Tag: Half Marathon

Racing season is pretty much over here in Florida. Summer is rapidly approaching, and with that our temperatures are rising. It’s starting to get HOT! I don’t mind running in the heat though… I actually quite enjoy it. Racing is another matter! The hotter it gets, the slower those times end up being. With that in mind, the inaugural Sandbar Half Marathon, benefitting the local YMCA, was the perfect ‘end of season’ race for Southwest Florida.

The course, an out and back on scenic Manasota Key, is flat and large portions of it are shaded. This makes for a great chance to PR and see just how much you’ve improved over the season. Word to the wise though: if you are planning on chasing down that PR, watch your tangents. Although almost the entire course is on the same street, there are lots of gentle curves in the road. While my GPS put the course right at 13.1, the course was not certified this year. Race organizers, however, did indicate that was something they’d be looking at for next year.  With this being an out and back, you pass each aid station twice, so there was plenty of on course support.

This wasn’t just a fast course though! It was beautiful. Around half the race is run down a beautifully landscaped road with a great tree canopy, while the entire thing is surrounded by spectacular ocean and bay-front homes. You pass directly alongside the beach for a bit on the way out, and again on the way back. Finally, after an almost two mile loop at the south end of the key, you take a quick right and almost immediately are across the line. Then it’s time for relaxation, and celebration at the title sponsor: Sandbar Tiki and Grille. The beer flowed freely, and there was a delicious hot meal waiting, all to the backdrop of beautiful Manasota Key and live music. It was truly an awesome vibe. Even if you aren’t chasing down a PR, this is still a great event!

Yet despite the potential for a fast time, the beauty of the course and the afterparty… none of those were what struck me the most about this race. Instead it was the community. With around 600 athletes racing in both distances, this was quite a crowd for an inaugural event. And those athletes, the organizers, sponsors and local community were all super friendly and supportive of each other. I’ve said a million times that running, and races, bring out all that is good in humanity. This was a perfect example of that.

As I raced down the course, I was pleasantly surprised by how many of the local residents were out on lawn chairs cheering us on. Manasota Key is a very small community, so while there weren’t masses of spectators, the percentage of community engagement was impressive! Rather than get all up in arms about runners bogging down the only road, they embraced this event. The race course was not closed to traffic, yet this small community’s support made that a moot point. I probably only saw a dozen cars during the entire time I was running. Although runners were racing across both sides of the roads, drivers were patient and respectful… clearly this isn’t Miami! It was incredible to see this handful of drivers keeping a significant distance behind runners, inching along at times under 5mph, and waiting patiently until there was wide open road to pass. I never thought I’d say I felt comfortable running a race while sharing the lane with traffic, but thats exactly what happened here. It’s amazing what can be accomplished with mutual respect! While this may not be possible as the race grows (and I suspect it will) for now everything is perfectly balanced.

It wasn’t just the support of the locals that made this a spectacular day though. The entire community here was awesome. On out and backs, I always make it a point to cheer on the runners across the road from me, and I’m never the only one that does. Here it seemed like everybody was doing it! Mutual support of one another as we each pushed to run our own race… together! Then during the awards ceremony, race staff indicated they were short some medals. Last minute signups blew past expectations for total participants (which I think was reasonable considering this was the first year of the race). To make the situation right, they promised runners they’d be ordering and sending out medals to those who didn’t get them. Since there were still a few people out on the course at this point, I knew exactly what I had to do. I went back to the finish line: the last person on the course was just as deserving of getting a medal as I was. I’ve got plenty, waiting a bit for my next wasn’t going to hurt me! As if on cue, she finished a minute later and I handed her her medal! “Congratulations on a job well done!” You know how I said the running community rocks? Well I wasn’t even the only runner who went back to the finish ready to give up my medal. This community of runners, my team, is one I’m quite proud of! The Sandbar Half Marathon was a great event to celebrate a season of successes and support! Congrats to all who were involved this year, and looking forward another great run next year!

I absolutely love running barefoot on the beach, so the USA Beach Running Championship has been on my radar for several years. Today it served as the perfect capstone to a month of meaningful races – Boston, OKC Memorial and now this! It has certainly been a fantastic month, and I’m more than happy with my overall performances.

Today I intended to win. When I first heard that there was a barefoot beach half marathon division a few years back, I knew I had to go there and win it! That had my name written all over it. So this morning, when I unsurprisingly woke just a few minutes before my alarm… I was ready! I jogged the three miles to the start of the race, checked in quickly and immediately slipped off my shoes and went out to the beach. It was beautiful! The sun was about to rise, and the dawn glow lit the horizon. Runners were milling about, and volunteers and race staff were scuffling with last minute preparations: You can’t exactly leave the timing mat out on the sand overnight, especially with the race designed to be at the lowest tide! That low tide meant the sand was hard packed, making it much more suitable for fast times, but the wind over the past few days had washed in lots of seaweed and shells. As we prepared for the start, barefoot runners were advised to tread carefully lest we step on something we’d regret. I wasn’t too worried as I’m used to running barefoot.

We lined up to start the race. My friend David, who dominated last year, wasn’t here this year. Maybe, just maybe, I could win the barefoot division and be the first overall finisher. That would be pretty sweet. From previous race results, I knew it was a possibility. But the stars would have to be perfectly aligned. I’d need to run one of my best races ever. Unlikely, but certainly possible. You know I don’t mind the long odds!

I toed the line right near the front and took off. The competition quickly spread out. Running on the sand is a very different workout than road racing, so I wasn’t at all surprised. Two young guys immediately took a comfortable lead, and I was not too far behind in third. There was a bit of a gap behind me. “Not too bad” I thought… 3rd overall and first barefoot. I could live with that! And if I got lucky, as the pain hopefully dulled a few miles in, I could try to work my way up and catch the leaders. Unlikely, but still possible. All the more fun!

We raced down the sand as the sun rose to the east. Those with shoes tended to stay a little further west. I welcomed the water splashing against my feet! The sand here was a bit more challenging than what I’m used to at home, but what I was most concerned with was those shells. As I ran, I tried to avoid them a bit. But I had no concerns about stepping on them when I needed to. With all my beach miles, I’ve toughened up my soles quite a bit! It was worth it to feel the sand between my toes.

The first two miles I was right where I wanted to be, and I felt good. Far from pain free, but I was moving well and definitely enjoying the moment. As I approached the third mile I got a side stitch on my right. Bummer! I tried the breathe out when that foot lands trick, but it wouldn’t go away. I’d have to run through it. I kept breathing out on the right hand side, but that cramp just got worse and I slowed considerably. I heard the crunch of shells as a runner gradually approached. There goes my overall podium, but whew… he had shoes! At this point, I knew I wasn’t going to catch the first two runners unless they completely burnt out. But I WOULD still win the barefoot division!

As he passed me, I tried to hang behind him for a bit but that cramp was too much. My feet were mostly OK, but those shells made things a bit rougher. I knew I’d likely have a blister or two to show for this effort… but not on the main running surfaces. Instead, it was the joints of the toes I worried about. They weren’t used to racing through slightly protruding hard objects.

I had to be careful running at the water line, as every once in a while I was running through ankle deep water as a wave came in.  I had also missed an aid station earlier because the table couldn’t be set up that close to the waterline. It was hot, hydration was necessary. I moved a tad inland as I approached the third water station, grabbed a cup, took it down quickly and attempted to throw the empty in the nearby trash can. Littering a beautiful beach is a very bad thing! Not sure if I made that basket, but at least I was close enough to make the volunteers job easier. Shortly after another runner passed me: I was hurting.

But the pain was meaningless. It was discomfort. It would pass: I would make it! I passed mile six. The halfway turn-around wasn’t too far off. The lead runner, now on his way back flew by! He was a mile ahead, and we were only halfway in. I needed to up my game! The runner up had fallen back a bit, but still seemed out of reach. As I approached the turn, the two who had passed me looped back. Both were in striking distance. I took the turn myself, and made a conscious effort to push the pace. Another barefoot runner was only a couple minutes behind me: If I faltered, I would fail. That barefoot division was mine to lose.

So I stepped it up. I pulled myself back to seven minute range. I knew I could hold that pace. Yes… I’d never raced this distance on the sand or barefoot before, but barefoot beach running and the positive energy of a foot race… how could I not celebrate this fusion of two of my favorite things?! On the bright side, the stitch made it a lot easier not to notice the normal back and leg pain. Left foot, right foot, breathe in, breathe out. Simple. The stitch subsided a bit. My pace increased proportionately. I’m at a solid pace again for a bit and then… revenge of the stitch! My right side was in agony! Left foot, right foot, breathe in, breathe out. I reminded myself that the barefoot division was still mine to lose. Left foot, right foot, breathe in, breathe out. Left foot, right foot, breathe in, breathe out. The stitch subsided just enough… one of the runners who had passed me was in sight.

Now I had a target. I’d catch the two who passed me, and minimize the gap between number two as much as possible. I ran through another patch of shells… so be it. I was gonna have a few blisters anyway. Now I was doing a little bit of weaving as well… the 10K runners had started a bit after the half, and many of them were still out on the course. For the most part it was easy to move around them, but it did make it hard to see how far ahead runner number three was. I caught up to number four. I knew I’d catch that other guy: I still had a few miles to go, and despite the pain I was on a roll. I skipped the last few water stops. Too many people around, and it would have slowed me too much. Gradually my next target came into view. No hesitation! I raced right on by. I hugged the water line, just running right over the shells at this point (I knew I’d have a few blisters either way).

Finally the finish was in sight, with a chute lined with beautiful conch shells. I moved up from the water line just a bit and sprinted through! Mission accomplished: First barefoot AND third overall! Now time for the afterparty! Chilling on the beach, with a backdrop of a Hawaiian band and even some hula dancing… now this is my kind of party. Plenty of food, and some creative drinks. I’m used to seeing post race beer, but mimosas and screwdrivers? Now thats a party!

Now the dilemma for the day: third overall, or first barefoot? Since the results are treated as different races, it had to be one or the other. On international barefoot running day, it was an easy choice for me: Barefoot Beach Running Champion! I even got a bottle of bubbly to celebrate, along with my seahorse finishers medal and conch shell trophy! Next year, perhaps I can earn a tougher choice: first overall, or first barefoot…

I’ve been running anywhere and everywhere I could this year.  For the most part, it didn’t matter as long as I was running.  Whenever possible I’ve been racing so I could be surrounded by more of the running community I’m proud to call my family.  But only one date was circled on my calendar: that of the Boston Marathon.  That much was non-negotiable.  Come hell or high water, I’d be there.

As April approached, another date got circled: April 29.  I stumbled upon the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon, and knew immediately this was somewhere I had to be.  Around the five year anniversary of the tragedy that changed me, and the 23 year anniversary of the tragedy there… I would definitely Run to Remember!  Every step I take, every race I run…I have five reasons that I cannot stop:  For Dennis, For Sean, For Krystle, For Lu, For Martin.  Five souls who were taken too soon.  Well that weekend, I’d have 168 more reasons.  That weekend I would honor the 168 lost in the 1995 bombing in Oklahoma City, and the 5 lost nearly 20 years later in Boston.  173 powerful reasons why this would be a most memorable race.

Originally, I’d hoped to run another half the day before in nearby Tulsa.  That one wasn’t meant to be.  Perhaps that was a good thing, as now my focus for the weekend was 100% in OKC.  I wouldn’t just “Run to Remember”… I’d race!  I’d run like the wind to honor their memories!  This one event would exhibit all that is good in humanity:  

The resilience and strength of the individual spirit as athletes of all abilities pushed themselves to their limits

The communal spirit as all came together to honor and remember those lost over 20 years ago

The camaraderie of competitors, volunteers and the greater community who’d come out in support of the athletes and cause

The Oklahoma Standard that drove their healing then, and still caries forward to this day, much like Boston Strong drives my own journey

Everyone of us has strength untold, and together that power only magnifies.  Here it would be on display at both the individual and community levels.  This is the kind of thing we need more of in our world!

So, Saturday around noon I showed up at the Cox Convention Center.  I was pumped.  This was going to be an amazing weekend!  I picked up my bib and ventured into the expo.  I stopped by the National Parks Service booth for a bit, as the great outdoors has been my medication and physical healing these past few years.  Across the way I met some great folks from Willow Brain Harmony and Monk Chiropractic.  I ended up spending over a half hour there for a brain training session.  Like Boston a few weeks ago, I knew I’d be pushing my neurological capacity – my brain is still far from fully healed.  Also like Boston a few weeks ago, this cause it was worth it.  The emotional, spiritual and mental health benefits of this exertion far outweighed the negative physical effects I knew would follow.  This NeurOptimal session seemed like exactly what I needed.  Incredibly, despite the busy external environment, I was able to get some much needed relaxation.  Unsurprisingly I was even more pumped for the race to follow.

I spent the entire afternoon at the expo.  Stopped by to visit with my friends at Roo Sport, and made new friends elsewhere.  Normally, one of the first things I do when I go a new place is type in “Running store” on Google Maps.  It’s an easy way meet some great people who share my passion for running.   With a race expo of this size, it was even easier – everyone was right on site!  Local running stores also tend to be model members of the community – often hosting free or cheap group runs, workouts and coaching and other social and fitness events.  At home in Miami, it’s the iRun Army for me.  Here in Oklahoma City, OK Runner made me feel right at home, a feeling that was reinforced on race day seeing team members celebrate their accomplishments on the course.  I hadn’t planned on it, but I ended up bringing home a new pair of Brooks shoes, as my current ones had covered way too many miles.

I stopped by the “Why We Run” booth and prepared myself an “In Honor of…” bib to wear during the race.  No hesitation: 168 + 5!  I would run for them all!  I was humbled to be featured by the races social media and expo teams!  As the hall closed, I was mentally exhausted… but oh so motivated!  Tomorrow would be an amazing race.  I called it an early night – my brain was fried.

The following morning, two minutes before my alarm, my body woke on its own.  I was ready for this!  As I ran down to the starting line at the Memorial, I knew my injuries were going to be bothering me all day… but I didn’t care.  This was worth it!  I would push myself to the brink for 173 great reasons!  Once there…surrounded by 25,000 others… I could feel the blood coursing through my veins… I could feel the energy.  This was the kind of environment I thrive in.  I feed off that energy, and then reflect it back stronger than before.  This was going to be a great race!

We paused in remembrance for 168 seconds.  In front of the Memorial, nearly three minutes of powerful silence passed for those whom I’d be running for momentarily.  25,000 strong we honored their passing, we honored our flag, and in their memory we began our race!  Despite the pain, I started out exactly where I wanted to be for the first mile or so.  Unfortunately it got much tougher from there.  At the first real hill, my legs went tingly (but not quite numb).  My back flared up… this was going to be a painful run.  Even so, I would not stop.  I had 173 reasons to keep on moving, 173 reasons that were more powerful than any pain!

I had to be smart though: no one race is worth sacrificing a lifetime of running!  I’d balance exactly on that discomfort/destructive line like I’ve done many times before.  I’d still thrive off of the crowd energy and put in a solid performance, but it didn’t look like a PR was going to happen today!  The crowd was impressive.  It was still dark when we started, but they were there cheering us on.  As the sun rose, we raced by the state capitol and a field of flags, through parks and beautiful neighborhoods.  And the city was out there supporting us the whole way.  There were plenty of aid stations stocked with electrolytes, water and gels, and they were teeming with energy!  All the support you could need!  As the forecast had predicted it was warming up fast.  That part didn’t bother me much though.  The hills were what got to me.  I’m used to flat, so although these hills weren’t monstrous, I definitely felt them.  Despite the pain, for 173 reasons I powered up the hills.  The crowd roared.  The support out here was great!  Plenty of high fives and cheering spectators.  Thousands of extremely enthusiastic water station volunteers.  Even a giant blue gorilla and lots of bananas supported us along the way.

As the miles wound down the banners came into sight:  running by 168 of them, each bearing the name of someone who was killed in the bombing.  168 names I didn’t recognize, but all the same… today I ran for them!  I was just a high school kid when it happened.  I remember bits and pieces of it on the news, but over time the world moved on.  Oklahoma City moved forward as well, but would never be the same.  While I will never fully understand their journey (as I wasn’t there), my own experience in Boston many years later gave me a much deeper respect and understanding.  I’ve called it Boston Strong… years earlier they called it the Oklahoma Standard.  You never fully heal from something like this.  Life is forever changed.  But as they did over 20 years ago, I have also chosen: it is not the darkness that will define me, but rather the light.  We are stronger together, and it is in those periods of darkness that we discover the inner strength that often lies dormant within ourselves and our community.  Today, again, that strength was on display.  25,000 of us ran in their memory, and thousands more embraced their role in this event, and the ongoing healing of the community.  Today we were all here helping and healing one another, in remembrance of 168 souls I never had the privilege of meeting, but whose memories I would honor on this day.  For them, and the five we lost in Boston… I powered through.  Down the Oklahoma Standard Stretch, around a few more corners and the finish was in sight.  I gave a bit of a kick, and powered through that finish as Bart Yasso commented about my “man shirt” (AKA no shirt).  For Boston, for OKC, and for the goodness inherent to our human race – today was a beautiful day!

Much like I do in Boston, I stayed in that finish chute for a bit, basking in the energy!  Munched on the type of post race chow I’m used to, and then some… cheeseburgers definitely hit the spot after those miles!  I made sure to collect my finishers shirt, as this will be one that gets a lot of wear.  Next up, a nice relaxing massage!  Yes this was a good day.  My race was done, but the day had just began.  I found my way to the grandstands, it was time to cheer on the thousands still on the course!  I would stay there as long as I could:  My brain felt like it was going to explode, I still struggle with these loud environments.  But sometimes its worth it.  I would spend some time this afternoon reflecting at the memorial and museum, but first I would celebrate the healing, the strength and the love here at the finish line.  I’ve always admired the stories you hear when you ask a runner “why?”.  Today I knew 168 answers to that question, and it was my privilege to cheer on some of those runners as they honored loved ones they lost 23 years ago.  The finish line is such a powerful place.  Seeing the facial expressions as first timers cross that line never gets old.  Cheering as athletes finish their race, relays teams cross together, and sideline support crews go crazy for their loved ones makes my day.  Parents carry their excited children across that line, celebrating the behind the scene sacrifices they’ve made for each other.  A few runners took a fall as they approached… the heat got pretty intense as the afternoon wore on.  But just as the city did 23 years ago, they got back up.  A struggle though it may be, they got to that finish line, on their own strength and surrounded by the strength, support and compassion of their community.  For it is when we struggle most that we learn a very important lesson:  Within all of us lies a hero.  Within all of us lies a strength beyond our wildest dreams.  And while our inner strength is powerful beyond belief… our strength together is immeasurable.

What better way to celebrate Earth Day than a beautiful run on a greenway?  How about adding in a bunch of incredible people to that backdrop?  That was why I knew I had to run the Cary Greenways Half Marathon this morning.  Today was a day to celebrate the natural beauty of our planet.  I wasn’t looking to run a PR today; instead I’d go for a leisurely run enjoying all that this rock we call Earth has to offer.  Earth Day should be spent outdoors, and ideally in good company.  This race was the perfect fit.

I’ve run plenty of races before with various different formats.  Almost all of them have a mass start, frequently split into corrals and waves depending on the size and location of the event.  This was the first time I’ve ever run a race with a rolling start.  This race is run on the local greenway paved trails, so a mass start would have been disastrous both to the greenway and to the runners who would have been tripping all over each other.  Since this was more of a “fun” race than a “fast” race, a rolling start made much more sense than a bunch of seeded waves.  This contributed to the relaxed, stress free environment of the event.  Yes, you were timed, and competing against other runners… but this type of start shifted the focus to you.  You start whenever you are ready during a two hour window.  Instead of judging yourself against the other runners around you, you only have yourself to directly compete against.  If its the distance which is your primary foe, this is perfect.  It’s you (and your friends that choose to start with you), the greenway and the clock.  If you prefer head to head competition and coming in first, this may not be the best choice for you.  On the other hand, if you are looking for a no judgement, stress free, and fun opportunity to push your limits… this is it.

I wasn’t looking for a PR today.  I wasn’t even planning on pushing too hard.  I just wanted a solid run, to enjoy the great outdoors and some good company.  Thats exactly what I got.  I arrived towards the beginning of the race, and got my start (alone) about a half hour after the first runners.  The course starts off from underneath the Kiwanis Shelter and zig zags a bit, then a short trek over mulch before joining with the main (and cleanly paved) multi use greenway trail.  Early on I encountered a handful of 5 and 10K runners on their way back home.  Mutual words of encouragement were exchanged as we all continued on our own races.  The greenways themselves were beautiful.  I’d seen this on previous visits to the Triangle area: So many beautiful places to run.  We started off running through Bond Park before crossing a major intersection and continuing alongside (but fully protected from) the main road for a bit.  Then more parks.  Other than a few short stretches parallel to the road, this was all selfie inspiring green.  Especially for a thirteen mile course within the actual town and not out in the middle of nowhere… this was beautiful!

And lets not forget that other critical ingredient: the people.  I love the running community, and was lucky enough today to meet another handful of incredible people.  From the new friends I made out on the course (as I opted midway to make it a social run as well as the healing run I’d originally counted on) to the volunteers who made it all work, there were plenty of great people in attendance.  With the rolling start, packet pickup was stress free.  Then there were volunteers all over the course making sure everyone went the right way at various intersections.  I almost did extra credit again, running right past the water stop that marked the half marathon turn around.  I figured the turn was around the water station, not right before it:  the volunteers quickly reined me in. They also worked stoplight magic… Despite several major live intersection crossings, I only had to stop once and then just for a few seconds.  It was a simple formula actually: they saw runners coming and pressed the walk button.  By the time runners reached the intersection, the traffic was stopped.  Amazing how simple the solutions to some of life’s “problems” can be sometimes.

Just over a hundred minutes later, another half was in the books.  Time to enjoy the grub, socialize and just bask in the warmth of the sun!  Beautiful weather, beautiful course, beautiful people.  Definitely a beautiful way to celebrate our beautiful planet.  This is the best medicine you can get.

With the Boston Marathon only two days away, it was only natural that I’d be back to my roots in the Northeast already.  Although I’ve generally tended to spend three or four days in Boston prior to the race in years past, this year I decided to do something different.  Instead of another (albeit fantastic) run along the Charles River the weekend before, I’d find myself a nice half marathon to run.  Lo and behold, my new friends from Rhode Races were hosting a marathon, half and 5K in Newport, RI.  Since I was flying into Providence, clearly this was meant to be!

Growing up in CT, I was very familiar with Newport.  I’d taken school trips to be awed by the mansions on the cliffs, but that was well before my running days.  As soon as I saw half marathon and Newport together, I knew this would be a beautiful course.  I also knew it wasn’t going to be flat.  I wasn’t concerned though:  Especially with the main event just 48 hours later, I certainly wasn’t going to be aiming for a PR here.  This would be a beautiful run, and although I’d still give myself a solid workout, I was quite content with the prospect of 13.1 miles of leisurely Newport scenery.  Since my legs are conditioned enough to run these distances on a whim, I didn’t worry about it affecting my performance in Boston.

While I had gotten myself squared away at packet pickup the evening before the race (and they even had Thursday pickup in nearby Providence), my friend was driving down from Boston for the race.  She was part of the 1K Run Club group that had made the trip up from Miami to cheer everyone on.  How awesome is that?  Well, there were so many runners that hadn’t made it out to the early packet pickup, that she and several others ended up getting a bit of a late start after finally getting their own bibs.  One of those late starts even leap-frogged me in the results, starting well after I did, but still finishing with a faster time.

It was cold on race morning; exactly the kind of weather I love to hate.  I dreaded stripping down to my race clothes, but I knew once I’d started moving I’d be fine.  Besides, it would be a bit of conditioning for the rapidly worsening Boston forecast!  Speaking of Boston, I was really pumped to meet a bunch of runners from Boston College!  I wasn’t exactly a serious runner during my time there, but it was quite cool to meet some fellow Eagles who share my newly rediscovered passion for running.

Sure enough, once we started running, I warmed up pretty quick.  Since we started at the beach near the historic cliff walk … there really was no place to go but up!  That uphill definitely got the heart pounding!  I knew this wasn’t going to be an easy course, but it was totally worth it.  We raced through the streets of Newport, passing some incredible sights along the way.  As we approached the halfway point we hit some of the most spectacular views of this course:  Brenton Point and along Ocean.  Wow!  Such spectacular scenery!  Seeing the waves break along the beach below as we ran by was phenomenal  Later on we were wowed some more: Newport is known for its Gilded Age mansions, and we raced right by many of them.  Finally we turned back towards the beach.  It was time to run back down that hill we’d labored up earlier, and that provided a great kick all the way across the finish.  Mission accomplished!

It was hard work, so no qualms about inhaling some pizza and other traditional post race grub.  On the topic of rewards, the finishers medal here was actually quite cool, especially when viewed as part of the bigger picture that it is.  While the piece of pizza shaped medal is nice on its own, especially with the translucent green contrasting the metal itself… it also nested some subtle magnets.  Those in the area who complete the whole Rhode Races series end up with one serious piece of bling at the end of the year as all of these fit into place together!  If I lived a little closer, I’d probably have to go for that myself.

Like life, running isn’t always easy.  But its always worth it, and if you put the work it, you reap the rewards!  Another fantastic half marathon in the books.  Next stop: Boston

How hard are you willing to work to get where you are going? In the end, it really boils down to that. I wasn’t born to be an elite runner. I could never coast to victory. But I can, and will, outwork anyone to get to my finish line. Ask my high school cross country teammates… I’ll bust my ass day in and day out. I don’t care how much ‘better than me’ you happen to be. If you go easy, I’m gonna fly right by you. If you are willing to work too, then we’re both going places faster.

Todays Lake Minneola Half Marathon was both an exercise in that extra effort mentality, and a comical reminder that following blindly often doesn’t go well. A good race strategy always involves knowing the course. Taking the turns and tangents right, plus utilizing any hills and surface changes to your advantage can make the difference between a win or PR, and falling a bit short. I’ve been on both sides of that. Today I was on the wrong one… or should I say the long one.

With the main event (Boston) just eight days away, my strategy today was for a comfortable, steady run. Nothing elaborate. The forecast had been less than ideal, but we got a nice bonus of good weather. So I’d get to enjoy some really nice views of the lake. I’ll take that! I recognized some of the Central Florida regulars lined up at the front as being around my ability level and lined up with them. I certainly didn’t expect to win today, but keeping these guys in my sights would keep me right where I wanted to be.

The start for this course is just a bit further down the (paved) trail than the announcer and festivities, so when the national anthem started, it took a few lines before many of the racers realized what was going on and quieted down. After that, we were off. And my plans to run a comfortable pace went out the window. When the race announcer started off with a shout out to those headed to Boston and played Dropkick Murphy’s Shipping Up To Boston… I was pumped. So I decided to hang with the leads and see how I felt. I’d work a bit harder today than I intended, but I still had to be within reason. After all Boston was what mattered most. So I hung right behind for the first quick two mile loop, and got an extra boost when Sweet Caroline was cranking as we passed over the start line to begin the main loop around the lake. Boston gets me pumped. Boston is my strength. With that spark, I was actually right around PR pace for the first three miles.

After about 5K I pulled back a bit. My back flared up. It wasn’t worth risking next weekend to hold that pace, so I dropped back to the pace I had originally intended. Two miles later, there was now a significant gap between 1, 2 and me. A third runner floated by me. He looked strong, overall podium probably wasn’t happening today. I reigned in the urge to try and stay with him and instead just followed blindly. As he followed a sign pointing right away from the lake, I was just a couple dozen steps behind. As we took on a fairly challenging hill, I thought it a bit strange. I knew a bit about this course, and I didn’t recall this… but still I followed. We followed another sign, but the hill had slowed me, so now there was some distance between us plus another runner had caught me. Now on a straight away with the leads nowhere in sight…That made no sense, they shouldn’t be that far ahead. Our GPSs chimed, yet there was no mile marker. Sommer Sports always has their courses well marked…Ohh boy. As myself and the other runner are suddenly realizing we’ve gone quite a bit off course, a police car drives down the road announcing “Half Marathoners you’re going the wrong way!” We shout out ahead to our fearless wrong way leader, turn around and just like that placing well is no longer an option. Since at least a half dozen others had followed us, the top two were going to have a very commanding lead today!

Not to be deterred, I used that unplanned downhill and my frustration to pick the pace back up. As I retraced my steps, I looked closer at the signs. In my experience, Sommer Sports courses are well marked. They use double red arrows to point the way. Their logo is inside those arrows. The signs we followed were also entirely red, but just a single red arrow with a red logo underneath. The logo for a realtor. Apparently we were headed to an open house! Ha. After a nearly two mile detour I finally made it back to the lake. The red tape pointers that were present for all the other turns weren’t there. Why then hadn’t the police officer at the intersection corrected us? Well it turns out he knew the first guy to go off course (a local) and probably didn’t see his bib and thought he was doing his own workout as he often does in the area. I was right behind, so I was probably working out with him. Shortly thereafter, when the third guy followed us, he realized what was going on. He called out to the runner… who didn’t hear him because of his headphones. A few more followed as he radioed in what was going on. A true comedy of errors, and although the realtors signs were misleading, the fault was certainly our own. The course was marked, and properly mapped out. We just blindly followed somebody else signs. We got a bonus hill workout. Bravo!

Back on course, I held a solid pace most of the way. I had a slightly slower split as the course turned onto a paved trail, and the two leads (now miles ahead) flew by. It was a bit demoralizing, as I should have been right behind them. I wouldn’t let it stop me. Instead I accelerated back to my pace and continued my race. I got to 13.1 miles right about when I expected to (after adjusting for my back flare up around 5K). I slowed a tiny bit to laugh at the situation, then re-accelerated to a strong finish of my 14.75 mile ‘half marathon’. Since I’ll almost definitely never be racing 14.75 miles again, I even rang the PR bell!

I ran a bit more than I had bargained for today, so you better believe I enjoyed the pasta, rice and beans, chips, cookies and other post race chow. As the (tongue in cheek) winner of the Lake Minneola 14.75 miler: I earned that! Either way, I came out to have fun, and that was a success. I collected my bonus bling for doing both of the Sommer Sports halves this season and enjoyed the afterparty. I’ll be back at Waterfront Park, not to defend my 14.75 mile crown though.

So should I have cried because I didn’t get my third place overall? Nope, because I didn’t earn it. I went off course. I screwed up, and as a result someone else got there first. Had I been that other guy… honestly I would have reluctantly taken the award. In that scenario I wouldn’t feel like I earned it. By following blindly, today I definitely didn’t. Yup, I put in a little extra effort today. Yet I still finished top 20 overall and third in my age group. Despite the extra distance, I still kept my average pace right where I wanted it. I worked harder to get to that finish line, and it’s that extra effort that will continue to make me stronger. I don’t mind the extra work. Whatever is in front of me, I will grit through it. I will work harder. I will be stronger. Move my finish line? I’ll adjust, and still prevail. That’s how I roll… and run.

I knew today wasn’t going to be a fast run, but I wanted to see what I could do.  Yesterday I bricked myself: in total I covered nearly 75 miles on a heavy steel roadie thats too big for me (20+ on gravel), ran a half marathon and covered several additional miles during the March For Our Lives.  This after one of my rougher weeks health wise.  For my 12th half marathon of the year, I wanted to see what I could do under these circumstances.  I was targeting 1:35 – 1:40 with a fast start and finish, easing up slightly in the middle miles.  Although I hoped for the lower portion of that, I’m certainly satisfied with the result.

The Sunrise Half Marathon was very different than yesterdays.  While it was certainly a fun event there were several things that frustrated me.  The day started off on a sour note when I picked up my bib and shirt.  While this event had a Friday early packet pickup, there was no Saturday option.  So when I arrived on race morning I was not too happy that they were out of my shirt size.  I signed up nearly EIGHT months in advance, and specified the shirt size I wanted.  On race day, I was told we don’t have medium in the blue, but we do in green.  OK cool, I’ll take that… until I realized ‘that’ was a race shirt from a totally different event.  No thank you, I’d like a shirt from the event I’m actually participating in.  So I opted for the larger shirt (they ran out of both M & L) even though it wouldn’t be getting much use either.  I’ve got no problem taking whatever size shirts are left when I sign up late, but I definitely shouldn’t have to do that when I’m among the first.

Since I wasn’t too worried about my time, I didn’t fret the warmup.  Meandered around a bit and said hello to some of my running friends, then lined up at the start.  There was a bit of a flagpole malfunction during the national anthem, and then some speaker issues.  No worries… the crowd was quick to pick up singing the verse collectively.  What really frustrated me at the start was the old man who pushed his way to the front of the pack (directly in front of me).  At first I thought he was just trying to get a picture up there as there was a woman who snapped a few photos for him.  But he stayed there.  OK, who am I to judge?  I’ve been smoked by older folk before.  Maybe he was a lot faster than he looked.  Then 3…2…1… GO!  Guess not, I got stuck behind his slow start.

Once I managed to dodge him, I took off.  For nearly three miles, I was right where I wanted to be.  And then I wasn’t.  My back really began to act up.  I wasn’t too surprised.  It’s been a rough week.  Plus yesterday was a solid workout… or five!  So I eased up a bit more than I’d originally hoped, as it is always important to keep it on the lighter side of the discomfort/destructive pain dial.  Go easy and just enjoy the run.  I wasn’t gonna win today anyway.  I knew some of the local elites who showed up.  Even on my best day I couldn’t touch the overall podium.  But I could still have fun regardless, and that’s what this is all about.

Markham Park is a great place to run.  Lot’s of beautiful trails to run within and around the park.  This course took solid advantage of that, with most of the running on those parts.  There were also a few miles on the roads in a very lightly trafficked corporate park.  So this was a great course in that respect.  Nice, quiet, and almost completely car-free.  No major hills to worry about, so it was a fairly fast course.  There were quite a few U or sharp turns on the course, so I wouldn’t call this a PR inducing course.  Especially with that disheartening last little loop.  The course started out with a loop in Markham Park, then ran out and around before coming back into the park and basically repeating the first loop.  As you complete that loop, you run through the start line and off onto another mile or so loop within the park before finally ending up at the finish.  Just when the scenery starts to look like you are almost home… the carrot moves way further down the road.  I heard several runners talking about this same thing afterward.  It really was a tease there at the end.

So that was that.  Half marathon #12 of 2018 was in the books.  I didn’t have the kick I wanted at the end, but I still had a great time once I finished.  Crossed the line, backed away from the speakers (which still messes with my TBI’d brain), found some friends and found the food.  Sandwiches, chips, cookies, fruits.  Typical post race chow, which was much appreciated after my weekend calorie burn.  I’d certainly say this weekend was a tough one.  It definitely was a fun one.  I’m sure I’ll end up at another Elite event in the future, and hopefully next time my performance will live up to that name a bit better too.

What a day!  I’ve been ‘racing’ a lot recently.  I use that term loosely:  I’ve been running a lot of organized races, I just haven’t been trying to run my fastest race at most of them (although I always have some sort of plan or workout devised).  I’ve run them for fun.  I love the environment, I love the energy, and in many cases I love the WHY – the reason these races exist.

Today’s race was one of those.  The team from ITZ Events has been putting on the Race for Women’s Wellness Half Marathon and 5K in Coral Springs for some time now, and it’s been an incredible event as long as I’ve known about it.  This was my third time running it (’14, ’15 & ’18).  Had it not been for my injuries, I most likely would have run it the past few years as well.

This is a great event if you are looking to race or PR!   The course is flat and fast.  Several pacers are available for those in the 1:50-2:30 range.  It’s is on well paved roads without too many turns (1 U-turn).  Mile markers are clearly labelled, and include clocks with accurate gun time.  While many of the roads the course follows are busy multilane roads, runners have a dedicated lane, since it’s early traffic isn’t too bad and police presence is robust (not to mention awesome: I loved running by the cop cars with windows down and music cranking, especially the rocky one).  There are lots of aid stations, some including gels or on course medical.  The biggest downside is its so early – 6am.  While this means its generally pretty cool for the majority of the race for most entrants, it means I have to get up way too early, and that the roads can be a bit dark at times.

It’s also got a solid post race.  Wet towels to clean up and cool down at the finish line, plenty of food (bagels, bananas, and more for the runners and even free donuts, iced coffee and sandwiches courtesy of the sponsors.  There were quite a few vendor tents and all in all a fun post race social.  Ohh did I mention the beer?  While I’m still avoiding alcohol with my TBI concerns, beer is alway a great race amenity.

The finishers medals are well done, and although the industry trend is otherwise… this is the size I prefer to see for a race of this distance.  While my performance this year didn’t earn me any awards, there were plenty.  In addition to the running awards, it’s always great to see this events recognition of it’s why – supporting the fight against breast cancer.  The awards ceremony honors all those present affected by this disease, as well as the fundraising efforts to support the Lisa Boccard Breast Cancer Fund.  Running a half marathon is nothing… these are the real champions of the day.  Overall this is the kind of event I love to support.  Well organized and clearly a product of passion for both running and it’s charitable cause.

In 2015, I raced this one, and finished ONE second shy of my then PR (set when I was just 17).  I wasn’t sure whether to be ecstatic that I could keep up with my teenage self, or frustrated that I was ONE SECOND off my PR!  This year, I originally hoped to try for another PR or close.  Unfortunately this past week my health has slipped a bit.  Half the week I could barely get out of bed.  Both the brain and back have been rough.  Which meant I wouldn’t likely be having my best race, and kind of limited my efforts to figure out transportation.  So I improvised…  Life can slow me, life can knock me down, but I will continue to find ways to thrive somehow.  I decided to make this a tough workout: I would bike ~45 miles to the start, run, then bike some more.  Total distance being pretty much a half distance triathlon, with the swimming replaced by extra cycling.

I wasn’t expecting this to be a quick and easy ride.  The only functional bike I’ve got at this point is The Beast.  She’s solid, but heavy and a bit too big for me.  But the Beast and I are unstoppable.  We don’t make excuses.  I left at about 2am for the 6am start.  I figured it should take about three hours to get there.  I was quite a bit off on that projection – with Miami Music Week chaos on South Beach, my less than ideal health and a heavy ride… it took close to four.

That meant I was pulling into the event venue as runners were being given final instructions.  Instead of a relaxed ‘transition’ it was super rushed.  So thank you (and sorry!) to the race staff for facilitating my bib pickup literally at the last second, and for not shutting off the start mat until I crossed (nearly four minutes after the race was underway).  I ran down the street to catch up to the sweep vehicle, pinning on my number as I went.  Yeah this wasn’t going to be fast… but I’d still have fun

It was a tough run.  My first mile was OK considering, and I had a solid next two with the psychological boost of passing everyone.  Around mile three I started to feel it.  I wasn’t too surprised considering how rough this week had been, and made the never fun decision to ease up significantly.  This was a brick workout.  Today’s goal was just to keep going, and that was exactly what I was going to do.

An hour and forty five minutes later I finished, soaked in the scene, partied with old and new running friends, then took off after the awards.  It was time to bike a few more miles to support the MSD students and pay tribute to those lost just over a month ago.  Especially after my experience in Boston nearly five years ago, its an honor to stand with all communities affected by these types of events, and further inspiration to renew efforts to build OneRun.  That is my why!