Most Memorable Finishes • Gasparilla Distance Classic Part II, Tampa, FL, USA

Day two of Gasparilla was another memorable one!  As is often the case in hot Florida races, the half marathon started well before the sun came up.  I didn’t see Meb at the starting line, so I knew I was just going to go ‘easy’ today and enjoy the atmosphere.  Perhaps thats a good thing, as my back was even worse than yesterday!  After a solid first mile in the dark, I had to take a brief bathroom break.  Getting started again afterwards was not fun.  The pain was excruciating.  I knew this wasn’t going to be a time I was proud of.  The next five miles were rough, but when the 1:45 pace group caught up to me around halfway, I decided that was the perfect pace to hold.  Even with the pain, I was pretty sure this was doable.

The second half of the race was on Bayshore again.  Yes, it’s a beautiful place to run, but now on my third lap in just over 24 hours, it loses a bit of its appeal.  It’s still a great run though… there’s actually a solid number of spectators cheering you on.  Gasparilla is a very spectator friendly event.  With all of the events going out and back down Bayshore, if you set up camp on the large grassy median, you are surrounded by runners to cheer for all day, both days!  Turns out Meb opted not to run today… instead he was out there cheering for us.  That was also pretty cool!  So I trudged along with the 1:45 group.  I’d like to get involved in pacing.  I really do enjoy pushing my fellow runners to their best, even on days when I’m not at my best.  This would be a perfect exercise to make sure that even on a ‘bad’ day, 1:45 was a reasonable group for me to run with.  Yup, it hurt.  But no, it didn’t stop me!  With only a few miles left, the group caught up to one of the challenge runners.  Clearly he wasn’t having his ideal day either.  As I spoke with him about the challenge, he confided that he was seriously contemplating skipping on the last race.  It took a little persuading, but in the end he decided to give it a go.  Don’t worry about your speed I told him, just get to the finish!  Well, at least at this point in the day he had nothing to worry about: as soon as the finish line was in sight, he had a much better kick than me.  Three runs down…

Now came the worst part of the weekend.  Sitting around doing nothing between the half and the 8K is guaranteed to cramp you up.  I’ve never been able to get through this without some cramping.  Perhaps I should just go and run another four miles in between next time just to keep myself busy.  You know, because 30 miles for the weekend really isn’t enough already!  I also would have loved to chow on the post race food, but with one more race left on my plate, that was just a tease too.  As much as I love Gasparilla weekend, this is the one thing I wish could change.  If only they had a two wave start on the 8K, with the first wave going a good 30 minutes before the second.  Wishful thinking, and a lot of cramping!

Before I knew it though, that down time had passed.  I was in pain and cramped.  This was not going to be a fast race.  I might as well play frogger again!  So I started in the back, and slowly worked my way up.  Surprisingly, it wasn’t as bad as I thought.  The back was manageable, and the cramps too!  These were among my fastest miles of the weekend.  Certainly nothing spectacular, but considering my difficulties all weekend, I was more than happy with it.  Just past the three mile mark though, my plans changed:  just in front of me two young boys went from a solid run to outright stopping.  One of them was teasing his friend a bit about stopping, the other just didn’t want to run anymore.  “Come on man, you got this!” I told him.  “Run with me!”  I slowed my pace significantly to let him draft behind me.  I was his age once… you don’t have the mental part of running at your command when you are that young.  From his responses, I knew he was fine.  “Yes sir” he responded.  From the simple fact that he responded, I knew he had plenty left in the tank.  The only thing holding him back was himself.  Now I could teach him an important lesson: that we are more capable than we often give ourselves credit for!

So we ran.  I was in front, he was behind trudging along, grunting a bit because it hurt. But as I kept talking to him to distract him from the pain… “Yes sir.”  “Yes sir”  “Yes sir”.  I knew he was fine.  Had he responded with grunts and nods, then I would have been more concerned.  Now his buddy (the one who had teased him about stopping), he called it quits himself and slowed to a walk.  I tried to convince him to run with us, but he chose not to. So it was me and my new friend until the end.  “We can slow as much as you want,” I told him “but we aren’t stopping!”  I knew that as soon as he saw the finish line, I’d be left in the dust.  Unsurprisingly, his pace picked up a bit right as the arch came into view.  “Don’t let me hold you back!  Great run!” I told him.  While the pace had been anything but great for me, his success made it a great run!  I crossed the line, collected my bling, and felt more accomplished than when I run a solid pace myself.  Another memorable Gasparilla finish!  Not literally carrying a girl across the finish line like the half a few years ago… but definitely a memorable run!

As I walked through the chute, I saw my new friend with his mom.  “How’s he doing?” I asked.  “I knew he had it in him!”  She gave me a big hug and thank you.   Turns out this had been his first ever long run without his father by his side.  His father was in the military and  as such couldn’t be there with him today.  That certainly explained the young mans manners.  It’s not often that you hear “Yes sir” these days!  I suspect this race will be one that the both of us remember for years to come.  Now it was finally time for the food and afterparty!  Although I still had to position myself far from the stage and loud music, it was time to celebrate a successful race weekend with my friends from the 1K run club and elsewhere.  This had been a great weekend:  the running community had given so much to me, and I’d even had the opportunity to give back myself.  I would sleep well tonight!

My Running Family • Gasparilla Distance Classic Part I, Tampa, FL, USA

This was my fourth year out at the Gasparilla Distance Classic and it certainly won’t be my last.  Every year has been memorable!  It’s a huge race (four actually) and an even bigger party.  Every year I have the pleasure of meeting and spending time with part of my extended running family.  Gasparilla, as its name implies, is pirate themed.  The medals, the decorations and even the costumed runners argh all thusly inspired.  The expo is hopping and fun, reminding runners that here in Tampa, it’s all about the booty!  Every year I find my friends from Roo Sport here, and of course make friends at other booths as well.  I spent a good deal of time with my new Boston-based Vice Cream friends.  Good people, and yes… ice cream is my vice!  I started mentally planning trips to some of the Florida Road Races in the bay area, as well as Philly.  I haven’t been there in a while, need to go back and run it!  I had the pleasure of meeting runners from all over.  Some were only running the 5K.  Others were just as crazy as me.  There are no shortage of challenges here, up to and including the Michelob Ultra Challenge.  Start off with a 15K on Saturday morning, and quickly follow up with a 5K.  Then on Sunday the half marathon, and after a lactic acid nurturing break, finish up the weekend with an 8K.  Yes, this is what I do for fun.

I knew I wasn’t going to be running any spectacular paces this weekend.  Quite frankly, I didn’t care.  I was here to have fun!  So I went out and ran a comfortable pace.   Well, not exactly comfortable: my injuries have been flaring up all month long.  Regardless, It was a great race.  I ran steady, I ran strong.  For this first race, running along Bayshore is fantastic.  A wide street with beautiful views, completely closed to cars and with a large grassy median stocked with multiple aid stations.  This is a great place to run!  Much of the surface is concrete, so it’s a bit less forgiving than asphalt.  I’ll admit, I wasn’t looking forward to all the pounding this would force my messed up legs and backs to absorb.  All the more reason why I wasn’t pushing myself too hard.  Just have fun, thats why I was here.

Next up there was a short break.  The sun was out in full force now, so it was getting quite hot.  Kept myself hydrated and found my way into the start corrals.  Just for fun, I was going to play race frogger today: start in back, and weave through masses of runners.  I wasn’t going to PR anyway, and this allowed me to enjoy the company of various runners I normally don’t get to run with.  Plus it pretty much guaranteed negative splits.  Each mile was significantly faster than the last.  Running like this is not conducive to a fast time: pace is up and down as you run nearly as much sideways as you do forwards early on.  It’s easy to get boxed in, especially behind pace walls.  I really want to look into running races as a pacer.  I’ve found it to often be more rewarding to guide another runner to their goals, than to hit intermediate targets myself.  When I do, someone kick me if I don’t keep my pace groups from spreading out and blocking other runners from passing!  I love this event, but I do wish the first wave of the 5K wasn’t so spread out.  Thousands of runners: with expected finish times from sub 15 all the way up to 24!  And then there are several other waves to follow.  I’d love to see this split a little more evenly pace-wise.   Wave 1: 7 and under pace.  Then split the rest of the waves proportionately based on the number of runners.  Yes, wave 1 would be smaller.  But with huge races like this, it’s inevitable that some runners who want to compete, get stuck in the back or middle of the corral… and then when the gun goes off, they can’t run their pace.  Today, that didn’t bother me, but I’ve definitely be in the position before where it kept me from my goals.

Now with two races complete, it was time for day one of the party!  I enjoyed some of the chow, and since my brain still can’t handle the loud music and party atmosphere, went back to the expo instead.  Not quite as loud, and for me just as fun!  While there I heard rumors that Meb might be running the race at mere mortal pace.  If true, I’d still have to pick up my own pace to hang with him.  Now that would be cool!  I was ready for day two!

You Can’t Win Them All • The Florida Half Marathon, Melbourne, FL

I was feeling it this morning as I jogged to the Florida Marathon (and half) start line, and not in a good way!  But I was still determined to make the best of it.  I figured sub 90 was still a comfortable goal.  I wouldn’t make the overall podium (and with the competition at todays race I knew that probably wouldn’t even happen on my best day), yet the age group win was still realistic.  The heat would be my ally today.  As a South Floridian who frequently trains mid afternoon, I’m far more adapted to that than most runners.  I found the 1:30 pace leader and said hello.  “Kick me if you pass me” I said, “It means I’m not doing what I should be!”  Lined up near the front, I armed myself with my mantra.  For Sean, Krystle, Linghzi and Martin, pain or no pain, I would get this run done!

The gun went off, and we raced up the road – away from the bridge that beat me up yesterday!  Although that was a comforting thought at first, recalling that this meant I’d be ending the race with it was a bit of a kick in the gut.  I just needed to make sure my first 12 miles were on point.  We still started out on a climb, but the bridge would be the finale!  With the incline, I settled back to my pace quickly and held steady for several miles.  Faster than I thought I’d be running, and still amazingly conversational.  Perhaps this wasn’t going to be as rough of a day as I thought

Mile four was solid.  Downhill and my fastest yet, things were starting to look up…  I ran a bit past a turnaround point before being called back by a volunteer.  I guess I really didn’t want to turn around and go back up!  After a brief corrective surge, that’s were my day got tougher.   Just like yesterday it was the climb that brought on the pain.  My next two miles slowed a bit, but still were reasonable.  Of course that was when we hit the first bridge!

My body ground to a halt.  The pain was excruciating and I was only halfway.  This had abrudbtly turned to a “just finish” day!  Although it was a beautiful course, and the on course entertainment made it an enjoyable event… it certainly wasn’t going to be my day!  The top of that bridge made a great photo for the race photographers, with the beautiful backdrop and the white clad pianist doing his thing.  Cue my death-face… sorry for ruining the shot!  My facial expressions certainly don’t make running look ‘fun’!  Shortly thereafter the first pacer caught me, and no he didn’t kick me.  It sure hurt like he did though!

Mile nine… my worst yet.  I haven’t hurt this much in months.  But I can’t stop.  That would be contrary to everything I am.  Adjust goals… just finish.I found it in me to pick up the pace just a bit.  And then just as quickly, the course gave me a kick to the gut.  Not far up ahead, there loomed that massive bridge.  It was almost taunting me, daring me to run fast and promising to break me.  Yes, I’d run (perhaps not fast), but no… it wouldn’t break me!  I kept moving forward, found the bridge and with the sun beating down, conquered it.  I barely had any juice left in me, and with the pain and my less than ideal time there was no point in pushing the downhill anyway.  Gravity sped me up just a bit, and I powered through the finish.

I collected my medal, downed some water and inhaled some food.  Mission accomplished; not quite the original mission I had set out on though.  In a humorous twist, it was the 1:30 pacer who won the age group – pushing me back to fourth place.  There would be no prize for me today, which was kind of a shame as their awards were actually pretty cool.  As a consolation prize, I still got my Floridiot medal for running both days this weekend.

But no consolation was needed.  Pain or no, I can still run.  And run I did.  It was a good day!  I hung around to enjoy the post race party, congratulated the Brooks Hansons team who dominated todays race and celebrated another beautiful run.

Short, Sweet and Still Painful • Florida Today 5K, Melbourne, FL

Last night I made a last minute decision.  It was time for a little variety in my racing schedule.  I knew I wasn’t going to go all out in this weekends Florida Marathon half, but perhaps I could in a shorter race.  My choices were Florida Today 8K, 5K or both.  In a perfect world I’d totally have done both, but regrettably I’m still reeling financially.  I’d have to chose, and although normally I like the longer races, I settled on the 5K.  Inspired by last months half marathon PR, I thought maybe I could finally break that elusive 18:00 mark!  I’d certainly try!  So I signed up for my first 5K of the year.

I jogged over to Front Street Park nice and early.  Even though I wasn’t running the 8K, I wanted to be there to cheer the runners out of the gate, and then again at the finish.  As they raced off, around a corner and immediately up a massive bridge… oy! What was I thinking!  I probably should have looked at the course before deciding to try and PR on a shorter distance.  I was just going to have to give it a shot anyway.  I watched the clock as the first few runners sprinted in… definitely a pace I could hold on a decent day.  I hoped this was representative of what I’d see in the 5K.  Even if I didn’t break the elusive 18 minute barrier, a win would be nice.  One way or another, I’d make the best of the circumstances.

So, it was with that mindset that I lined up for my own start.  I positioned myself at the front and took the lead early.  There was a small pack of runners right with me.  I could do this!  I knew they were likely to overtake me on the uphill, so I had to take advantage of every step on the flats and downhills.  Sure enough, as soon as we hit the slightest incline, I started struggling.  It wasn’t the drop in pace that worried me, but instead the major increase in back and leg pain.  My injuries had been subsiding for a few months.  I’d really hoped I was past the worst of it.  So much for that!  The top two runners now had a sizable lead.

When I reached the top of bridge (and it was quite a view!), I was able to pick the pace up again.  Definitely not to the degree that I’d hoped, and at a far higher pain level.  But I’m not one to give up.  I tried to decrease the space between myself and the leaders, and entered the return trip up the bridge with a more manageable challenge.  With that I succeeded, but it wasn’t enough.  The two leaders battled it out to a photo finish, crossing the line within a second of each other.  I was about 30 seconds behind, just barely under 19 minutes.  Nothing too spectacular, but certainly nothing to be ashamed of either.  I collected my medal, and enjoyed the post race party in the park.  It was time to shift my focus to the half.

Brain Game • Islamorada Half Marathon, Islamorada, FL

One of the beautiful things about this sport is how varied it can be.  There are races designed to be fast and competitive, and races designed to be fun and scenic.  Races for causes, races for fitness, and races for fun.  All can be incredibly enjoyable, and more-so if you know what you are getting into.  I had no illusions of setting a PR in Islamorada, but when I ventured south with a carful of friends – I knew I was going to have a good time!  Originally the Islamorada Half Marathon, 10K and Beer Mile was scheduled for December of last year, but regrettably Hurricane Irma had something to say about that.  All the more reason to show up at the rescheduled date: the Keys need that tourism to keep rebuilding!  Happy to oblige!  I’d needed a good excuse to visit the Keys for a long time!

So my buddy Kevin drove down on Saturday morning with a carful of runners.  First stop the beer mile!  Now let’s be real… when an event includes a beer mile, it’s very unlikely they take themselves too seriously!  This was going to be a fun race!  It wasn’t going to be about PR’s, but instead about enjoying life!  That said… there’s always room for some friendly competition!  The beer mile was split into two waves: an elite heat and a fun one.  Kevin ran the second, and dominated!  He downed four beers and ran a mile in less time than most people run the mile, and certainly faster than even those in the more ‘serious’ wave!  As he crossed the finish line, Kevin took the mic, and thanked his Boston College education for his ability to put back those beers.  Like I said this was a fun event!  YEAHHHHHH! Even the race announcers demeanor made it clear: relax, have a drink, enjoy life and, yeah, a few miles won’t hurt either!

The other two races were on Sunday morning, and even though I’m still avoiding alcohol with my concussion headaches, my crew certainly enjoyed the night.  Kevin was convinced that I need to follow up his win with one of my own in the morning.  I wan’t so sure.  With this being my seventh half in just over a month I wasn’t going to break my back over it.  Instead I’d run a solid pace, and would see where that put me.  Far more important to have fun.

Well the race started, and the pack spread out real quick.  We ran north just under two miles before turning back.  By the time we passed the host venue around mile 3.5 only two people were in front of me.  One of them was my friend Jasmel, who was running the 10K.  The other was a half marathoner, and he looked strong but not out of reach.  If I wanted to win this race, I wasn’t going to do so physically.  I’d have to win the mental battle.  And that was something I had no doubt I could do… so much so that I even told the bike lead I was going to do it.

So we raced south, with the lead runner ‘comfortably’ ahead, but still in sight.  It was a simple course… there’s not even too many turns you can take traveling through the keys.  Lots of straightaway through beautiful but still quite devastated areas.  It was simultaneously stunning scenery, and almost depressing to see how much damage there still was from the storm.  Mother Nature can be ruthless!

If I was going to win this race, I had to be too… at least with my mental game.  There was a turn around near mile eight.  I would hang back until then, running exactly what I needed to keep the lead in my sight.  When he turned, and passed me on the way back I wanted to be at least a full minute behind.  A comfortable lead, or so he’d think!  So I eased up on miles seven and eight.  Extra perk: it allowed me to take in the smell of the ocean!  Despite living only a few blocks from the beach, this was the first time I’d smelled the sea since I got hit over two years ago!  Once again, while running, I’d caught a brief scent!  My hope for an eventual full healing soared!  It’s just a matter of time.

I was about seven and a half in when he turned around.  As soon as he was past, I picked up my pace.  Within a mile I’d catch him.  He was wearing headphones, so he didn’t even hear me as I fell in step behind him.  Right around the nine mile mark I made my move.  I wasn’t going to be able to win a physical battle today.  A sprint to the finish line would not go my way.  So this needed to be decisive.  With four miles to go I floored it and ran my fastest mile of the day.  I heard his step break as I passed him.  He was physically fine, but I’d broken his spirit.  Victory was most likely mine.  A mile later I eased up just a bit, then kept a steady push to the finish.  Sure enough, there was no one in sight.  Even though my overall pace remained right around what he’d been running, the psychological hit of seeing me breeze past him looking comfortable… well it broke him.  He probably thought he had it all wrapped up, and then suddenly he didn’t.  I’d kept my pace on target, but I’m pretty sure he slowed those last four miles.  Another runner caught him as well.

I’ve mastered the brain game.  With everything I’ve gone through these past five years, I’m 100% confident that I’m psychologically invincible.  I’ve no doubt of my ability to win the brain game every time.  That’s what I set out to do today, and thats exactly what I did.  Now it was time to celebrate.  Kevin won the beer mile, Jasmel the 10K, and I’d taken the half.  A South Beach sweep!  Now it was time for the important stuff: party time!