907875125_5518257439475138314_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>At Boston Mills: Dan and Christy are off</i></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #1d2129; letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #1d2129; letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px;">Finally, Tony came though Boston Mills. He had slowed significantly and was looking tired. I helped out as everyone got him what he needed to eat and drink. I learned from Tony about eating avocado as ultra fuel, and he had hummus too. Those sounded like great foods to fuel a run like this. Tony rested a little more at this aid station than at the previous ones. We saw him off, and then I said goodbye to his crew and friends. Meanwhile, in the distance we saw the back half 50 Milers begin their race. I went back to my car and mapped my way to the next aid station. As I was driving, there were Burning River runners along the side of the road. I saw Tony, opened my window, and cheered and honked.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMtqOKcxNyGQPPb_VBdmpjUoOA1OsZMYCjzljddNGoJcSHDc4Rs3BLHSOMm6LJmCWJYAX7rve4QGXIbZRq3kofatzAidbSUZUCmo5W8dirP4ZwSpJdRX-_qxJR9rE_lUt7MOvhrqNtxqXL/s1600/20431302_10159080316770125_1467283572087340760_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMtqOKcxNyGQPPb_VBdmpjUoOA1OsZMYCjzljddNGoJcSHDc4Rs3BLHSOMm6LJmCWJYAX7rve4QGXIbZRq3kofatzAidbSUZUCmo5W8dirP4ZwSpJdRX-_qxJR9rE_lUt7MOvhrqNtxqXL/s400/20431302_10159080316770125_1467283572087340760_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>At Boston Mills: Tony comes into the aid station</i> </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsv1SqF0sQ_pvM2YUJD1bJgiVAf7DtS5SJbDp1GhV0ZikCiUEduKzQ8krkMqFZA3hdh-iVjee5KzivDo-sy4QLESQo9nAiFVCGBIukGMBgpE1P3Mv9pG1pMX6GTebOlZrno2CBCSkxv-RY/s1600/20476094_10159080316780125_4575446110851138375_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsv1SqF0sQ_pvM2YUJD1bJgiVAf7DtS5SJbDp1GhV0ZikCiUEduKzQ8krkMqFZA3hdh-iVjee5KzivDo-sy4QLESQo9nAiFVCGBIukGMBgpE1P3Mv9pG1pMX6GTebOlZrno2CBCSkxv-RY/s400/20476094_10159080316780125_4575446110851138375_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>At Boston Mills: Tony eats avocado and hummus to fuel up</i></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #1d2129;"><span style="letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px;"><b>Mile 66.9 - Ledges</b></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #1d2129;"><span style="letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #1d2129;"><span style="letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px;">I got to the next aid station, Ledges, as the sun was beginning to set. It was directly in my view of the runners coming through the aid station, so I attached my umbrella to my chair. I watched runners, who were now more spaced out. But now, some of them had pacers. It had been a long day, and it was starting to get cooler. These guys had a long night ahead of them. While sitting there at Ledges I did some time calculations and realized I wouldn't be able to see any of my runners here. I had to drive back to Cuyahoga Falls to pick up Alisa, one of Dan's pacers, and drive her to meet up with him at Pine Hollow. In order to get to Alisa in time, I would miss seeing everyone come through Ledges. Once I realized that, I packed up. I was only at Ledges for about 30 minutes.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #1d2129;"><span style="letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #1d2129;"><span style="letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px;">Soon, I got word from Chase, who was Dan's second pacer, that he had slowed down and wouldn't be at Pine Hollow as early as expected. By now, I had already left Ledges and it made no sense to go back. So what did I do? I went to a brewery, of course. I checked out <a href="https://rsheabrewing.com/" target="_blank">R. Shea Brewing</a> in Akron, where I learned about the existence of the Summit Brew Path. Great - now I had to make a plan to visit all 14 of those breweries in addition to the 37 Columbus area breweries on my list. I just had a couple samplers at R. Shea, then found out Dan had slowed his pace even more. I had time now for the most substantial meal I'd had all day - tacos at Chipotle. I also had enough time to stop by Target to buy some leggings (I had not packed any long pants, and it was cold) and a blanket. Somewhere along the way I was tracking my runners and I learned that Tony dropped after Mile 60. I wasn't sure why, and I was sad for him.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #1d2129;"><span style="letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: #1d2129;"><span style="letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px;"><b>Miles 72.7 and 76.5 - </b><b>Pine Hollow</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #1d2129; letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px;">After my errands and my meal I went to Pine Hollow and see Aaron through the aid station before I had to pick up Alisa.</span><span style="color: #1d2129; letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px;"> </span><span style="color: #1d2129;"><span style="letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px;">Pine Hollow was two aid stations in one, and in fact there were separate tents for the runners' first time through, and second time through about four miles later. It was dark now, and people were cold. Pine Hollow was lit up and decorated like Halloween night. As soon as I found a place to set up, I saw Aaron. And it was heartbreaking, because he had to make the difficult decision to DNF. Aaron did everything right leading up to and on race day. He was running well and feeling strong. But the venom from the wasp stings was continuing to make him sick and he wasn't able to eat. He was smart enough to know that his chances of finishing the race were not good without proper fuel. Aaron had run all the way to Pine Hollow solo and had planned to pick up his pacer there. But now, there was no need for that. I had to leave soon to pick up Alisa at the Sheraton, so I offered to drive Aaron back there. I'm sure he was disappointed, but he seemed to be OK with his decision and vowed to come back next year and complete the course. He had allergy medicine in his hotel room, so that would help him to counter the wasp stings. And hopefully he'd be able to rest and eat soon too. I said goodbye to Aaron and then went up to Alisa's room to meet her.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #1d2129;"><span style="letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px;">Alisa was making last minute wardrobe selections based on the current and predicted temperatures. She was looking forward to pacing Dan to his finish. She had been a pacer at this race before, and earlier that morning she had run part of the course. She knew what she was getting into, and she seemed to know Dan well and had the skills and knowledge to get him to the finish. We got to Pine Hollow and set up the chair. I let Alisa sit since she would be the one running about a marathon distance with Dan to his finish. It was cold and dark and quiet except for the sounds of runners and crew talking, and the occasional cowbell. I was receiving periodic messages from Chase letting us know where he and Dan were. Eventually, they came into the aid station. Dan was tired and had slowed down a little bit. He wasn't feeling the greatest, but who would be after 70+ miles through the forest? We got him some soup and sat with him as he made his final wardrobe change of the race. I could tell that he wanted to sit for longer, but there was no time for that. Alisa got him up and then they left Pine Hollow. I was pretty tired by now, and knew that Dan was in good hands with Alisa as his pacer. I told them that they would probably not see me until the finish.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9mF9C02M1c_KrguXKdVY0dCd_OltCmPn6_EP2aB3bwFeImTYOvH3iNvZFhr9YljU32pCzGNL3el8FaTvZsftM5QlyZSoAxEbUeVBvBsJvr7wTxJJBKITqJDoy7a28JaaBrYqUZnGzDocd/s1600/20376055_10159081911665125_6354113938193842248_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9mF9C02M1c_KrguXKdVY0dCd_OltCmPn6_EP2aB3bwFeImTYOvH3iNvZFhr9YljU32pCzGNL3el8FaTvZsftM5QlyZSoAxEbUeVBvBsJvr7wTxJJBKITqJDoy7a28JaaBrYqUZnGzDocd/s400/20376055_10159081911665125_6354113938193842248_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>At Pine Hollow: Chase brought Dan into the aid station</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj87N0K7cqpwxeNZjFp7hgB7DrP0lr1lXTnHU4LpwI8CCbN98yFfCLEc-p8x71v43OQGtW2SAviNvA7CL6WOy-ei7_UsXgaolRkEyYEymSgMvBLRa027ayLh7tEafSH-OJw10F5AcYB4Bxy/s1600/20375880_10159081911655125_9148226727529844311_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj87N0K7cqpwxeNZjFp7hgB7DrP0lr1lXTnHU4LpwI8CCbN98yFfCLEc-p8x71v43OQGtW2SAviNvA7CL6WOy-ei7_UsXgaolRkEyYEymSgMvBLRa027ayLh7tEafSH-OJw10F5AcYB4Bxy/s400/20375880_10159081911655125_9148226727529844311_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>At Pine Hollow: Alisa picked up Dan and was his final pacer</i></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #1d2129; letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px;">After Dan and Alisa left Pine Hollow, I went back to my hotel. I slept for two and a half hours or so. Then I cleaned up, changed and packed my gear. It was early, but I had to check out, as I wouldn't be back this way in time for the normal check-out. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #1d2129;"><span style="letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px;"><b>Mile 102.2 - Finish Line/HiHO Brewing Co.</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #1d2129;"><span style="letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px;">I drove from my hotel near Hudson to the finish line in Cuyahoga Falls, but this time I went by way of a coffee shop so I could have a much needed bagel and coffee. The finish line was at </span><a href="https://hihobrewingco.com/" style="letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px;" target="_blank">HiHo Brewing Co.</a><span style="letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px;">, less than a block from the Sheraton. It was a great location for a finish line. And you read that last heading correctly; Burning River 100 is actually 102.2 miles. Just a little bonus 2.2, because...why not? I found a spot along the last stretch of sidewalk where the runners finished, and set up my chair. I cheered for everyone who came in for their finish. There were relay runners, back half 50 milers, and of course the 100 milers. I saw the husband of the woman I met at the very first aid station, finishing strong. I had no idea where Dan was because the tracker wasn't tracking him anymore. His cell phone battery must have died a while back. In fact, I had no reading on him after Botzum Parking, the Mile 92.6 aid station. But he was not listed in the race results among the DNFs, so I knew he was still out there. And then, I saw Dan and Alisa coming down the road! I ran out to meet Dan and to cheer him in. I ran a few paces with him to the finish chute, but then let him have his finish.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw7sxL3Pu6Is2K6pgJEWqeS-xTbyv1ZbOykHI0cxPWoq8GgRY8E_hyrT4QQeDjo4kjPjJMB3Ap1C-ji_DLwPZ76dqrI0wlylnhpnul6u19qmpWYvduMMS0W0anxJzjoHdkolaBdjtM2GLQ/s1600/IMG_8574.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw7sxL3Pu6Is2K6pgJEWqeS-xTbyv1ZbOykHI0cxPWoq8GgRY8E_hyrT4QQeDjo4kjPjJMB3Ap1C-ji_DLwPZ76dqrI0wlylnhpnul6u19qmpWYvduMMS0W0anxJzjoHdkolaBdjtM2GLQ/s400/IMG_8574.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>At Finish Line: Here comes Dan-O!</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEfwu7AiXML7g_q2hb-x8xxu2Hh5QMjrr-4uuGBjMIgZcjcKgWPlC6G6U5BGtvJoRW79kZslSfVVO5iThliEqKPGWlc2QuolnVnf1Tm-OUjzW-3Rv4L2XQhsXS7sLuySCEuCYP4gNv8SUX/s1600/IMG_8576.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEfwu7AiXML7g_q2hb-x8xxu2Hh5QMjrr-4uuGBjMIgZcjcKgWPlC6G6U5BGtvJoRW79kZslSfVVO5iThliEqKPGWlc2QuolnVnf1Tm-OUjzW-3Rv4L2XQhsXS7sLuySCEuCYP4gNv8SUX/s400/IMG_8576.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>At Finish Line: Dan stops to reflect</i></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #1d2129;"><span style="letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #1d2129;"><span style="letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px;">It was an amazing thing to see! A runner I'd been tracking and serving as de facto crew member for 29.5 hours...through a strong, fast start to ups and downs along the way, which varied from minor to major aches and pains. If Dan ever thought of dropping, I never saw it. I saw a runner who may have been tired, cold, hungry or in pain at times, but who showed great mental fortitude and determination. He had great pacers guiding him in his last 50 miles too, and they deserve credit for their unwavering support. After his finish, Dan knelt down to reflect on his finish and then laid down on the sidewalk. He needed a few moments, and who could blame him? We gave him cold washcloths to cool him down, and made sure he had any fluids he could take, but he just needed to rest for a few minutes. The podiatrist promised to work on his feet when he got up, but Dan decided he'd rather have a beer!</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXVz0Ng34T887tICcGyBRQv4m0u1y87hsbydw48kmXdbAO9u421hmmIvoG4Sb4LZAnyLbtfFie6ZMzh39itnOG8VD-LwMTI1eOEYhg7AD96YiYx9T-n2rK78SQUU7zgWMLo7mV1kI7D8NO/s1600/20476412_10159083188455125_7905365442385736764_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXVz0Ng34T887tICcGyBRQv4m0u1y87hsbydw48kmXdbAO9u421hmmIvoG4Sb4LZAnyLbtfFie6ZMzh39itnOG8VD-LwMTI1eOEYhg7AD96YiYx9T-n2rK78SQUU7zgWMLo7mV1kI7D8NO/s400/20476412_10159083188455125_7905365442385736764_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>At HiHo Brewing Co.: Dan-O with his well-earned belt buckle and beer</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyGWB12-8GJ5KKVE0sj_D3RSmFM6JIiXIx74iOAJ4PYX_-3TECWP3FcRIYNHnh19udeWqtXpnea_1cW1N8Ak5_w2LymBXoMhPOAXP0wyxkNu3ay9ODV7ev57DONrT5ZfKfzx0KikMeC6Xe/s1600/20525395_10159083328050125_8129504846252990115_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyGWB12-8GJ5KKVE0sj_D3RSmFM6JIiXIx74iOAJ4PYX_-3TECWP3FcRIYNHnh19udeWqtXpnea_1cW1N8Ak5_w2LymBXoMhPOAXP0wyxkNu3ay9ODV7ev57DONrT5ZfKfzx0KikMeC6Xe/s400/20525395_10159083328050125_8129504846252990115_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>At HiHo Brewing Co.: OK, I didn't do as much to earn my beer, but I enjoyed it nonetheless</i></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #1d2129;"><span style="letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #1d2129; letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px;">Dan-O, Burning River 100 finisher and I headed into HiHo for a beer each, while Alisa sat with us. Dan had an amber. I had an IPA and got another stamp in my Summit Brew Path book. Dan's beer went down much faster than mine, and soon he and Alisa were off to the hotel to get cleaned up. In another hour or so I would meet them for breakfast at the Sheraton. </span><span style="color: #1d2129; letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px;">I enjoyed sitting with Dan and Alisa as they ate the breakfast they deserved. I was still full from my earlier bagel, but I had some coffee and kept them company. Dan left the table first, needing a nap before the trip back to Dayton. Alisa and I had a nice time talking. She would be driving Dan home, which made me feel better than if he was driving. Then eventually, I said goodbye to Alisa.</span><br />
<span style="color: #1d2129;"><span style="letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #1d2129;"><span style="letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px;">But my time in Northeastern Ohio was not quite finished. I drove back to Madcap to get my Brew Path stamp, proving I had been there on Friday night with a photo of my beer flight. Now I had 3 of the 14 stamps. I made my way home via <a href="http://www.ohiobrewing.com/" target="_blank">Ohio Brewing</a> in Akron, and then <a href="https://www.wadsworthbrewingcompany.com/" target="_blank">Wadsworth Brewing</a> in Wadsworth. Now I had 5 out of 14 stamps, off to a great start. I would find a way to visit the remaining 9 breweries before the end of the year and earn my Summit Brew Path t-shirt.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDNR6zY_fHrZy3abPvt2k8DyFV36GnUd_7ycHMCgdoy7tSEzp3FKLT27Fb718HG3cVEYbAnZOZmwOOoTlgYqcdcaNGC_E19T6kphi4Nd27vgjOKcC1hn1rcQfofKv9TigIl4tMnXAMOYBs/s1600/IMG_8570.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDNR6zY_fHrZy3abPvt2k8DyFV36GnUd_7ycHMCgdoy7tSEzp3FKLT27Fb718HG3cVEYbAnZOZmwOOoTlgYqcdcaNGC_E19T6kphi4Nd27vgjOKcC1hn1rcQfofKv9TigIl4tMnXAMOYBs/s400/IMG_8570.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Burning River got me excited about the ultra community, and also the Akron/Canton area brewery community</i></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #1d2129;"><span style="letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px;"><b>Reflections</b></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #1d2129;"><span style="letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #1d2129;"><span style="letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px;">It's now been a little over a month since Burning River. I may have forgotten some of the finer details of my weekend, though I did include a lot in the above write-up. But what I can offer now are some reflections on that weekend based on a having a little distance and perspective.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px;"><span style="color: #1d2129;">A 100 Miler is no joke!</span> Three friends started the race but only one finished. All three were experienced ultra-marathoners and had trained and planned well for Burning River. But race day throws obstacles at you and all the preparation in the world might not be enough on that one day. This race was very well managed by Western Reserve Racing. It runs through beautiful landscapes in Cuyahoga Valley National Park, and I was envious of the scenery that the runners got to see. I thoroughly enj</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="color: #1d2129; display: inline; font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px;">oyed traveling to the various aid stations and executing my job as unofficial crew member. I was no one's official crew, but I did my best to anticipate the needs of my friends, get them what they needed at the time, and get them back on course. It was truly an honor to help them on their journeys. </span><br />
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="color: #1d2129; display: inline; font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px;"><br /></span>
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="color: #1d2129; display: inline; font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px;">I would absolutely love another chance to crew or pace at a 100 Miler. However, I'm not sure that running one is in my future. I used to say that I had no desire to run an ultra longer than a 50K (which I also have yet to do), but now I'm not as sure. I can envision the day when I decide to take on a 50 Miler. But it would not be just for the distance. I have no desire to run one of the timed races with multiple loops that allow you to rack up miles upon miles with every identical circuit. No, the only ultra I will run will be about the journey, and I want it to be a unique journey. I want to travel through parks and trails and see something new and peaceful at every turn, not just multiples of the same scenery. </span><br />
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<span class="text_exposed_show" style="color: #1d2129; display: inline; font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px;">And I would consider doing it at one of the Western Reserve Racing events. These guys are a class act. From the moment I stepped into the Sheraton as a volunteer, to the moment I left Dan's finish line, I was impressed by this organization. They did a great job with everything I saw. And after the race, I received a hand-written thank-you card in the mail from staff member Kelly, who coordinated the packet pick-up volunteers, and probably multiple other things as well.</span><br />
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="color: #1d2129; display: inline; font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px;"><br /></span>
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="color: #1d2129; display: inline; font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px;">In fact, I did go back to a Western Reserve Racing event - just yesterday! I ran the <a href="https://www.westernreserveracing.com/events/minnehaha-5-miler-good-turn-2-mile-kids-trail-race/" target="_blank">Minnehaha 5 Miler Trail Race</a> in Cuyahoga Valley National Park, and I'll cover it in a future blog post. I just had to get the Burning River report up here first. </span><br />
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Sandy Hugillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12757839732019464486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4930244248887247542.post-45157778285164694802017-08-27T15:32:00.003-07:002017-08-27T15:32:56.901-07:002017 Emerald City Half Race Report What's this? I'm posting my race report on the same day as the actual race? Must be some kind of record! I still have a couple backlogged blog posts (which are not race reports), but this one jumped to the top of the queue. Today I ran the <a href="http://www.emeraldcityhalfmarathon.com/" target="_blank">Emerald City Half Marathon</a> in Dublin, Ohio for the second time. The first time I ran was <a href="https://sandyruns.blogspot.com/2014/08/a-race-with-my-mom-aka-emerald-city.html" target="_blank">in 2014 when I walked the first three miles with my mom</a>, who was completing the quarter marathon, before running on to finish my half marathon.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Finish pic with medal, wearing the 2014 shirt</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>And this year's shirt, a slightly different shade of blue...and also a singlet</i></td></tr>
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I registered for this race months ago and had hoped to attempt a new half marathon PR. Back at the end of May, coming off a successful <a href="https://sandyruns.blogspot.com/2017/06/2017-medina-half-marathon-race-report.html" target="_blank">Medina Half Marathon</a>, I thought that PR was a sure bet. Then I lost some training time in June when I was sick, and more training time in July when I injured my leg. And I never quite got back my training mojo in time to expect a late August PR. So, I decided to just go and have fun.<br />
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Several members of the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ColumbusWestsideRunningClub/" target="_blank">Columbus Westside Running Club</a> (CWRC) ran the half. I planned to run the race with Carl. He's usually faster than me, but a knee injury caused him to scale back, and I promised to introduce him to the wonderful world of run/walk intervals, and ensure we got a not-too-terrible finish time.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Franklin County Sheriff's color guard gathers at the start</i></td></tr>
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I arrived about an hour early for the race and hung out in my car for a while, as it was chilly outside. Yes, the starting temperature was about 55F, which was unusual for late August, but I wasn't complaining. We really lucked out with great weather. I met up with Becca and Carl in the start corral. To my surprise, I also found <a href="http://www.marathonmaniacs.com/" target="_blank">Marathon Maniac</a> friend Halbert. I hadn't seen Halbert for a while, so it was nice to find him in Dublin. Carl and I made our way back to an appropriate place in the corral, where we saw Sally and grabbed a quick pre-race selfie.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Pre-race selfie with Halbert</i> </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Pre-race selfie with Carl and Sally</i></td></tr>
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Carl and I started out together and I set the pace with my run/walk intervals and a running pace that was slightly too fast for me to sustain for the full distance, but it worked for most of the race. It was nice to have someone to chat with, since I'm usually running solo. Of course, it was harder for me to chat because this was a moderately challenging pace for me, so I did a lot of listening and made most of my vocal contributions during walk breaks.<br />
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Somewhere after Mile 4 or so we caught up with Halbert, and ran several miles with him. It was great to catch up with Halbert and the three of us traded race stories for a while, helping the miles to tick away. We got to the halfway point, which was marked by a timing mat, but no signage, so it took us by surprise. We enjoyed the short bits of the course that wound through a wooded park. Before we knew it, we were to Mile 10. I really didn't think about distance at all during this race since I was happily distracted by good company.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Halbert at an aid station</i></td></tr>
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After Mile 10, Halbert pulled ahead (and honestly, I also dropped back a bit). For a short while, Carl pulled ahead of me too, but then I caught up to him again. His knee was bothering him a little bit, and I think he was happy for some extra walking. And I needed a little extra walking too. I just wasn't trained as well as I had wanted to be. There was no way I could possibly have earned that PR, but I did end up finishing a little faster than my Plan B goal, so that was good.<br />
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Coming into the finish, Carl and I saw Becca (who earned her own PR) and Tracy (who was spectating). It's always nice see friendly faces and be cheered on by name. After the finish, and a few pics, Becca and Carl went back to the finish area with Tracy to wait for Sally to finish. I went to the post race party at Amigos to look for Halbert. Unfortunately, he had already gone back to his car. But while I was trying to message him, Iliana from CWRC found me, so I went inside with her and her boyfriend Andrew for our post-race margaritas. Yes, this race gives out margaritas, not beers.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Carl and I were perfectly in step in the finish chute</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Finishers: Becca, Carl and me </i></td></tr>
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After the margarita I tried to find Sally and Tracy, but it looked like they had already left. There were still some runners and walkers coming in, but I was pretty sure Sally would have already finished.<br />
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Now I've run this race twice. I think it's managed very well, and the medal and shirt are nice. This year the women got a singlet instead of a short-sleeved tee; that was different. The course has its pros and cons. Major pro is a fair amount of the course on nice bike trails. Major con is so much direct sunlight on boring suburban roads. And other than the DJ at the start/finish area, there is zero entertainment on the course, if that's your thing. There are also very few spectators. But it is a fast course with few hills, and a great setting for a PR if your training and the weather are on your side. Today, the weather worked for me, but several weeks of training had suffered. I'm still glad I went and pushed myself a little today. I needed that. And it was great to run with Carl and Halbert.<br />
<br />Sandy Hugillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12757839732019464486noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4930244248887247542.post-91957469554416450742017-08-11T13:31:00.002-07:002017-08-11T13:31:42.279-07:002017 Dublin Irish Festival 5KLast week I ran the <a href="http://dublinirishfestival.org/igs-energy-dif-5k-and-kids-dash/" target="_blank">Dublin Irish Festival 5K</a>, which kicked off the weekend festival activities. For those of you not in the know, this is the Dublin, OHIO festival. Nope...I wasn't just over in Ireland. This was a Thursday evening race. I drove to Dublin early to pick up my packet and met Shelly, Nikki and Nikki's daughter Elise there. This was going to be Shelly's first 5K.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;"><i>Nikki, Elise, Shelly and me before the race</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;"><i>Pre-race selfie</i></td></tr>
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<br />The weather was nice for standing or sitting around outside, but it was August, and I knew it would feel hot running. At least the sun wasn't high in the sky. We hung around while the kids dash took place, and then the 5K participants made their way to the start corral. The national anthem was played, and then we were off.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;"><i>Start corral</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;"><i>Walking to the starting arch</i></td></tr>
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The course was an out and back, mostly on a residential road, and partially on a road with office buildings. We had an equal amount of uphill and downhill. One hill was steeper than the others, and it was nice to go up it before getting to run back down it. I stuck with Shelly for the most part and we did run/walk. Nikki and Elise mostly walked, so they were behind us, and we got to see them a couple times on the course.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;"><i>Selfie with Shelly and the corn statues in the background</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbR_rdPxcDVETZwlEZb6AS7Cy5pz8xIHjXgp495__ryTaUNI1tIaXOVqaYAyQ1SxRcRkxNJ93gXn7hYLvMphNOKX3HJAs9tFoc1wSs_F9ozT9zT09mVUKIW_ybDtyeH1iaUR6l0wDEZVD5/s1600/IMG_8600.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbR_rdPxcDVETZwlEZb6AS7Cy5pz8xIHjXgp495__ryTaUNI1tIaXOVqaYAyQ1SxRcRkxNJ93gXn7hYLvMphNOKX3HJAs9tFoc1wSs_F9ozT9zT09mVUKIW_ybDtyeH1iaUR6l0wDEZVD5/s400/IMG_8600.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;"><i>Nikki and Elise on the course</i></td></tr>
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This was a nice community race with runners and walkers of all different levels, and there were quite a few young kids who ran the 5K. However, there were not a lot of spectators. Mostly, it was a peaceful run on a summer evening.</div>
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Toward the end I ran ahead of Shelly to the finish, where I was able to get some pictures of her as she crossed the finish line of her first 5K. We stayed in the finish chute for a little while longer to see Nikki and Elise come in. They did a little mother-daughter sprint in the last yards of the race.</div>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaik7CM2frwoJnaHXxrkrzMHjzVwnzdqKHvMowtZdIjPBt9l2ZkGV9flgQvSqJUOj2Sf6KH3zpyp4gyShb9k2EruKA2qaP4DKkerwPFllVGIwAdCFDDvyFMUKV7gdPVy3y089fq3BS4NPw/s1600/IMG_8610.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaik7CM2frwoJnaHXxrkrzMHjzVwnzdqKHvMowtZdIjPBt9l2ZkGV9flgQvSqJUOj2Sf6KH3zpyp4gyShb9k2EruKA2qaP4DKkerwPFllVGIwAdCFDDvyFMUKV7gdPVy3y089fq3BS4NPw/s400/IMG_8610.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;"><i>Shelly finishing </i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;"><i>Elise and Nikki finishing</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9VBxYiNPXrUx2Q_pjibJlYBrMKkqDv8dYAD4YXsDJvTMy8pKLc86DJASVWi0fxPsG2eYaMAyVrdHU9f1fIJbhC7Y_9iYiiVTf3QVqZ6wnLZWKROSPIgGEJU3oih_WbjE04OhTnb9EVGSW/s1600/IMG_8716.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9VBxYiNPXrUx2Q_pjibJlYBrMKkqDv8dYAD4YXsDJvTMy8pKLc86DJASVWi0fxPsG2eYaMAyVrdHU9f1fIJbhC7Y_9iYiiVTf3QVqZ6wnLZWKROSPIgGEJU3oih_WbjE04OhTnb9EVGSW/s400/IMG_8716.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;"><i>Race shirt and medal</i></td></tr>
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After receiving our medals, Elise and I got ice cream from the CD 102.5 ice cream truck. I had seen people eating ice cream before the race, but didn't think that would sit well in my stomach before running. After ice cream, we all walked over the the Brazenhead for post-race beers for the adults and food for all. Unfortunately, service was incredibly slow. I guess they hadn't planned ahead for all the runners hitting the pub at once. We didn't even get menus for at least 15 minutes because they had run out. Still, it was nice to celebrate our finish over a beer (when they finally came). And I think Shelly might even be up for another 5K in the fall!</div>
<br />Sandy Hugillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12757839732019464486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4930244248887247542.post-43792852659813585032017-08-03T13:28:00.000-07:002017-08-07T19:30:41.900-07:00Brokeman's Summer Solstice Run - Where the Wild Things AreAnother catch-up race report is for the Find Me Where the Wild Things Are run (not really a race, as it's completely untimed and unscored). This was the summer solstice run put on by <a href="http://www.brokemans.com/" target="_blank">Brokeman's Running Company</a>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF6hq1gVywvYcjmyK8UNW2WIb1frz1DxY3tI7T_INA-HxW5coWk86_ugkKhv_nD_0Z1IxIVCN1QkwoM5fujhkmCfC6IOPO2bIvSMaPDV1jcod3gUE66tGJ55wIVAd0W5FfUflOXPzwhE-M/s1600/IMG_20170621_200524.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF6hq1gVywvYcjmyK8UNW2WIb1frz1DxY3tI7T_INA-HxW5coWk86_ugkKhv_nD_0Z1IxIVCN1QkwoM5fujhkmCfC6IOPO2bIvSMaPDV1jcod3gUE66tGJ55wIVAd0W5FfUflOXPzwhE-M/s400/IMG_20170621_200524.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Just a little fun with a bronze buck (it's a "wild thing", right?) before the run kicked off </i><i>(photo credit: Matt Alley)</i></td></tr>
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My friend Matt is out in Colorado now, but comes to Ohio regularly, so he suggested doing this run together on one of his recent trips. It took place on the evening of the summer solstice and was a night event starting at 8:30 PM. Brokeman's promised a route of approximately 4.5 miles, though my Garmin clocked it at slightly less. That didn't really matter as this was a fun run, there were no prizes and we were all just out there to enjoy the summer evening.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtCEuV2BFWF2o4Hfcjf0yFuw3vsWzjqfNpA0CQSjIlJ6080Z_fuvVMrMTpOrtVgyHbq5Yqa9FYpwnXtsMxqmIuZVwTeZYHedcUY-VKJl3N2IQodXd1ouQM3lLkvn5DE-uTx-EHYVb65KhE/s1600/IMG_8307.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtCEuV2BFWF2o4Hfcjf0yFuw3vsWzjqfNpA0CQSjIlJ6080Z_fuvVMrMTpOrtVgyHbq5Yqa9FYpwnXtsMxqmIuZVwTeZYHedcUY-VKJl3N2IQodXd1ouQM3lLkvn5DE-uTx-EHYVb65KhE/s400/IMG_8307.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Runners getting ready at Land Grant</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWIeSR5iN_Iw_qapNOrAn-oVI3ZBQwC8H_Ic2eo6KNuxKcgWJBc9DzFuwi2eSZ4OhgNgrsOLN_4ktkfPW6-SgxmJwjE0EWLmglvTYiqznd_10L_qFo8_R_T51hv2EWqp_EPgXVYIMdZWpv/s1600/IMG_8309.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1203" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWIeSR5iN_Iw_qapNOrAn-oVI3ZBQwC8H_Ic2eo6KNuxKcgWJBc9DzFuwi2eSZ4OhgNgrsOLN_4ktkfPW6-SgxmJwjE0EWLmglvTYiqznd_10L_qFo8_R_T51hv2EWqp_EPgXVYIMdZWpv/s400/IMG_8309.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Pre-run selfie with Matt</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpUh9vQ7h847N21uf8CAc9dfRAi3TS0oEn1lZ43TbsXztY4u4MVnbfHvxyfSX6ZOn54COVRsVs-d9hvqRU_JWmY948UULhuEi2-QnDzxAYTmrVFzgjCIcXh3jnPFyjxQQcyAZYDPgbYUiI/s1600/IMG_20170621_202629.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpUh9vQ7h847N21uf8CAc9dfRAi3TS0oEn1lZ43TbsXztY4u4MVnbfHvxyfSX6ZOn54COVRsVs-d9hvqRU_JWmY948UULhuEi2-QnDzxAYTmrVFzgjCIcXh3jnPFyjxQQcyAZYDPgbYUiI/s400/IMG_20170621_202629.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Katie makes her announcements before we start </i><i>(photo credit: Matt Alley)</i></td></tr>
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Runners converged at Land Grant, one of my favorite Columbus breweries. We set out on a fun route that traversed trails along the Scioto riverfront and bridges crossing the river. Much of the course was on the path from Bicentennial Park to Scioto Audubon Park. It was fun and scenic, with lots of great photo opportunities. While I was busy running, trying to maintain a good effort, Matt was running back and forth taking pictures. He got some great ones, and I'm including a few in this post, but the others can be <a href="https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipM1D-eUyaxVR9qNipr27iDQypRR4DKRp0i-OiV54dCWIw6sBCKLj5ai91ec5VPB0Q?key=T1YwSk1hMmNBYnVMQU9nRTFiUFR4a1FwT3A1c2FR" target="_blank">viewed here</a>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Ih4U4Q2xgLkNoWetnkQSiAz99TEP_PWLBw0CQy4KjRmBVFNYijWAc3LaxGIuG7RpMzcyRZSF0NzhWRh3DygpG4sGijsMRjrfJcQiZKzX73pBzyQeBRuM45kO-IwEjfze-V_L7LoGe9Tz/s1600/IMG_8310.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Ih4U4Q2xgLkNoWetnkQSiAz99TEP_PWLBw0CQy4KjRmBVFNYijWAc3LaxGIuG7RpMzcyRZSF0NzhWRh3DygpG4sGijsMRjrfJcQiZKzX73pBzyQeBRuM45kO-IwEjfze-V_L7LoGe9Tz/s400/IMG_8310.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>We ran under and over bridges; note the group of runners under the railroad</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdApu5K6npKAohyphenhyphen9hbFbo0sV6jQ4Q89vSmzdo52kfQZ86a8TSN34U5y_BjmtIX30azcLzV8aFUl8KUu_G0KdcsMNTQiz4uSuJz65j-vlwaqLiLAPMa_zEML4F5hIaAOHIY7Bgq-Dzku45o/s1600/IMG_8313.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdApu5K6npKAohyphenhyphen9hbFbo0sV6jQ4Q89vSmzdo52kfQZ86a8TSN34U5y_BjmtIX30azcLzV8aFUl8KUu_G0KdcsMNTQiz4uSuJz65j-vlwaqLiLAPMa_zEML4F5hIaAOHIY7Bgq-Dzku45o/s400/IMG_8313.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Skyline view with runners coming toward me</i></td></tr>
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I was having a little trouble with the heat and humidity, and after a few miles I ended up walking more. I could have pushed a little harder, but I was happy to simply enjoy the run and take some photos of my own. This was an excellent evening for views of the Columbus skyline and the river, and I took it all in.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf2fb_LUjYFnp1uiPt71KjBXLM10jwzgIjIAEsscn7YlSZkEc8c1TdJrUIqYdbI-Xd8MBM5kHWInZUqFFYJArZs_PkcJeCP14HRUFEUqA93NIdOwtuBUF82cqFsTy1l7T4KKguL37tkTLU/s1600/Sandy+Wild+Things+Water+Tower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf2fb_LUjYFnp1uiPt71KjBXLM10jwzgIjIAEsscn7YlSZkEc8c1TdJrUIqYdbI-Xd8MBM5kHWInZUqFFYJArZs_PkcJeCP14HRUFEUqA93NIdOwtuBUF82cqFsTy1l7T4KKguL37tkTLU/s400/Sandy+Wild+Things+Water+Tower.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>City view from Scioto Audubon Park (photo credit: Matt Alley)</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijv1JevdEKW1s2F3odNyZWGn2PpY-sWrSPmTxATx2x6uENXEHDTICUlTCQVfjl7WqSIhOlo-j2Au3lpvcwohd-5LS4QpggnCzuNaoIx8kw0S98Axmc6O4cztJvIUQ9SKVWOXBA039yg76D/s1600/IMG_20170621_210525-EFFECTS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijv1JevdEKW1s2F3odNyZWGn2PpY-sWrSPmTxATx2x6uENXEHDTICUlTCQVfjl7WqSIhOlo-j2Au3lpvcwohd-5LS4QpggnCzuNaoIx8kw0S98Axmc6O4cztJvIUQ9SKVWOXBA039yg76D/s400/IMG_20170621_210525-EFFECTS.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>I'm running under another bridge (photo credit: Matt Alley)</i></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE1U8Mzmd7OT2xnWHbI0_Qj5S1QlN4bqXLfou66WTG8loWYep5-tVQJ6547_aRrhdLlHczr-8sXm4hXpItWjPdBsfJ5yM0Hb59Pn9FxOSFQPO-TkRdEcyja7eEasNboX6IR_0-K10QRtb6/s1600/IMG_8317.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE1U8Mzmd7OT2xnWHbI0_Qj5S1QlN4bqXLfou66WTG8loWYep5-tVQJ6547_aRrhdLlHczr-8sXm4hXpItWjPdBsfJ5yM0Hb59Pn9FxOSFQPO-TkRdEcyja7eEasNboX6IR_0-K10QRtb6/s400/IMG_8317.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Views of the river and the ColumbUS lit up on the COSI steps</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibKDbTsEuAQSXSI3m7FDAh2OI0x8cqeIZc24ZA0WegZJCTi7TyBySVswL17hMURUrJlFqj2XNzpo6K0VMj0QBrjt6BGSe7fhFU2yTLcBJAPLOPrlRaDvHIqu9PEcvpFSuk1H4DQlkdVNOS/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-08-01+at+2.53.45+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1056" data-original-width="1600" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibKDbTsEuAQSXSI3m7FDAh2OI0x8cqeIZc24ZA0WegZJCTi7TyBySVswL17hMURUrJlFqj2XNzpo6K0VMj0QBrjt6BGSe7fhFU2yTLcBJAPLOPrlRaDvHIqu9PEcvpFSuk1H4DQlkdVNOS/s400/Screen+Shot+2017-08-01+at+2.53.45+PM.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Ha ha! I'm in front of COSI, having no idea that my photo was being taken; the woman in front of me keeps popping up at all my local races and we're about the same pace, but I have yet to meet her (photo credit: Ben Ko Photography)</i></td></tr>
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Back at the finish, we were treated to water and a Body Armor coconut water sports drink. There was a food truck for people who wanted that. But after stretching and recovering for a few minutes, Matt and I headed inside for our free beer. We could only choose from five of the core beers, but who's complaining when it's free? Cold beer feels great after a hot run!<br />
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This was my first experience running a Brokeman's event (though I previously volunteered at their inaugural Beer Mile). I have gotten to know Katie, the founder, a little. She's all about putting on a fun event for runners, but without all the bells and whistles. Her lower-key events cater to people on a budget, or just people who don't need or want all the bling. That doesn't mean that the events are haphazard. The Brokeman's races I've seen are well-organized with very creative artwork and t-shirts, thanks to Katie's husband Abraham. For fun, they also did a "photo booth" shoot inside Land Grant.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-mCS2V8P1X176MRtKRA77w6PmLjPZD_u2pPu-J_AzVNQWeD1-6QHWOpe8Bc7tIW9ZrnSYmv2SAwidaZV8uUfF_JXx_x-0sAtDUdRCx3jm69EBraCb2qM-WGdVJyoWlJ2IVxjPtrz6_hv_/s1600/Sandy+Mat+Wild+Things+Photo+Booth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-mCS2V8P1X176MRtKRA77w6PmLjPZD_u2pPu-J_AzVNQWeD1-6QHWOpe8Bc7tIW9ZrnSYmv2SAwidaZV8uUfF_JXx_x-0sAtDUdRCx3jm69EBraCb2qM-WGdVJyoWlJ2IVxjPtrz6_hv_/s400/Sandy+Mat+Wild+Things+Photo+Booth.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>I think we look like deer in headlights in this photo booth shot at Land Grant</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Fun t-shirt artwork; my camera washed it out, but the shirt is actually a nice, icy blue shade</i></td></tr>
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By the time Matt and I were finishing our beers, we realized that the food truck was shut down. Oops. But that was OK, because I think we did better to scoot over to the downtown location of <a href="http://www.condadotacos.com/" target="_blank">Condado Tacos</a>. It was my first time at Condado, and I was quite pleased with the choices of vegetarian taco fillings...not just one option, but choices! We were impressed with the food, the outdoor patio and the service. It was a fun evening to run around town on the longest day of the year and cap off the evening with beer, tacos and friendship.<br />
<br />Sandy Hugillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12757839732019464486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4930244248887247542.post-31599337682151152042017-08-01T09:56:00.001-07:002017-08-01T09:56:33.411-07:002017 Shawshank Hustle Race Report<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Back in June I ran the <a href="http://www.shawshankhustle.com/" target="_blank">Shawshank Hustle 7K</a>. How could I say no to a race that was fairly close to home and based on one of my favorite films, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0111161/" target="_blank">The Shawshank Redemption</a>? The Shawshank Hustle looked fun from the first moment I discovered it. The race takes place in Mansfield, an Ohio town I'd never been to, but it wasn't too far from Columbus; in fact, I drove up race-day morning. The race festival was held at the <a href="https://www.mrps.org/" target="_blank">Ohio State Reformatory</a>, the historic prison where The Shawshank Redemption was filmed. It's a beautiful backdrop, and race participants were able to take a self-guided tour of the building either before or after the race. They played up the theme, routing the course past several local sites where film scenes were shot. The t-shirt and medal also reflect the theme. And this year there were guest appearances from a couple of the minor actors in the film (Renee Blaine who played Andy's wife, and Scott Mann who played her lover).<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Finish pic with medal, in front of reformatory</i></td></tr>
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The hustle is advertised as a 7K race, which would be 4.35 miles. My Garmin clocked 4.67 miles. I know that <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/the-running-blog/2016/apr/15/course-accuracy-why-your-gps-watch-isnt-infallible" target="_blank">GPS watches aren't ever 100% accurate</a>, but this time I think my watch was closer to the actual distance. I believe the race organizers bill this as a 7K distance because it is the closest actual kilometer for the course design. The route is basically an out & back from the prison to the park in downtown Mansfield, Ohio, utilizing one downtown street for the "out" portion and looping over to another street for the "back" portion. Rounding down the distance would not have been possible, and rounding it up would have required adding some weird extra bit of course. Anyway...<br />
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I got to Mansfield early to ensure that I had no problems parking and getting my packet. There was plenty of free parking about a 5 minute walk away. I had plenty of time to walk around outside the building, eat my breakfast, check my bag and talk to other runners before the start. It was going to be a hot day, so I decided to take it easy and just enjoy myself.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Pretty sure this is the closest I'll ever get to Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman</i></td></tr>
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In the start corral I saw many runners dressed in costumes like movie characters, or versions of prisoners and security guards. There were a lot of custom t-shirts with movie quotes and the like. Everyone seemed to be into the theme. I wore my black and white striped compression socks, which were my nod to old-school prison uniforms. The announcer mentioned that in two years it will be the 25th anniversary of the film, and they are hoping to get Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman to come out. It will also be the 5th year for the race. I'm not sure how likely it will be to get these A-list actors out there, but I'd love to go back if they do.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Pre-race area on my way to packet pick-up</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Start corral</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>In start corral - I think she was going for the sexy prison guard look</i></td></tr>
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We started out on a long uphill, then we had a long downhill. There was no cloud cover and it was already hot outside. I ran my run/walk intervals, skipping some of the walk breaks on the downhill portion. The first mile and a half weren't terribly scenic and there was no shade.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>On the way into town</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Runner dressed as a prisoner</i></td></tr>
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Then we made it to the edge of town and started a steep uphill. But this is where we began to pass movie scene sites, which were all marked. And then we came to the carousel. Runners had a ticket on their bibs for a free carousel ride either during or after the race. Since it was hot and I had no time goal for this odd-distance race, I took a break to ride the carousel. It felt good to get out of the sun and feel the breeze as we spun around. Next to the carousel we saw other runners passing by. I guess they didn't think it would be fun to stop.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Running uphill in town</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The carousel</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Selfie at the carousel before it was my turn</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>I rode the lion</i></td></tr>
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The carousel ride added about 9 minutes to my official time, but I didn't care. Afterward I jumped back onto the course, which was still going uphill. But shortly afterward we looped past the park and then began the trip back to the prison. At this point we were going downhill again and I was passing a lot of people. We also passed <a href="http://www.phoenixbrewing.com/" target="_blank">Phoenix Brewing</a>, which held a post-race party. So now I knew exactly where the brewery was located; good info for later. The last mile or so was tough. The sun was higher and hotter, and there was that uphill section before our final downhill. As I ran toward the finish line, the prison was in front of me. That's a pretty cool finish!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9f84MBTU_WVkTbxrwRgHcbiu-0a1e1RcgcILEckY7EkK2fgl5cyRXgVwMB_w_IsnqATGOKweXVYJbyOzMFL0i9_tiCzjM56DwsmM6RcF6eHP-4SmzoQFOPSXTMPqaH3y_kvv5FBlZc54K/s1600/IMG_8212.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9f84MBTU_WVkTbxrwRgHcbiu-0a1e1RcgcILEckY7EkK2fgl5cyRXgVwMB_w_IsnqATGOKweXVYJbyOzMFL0i9_tiCzjM56DwsmM6RcF6eHP-4SmzoQFOPSXTMPqaH3y_kvv5FBlZc54K/s400/IMG_8212.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Ran past Phoenix Brewing</i></td></tr>
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For a short distance race, these guys really took care of the runners. There were adequate aid stations on the course. At the finish there were water and yogurt smoothies, fruit and lots of snacks. I was happy to see Almond Nut Thins. And...the drinks were all ice cold, which was very nice. I ate my water and crackers and recovered for a few minutes before going inside for my prison tour.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYIGtal_yTJjp4cSwlerte-pMedAlSY7_4ukuM0j5QKf-xi6GDRJ7ODing3P_-2PBgGByQIAkuAQHuahMc7aSzFPp-Y1QVE8EhZdkgw97VkqQTlrz1dp1wUfEdi5gqEpftJIfrG5gOaioO/s1600/IMG_8220.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYIGtal_yTJjp4cSwlerte-pMedAlSY7_4ukuM0j5QKf-xi6GDRJ7ODing3P_-2PBgGByQIAkuAQHuahMc7aSzFPp-Y1QVE8EhZdkgw97VkqQTlrz1dp1wUfEdi5gqEpftJIfrG5gOaioO/s400/IMG_8220.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Post-race pose with a real cop</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoCMnDPJGIYuKuvVoyoY8pOVRmGsLAa9qTOUHlH6Euanqe4wDesLcqiB7rMNcdeIE0b_QKFf_nA39FCk6ANn0O_46RVtBGWiITmWRvGhbLyXAjb78aRR4ykiSZOkt73NoUT176vsA1AfsT/s1600/fullsizeoutput_3b46.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoCMnDPJGIYuKuvVoyoY8pOVRmGsLAa9qTOUHlH6Euanqe4wDesLcqiB7rMNcdeIE0b_QKFf_nA39FCk6ANn0O_46RVtBGWiITmWRvGhbLyXAjb78aRR4ykiSZOkt73NoUT176vsA1AfsT/s400/fullsizeoutput_3b46.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>This year's medal honored the famous oak tree that was destroyed by weather last year</i></td></tr>
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As I said, the Ohio Reformatory is a beautiful building, but I was surprised by how run-down it was on the inside. The rooms where The Shawshank Redemption was filmed were in better condition than the others. But even through the layers of dirt and peeling paint, I could see just how amazing this building was. Built in 1886, its style is Victorian and Romanesque. It was an operating prison until 1990 - that's over 100 years! There is so much character, amazing woodwork and high ceilings. Care is being made to restore the building, and part of our race registration went to the effort.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaBypHY1BGsQTfTTwiZiXAj72McB_qv-8hVIcnnkjrX4kfR4mf61UOgneBuconZfiGfIq6FHnysmpwjgUU1T37boCphrsciU26vurrgdy_bI4gQCZaEMHuZMPv_24Qtp6lSGMmfEyHgT4C/s1600/IMG_8227.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaBypHY1BGsQTfTTwiZiXAj72McB_qv-8hVIcnnkjrX4kfR4mf61UOgneBuconZfiGfIq6FHnysmpwjgUU1T37boCphrsciU26vurrgdy_bI4gQCZaEMHuZMPv_24Qtp6lSGMmfEyHgT4C/s400/IMG_8227.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Inside the warden's office you can still see people in the finish chute outside</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0PeWAozIIuGWBgn8ITNHzbDwN31P0MNll_7-hTOK3ee-mdQgS5YiQy8z0EyKb3tfdRHQrlW1OSxOxbUxA9o5W2E3B_D9omzGv2VMYB5oPa_hLRYL4H5Sxzhct2fucw3fbIYyRiSRd38sp/s1600/IMG_8232.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0PeWAozIIuGWBgn8ITNHzbDwN31P0MNll_7-hTOK3ee-mdQgS5YiQy8z0EyKb3tfdRHQrlW1OSxOxbUxA9o5W2E3B_D9omzGv2VMYB5oPa_hLRYL4H5Sxzhct2fucw3fbIYyRiSRd38sp/s400/IMG_8232.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Not part of the movie set, but this is an indication of how rundown much of the building has become</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp3Gw2Bqaqbw5UFGbOlcFQksmUYrgyfBccnDSA9QLW6DV_atBp50DhJOI_zw5fbBR4QiqalQHtmBULga8URca1pc1z2le0POsuqNhkcaQAzVBrpcpHwY0co-Ccn-lPMWLwfbG4sody5YM4/s1600/IMG_8248.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp3Gw2Bqaqbw5UFGbOlcFQksmUYrgyfBccnDSA9QLW6DV_atBp50DhJOI_zw5fbBR4QiqalQHtmBULga8URca1pc1z2le0POsuqNhkcaQAzVBrpcpHwY0co-Ccn-lPMWLwfbG4sody5YM4/s400/IMG_8248.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The boarding house room set was actually located inside the reformatory</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqIVf0d2VPVy6ctSShdvgU0xmWzFqWnRf2D4y3PPN891gNNpOCH3FYGQxrZ4h7mxObDznIS8C0lJQ0VHEd519xwrdpFy6YQ52Yvo1xygd7FFuE7kjoiHnR3Fo3tno4IeA3SwW6H9hSi_MZ/s1600/IMG_8249.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqIVf0d2VPVy6ctSShdvgU0xmWzFqWnRf2D4y3PPN891gNNpOCH3FYGQxrZ4h7mxObDznIS8C0lJQ0VHEd519xwrdpFy6YQ52Yvo1xygd7FFuE7kjoiHnR3Fo3tno4IeA3SwW6H9hSi_MZ/s400/IMG_8249.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Nuff said</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL-Y2L7CPMrYxhDz5ODlUdJCg-7ruKy124isKjjLPnSUYGflr8htq0Y1oOKC3QSjzRXkIi-GgW8uk_IXZXbwnqQ8XiheUfLhKQbKzg9EBvr-cmQiMc0tM1ywefO3Oo18-KAofkI4HQ59AR/s1600/IMG_8257.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL-Y2L7CPMrYxhDz5ODlUdJCg-7ruKy124isKjjLPnSUYGflr8htq0Y1oOKC3QSjzRXkIi-GgW8uk_IXZXbwnqQ8XiheUfLhKQbKzg9EBvr-cmQiMc0tM1ywefO3Oo18-KAofkI4HQ59AR/s400/IMG_8257.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>There were 5 or 6 tiers of cells in each cell block</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9QiTv-mkw4P3zWoMV0Ns8Sh10Pa3ZBhCEc5WOw3xIaG2qVzBD9SIk93Hm2z45RT-8PFvtZELyVp5G9SCXyUl8xWu-4IAQfYb4taF7fxQJYDskakqR0ryPxzfhkuTiFyd0039xXCncTirz/s1600/IMG_8258.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9QiTv-mkw4P3zWoMV0Ns8Sh10Pa3ZBhCEc5WOw3xIaG2qVzBD9SIk93Hm2z45RT-8PFvtZELyVp5G9SCXyUl8xWu-4IAQfYb4taF7fxQJYDskakqR0ryPxzfhkuTiFyd0039xXCncTirz/s400/IMG_8258.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Close quarters, especially if you had a cellmate</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi68mXFw4DvOCtD8_vyJhWdw_gxKceihbiip2sDYp-J7OJSdxPQNY9hyK8nFfkGkIGZCLUXcQ7HHBUf4oVMuhoDJ0pwGhrhGdkdrc_Oti27USVq9Xw3fa3qiy2kPmPstIcpEvNL1LWNe7-I/s1600/IMG_8286.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1203" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi68mXFw4DvOCtD8_vyJhWdw_gxKceihbiip2sDYp-J7OJSdxPQNY9hyK8nFfkGkIGZCLUXcQ7HHBUf4oVMuhoDJ0pwGhrhGdkdrc_Oti27USVq9Xw3fa3qiy2kPmPstIcpEvNL1LWNe7-I/s400/IMG_8286.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>With the warden...I'll behave</i></td></tr>
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After my tour, I found my car and drove to the brewery. There were no freebies or discounts for the runners, which was a little disappointing. They did have a band on the patio, but it was hot and I chose to sit inside at the bar. I had a flight of beer, along with lots of water and more crackers. And then I drove back to Columbus.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7vA2r3M4R7Mdzq2-q_9ViVYCmlFJIuajYTwuFmrNA8EVyNr5Bc4xbTZ7I4H-MSoF4SOxxwBpI3ADBMDVZIAZWlJvh6Ej5jFQG1pjjEXo4lSv7cKX74oPZwukyEKWuxvMDzbHJjl3Yt0d1/s1600/IMG_8297.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7vA2r3M4R7Mdzq2-q_9ViVYCmlFJIuajYTwuFmrNA8EVyNr5Bc4xbTZ7I4H-MSoF4SOxxwBpI3ADBMDVZIAZWlJvh6Ej5jFQG1pjjEXo4lSv7cKX74oPZwukyEKWuxvMDzbHJjl3Yt0d1/s400/IMG_8297.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Beer flight in the shape of a coffin</i></td></tr>
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I would definitely do this race again. They did a great job with the theme and everything was well managed. If I'd change anything, it might be to start a little earlier because of the summer heat (start time was 8:30 AM). If you want a fun, themed race in a historic venue, this would be a great Ohio race for you.<br />
<br />Sandy Hugillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12757839732019464486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4930244248887247542.post-14078388693167412832017-07-27T16:45:00.000-07:002017-07-27T16:45:13.246-07:002017 WABA CommUnity 5KHere's another delayed race report. In late June I ran the <a href="http://www.allsportsraces.com/community-5k.html" target="_blank">WABA CommUnity 5K</a>, a local neighborhood 5K on the West Side of Columbus. This was a tiny little race with only 30 or so participants in the 5K. They also had 1K and 3K races, which were mostly attended by families with kids and walkers.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihLahfSPl1GVpDEnjxzxcwbVqEiiZBLd1luy6xcdQ47U9KzfwA9K0b0vYDW99v45R1QTRyirCxBAz0lQm0Ferk9eWHMrHduGKSmCimxJ4LLS7lkWbzuOla0q2i2iNG7huJhAGW5Zet1JKF/s1600/IMG_8330.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1203" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihLahfSPl1GVpDEnjxzxcwbVqEiiZBLd1luy6xcdQ47U9KzfwA9K0b0vYDW99v45R1QTRyirCxBAz0lQm0Ferk9eWHMrHduGKSmCimxJ4LLS7lkWbzuOla0q2i2iNG7huJhAGW5Zet1JKF/s400/IMG_8330.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Me, Sunshine and Ray before the race</i></td></tr>
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I decided to do this race because it was very close to home, and two friends from the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ColumbusWestsideRunningClub/" target="_blank">Columbus Westside Running Club</a> would be there too. It started near the Giant Eagle on W. Broad Street and was an out & back heading West on Broad, turning off to Westland High School, and then back to the start. It was going to be a hot day, but it wasn't too bad when we started. Sunshine lined up in front, and Ray, who walks, lined up behind me.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiomXXB0KKtwVHdc0YnCq06iZAWNnOy1GfXffrjZdVA-aObxTBTTlaU7c21_H7j_l-vuXCdTodmD6Mw-xrXgsCbChnHaHnKF1PveY6PPXgaQEV6_hBJVdUhzHIu865et1bldla9vt5N8Vm3/s1600/IMG_8331.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiomXXB0KKtwVHdc0YnCq06iZAWNnOy1GfXffrjZdVA-aObxTBTTlaU7c21_H7j_l-vuXCdTodmD6Mw-xrXgsCbChnHaHnKF1PveY6PPXgaQEV6_hBJVdUhzHIu865et1bldla9vt5N8Vm3/s400/IMG_8331.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Sunshine, before she kills it</i></td></tr>
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As soon as we started, I felt the very slight uphill incline. It wasn't steep at all, but I noticed it and I felt sluggish. My original plan was to actually push myself at this 5K and see how well I could do, but I knew almost immediately that I wouldn't be able to go as fast as I wanted. There was no shade, and the asphalt on Broad Street was hot. We reached the 1K turnaround point and I kept going. We reached the 3K turnaround point and I kept going. Then we made the turn that would take us to the High School. As I was nearing the school, I saw Sunshine coming back. She was in the lead! And not just as the female lead, but as the overall lead. There was another fast woman behind her, but not extremely close. The second half of this race looked promising for Sunshine!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1UFn-4ZoRGlR_GPMssRocPn0HaGTBkPtOa7ZVzlXvP0lkrMk2bxBMLu6zOBEdblHX9_QtSJGJiggcQaaK8hiBoBM6gdQJm8MB0315ANofMTrgIkb4oVG3eHjtm9ZQoTEvXmKZLd6UYPT8/s1600/IMG_8341.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1UFn-4ZoRGlR_GPMssRocPn0HaGTBkPtOa7ZVzlXvP0lkrMk2bxBMLu6zOBEdblHX9_QtSJGJiggcQaaK8hiBoBM6gdQJm8MB0315ANofMTrgIkb4oVG3eHjtm9ZQoTEvXmKZLd6UYPT8/s400/IMG_8341.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Sunshine on her way back</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixQ5TR_N5r7aV3hz949VJ5F2u1MlgHD-MJuVbeWa98EKuGaTPun_ddMJBiQZoSPaq3x8oleYLIXn3JI86UxQ2WFAAyrBLF4HTkRzeV7vHROdlcNybnOrDElNWVzYi4jz5cwHho4U9q_LI_/s1600/IMG_8354.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixQ5TR_N5r7aV3hz949VJ5F2u1MlgHD-MJuVbeWa98EKuGaTPun_ddMJBiQZoSPaq3x8oleYLIXn3JI86UxQ2WFAAyrBLF4HTkRzeV7vHROdlcNybnOrDElNWVzYi4jz5cwHho4U9q_LI_/s400/IMG_8354.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Ray nearing the halfway point</i></td></tr>
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<div>
I turned into the school and got to the halfway point. Then very near where Sunshine had passed me, I passed Ray. He's a walker, and was doing well in relation to the other walkers. At about this point I realized that I was playing leapfrog with a female runner that I've seen at several local races this year. Because I keep running into her, I had been meaning to say hi. We are very close in pace, but because I do run/walk intervals, she often passes me when I'm walking and I pass her when I'm running. It seemed like every time she got close to me or passed me, my watch interval told me to run again. I made it a point to tell her briefly that I wasn't trying to one-up her, that I was simply minding my intervals. Eventually I passed her for good, as the last mile was a slight downhill grade and I went faster.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Sunshine was waiting for me when I crossed the finish line. She won the race! We chatted for a few minutes, and then I wanted to go find the woman I kept passing on the course, but she went straight from the finish line to her car and drove off. Maybe another time I'll see her and say hello.</div>
<div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaGMVbFt7RXXlCTLlLGETWkIYyv4_YtDelLmOMloHKx-h04X5HYE_J61Yib0CnzsHcSxJpq5vRvQwFuAgO2x42saJmFun8-pAwjxnXSWrxtsvG-E4cu0Ms94j3S4Zh5CsLMlG-4yiUmmN0/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-07-27+at+7.36.51+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="626" data-original-width="1100" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaGMVbFt7RXXlCTLlLGETWkIYyv4_YtDelLmOMloHKx-h04X5HYE_J61Yib0CnzsHcSxJpq5vRvQwFuAgO2x42saJmFun8-pAwjxnXSWrxtsvG-E4cu0Ms94j3S4Zh5CsLMlG-4yiUmmN0/s400/Screen+Shot+2017-07-27+at+7.36.51+PM.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Just crossed the line</i></td></tr>
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<br />
I drank some water and waited with Sunshine for Ray to finish. He earned a 5K PR for his performance. Great stats for our run club buddies. As for myself, I wasn't as fast as I wanted, but I finished in 9th place overall. Of course, my positioning was due to the fact that there was a tiny field for this race. Even if I hadn't been in the top 10, I still think I had a good race, once I got over my initial sluggishness in the first mile.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7pml_FGMtvhQVqrcDKK6iKUZ98PpZ4ymftyWpfK_WXqz0wMLIaLvIki6gL0GZiT1wo8ApqNiTzYhRq921FHLt8UTQzL0Yxs_jZnhH7tmtSyrcA1WroSh3MDmEzbR_BXYQc4Ph0pf-ttD8/s1600/IMG_8356.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7pml_FGMtvhQVqrcDKK6iKUZ98PpZ4ymftyWpfK_WXqz0wMLIaLvIki6gL0GZiT1wo8ApqNiTzYhRq921FHLt8UTQzL0Yxs_jZnhH7tmtSyrcA1WroSh3MDmEzbR_BXYQc4Ph0pf-ttD8/s400/IMG_8356.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Finishers!</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWTC0vOFGf6ejphQBAQBZ0tOyznMgQTxEfvoWpSZD0FYvP6WJf8rdciPvqpeGQtZvxRYeb1RBtF1V8EzsaEvzuH1l9OokRaXN2RjPhPcrHl_pTYdqdP2zy1kXsvaEgJ92D49Dhr4ML97m-/s1600/fullsizeoutput_3b3d.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWTC0vOFGf6ejphQBAQBZ0tOyznMgQTxEfvoWpSZD0FYvP6WJf8rdciPvqpeGQtZvxRYeb1RBtF1V8EzsaEvzuH1l9OokRaXN2RjPhPcrHl_pTYdqdP2zy1kXsvaEgJ92D49Dhr4ML97m-/s400/fullsizeoutput_3b3d.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Medal and shirt - not bad for this tiny race</i></td></tr>
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<div>
And that's about all there was to this race. We got a decent t-shirt and a basic medal, which were fine for an inexpensive neighborhood race. Post-race food was bananas, granola bars and water. There would be a parade a little bit later on Broad Street, and the high school bands were arriving and getting organized in the parking lot. We thought that it would have been nice if they'd come a little earlier and played for the race participants...at least a drum line. Maybe next year. And maybe next year the race committee will do a little more publicity. I think they could have gotten more people out for the race with some additional effort. If not...hey, show up and run even marginally fast and you, too can place in the top 10 next year!</div>
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Sandy Hugillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12757839732019464486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4930244248887247542.post-47721137320417205802017-07-26T14:06:00.000-07:002017-07-26T14:06:15.299-07:00Charity Day 5K RecapI'm a bit behind in my race reports, so it's time to catch up. A few weeks ago I walked the <a href="http://www.charityday5k.com/" target="_blank">Charity Day 5K</a> with my mom. This was a fundraiser for <a href="http://sandyruns.blogspot.com/2017/06/im-going-to-china-as-columbus-marathon.html" target="_blank">my team of Columbus Marathon Athlete Ambassadors</a> who are going to run in Hefei, China in November. The Greater Columbus Sister Cities International group arranges our in-country accommodations, along with their counterpart in Hefei. However, we ambassadors are responsible for our own airfare and visa. This 5K partners with several charities and runners/walkers can choose which one to support when they register. Unfortunately, we entered a little late and didn't have much time to get the word out. For those who are interested in providing direct support for my ambassador travel, you can do so on a tax-deductible basis at the <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sister-cities-marathon-exchange-donation-page-tickets-35697160167" target="_blank">Sister Cities Eventbrite page here</a>, click "Tickets" and scroll to find my name. But, on to the 5K report...<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXef0u5aXoo8xj0edekICHd7w4HSTqBngAuWQobdDPHC2X8xtpcRrDomxCjKQJgJyE4w1ff2UuJUN7BKfEHxL3Ckehu3EstiA7nyI74wFFMwgT0CJKwXROlOw8lz8x-FYagpCJmDW_h4yj/s1600/IMG_8384.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1203" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXef0u5aXoo8xj0edekICHd7w4HSTqBngAuWQobdDPHC2X8xtpcRrDomxCjKQJgJyE4w1ff2UuJUN7BKfEHxL3Ckehu3EstiA7nyI74wFFMwgT0CJKwXROlOw8lz8x-FYagpCJmDW_h4yj/s400/IMG_8384.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>With my mom Ruth before the start</i></td></tr>
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The Charity Day 5K was a very well managed race, with help from some of the big players in Columbus running. Unfortunately, this still-new race is on the smaller side. More work needs to be done to publicize the event and get more participants (for all the charities). I was initially surprised by the small field.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC5Y3JRDoJykMtdhGYRSrfRPgWYx5vUpSmymj838LLnVktAYANfD48DeJ8Tnp54JIgeFc9sw8I3rzL8nZrXECZlAta97JlXzrWa5TiRl4Do7wMUItElAOrtAfEpe6riPgeZ5T8ozZjDYX7/s1600/IMG_8386.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC5Y3JRDoJykMtdhGYRSrfRPgWYx5vUpSmymj838LLnVktAYANfD48DeJ8Tnp54JIgeFc9sw8I3rzL8nZrXECZlAta97JlXzrWa5TiRl4Do7wMUItElAOrtAfEpe6riPgeZ5T8ozZjDYX7/s400/IMG_8386.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Festive runners ready to start</i></td></tr>
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The race was held on a Sunday at 5:00 PM, and was considered a part of the <a href="https://redwhiteandboom.org/" target="_blank">Red White & Boom</a> festivities (the main festival and fireworks would take place the following day). As such, many of the participants were decked out in 4th of July themed outfits. The weather was hot, as you might expect for July in Columbus. Due to the heat and the fact that I was dealing with a cold, I decided not to run but to walk with my mom instead. I had picked up our race packets ahead of time at Columbus Running Company, but they had race-day packet pick-up too.<br />
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We started in the Arena District and the course mostly went along the river, partly on roads, but primarily on bike trails. It was a decent, looped course. Many people were walking, just like us, and we weren't the last ones at all. There was one water station on the course, and it looked like they ran out of cups or at least pre-filled cups.<br />
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Mom and I made decent enough time walking, but we didn't really have a goal. It was nice to finish and get out of the direct sun. We received our no-frills medals (the shirt was great though - it was a red Brooks tech tee). The finish refreshments were plentiful for a 5K. There was water, sports drink and iced tea to drink. There were bags of chips, packages of cookies, candy and bananas to eat. In the festival area there were tents with vendors who had a few freebies. There was beer, wine and margaritas for sale. I had a beer as we found a shady spot in the post-race area to sit down.<br />
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And that was about it. I'd recommend this race to others in the future, but I hope they work on two things for next year: 1) a better on-course water station, 2) increased publicity. This event has the potential to be a fantastic fundraiser for several local charities.<br />
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<br />Sandy Hugillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12757839732019464486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4930244248887247542.post-45344958347159789582017-06-27T09:48:00.000-07:002017-06-28T09:09:08.036-07:00Running Injuries and How to Cope<i>Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional of any kind. What follows comes from my own personal experiences. You should seek a proper medical diagnosis of any injury, and follow your doctor's advice. I'm providing information for your awareness only.</i><br />
<div>
<i><br /></i>Runners, especially those who train for long distance races, sustain injuries. It is bound to happen at some point. If you've been running regularly for more than a year, you've probably experienced some type of injury whether it was as severe as a fracture, or as basic as a twisted ankle. At the very least, you've likely encountered <a href="http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/features/sore-muscles-dont-stop-exercising#1" target="_blank">DOMS</a> (delayed onset muscle soreness) from the exertion of a fast or long run, or an intense strength workout. While I can't diagnose your injuries, I can share the experience of my own injuries, and provide some things for you to think about and to possibly discuss with you doctor.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL3oRcLKzcoeLH_iiVIYJq-bnhBczseX9StxJML7dqrGIXfkoAhMFJlYgfTf6lGupKNs_DPJlKU0t_gkLCkPTHjD6nqqrhh_YEWNlMiRmFFlwmB5h4etM6CIAMpvMxehlQ0dQx_KuG3_5x/s1600/My+Left+Foot.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="266" data-original-width="407" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL3oRcLKzcoeLH_iiVIYJq-bnhBczseX9StxJML7dqrGIXfkoAhMFJlYgfTf6lGupKNs_DPJlKU0t_gkLCkPTHjD6nqqrhh_YEWNlMiRmFFlwmB5h4etM6CIAMpvMxehlQ0dQx_KuG3_5x/s400/My+Left+Foot.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Actual MRI image of my left foot</i></td></tr>
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<b>So, you think you have an injury?</b></div>
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<b><br /></b>How do you know that what you're feeling is more than the typical post-workout muscle soreness or DOMS? Does it feel different? Is the pain sharp instead of the usual dull ache? Does it last more than a day or so? Does it affect your running/walking form and daily activities? If so, it's probably an injury. Sometimes you'll know right away that things aren't right. Other times you'll realize this when the pain doesn't go away. As soon as you think you have a real running injury, my advice is to seek medical guidance. Go to a sports medicine doctor if possible. In the internet age, it's very easy to find doctors who specialize in working with athletes. And yes, even if you're not an elite runner, if you're out there pounding the pavement, you are an athlete. <br />
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Here's what the doctor will do:<br />
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<ol>
<li>Ask for the specifics of when and how you sustained the injury, as well as your weekly mileage and training routine. Try to remember as many details as possible.</li>
<li>Palpate (touch and move) your injured area to see what hurts, what doesn't, and assess your range of motion.</li>
<li>Take images. This may or may not be necessary. X-rays are typically the first step, but don't show all problems. For more dubious injuries, an MRI or a Bone Scan may be required in order to get a proper diagnosis. These are expensive tests, so should be done only if necessary.</li>
<li>Send you to a specialist. Again, this may or may not be necessary. But sometimes it's necessary to see an orthopedist, for example.</li>
<li>Diagnose your injury and provide a treatment plan. This may include any of the following: a switch to non-impact activities, medication (for pain or inflammation), advice to "<a href="http://www.webmd.com/first-aid/rice-method-injuries#1" target="_blank">RICE</a>" (rest, ice, use compression, elevate the injured area), referrals to physical therapy, wearing a cast or a brace, or other treatments. In severe cases, steroid injections or surgery may be prescribed.</li>
</ol>
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Once you have a proper diagnosis, you can begin the road to recovery. Your path my be short or long, depending on the type and severity of your injury. Bone injuries tend to heal faster than soft tissue injuries, but they require you to immobilize and minimize impact. Sometimes, you can still exercise while you heal, but you should heed the doctor's advice regarding what kinds of exercise you are allowed to do, and when you can return to normal activity. Part of your recovery will depend on you "listening to your body" and noticing how your recovery is going. </div>
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<b>My Generic Recovery Advice</b></div>
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Having had several types of running injuries (I detail the specifics of those later in this post), I can speak from experience. Whatever your situation, here is some advice for you from me:</div>
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<ul>
<li>Listen to the doctor, but if things don't seem right, don't hesitate to get a second opinion. You are the master of your own health, and you know your body better than anyone. Every medical practitioner has a slightly different perspective. If I felt like my diagnosis or recovery plan was somehow "off", I would question it.</li>
<li>Don't stop your treatment early, even if you're starting to feel better. That's a good way to re-injure yourself.</li>
<li>Find every way possible to stay active, while still following doctor's orders. Ask your doctor what exercise is approved for you, and do it. You'll heal faster and return to running more easily if you stay in shape as much as possible.</li>
<li>Research home remedies. This is not to take the place of medical advice, but to complement it. Your doctor may not know of or think to tell you about everything you can do at home. For example, I purchased a home ultrasound machine and used it on my plantar fasciitis and my stress fracture. It's a non-invasive treatment that did not conflict with my doctor's treatment plan.</li>
<li>Remember what caused the injury and try to prevent it in the future. Was it because you increased your mileage too rapidly? Then next time add weekly mileage a little at a time. Don't jump from a 20 mile week to a 40 mile week...get there gradually.</li>
<li>Once your injury is healed, add cross-training into your schedule. If you only run, you may have great running muscles, but you'll do better to balance yourself out by adding some different activities. Cycling, light strength training, swimming and yoga are all great for runners on non-running days.</li>
<li>Make stretching a priority. Tight muscles can lead to injury. Regular stretching and foam rolling are a great way to help prevent injury. Links to <a href="http://www.healthline.com/health/fitness-exercise/essential-runner-stretches#overview1" target="_blank">stretching for runners</a> and <a href="http://www.runnersworld.com/foam-roller/how-to-use-a-foam-roller" target="_blank">foam rolling</a>.</li>
</ul>
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<b><a href="http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/arthritis-tendinitis#1" target="_blank">Tendinitis</a> - What I Did</b></div>
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My first injury came when I was training for my first marathon. I followed a structured training program that included run/walk intervals, and didn't add mileage too fast. Still...I got injured. I question whether the injury came from running or from the gym workouts I was doing. My trainer had us do a lot of lunges, and I've since learned that my knees don't like lunges. </div>
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My diagnosis was tendinitis behind my knee. The pain was only on the back, and it was both above and below the knee. It was too close to marathon time to heal completely. I ran my first marathon with pain, especially after Mile 20. After that, I was determined to heal the injury. </div>
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What worked: Rest was key. I had to stop running so much. I also did some physical therapy, including specific stretches and exercises. But I think the number one thing that helped was <a href="http://physicaltherapyweb.com/therapeutic-ultrasound/" target="_blank">ultrasound therapy</a>. The therapist used an ultrasound machine on the back of my knee area a couple times a week for several weeks, and gradually I healed. Now, I have a small ultrasound machine at home, so I can use it as needed.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh091J3J9Hr3K950m1-2A4UYPbehFtS_irRwCul0EM29AqB6u9FHSUT-c1RMqiFEqwkm5Tzm_Iko3KU4eAo-CRdmQgIupXFtBe2LDRNapelFxM2NM55yp3THJMp-4CF4M1tuQTDejxry6Rx/s1600/US-Pro-2000-Professional-Series-Ultrasound-Portable-Therapy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh091J3J9Hr3K950m1-2A4UYPbehFtS_irRwCul0EM29AqB6u9FHSUT-c1RMqiFEqwkm5Tzm_Iko3KU4eAo-CRdmQgIupXFtBe2LDRNapelFxM2NM55yp3THJMp-4CF4M1tuQTDejxry6Rx/s400/US-Pro-2000-Professional-Series-Ultrasound-Portable-Therapy.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>My ultrasound machine looks something like this; you can buy online from Amazon</i></td></tr>
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<b><a href="http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/understanding-plantar-fasciitis-basics" target="_blank">Plantar Fasciitis</a> - What I Did</b></div>
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I've had plantar fasciitis twice now, so I'm a pro. It can range from a dull ache on the heel to excruciating pain the length of the bottom of the foot. It's a ligament injury, and takes a long time to heal properly. When first diagnosed, I was training for a marathon in memory of my father, who had recently died of cancer. Dropping out of the marathon was not an option for me. My podiatrist prescribed lots of icing, specific stretches, running with cork heel inserts in my shoes (custom-made by the podiatrist), and wearing a boot at night to keep the foot flexed. I also got medical massage for the calf and the foot. But I was going to need more help if I wanted to finish that marathon. </div>
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So, I got <a href="http://www.webmd.com/arthritis/what-are-cortisone-shots" target="_blank">steroid (cortisone) injections</a> in the foot. Let me tell you - that stuff hurts! The injections themselves were among the most painful I've ever had, anywhere on my body. And immediately after the injection the foot hurt worse. This lasted for several days. Then, miraculously, the inflammation and pain went down just in time for my race. I ran it and earned a PR. But don't be fooled, steroid injections are a "band aid" treatment. They mask the injury, but don't really heal it. After my race I had to take a break from running to allow it to fully heal. I had to keep up my icing and stretching. It took a while, and I hated it, but eventually I healed. Everyone's case is different. I would have healed faster if I'd stopped running as soon as I was diagnosed. Also, for years after this injury I wore orthotics in my running shoes. You can have these custom made, but I was fine with standard ones. There are many brands of shoe inserts, but what worked for me were the <a href="https://www.drscholls.com/products/athletic-series/running-insoles/" target="_blank">Dr. Scholl's sports inserts</a>. They're not expensive, and have great arch support.</div>
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<div>
<b>Tibia <a href="http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/stress-fractures-the-basics" target="_blank">Stress Fracture</a> - What I Did</b></div>
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<div>
This injury did come about by increasing my mileage too quickly. I really should have known better. After my bad case of plantar fasciitis, I stopped doing races longer than a 5K or a rare 10 Miler. I didn't run as much for a few years. Then I jumped back into marathon training without a good base. And, I fractured my tibia (the larger bone in the lower leg). It was a sharp pain, and I felt it upon any impact (walking or running). I went to my podiatrist because he is a marathoner, and was great in helping me through my previous injuries. It was important for him to know whether he was dealing with a bone or a tissue injury. But x-rays don't always show minor stress fractures, so he sent me for a Bone Scan, which confirmed his suspicion. I had to stop running for 10 weeks. I could walk to get around, but not for exercise. Bones just need time to heal, and I had to respect that.</div>
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<div>
While recovering from the stress fracture, I tried Water Running (<a href="http://www.runnersworld.com/race-training/a-nine-week-plan-for-staying-in-shape-while-injured" target="_blank">overview</a> and <a href="https://rw.runnersworld.com/rt/pdf/Nine_Week_Recovery_Plan.pdf?_ga=2.195279919.2097402469.1498579782-1112558885.1486428101" target="_blank">training plan</a>). This is a great form of cross-training that has no impact, because you're suspended in a pool, wearing a floatation waist belt. Water running uses the same muscles as running on land, so it's the next best thing. I watched some videos to learn the technique and found a training plan online. Rather than just "winging it", I followed an interval plan to get those muscles moving, and it really was a good workout.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOZ3o0l-dxA18BehfqKnORMvLo4nZQ0wYzi2FR0ySlEZQh626R-B8sOV0oCkUfl4QbpS5irIdjQ4ox_ZwH_sGDea7iClHwFsl9EWhdMjVlvBQaR9xbw2GvlFOjtDbd4Okbw-iYs67mW-28/s1600/water-run.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="425" data-original-width="640" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOZ3o0l-dxA18BehfqKnORMvLo4nZQ0wYzi2FR0ySlEZQh626R-B8sOV0oCkUfl4QbpS5irIdjQ4ox_ZwH_sGDea7iClHwFsl9EWhdMjVlvBQaR9xbw2GvlFOjtDbd4Okbw-iYs67mW-28/s400/water-run.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Water Running</i></td></tr>
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<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Slowly, I started running on land again. Even though I was healed, my leg felt a little unstable. So I began wearing compression socks for every run (and still do...they're quite stylish!). I also learned how to use <a href="https://www.kttape.com/" target="_blank">KT Tape</a> to tape my calf (<a href="https://www.kttape.com/how-to-apply-kt-tape" target="_blank">link to various taping techniques</a> based on your injury location; mine was the <a href="https://www.kttape.com/how-to-apply-kt-tape/kt-tape-posterior-shin-splints/" target="_blank">posterior shin splint taping</a>). I could run again, but had to be careful. Downhill running didn't feel good on my bad leg, and I worried about re-injuring it, so I had to walk down the steeper hills to minimize impact. I also didn't feel confident with any workout involving jumping, as I felt that impact. So, I modified workouts according to how I felt. I was able to run a half marathon a couple weeks after my 10 week rest, but it took months to get to the point where I felt normal. I still minimize jumping.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b><a href="http://www.webmd.com/pain-management/it-band-syndrome#1" target="_blank">IT Band Injury</a> - What I Did</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This was not a bad injury, thank goodness. I know that some people have nagging IT band issues. I was lucky. I was still recovering from my tibia stress fracture while I was running a marathon, and all of a sudden I felt a strange pull in my hip. It was toward the end of the race, so I slowed down but kept going. I'd never had an issue with my IT band. I didn't think it was bad enough to see the doctor, so instead I saw my massage therapist. She was really good at working with runners and sports injuries. I scheduled three appointments in a two-week period and had her focus exclusively on the IT band and areas surrounding it. And it worked! After those two weeks, I never had another problem with it. This was luck. But I also know my own body well enough to know that my injury wasn't severe. I would have seen the doctor if the massage didn't help.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Plantar Fasciitis II - What I Did</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Lucky me, I got plantar fasciitis a second time. It's no surprise really, as I started running a lot of marathons in 2012 and 2013. As a <a href="http://www.marathonmaniacs.com/" target="_blank">Marathon Maniac</a>, I had a goal to run 30 marathons in different states in a 1 year period. I was also working on running a marathon in all 50 states. In order to minimize travel expenses, some of my marathons were in neighboring states on the same weekend (e.g. Georgia on Saturday and Alabama on Sunday). My feet weren't ready for all of this, even if my muscles were. I got plantar fasciitis again.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This time I knew what I was getting into. I also knew that the injections were not an option (I had a second round of injections after my first occurrence of plantar fasciitis, and they did NOTHING to help). I was also stubborn enough to keep up my marathon schedule, against better judgement. Most of my races required air travel and hotels, and were already booked and paid for. I would be out a LOT of money if I canceled. I also knew I would never again be in a position to do the 30 states in a year. If I wanted to cut my losses and achieve my ambitious goal, I had to keep running.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I pretty much cut out all training activities. I was already "trained up" to marathon distance, and I was running them frequently enough. Short training runs in between races would only make the injury worse.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Here's what I did do. I bought cushy shoes, and wore them on Day 2 of my double marathon weekends. I also walked a lot during the marathons, as it hurt less than running. I kept up stretching. I should have iced more too. After my marathon schedule wound down, I finally healed by taking a break, of course. And I also learned how to tape my foot (<a href="https://www.kttape.com/how-to-apply-kt-tape/kt-tape-plantar-fasciitis/" target="_blank">here's the taping technique</a>). Taping the foot while I ran was one of the biggest things I did to alleviate the pain. Even though I'm currently injury-free, I still tape my feet for long runs and races. It can't hurt, and it can only help.</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>In Conclusion</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I hope I've provided some ideas for other runners who are battling injury. It can be painful, both physically and emotionally, to deal with these set-backs. But it is possible to come out of an injury and keep on running, maybe even stronger than ever. Use your doctor. Do your research. Put in the time and effort to heal.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Sandy Hugillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12757839732019464486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4930244248887247542.post-18192660872555400562017-06-13T07:51:00.000-07:002017-06-13T14:21:04.514-07:0040th Running of the Columbus 10KFor Day Two of my recent two-race weekend, I ran the 40th <a href="https://www.columbus10k.com/" target="_blank">Columbus 10K</a> on Sunday. (I ran the Baltimore 10 Miler on Saturday; <a href="http://sandyruns.blogspot.com/2017/06/2017-baltimore-10-miler-flamingo-fest.html" target="_blank">blog here</a>.) I would have happily paid the registration fee for this one, but I didn't need to. <a href="https://columbusrunning.com/" target="_blank">Columbus Running Company</a> was offering a free registration with a purchase of Hoka One One shoes, as Hoka was the main sponsor. I bought a pair of their <a href="https://www.hokaoneone.com/womens-recovery-sandals/ora-recovery-slide/1014865.html" target="_blank">ORA Recovery Slides</a>, which are very comfy.<br />
<br />
I got home on Saturday night from Baltimore/DC and didn't get a ton of sleep. I was happy that they had race-day packet pick-up, but that meant getting up even earlier to get a good parking space and my packet. The race started on Civic Center Drive on the Scioto Mile. I found great parking just a couple blocks away. Packet pick-up was quick and easy and I had time to scope out the start/finish area while waiting for the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ColumbusWestsideRunningClub/" target="_blank">Columbus Westside Running Club</a> (CWRC) photo meet-up.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8RAhDrvEsVR42WSnPbb6ehX08s6j0wW_L2Mq9CNO6W1eEGGqWze06i16FsxT0gfu7-Te4mTIvnXUB6zQlfAyFpmxIv1GIEKZRpImsy_aGuMFB57tFAPuSUXwOwx-w3n2k4QKNrDmTRJy-/s1600/18927381_10207655334414838_2101570340_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1334" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8RAhDrvEsVR42WSnPbb6ehX08s6j0wW_L2Mq9CNO6W1eEGGqWze06i16FsxT0gfu7-Te4mTIvnXUB6zQlfAyFpmxIv1GIEKZRpImsy_aGuMFB57tFAPuSUXwOwx-w3n2k4QKNrDmTRJy-/s400/18927381_10207655334414838_2101570340_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Some of the CWRC members pre-race at the big gavel</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYSjHbHUWIW46w7u8LpY-qJNQfytilMFuUmOg67VCofs94cNUVb3Y3LP2BlDhuUvwQnuoc42rBGAqlDMuVOqZXePCo0Y19WxjKeRTK22_E1hAlUDDzSr6w82SUbW858s5lr37dUohJIUKS/s1600/IMG_8104.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1203" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYSjHbHUWIW46w7u8LpY-qJNQfytilMFuUmOg67VCofs94cNUVb3Y3LP2BlDhuUvwQnuoc42rBGAqlDMuVOqZXePCo0Y19WxjKeRTK22_E1hAlUDDzSr6w82SUbW858s5lr37dUohJIUKS/s400/IMG_8104.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>And gavel selfie</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The weather was a little humid and after eating an apple I felt a touch of nausea. I don't know what my body was trying to tell me, but I felt better before start time. I lined up near the 10:00 min/mile pacer even though I wasn't planning to go quite that fast. I figured I'd start out a little faster than I'd finish as the temperature got a little hotter and I started feeling my hilly 10 miler from the day before.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt9Fw9CLrgkSzncOBYcMPWF2idE1FYITlm1_TeNqp1_qHu8CkYAOOOU9BuLcZfDh5RgtYFXg9APMp9OhZvoYDf2K2MG27uNBLjRvjW9rKQFX_i_ryevEYY6WprQZ_6rpQtvWpJpFBoBtWl/s1600/IMG_8106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt9Fw9CLrgkSzncOBYcMPWF2idE1FYITlm1_TeNqp1_qHu8CkYAOOOU9BuLcZfDh5RgtYFXg9APMp9OhZvoYDf2K2MG27uNBLjRvjW9rKQFX_i_ryevEYY6WprQZ_6rpQtvWpJpFBoBtWl/s400/IMG_8106.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Start corral</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2HRgIgU98QLTP_nQWIapEBbk1W5NHI5UwJ1YcKbjdtzaktQqcg9GL7xyraxbsHViYhRX-DI_6x5idkLQS0S3_BrVUMPHuIdzeyNPSZdE80uMQSlsKgKOhxgoKzb_7_Vyd8gHhRNOdPZhyphenhyphen/s1600/00472DSC_8101.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="999" data-original-width="1499" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2HRgIgU98QLTP_nQWIapEBbk1W5NHI5UwJ1YcKbjdtzaktQqcg9GL7xyraxbsHViYhRX-DI_6x5idkLQS0S3_BrVUMPHuIdzeyNPSZdE80uMQSlsKgKOhxgoKzb_7_Vyd8gHhRNOdPZhyphenhyphen/s400/00472DSC_8101.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Just starting out</i></td></tr>
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<br />
The course was a single loop and took us from downtown Columbus to Victorian Village to the Scioto Trail and then back into the downtown area. It was a good course and didn't have the hills of Baltimore, but it wasn't entirely flat. There were three aid stations, which I thought was appropriate for a summertime 10K. Each one had water and an energy drink called Sword, which I'd never heard of. There were some spectators, but not a lot.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkPk9FDxxTejSy3k3FnzqhEcr8KTQRirMAzI5MJDax5ooj5QNdc64X2jOXJsTlGV-OVlL9EDLZg5t3V5ViAkBIW3JEJXU4FqbT-S7kfnsrp862K8E-f8bEu0Ze3OkPgnWWor9jANNWLvQN/s1600/00178IMG_9785.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="999" data-original-width="1499" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkPk9FDxxTejSy3k3FnzqhEcr8KTQRirMAzI5MJDax5ooj5QNdc64X2jOXJsTlGV-OVlL9EDLZg5t3V5ViAkBIW3JEJXU4FqbT-S7kfnsrp862K8E-f8bEu0Ze3OkPgnWWor9jANNWLvQN/s400/00178IMG_9785.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Somewhere mid-race</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwstxihEobeVSufqs_Va4f5JceLVAV51f2_NpETmBtYiXyo5XESz6DnGcYNieakUaA9o1w0jP-DKbAdDbxXfCbZn56K3eSlgYUEJUGbpwR_K0LVyQlkfREjti7xu6yEpeUmzvY2gxP6vt6/s1600/IMG_8107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwstxihEobeVSufqs_Va4f5JceLVAV51f2_NpETmBtYiXyo5XESz6DnGcYNieakUaA9o1w0jP-DKbAdDbxXfCbZn56K3eSlgYUEJUGbpwR_K0LVyQlkfREjti7xu6yEpeUmzvY2gxP6vt6/s400/IMG_8107.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Heading back downtown</i></td></tr>
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<br />
I ran my run/walk intervals and enjoyed the neighborhoods. I was leap-frogging with a lot of the same runners as we ticked off the miles. I had no real goal for this race, as I'm not ready to PR in the 10K just yet. I simply wanted to finish feeling good, as in Baltimore. In the last couple miles the 10:00 pacer finally passed me. That was fine. Shortly after that I saw the city skyline and knew that I was nearly done. But not without some hills on the Scioto Mile.<br />
<br />
Along the river I saw Tracy from CWRC. She wasn't running, but she came out to cheer on friends and club members. Shortly after that I saw Becca and Carl, who had already finished their races. I loved knowing people at the race and being cheered on by name. But I wasn't finished yet. There was one more steep hill to get from the river back up to street level. I ran through a tunnel of cheerleaders on the way up that hill. Then I made my last turn onto the finish stretch. I didn't finish in 10 minute miles, but I was pretty close at 1:05:38, which was my second best 10K. I'll be ready for a new PR in the fall.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjndVjpnOH1LIn88IGs9ffqVSI5CkrkPnfsrJsLPYSsP6PNjcV_aU8Q3iyxt1RmC0tzIaFPKOjRZ_VnzALkOei4B_TciR_Q2rUP19XmsOHcLG8vXsNLKGsbSvL9GI35c5gMcf0V6-nqKMMS/s1600/02783DSC_0413.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1499" data-original-width="999" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjndVjpnOH1LIn88IGs9ffqVSI5CkrkPnfsrJsLPYSsP6PNjcV_aU8Q3iyxt1RmC0tzIaFPKOjRZ_VnzALkOei4B_TciR_Q2rUP19XmsOHcLG8vXsNLKGsbSvL9GI35c5gMcf0V6-nqKMMS/s400/02783DSC_0413.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Tracy's pic of me by the river</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlwcBaAcavKQVy9aPgr9j01envD4qw6u5mihIA8_r3gdWy3FNNr0Nq301oGWSxIPTr2-3iIh-yIGyC1cnPH3nB_P5B_4h-Xje44PF7ipu2D-MpzM8X3bzmWt6RBtwHMMwv5fQMiMbW-puI/s1600/18987463_10207655333614818_1197706325_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1334" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlwcBaAcavKQVy9aPgr9j01envD4qw6u5mihIA8_r3gdWy3FNNr0Nq301oGWSxIPTr2-3iIh-yIGyC1cnPH3nB_P5B_4h-Xje44PF7ipu2D-MpzM8X3bzmWt6RBtwHMMwv5fQMiMbW-puI/s400/18987463_10207655333614818_1197706325_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Carl's pic of me by the river</i></td></tr>
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<br />
I received my finisher medal, a great design with the Columbus skyline inside the shape of Ohio. Immediately after the finish there was water, probably Sword again (not sure) and bananas. In the festival area there were pancakes and sausage, and Skyline Chili had chili dogs. Of that food, the only thing vegetarian were the pancakes, and they just sounded too heavy to me, so I ate nothing.<br />
<br />
I walked over to the river to reconnect with CWRC members. We cheered in the remaining runners and walkers, and stuck around for the awards ceremony. Two of our club members (Patti and Karen) placed in their age group. Other club members earned PRs. As for me, I was thrilled with my time, knowing that I didn't even work very hard for it. A year ago I was running a 1:12 10K, so this is great progress.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIA8kGiQXGh6z3APn5CupthEW5-4A8KZkatsROH_qQcTLeycu3NxTHWsYopdOsnGk8uDezrtOE8mRF8Ge3imIYKDu25UGcqWVmue2Jr4hTP1G-2NMlXNOl1Mh8t4cupYvfTLCr32LHM_57/s1600/18947028_10207655333774822_1649460432_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1001" data-original-width="1334" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIA8kGiQXGh6z3APn5CupthEW5-4A8KZkatsROH_qQcTLeycu3NxTHWsYopdOsnGk8uDezrtOE8mRF8Ge3imIYKDu25UGcqWVmue2Jr4hTP1G-2NMlXNOl1Mh8t4cupYvfTLCr32LHM_57/s400/18947028_10207655333774822_1649460432_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Cute pic with Becca</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiciECYyZGrqcUvQEsd4hNCtYCBvSB87E6xvHD5gdt2lXz0lxTNG0eTTIlLqYnGgKd_oR1jyjMc9fw5eDTryNrFRaTsIXXPFyet9Ilc7TcrHgjdRy9kimRDwM4LYt34Ohx6V9SXgn5-d3I8/s1600/00930IMG_0552.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="999" data-original-width="1499" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiciECYyZGrqcUvQEsd4hNCtYCBvSB87E6xvHD5gdt2lXz0lxTNG0eTTIlLqYnGgKd_oR1jyjMc9fw5eDTryNrFRaTsIXXPFyet9Ilc7TcrHgjdRy9kimRDwM4LYt34Ohx6V9SXgn5-d3I8/s400/00930IMG_0552.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Some of the CWRC members post-race</i></td></tr>
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<br />
Some of us walked over to <a href="https://www.landgrantbrewing.com/" target="_blank">Land Grant Brewing</a> after the awards were presented. Land Grant was offering $1 off most brews. Of course the one I wanted was a newly released seasonal and not discounted (that's OK...I enjoyed my Ra Blonde Ale). On the Land Grant patio we were in prime viewing position of the Franklinton bike races which were happening that afternoon. We got to watch the small children's race, which was for one-speed bikes. They rode around the block as many times as they could/wanted to in the 20 minutes they were given. After one beer, we were done and went our separate ways.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm5zucaogh3v-8WSojAmpjVrtndAo3GsnHW4T9D6kVoXO2g7tEcwz_uaBQHDEWjh4EI3wNh5IEkwNu7CvfFjB7P2v5u841bU07h-cUmQ3KPM6dMthKn8j9g2F4NcvknlZ0xaZjzxqQ6ZbD/s1600/IMG_8108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm5zucaogh3v-8WSojAmpjVrtndAo3GsnHW4T9D6kVoXO2g7tEcwz_uaBQHDEWjh4EI3wNh5IEkwNu7CvfFjB7P2v5u841bU07h-cUmQ3KPM6dMthKn8j9g2F4NcvknlZ0xaZjzxqQ6ZbD/s400/IMG_8108.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>A well-deserved pint from Land Grant</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCAft8iN98vACbcFJwUVGF70uaFOX6NkkmwScnctjJkhK9XkrAlqpVWEfzkE6nNysPwJ6Msbb6f0hTFn2CLTyttkixfIq36zlzXIlIhPq7Tc8UvhQGJhqRi0K12p1qMlifOaSczLJeTRvM/s1600/IMG_8109.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCAft8iN98vACbcFJwUVGF70uaFOX6NkkmwScnctjJkhK9XkrAlqpVWEfzkE6nNysPwJ6Msbb6f0hTFn2CLTyttkixfIq36zlzXIlIhPq7Tc8UvhQGJhqRi0K12p1qMlifOaSczLJeTRvM/s400/IMG_8109.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Carl, Ken and Becca representing CWRC on the deck at Land Grant</i></td></tr>
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This was a fun 10K on a beautiful day. Some bonuses: nice course; the nice shirts and medals; free photos; free downtown street parking on a Sunday; a meet-up with former Olympians; a kids' race; the food selection, if that's your thing; the Land Grant after-party. One drawback: no bag check except for some VIPs. I wish more race directors acknowledged that not everyone drives to a race and has the ability to keep things in a car. Some are dropped off, some ride bikes, etc. But, I had a good time and I'd definitely run this one again.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbpV-sdIwkARMTGcwLE0DIkZ2nPHlVuMfk3KgeQ3GDVHSuredPEKdI8pydhFe9n_F87iATcD_hJgcX8me7NDonQ2Cm7D04D08YydOWWCjm4XBNW1OmhZdCbSdGGyDLIiSI137dEjsoh6TQ/s1600/IMG_8113.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbpV-sdIwkARMTGcwLE0DIkZ2nPHlVuMfk3KgeQ3GDVHSuredPEKdI8pydhFe9n_F87iATcD_hJgcX8me7NDonQ2Cm7D04D08YydOWWCjm4XBNW1OmhZdCbSdGGyDLIiSI137dEjsoh6TQ/s400/IMG_8113.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>I tried to line up the medal pic with the buildings represented on the medal itself</i></td></tr>
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<br />Sandy Hugillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12757839732019464486noreply@blogger.com1