Oklahoma was a quick trip. It was on November 20th which is my birthday and I felt compelled to go and get in a race on that day. I was not able to get any other time off for it, so I originally decided to drive up to Tulsa on Saturday, run Sunday morning, and return home Sunday evening. Would have been tough, it is an 8 to 9 hour drive each way. I had a friend who I knew was living in Oklahoma,and found out she lived 20 minutes from Tulsa. She offered to pick me up at the airport, and I could stay with her and her boyfriend for the weekend. What a deal!! I accepted. Leading up to the race I was struggling with Plantar Fasciitis, and the week before had a bad case of upper respiratory aliment. I wasn't sure how well I would do running. I just wanted to finish and knew that I would, seeing as how there was an 7 hour time limit. I merely had to finish before the full Marathon was over.
The forecast for the that weekend was low in the 40's and high in the 50's, so I was looking forward to some Great running conditions. There was also a 30-40% chance of rain, (not good conditions) When I got there Saturday it was still warm, and I was thinking "Great I brought the Houston weather with me", However that night the front came through, and I got my Birthday present of some really nice running weather. It was over cast and threatened to rain the whole time , but never did. As usual, my goal was to finish and get my bling, and mark another state off my list. The secondary goal was to finish under 3 hours, which would be close to my normal time. (I hadn't ran since 5150 in Galveston 4 weeks before.) I started out a little slow, but managed to find my stride about half way through the run. The last couple of miles I saw I had a good shot at the 3 hour mark and pushed to make it. I ended up 2:58, and was happy with my effort and time :0)
A HUGE Thank You to Deanna and Guy for their hospitality during the weekend.
Sunday morning we left for the run about 6:30, right about day break. Just before we reached Highway 75, a large doe jumped the fence along the road and ran across in front of us. Guy stopped to avoid hitting her, and when he did, we saw following right behind her, still on the other side of the fence, a Trophy Buck. he was at least 10 points. Here he was walking through an open field, during deer season !! How that deer was still alive is beyond me. I have never seen one that big in the total open. I have seen them on some of the military bases I have been on. Obviously on a Military base they don't have to worry about getting shot. But this guy was walking through open country in full view. Sometimes its better to be lucky than good.
2011/11/29
2011/10/05
4 States, 3 Weekends...Pennsylvania, New York, Rhode Island, New Hampshire
This was quite a trip. I think it will go down as one the the more memorable ones of the 50 states saga. I ran 4 outstanding races in as many states, drove nearly 3000 miles, got shook down at the Canadian Border, visited the Emergency Room, took an amazing bicycle tour of Boston, Toured the Sam Adams Brewery, and repeatedly gouged myself on Lobster, all in the space of 15 days.
As I said, all 4 races were well worth the effort it took to be able to run them. For the most part, it was a Great trip and there are only a few things I would do differently. Canada would be one of those things.
State 13 Pennsylvania
I left for my trip on Sept 17th and flew to Buffalo NY. I rented a car and drove to Erie Pennsylvania, for the race on Sunday the 18th. Erie Pa is in the Northern part of Pennsylvania, on the South shore of Lake Erie. Presque Isle, where the race was held, is a peninsula that runs out into Lake Erie. There is a national park there, and that is where the race course was located. One of the things I look for in a race is the ability to see wildlife, and I was not disappointed here. The geese were gathering in anticipation of their migration South for the winter, and as such, they were everywhere. I also saw several flocks of Wild Turkeys. The course itself was not as scenic as I would have hoped for. Most of the time, we ran on the main road which ran along the interior of the park and was not able to see the lake. There were a few stretches were we could see the water, and they offered some nice views. Crowd support was very little, and I ran most of the race by myself, which is fine with me. Like most of the races I do, If you need a lot of encouragement from a Loud Crowd, this race is not for you. The aid station volunteers were very supportive, there was some kind of competition among the aid stations. I am not sure what the prize was, but they were definitely competing. The Moonshine Station was my favorite. They were all dressed as Hillbillies, and had a Still, an Outhouse, and a clothesline with assorted underwear. They were very funny. Other than the aid station volunteers, there was very few others out. It was a cool and windy morning, and the races did not run through any neighborhoods. It was a great race in almost aspects. The one reason I was forced to deduct points from the overall rating was that there was no Beer at the Finish. For the record, in Order to get the Highly coveted 5 Star rating, there MUST be Guilt-Free Beer at some point after the Race.
Just putting that out there in Case any Race Directors are reading this and wondering how to improve their race's image. :0)
Upstate Pennsylvania was beautiful country. I enjoyed the drive through their wine country which encompasses most of that area. In between Erie and the Hampton's Run in Long Island, I went up to Toronto Canada for 2 days stopping on the way at Niagara Falls. The Falls were pretty Spectacular, and I had a gorgeous day to see them. (For the most part, the weather played along well for the on this trip. The day before the Niagara stop, it was rainy and dreary the whole day, as was the day after) It was the entire Canada leg of this trip that I would like to wipe from my memory banks.
Canada...UGGGGGGH
To start with, I got stopped and searched at the Border going into Canada. While in Erie, I had bought a 6 pack of Sam Adams beer and drank 3 of the bottles. When I left for Canada, I cleaned out the fridge in my room. I had the 3 beers, 3 pony size Diet Cokes and a couple bottles of flavored water. I put them all in a plastic bag and put it on the floor board behind the drivers seat of my rental car. When I got to the Border and stopped at the Check point, I got grilled by the agent. Where was I going, How long would I be there, and WHY did I come all the way from Houston "BY MYSELF" to only stay 2 days in Toronto when I didn't know anyone who lived there. I was asked if I had any weapons, Large amounts of Cash, or Alcohol in the car. When I declared the 3 beers, that is when the Proverbial *S* Hit the fan. (Actually, he was just looking for an excuse to Search the car.) This has happened before, I have been stopped and Searched in Ohio, and Louisiana. Being a Male, traveling alone, and in either a Rental Car, or in the Ohio case a car with Texas Plates, immediately draws suspicion. Under those circumstances, You just have to be smuggling, either Guns...Drugs....Little Vietnamese girls...or Something. Anyway, as soon as I said I had the 3 beers, he wanted to know if I had been drinking, I said "No". He told me to pull over to the curb, and immediately 4 guys looking like the Canadian Swat came out, and told me to exit the car and stand off to the side. They began going through the car. Thay took all my luggage out and emptied it, went through the car, under the seats, hood, trunk, and took off the Hub Caps. While this was happening I was being questioned by what must have been the leader. He wanted to know what was I doing driving with beer in the car. I asked what was the problem, I wasn't drinking it, It wasn't open, It wasn't even cold. He said it was illegal. I asked in what way? the mere possession of it (if so, then how did Canadians get their Labatt's Blue from the store to their house, or do they just drink it all at the brewery), or because I went across the border with it. He never answered that question. Even after they were finished with their search, and I was allowed to repack my stuff and put the car back together, the Ordeal still wasn't over. I had to surrender my pass port and cell phone, and go sit in their office while they must have done some half @ssed background check. Finally I was released. To show what BS this actually was...when I left, they didn't even confiscate the allegedly illegal beer. They left it in the car, and I drove off with it, and drank later that night at the hotel where I stayed. Profiling, Pure and Simple.
I drove to Toronto, only to find it to be dirty, mostly under construction, and extremely expensive. The only attractions were the Royal Botanical Gardens, (it rained the whole time I was there) and the Hockey Hall of Fame. (Is Hockey really a sport?..Really???) I stayed in my Hotel for most of the 2 days I was there. I ventured out only to attempt to find a decent reaustrant (Yeah Right..I was in the Muslim part of town, and all they had was Middle Eastern food, which I am not fond of). On Thursday, I was thrilled to get back to USA. We have our problems, but I am pretty sure I will journey to Iraq, or Somalia to visit the Pirates, before I go back to Toronto.
State 14 New York
The Hampton's race was another Good one. They gave out an outstanding collection of Swag, a very cool Tech shirt, a Lined stocking cap for Cold weather running, and a Great duffel bag, easily the best Swag I have ever gotten from a running event. They weren't able to beat out Rivercities Triathlon for best Overall, but they do get the Nod for Marathons. This races was well supported by spectators along the way. Mainly, because it must have been a target race for "Team in Training". TNT was out in force, with probably 50-60% of the field wearing Purple. All along the course there were TNT cheerleaders there to support their fellow team mates, and everyone else who was participating. I have a lot of respect for TNT, they have a very worthy cause, and they do a Great job at supporting it and the individuals who get involved with them. The course was a little Bland. We ran along the mostly heavily wooded roads. There was one out and back portion along the water, but other than that, not much scenery.
I was doing 2 races in 2 days, this one and Ocean's Run in Rhode Island the next day. I had 4 hours to do this one, but only 3 for the run in RI. I planned to go a little easy and save something for the race the following day. I went into this race thinking it was going to be a memorable race. It was, but not for the reasons I imagined. There were a number of factors that lined up to create the "Perfect Storm" for having a Bad race.
When I crossed the border from Canada to Buffalo on Thursday, I hoped my problems were over. As it turned out, however, Not Quite. I was supposed to fly from Buffalo, to Manchester New Hampshire, arrive at 1:30 in the afternoon and drive to New York for the Hampton's run on Saturday. It was about a 5 hour drive and I should have arrived around 7 Thursday evening. Well...my US airways flight leaving Buffalo, had mechanical problems and left late, causing me to miss my connecting flight in Philadelphia. Then bad weather must have set in in New Hampshire, because 3 flights I manged to get a seat on were all cancelled and/or delayed. I finally had to give up on US Airways, and got a flight on Southwest, which landed in NH at 7 pm, and it took me till 2 am Friday morning to reach my hotel in New York. Once there, I found out Travelosity had screwed up yet another hotel reservation, (4 out of the last 4.... all booked at the same time). It took about an hour to straighten that out, and finally get into my room. (Travelosity..NEVER again) The hotel I was staying in was 60 miles from the race, because that's the closest one I could afford. Race morning, I had to wake up at 3 to get ready, make the drive, and be there early enough to get one of the few parking spots near the start. Also, the weather was unseasonably warm. It was in the 80's and the humidity was 100%. The stressful travel day Thursday, Lack of sleep, Unusual weather conditions, and maybe a few more I am not fully aware of, all led to me not being ready for a good performance.
I remember while standing at the Starting Line, ready to go, that I was sweating profusely, and thinking "This is not Going to Go go Well"....and It Didn't.
I started out fine, but it didn't take long for me to grasp the concept that a New England "Flat Course" is not the same as a Houston "Flat Course". All 4 races billed themselves as Flat. (Pennsylvania is the only one that really was). Long Island was the hilliest of the 4. Around mile 6, my legs started cramping. I cut back on my run/walk ratio to try and get over the cramps, but they continued to get worse. By mile 11 I was down to steady walking. I reached the mile 13 sign and made the final turn to the finish line. I wanted to run across the finish line, but it was more of a Wobble. (A Webbles Wobble but they don't fall down, kind of thing). Any way, I had kind of a Shaky finish and was approached by two of the EMTs. They asked me how I felt, and I told them I was fine, just having some cramps. They wanted to help me over to the Medical tent, again I said I was ok, but they insisted. I sat down outside the tent, got some water, and had several of the volunteers talking to me. All this time, my leg muscles were visibly fluttering. Some one gave me a bottle and said "Drink This", I don't know what was in it, but it was the Nastiest stuff I think I ever tasted. I handed it back. I asked for more water, and received some that they had put salt in. I took a big shallow, not knowing it had been salted, and that made me sick. NOW....It was ON. They wanted to get me over to the Dr, because I was throwing up. I still maintained that I was fine, I just want expecting the salt water. The Dr wanted me to come in the tent and sit down and he asked me a bunch of questions. What day was it? Where was I at? Who was the President of the US? (I asked him if that was a trick question, Is Obama, really the President? one could argue) I kept telling him I was fine, except for still having the cramps, so he sent me to the massage tent to get massaged. The Best idea I had heard yet !! The lady worked on my legs for while but they keep fluttering. Finally, my whole right leg from the ankle to the hip seized up in a giant cramp, and she decided that something wrong was going on. She said "I have hit all your trigger points, and you are not responding" She called the Dr over and told him. He then told me that he wanted me to get an IV. This was beginning to be a little too much. I was felt like I was improving all the time, and I just wanted to get up and walk around. I was sure I would be ok. Well the Dr talked me into getting the IV, saying I was exhibiting signs of fatigue, my blood pressure was low, and my heart beat high. He said the IV would replace lost fluids and then if I felt ok , I could leave. I agreed, reluctantly.... then I found out there were no IVs on site and they wanted to take me to the hospital ER to get one. NO, I was not going to the Hospital, I just wanted to leave. The Dr then explained to me that when I entered the Medical tent, I was then under his jurisdiction. He felt that my health was at risk, and that if he released me, and if something happened, he would be liable. He wanted me to go to the ER, because he thought I migth be having a "cardiac event". I really felt stupid, because I knew I was not having a Heart Attack, as he seemed to think. I continued to say I wanted to leave, that I need to be in Rhode Island by 6pm. He wanted to know what was in RI, and I told him I need to pick up my packet for the race the next day. He laughed and said, "You"re NOT running tomorrow" I replied "Yes I am" He then guaranteed me, that I would not be running. I told him, "I may not Finish, but I guarantee you I'm going to Start". He sent me to the ER any way. When we got there, the nurse came out and asked me how I felt. "Fine, I want to leave" was my answer. She immediately started in on the Driver. I was the 5th one they had brought in, that didn't need to be there. She told him the DR needed to quit over reacting. She took my BP, said it was fine and told me to get up and walk around. I did, and she said I could go. Problem was, Now I was 3o miles away from my car. She said it was going to be about a 75.00 cab fare back. I asked about the other people who were brought in needlessly, and if they had left yet. If any were still around, we could split the fare. She checked, and found a couple from Pittsburgh. The woman had been admitted, and the Husband had their car. She told me he agreed to give me a ride back to the race. Unfortunately, the wife had passed out about a quater mile for m the finsih line, and actually needed treatment. We had to wait about 3 hours for them to get her blood work back before we could leave.
In summation, I liked the race. It had the best Swag, there was a lot of support from the crowd, and it was well managed (other than the over zealous DR. I'm not sure I can blame that on the race director). I can't comment on the post race party, since I didn't get to participate. I do recommend the race, and would like go back to see if I could better my performance. However, that is unlikely, as I still have 36 more states before I begin repeating.
State 15 Rhode Island (From the ER to the Finish Line in less then 24 hours)
Of the 4 races I did on this trip, this was my favorite, even though it was the toughest one for me. At the finish line, I may not have looked like I enjoyed the run, but I did, at least in retrospect.
Ocean's Run, in Rhode Island is how a race should be organized. It was a small race, the course was very pretty, the Race Director was approachable concerned and helpful, and there was a Free Beer at the end. Result: 5 Stars with a snap. I had emailed before the race and asked if I could have bib #15 as this would be my 15th state, and was given that number. So far, this is the only race to do that. (Very Cool)
Not only did they have the usual aid stations, but there were also mobile ones as well. There were about 6 people on bicycles that had the front mounted wire baskets. The baskets were filled with water, goo, bananas and other assorted needs. They were continuously riding the course offering whatever you needed. An outstanding Idea(And again...Very Cool)
As I said...this was a tough run to do. Because of the ER fiasco of the previous day, I had to take the 6pm ferry from Long Island to Groton Connecticut. I got to Rhode Island to late to drive thecourse, and I missed the Saturday packet pickup. I had to get it the next morning before the race. Sunday morning was a little cooler, and the humidity was down some, but my legs were still pretty trashed from Saturday. I really wasn't feeling the urge to get out and run another 13.1. I was determined to, just wasnt looking forward to it. This race had a 3 hour time limit, and I was concerned that I would not make that. I talked to the lady about it and she said there was a little wiggle room there. By mile 4, my legs were almost completely Dead, and by mile 6, I had hit the wall and was reduced to walking. By the end of the race, I felt like I was trudging through wet cement, and truly believe that was the happiest I have ever been to see a Finish Line. Despite finishing at 3:19, I still got an official finish, and wasn't the last one in. Woo Hoo !!! At the finish, along with the Finisher's Medal, they gave us a HUGE coffee cup, and a bag of ground coffee, that smelled wonderful. I am not a coffee drinker, so I gave the coffee to a friend of mine, who said it is really good (just as I suspected), and I use the Huge cup for a cereal bowl. In the race packet, there was a coupon which could be redeemed for a Beer at one of the local Beach bars. That was one of the Best Beers I have ever had.
I am certain that there will be days in the Future when I encounter problems. Finishing this race despite the numerous reasons I had to quit, will give me the confidence to over come whatever hurdle I face at the time. I only wish that I had the New York Dr's address, so I could send him a picture of me at the finish line.
This was a Great experience, and a Great race. If I had to pick one to repeat, it would be between this one, and the Breast Cancer run in Florida. (26.2 with Donna) Actually, Florida would probably be first, but Rhode Island is a close 2nd.
After Ocean's Run, I spent 2 days in Boston, taking a tour of the Sam Adams Brewery on Monday, and a bicycle tour around the city on Tuesday. Both went really well. The weather for the bike tour was perfect, and I just missed the rain that set in the next day.
The remainder of the week leading up to the run in New Hampshire, I spent in Maine, right outside Bar Harbor. Maine is a beautiful state, at least in the Summer and Fall. I'm not sure how impressed I would be with it while It's buried under 3 feet of snow for weeks at a time.
State 16 New Hampshire
The Smuttynose Rockfest in Hampton, New Hampshire was another Great race. Smuttynose is a local brewery in New Hampshire and it was the first weekend in October, so it was Octoberfest. There was supposed to be a big party in conjunction with the marathon. However, the weather turned from that of the previous weekend's warm and humid, to that of cool wet and windy. It rained the entire length of the race (constantly cycling from a Heavy downpour to a light drizzle), and up and down the length of the seawall, the wind was gusting. The course was a good one. We ran through the several neighborhoods and on the highway along the beach. Absolutely no complaints. The crowds were sporadic, but I am sure there would have been many more had it not been raining the whole day.
I started the run a bit nervous, wondering how my legs would do. I wanted to take it a little easy, but soon got my stride and ran my pace with no problem. I didn't get to stay around long after the run, as I had to get to back to the airport in Manchester to catch a flight back to Houston. As it turned out, I didn't miss much of an after race party, because the rain kind of washed that out. They did give us 2 tickets for free beer, but I only used one of them, as I needed to get going to catch the flight back home.
As I said, all 4 races were well worth the effort it took to be able to run them. For the most part, it was a Great trip and there are only a few things I would do differently. Canada would be one of those things.
State 13 Pennsylvania
I left for my trip on Sept 17th and flew to Buffalo NY. I rented a car and drove to Erie Pennsylvania, for the race on Sunday the 18th. Erie Pa is in the Northern part of Pennsylvania, on the South shore of Lake Erie. Presque Isle, where the race was held, is a peninsula that runs out into Lake Erie. There is a national park there, and that is where the race course was located. One of the things I look for in a race is the ability to see wildlife, and I was not disappointed here. The geese were gathering in anticipation of their migration South for the winter, and as such, they were everywhere. I also saw several flocks of Wild Turkeys. The course itself was not as scenic as I would have hoped for. Most of the time, we ran on the main road which ran along the interior of the park and was not able to see the lake. There were a few stretches were we could see the water, and they offered some nice views. Crowd support was very little, and I ran most of the race by myself, which is fine with me. Like most of the races I do, If you need a lot of encouragement from a Loud Crowd, this race is not for you. The aid station volunteers were very supportive, there was some kind of competition among the aid stations. I am not sure what the prize was, but they were definitely competing. The Moonshine Station was my favorite. They were all dressed as Hillbillies, and had a Still, an Outhouse, and a clothesline with assorted underwear. They were very funny. Other than the aid station volunteers, there was very few others out. It was a cool and windy morning, and the races did not run through any neighborhoods. It was a great race in almost aspects. The one reason I was forced to deduct points from the overall rating was that there was no Beer at the Finish. For the record, in Order to get the Highly coveted 5 Star rating, there MUST be Guilt-Free Beer at some point after the Race.
Just putting that out there in Case any Race Directors are reading this and wondering how to improve their race's image. :0)
Upstate Pennsylvania was beautiful country. I enjoyed the drive through their wine country which encompasses most of that area. In between Erie and the Hampton's Run in Long Island, I went up to Toronto Canada for 2 days stopping on the way at Niagara Falls. The Falls were pretty Spectacular, and I had a gorgeous day to see them. (For the most part, the weather played along well for the on this trip. The day before the Niagara stop, it was rainy and dreary the whole day, as was the day after) It was the entire Canada leg of this trip that I would like to wipe from my memory banks.
Canada...UGGGGGGH
To start with, I got stopped and searched at the Border going into Canada. While in Erie, I had bought a 6 pack of Sam Adams beer and drank 3 of the bottles. When I left for Canada, I cleaned out the fridge in my room. I had the 3 beers, 3 pony size Diet Cokes and a couple bottles of flavored water. I put them all in a plastic bag and put it on the floor board behind the drivers seat of my rental car. When I got to the Border and stopped at the Check point, I got grilled by the agent. Where was I going, How long would I be there, and WHY did I come all the way from Houston "BY MYSELF" to only stay 2 days in Toronto when I didn't know anyone who lived there. I was asked if I had any weapons, Large amounts of Cash, or Alcohol in the car. When I declared the 3 beers, that is when the Proverbial *S* Hit the fan. (Actually, he was just looking for an excuse to Search the car.) This has happened before, I have been stopped and Searched in Ohio, and Louisiana. Being a Male, traveling alone, and in either a Rental Car, or in the Ohio case a car with Texas Plates, immediately draws suspicion. Under those circumstances, You just have to be smuggling, either Guns...Drugs....Little Vietnamese girls...or Something. Anyway, as soon as I said I had the 3 beers, he wanted to know if I had been drinking, I said "No". He told me to pull over to the curb, and immediately 4 guys looking like the Canadian Swat came out, and told me to exit the car and stand off to the side. They began going through the car. Thay took all my luggage out and emptied it, went through the car, under the seats, hood, trunk, and took off the Hub Caps. While this was happening I was being questioned by what must have been the leader. He wanted to know what was I doing driving with beer in the car. I asked what was the problem, I wasn't drinking it, It wasn't open, It wasn't even cold. He said it was illegal. I asked in what way? the mere possession of it (if so, then how did Canadians get their Labatt's Blue from the store to their house, or do they just drink it all at the brewery), or because I went across the border with it. He never answered that question. Even after they were finished with their search, and I was allowed to repack my stuff and put the car back together, the Ordeal still wasn't over. I had to surrender my pass port and cell phone, and go sit in their office while they must have done some half @ssed background check. Finally I was released. To show what BS this actually was...when I left, they didn't even confiscate the allegedly illegal beer. They left it in the car, and I drove off with it, and drank later that night at the hotel where I stayed. Profiling, Pure and Simple.
I drove to Toronto, only to find it to be dirty, mostly under construction, and extremely expensive. The only attractions were the Royal Botanical Gardens, (it rained the whole time I was there) and the Hockey Hall of Fame. (Is Hockey really a sport?..Really???) I stayed in my Hotel for most of the 2 days I was there. I ventured out only to attempt to find a decent reaustrant (Yeah Right..I was in the Muslim part of town, and all they had was Middle Eastern food, which I am not fond of). On Thursday, I was thrilled to get back to USA. We have our problems, but I am pretty sure I will journey to Iraq, or Somalia to visit the Pirates, before I go back to Toronto.
State 14 New York
The Hampton's race was another Good one. They gave out an outstanding collection of Swag, a very cool Tech shirt, a Lined stocking cap for Cold weather running, and a Great duffel bag, easily the best Swag I have ever gotten from a running event. They weren't able to beat out Rivercities Triathlon for best Overall, but they do get the Nod for Marathons. This races was well supported by spectators along the way. Mainly, because it must have been a target race for "Team in Training". TNT was out in force, with probably 50-60% of the field wearing Purple. All along the course there were TNT cheerleaders there to support their fellow team mates, and everyone else who was participating. I have a lot of respect for TNT, they have a very worthy cause, and they do a Great job at supporting it and the individuals who get involved with them. The course was a little Bland. We ran along the mostly heavily wooded roads. There was one out and back portion along the water, but other than that, not much scenery.
I was doing 2 races in 2 days, this one and Ocean's Run in Rhode Island the next day. I had 4 hours to do this one, but only 3 for the run in RI. I planned to go a little easy and save something for the race the following day. I went into this race thinking it was going to be a memorable race. It was, but not for the reasons I imagined. There were a number of factors that lined up to create the "Perfect Storm" for having a Bad race.
When I crossed the border from Canada to Buffalo on Thursday, I hoped my problems were over. As it turned out, however, Not Quite. I was supposed to fly from Buffalo, to Manchester New Hampshire, arrive at 1:30 in the afternoon and drive to New York for the Hampton's run on Saturday. It was about a 5 hour drive and I should have arrived around 7 Thursday evening. Well...my US airways flight leaving Buffalo, had mechanical problems and left late, causing me to miss my connecting flight in Philadelphia. Then bad weather must have set in in New Hampshire, because 3 flights I manged to get a seat on were all cancelled and/or delayed. I finally had to give up on US Airways, and got a flight on Southwest, which landed in NH at 7 pm, and it took me till 2 am Friday morning to reach my hotel in New York. Once there, I found out Travelosity had screwed up yet another hotel reservation, (4 out of the last 4.... all booked at the same time). It took about an hour to straighten that out, and finally get into my room. (Travelosity..NEVER again) The hotel I was staying in was 60 miles from the race, because that's the closest one I could afford. Race morning, I had to wake up at 3 to get ready, make the drive, and be there early enough to get one of the few parking spots near the start. Also, the weather was unseasonably warm. It was in the 80's and the humidity was 100%. The stressful travel day Thursday, Lack of sleep, Unusual weather conditions, and maybe a few more I am not fully aware of, all led to me not being ready for a good performance.
I remember while standing at the Starting Line, ready to go, that I was sweating profusely, and thinking "This is not Going to Go go Well"....and It Didn't.
I started out fine, but it didn't take long for me to grasp the concept that a New England "Flat Course" is not the same as a Houston "Flat Course". All 4 races billed themselves as Flat. (Pennsylvania is the only one that really was). Long Island was the hilliest of the 4. Around mile 6, my legs started cramping. I cut back on my run/walk ratio to try and get over the cramps, but they continued to get worse. By mile 11 I was down to steady walking. I reached the mile 13 sign and made the final turn to the finish line. I wanted to run across the finish line, but it was more of a Wobble. (A Webbles Wobble but they don't fall down, kind of thing). Any way, I had kind of a Shaky finish and was approached by two of the EMTs. They asked me how I felt, and I told them I was fine, just having some cramps. They wanted to help me over to the Medical tent, again I said I was ok, but they insisted. I sat down outside the tent, got some water, and had several of the volunteers talking to me. All this time, my leg muscles were visibly fluttering. Some one gave me a bottle and said "Drink This", I don't know what was in it, but it was the Nastiest stuff I think I ever tasted. I handed it back. I asked for more water, and received some that they had put salt in. I took a big shallow, not knowing it had been salted, and that made me sick. NOW....It was ON. They wanted to get me over to the Dr, because I was throwing up. I still maintained that I was fine, I just want expecting the salt water. The Dr wanted me to come in the tent and sit down and he asked me a bunch of questions. What day was it? Where was I at? Who was the President of the US? (I asked him if that was a trick question, Is Obama, really the President? one could argue) I kept telling him I was fine, except for still having the cramps, so he sent me to the massage tent to get massaged. The Best idea I had heard yet !! The lady worked on my legs for while but they keep fluttering. Finally, my whole right leg from the ankle to the hip seized up in a giant cramp, and she decided that something wrong was going on. She said "I have hit all your trigger points, and you are not responding" She called the Dr over and told him. He then told me that he wanted me to get an IV. This was beginning to be a little too much. I was felt like I was improving all the time, and I just wanted to get up and walk around. I was sure I would be ok. Well the Dr talked me into getting the IV, saying I was exhibiting signs of fatigue, my blood pressure was low, and my heart beat high. He said the IV would replace lost fluids and then if I felt ok , I could leave. I agreed, reluctantly.... then I found out there were no IVs on site and they wanted to take me to the hospital ER to get one. NO, I was not going to the Hospital, I just wanted to leave. The Dr then explained to me that when I entered the Medical tent, I was then under his jurisdiction. He felt that my health was at risk, and that if he released me, and if something happened, he would be liable. He wanted me to go to the ER, because he thought I migth be having a "cardiac event". I really felt stupid, because I knew I was not having a Heart Attack, as he seemed to think. I continued to say I wanted to leave, that I need to be in Rhode Island by 6pm. He wanted to know what was in RI, and I told him I need to pick up my packet for the race the next day. He laughed and said, "You"re NOT running tomorrow" I replied "Yes I am" He then guaranteed me, that I would not be running. I told him, "I may not Finish, but I guarantee you I'm going to Start". He sent me to the ER any way. When we got there, the nurse came out and asked me how I felt. "Fine, I want to leave" was my answer. She immediately started in on the Driver. I was the 5th one they had brought in, that didn't need to be there. She told him the DR needed to quit over reacting. She took my BP, said it was fine and told me to get up and walk around. I did, and she said I could go. Problem was, Now I was 3o miles away from my car. She said it was going to be about a 75.00 cab fare back. I asked about the other people who were brought in needlessly, and if they had left yet. If any were still around, we could split the fare. She checked, and found a couple from Pittsburgh. The woman had been admitted, and the Husband had their car. She told me he agreed to give me a ride back to the race. Unfortunately, the wife had passed out about a quater mile for m the finsih line, and actually needed treatment. We had to wait about 3 hours for them to get her blood work back before we could leave.
In summation, I liked the race. It had the best Swag, there was a lot of support from the crowd, and it was well managed (other than the over zealous DR. I'm not sure I can blame that on the race director). I can't comment on the post race party, since I didn't get to participate. I do recommend the race, and would like go back to see if I could better my performance. However, that is unlikely, as I still have 36 more states before I begin repeating.
State 15 Rhode Island (From the ER to the Finish Line in less then 24 hours)
Of the 4 races I did on this trip, this was my favorite, even though it was the toughest one for me. At the finish line, I may not have looked like I enjoyed the run, but I did, at least in retrospect.
Ocean's Run, in Rhode Island is how a race should be organized. It was a small race, the course was very pretty, the Race Director was approachable concerned and helpful, and there was a Free Beer at the end. Result: 5 Stars with a snap. I had emailed before the race and asked if I could have bib #15 as this would be my 15th state, and was given that number. So far, this is the only race to do that. (Very Cool)
Not only did they have the usual aid stations, but there were also mobile ones as well. There were about 6 people on bicycles that had the front mounted wire baskets. The baskets were filled with water, goo, bananas and other assorted needs. They were continuously riding the course offering whatever you needed. An outstanding Idea(And again...Very Cool)
As I said...this was a tough run to do. Because of the ER fiasco of the previous day, I had to take the 6pm ferry from Long Island to Groton Connecticut. I got to Rhode Island to late to drive thecourse, and I missed the Saturday packet pickup. I had to get it the next morning before the race. Sunday morning was a little cooler, and the humidity was down some, but my legs were still pretty trashed from Saturday. I really wasn't feeling the urge to get out and run another 13.1. I was determined to, just wasnt looking forward to it. This race had a 3 hour time limit, and I was concerned that I would not make that. I talked to the lady about it and she said there was a little wiggle room there. By mile 4, my legs were almost completely Dead, and by mile 6, I had hit the wall and was reduced to walking. By the end of the race, I felt like I was trudging through wet cement, and truly believe that was the happiest I have ever been to see a Finish Line. Despite finishing at 3:19, I still got an official finish, and wasn't the last one in. Woo Hoo !!! At the finish, along with the Finisher's Medal, they gave us a HUGE coffee cup, and a bag of ground coffee, that smelled wonderful. I am not a coffee drinker, so I gave the coffee to a friend of mine, who said it is really good (just as I suspected), and I use the Huge cup for a cereal bowl. In the race packet, there was a coupon which could be redeemed for a Beer at one of the local Beach bars. That was one of the Best Beers I have ever had.
I am certain that there will be days in the Future when I encounter problems. Finishing this race despite the numerous reasons I had to quit, will give me the confidence to over come whatever hurdle I face at the time. I only wish that I had the New York Dr's address, so I could send him a picture of me at the finish line.
This was a Great experience, and a Great race. If I had to pick one to repeat, it would be between this one, and the Breast Cancer run in Florida. (26.2 with Donna) Actually, Florida would probably be first, but Rhode Island is a close 2nd.
After Ocean's Run, I spent 2 days in Boston, taking a tour of the Sam Adams Brewery on Monday, and a bicycle tour around the city on Tuesday. Both went really well. The weather for the bike tour was perfect, and I just missed the rain that set in the next day.
The remainder of the week leading up to the run in New Hampshire, I spent in Maine, right outside Bar Harbor. Maine is a beautiful state, at least in the Summer and Fall. I'm not sure how impressed I would be with it while It's buried under 3 feet of snow for weeks at a time.
State 16 New Hampshire
The Smuttynose Rockfest in Hampton, New Hampshire was another Great race. Smuttynose is a local brewery in New Hampshire and it was the first weekend in October, so it was Octoberfest. There was supposed to be a big party in conjunction with the marathon. However, the weather turned from that of the previous weekend's warm and humid, to that of cool wet and windy. It rained the entire length of the race (constantly cycling from a Heavy downpour to a light drizzle), and up and down the length of the seawall, the wind was gusting. The course was a good one. We ran through the several neighborhoods and on the highway along the beach. Absolutely no complaints. The crowds were sporadic, but I am sure there would have been many more had it not been raining the whole day.
I started the run a bit nervous, wondering how my legs would do. I wanted to take it a little easy, but soon got my stride and ran my pace with no problem. I didn't get to stay around long after the run, as I had to get to back to the airport in Manchester to catch a flight back to Houston. As it turned out, I didn't miss much of an after race party, because the rain kind of washed that out. They did give us 2 tickets for free beer, but I only used one of them, as I needed to get going to catch the flight back home.
2011/08/08
Rivercities Tri
This past weekend I went to Shreveport Louisiana with a group of friends who are in BAM (Bay Area Multisport, which is the Triathlon group I train with). We did the Rivercities Triathlon which has been running continuously since 1981. This was their 31st year, and it was a Great race experience. Definitely a race you should put on your list if you are a triathlete. It is a sprint (half mile swim, 18.2 mile bike and 3,1 mile run). it is put on in a park outside Shreveport and it is a great course. the park is mostly shaded which helped mange the brutal heat that we suffered through. It was over 100 degrees. After 31 years of practice, they know how to put on a quality race. Plus the goodie bag was the best of any I have ever seen for any race. We got a tech shirt, a cotton shirt, a pair of performance socks, a cap, a windbreaker, and a really nice transition bag. Everything seems to be really good quality as well. This was my first Rivercities experience, but I do not plan on it being my last. Not only were there a lot of members from my training group, but my sister and brother-in-law also met me there. Brian and Melanie raced and Brian's sister came up from Longview to cheer us on and be the media woman. It was a great race weekend, and also a social one as well. The only complaint I had, was the heat. If some one could have turned down the thermostat a little, it would have been perfect
My race list continues to grow. I have a busy rest of this year and first few months of next year. I am doing the 4 half marathons in 3 weekends next month starting on the 17th in Pennsylvania, and ending in New Hampshire on Oct. 2nd. Three weeks after that trip I am doing Olympic distance Triathlon in Galveston, and for some reason, I signed up for a half Iron distance two weeks later, on November 6th. Actually the reason was that I wanted to a half Ironman when it would not be as hot as the two I have done in Galveston. I had been thinking that the 4 half marathons and the Olympic tri would be good training events leading up to the "Oilman" half iron distance in November. But alas, I just keep adding races. I have since signed up for half marathon in Tulsa Oklahoma in November, and Baton Rouge in January. I also have registered for the New Orleans half Iron man next April. Like I said, It is going to be a busy race schedule for while.
The one in Tulsa is going to be a hectic pace. It is on my birthday (my 52nd) which is November 20th. Being the weekend before Thanksgiving, I am probably not going to be able to get any time off from work other than the weekend. It is 500 miles to Tulsa, and from the looks of it, I am going to be driving up Saturday, running Sunday Morning and driving back the same afternoon. If it were not my Birthday, I most likely would not be dong it. However, I feel very strongly about this. I want to do a race on that day. It will be several years before I get the opportunity to run a race on my birthday again, and I do not want to miss this chance to do so. There are some races closer than Tulsa, but they are in Texas and I would like to do a state run. This will be the 2 year anniversary of the conception of this whole 50 state mission. I am not exactly sure when I actually made the decision to run all 50 states, but the catalyst was the trip I made to run in Nevada for my 50th birthday. From that trip "13.1 in 50" was conceived, therefore it only seems fitting that I should make the effort to do this trip in November. This will be a milestone, both, in my life, and in the "13.1 in 50" adventure. I have been saying that if I do indeed finish all 50, then each will have it's own story. Oklahoma will be no different. An 8 hour drive, a run, and another 8 hours on the road, all in one week end, surely will be an interesting chapter in the story that is waiting to be told.
The race in Baton Rouge should also be an interesting one. It will be the inaugural Louisiana Marathon. Being the first one, it could suffer from growing pains, or the race directors could go all out to make a Good impression. Regardless, I am in. I am signed up and am looking forward to participating. It will be the same day as the Houston marathon, which is Jan 15th. The running group I belong to trains for the Houston marathon. However, starting last year, you must go through a lottery system to gain entry into Houston. Rather than do that, I was looking for an alternative and found Baton Rouge. I have ran Houston 3 times, so it was not that important to me to continue running Houston. The entry fee for Houston Half is 105.00, and the entry into Baton Rouge was 55.00. The price of Houston, I can get into Baton Rouge and have enough for a room as well. Besides, when I finish running the race in Baton Rouge, I will be in Louisiana. I believe there is a good chance that there will be a party going on. That is what I am thinking. The good thing is that is MLK weekend, so I will have a 3 day weekend. I can stay the night after the race, instead of having to rush back home. If things go as planned, Louisiana will be state #18, not bad for just a little over 2 years of pursuing this long term goal
My race list continues to grow. I have a busy rest of this year and first few months of next year. I am doing the 4 half marathons in 3 weekends next month starting on the 17th in Pennsylvania, and ending in New Hampshire on Oct. 2nd. Three weeks after that trip I am doing Olympic distance Triathlon in Galveston, and for some reason, I signed up for a half Iron distance two weeks later, on November 6th. Actually the reason was that I wanted to a half Ironman when it would not be as hot as the two I have done in Galveston. I had been thinking that the 4 half marathons and the Olympic tri would be good training events leading up to the "Oilman" half iron distance in November. But alas, I just keep adding races. I have since signed up for half marathon in Tulsa Oklahoma in November, and Baton Rouge in January. I also have registered for the New Orleans half Iron man next April. Like I said, It is going to be a busy race schedule for while.
The one in Tulsa is going to be a hectic pace. It is on my birthday (my 52nd) which is November 20th. Being the weekend before Thanksgiving, I am probably not going to be able to get any time off from work other than the weekend. It is 500 miles to Tulsa, and from the looks of it, I am going to be driving up Saturday, running Sunday Morning and driving back the same afternoon. If it were not my Birthday, I most likely would not be dong it. However, I feel very strongly about this. I want to do a race on that day. It will be several years before I get the opportunity to run a race on my birthday again, and I do not want to miss this chance to do so. There are some races closer than Tulsa, but they are in Texas and I would like to do a state run. This will be the 2 year anniversary of the conception of this whole 50 state mission. I am not exactly sure when I actually made the decision to run all 50 states, but the catalyst was the trip I made to run in Nevada for my 50th birthday. From that trip "13.1 in 50" was conceived, therefore it only seems fitting that I should make the effort to do this trip in November. This will be a milestone, both, in my life, and in the "13.1 in 50" adventure. I have been saying that if I do indeed finish all 50, then each will have it's own story. Oklahoma will be no different. An 8 hour drive, a run, and another 8 hours on the road, all in one week end, surely will be an interesting chapter in the story that is waiting to be told.
The race in Baton Rouge should also be an interesting one. It will be the inaugural Louisiana Marathon. Being the first one, it could suffer from growing pains, or the race directors could go all out to make a Good impression. Regardless, I am in. I am signed up and am looking forward to participating. It will be the same day as the Houston marathon, which is Jan 15th. The running group I belong to trains for the Houston marathon. However, starting last year, you must go through a lottery system to gain entry into Houston. Rather than do that, I was looking for an alternative and found Baton Rouge. I have ran Houston 3 times, so it was not that important to me to continue running Houston. The entry fee for Houston Half is 105.00, and the entry into Baton Rouge was 55.00. The price of Houston, I can get into Baton Rouge and have enough for a room as well. Besides, when I finish running the race in Baton Rouge, I will be in Louisiana. I believe there is a good chance that there will be a party going on. That is what I am thinking. The good thing is that is MLK weekend, so I will have a 3 day weekend. I can stay the night after the race, instead of having to rush back home. If things go as planned, Louisiana will be state #18, not bad for just a little over 2 years of pursuing this long term goal
2011/07/26
Washington, state 11....... and Utah state 12
This was a unique trip in that I was way less than 100% for both races. The weekend before the trip I took a spill while riding my bicycle. I lost my balance while trying to dodge some huge cracks in the rode, and went over the handle bars. I landed on my shoulder and vividly remember my head bouncing off the asphalt, which cracked my helmet. I banged up my shoulder, bruised my ribs and hip and scrapped my knees and elbows. Thankfully, I have the Greatest Sports Medicine person to ever own an ice pack. Thank you Denise Vargo. She patched me up, and with the help of Bio-Freeze and Ibuprofen, I was able to finish both runs. If you live in the Pearland area, which is south of Houston and have an injury, you owe it to yourself to go see her. Even if you are not hurt, you might want to consider inflicting something on yourself, just for the experience, she is THAT good.
Washington
On July 9th I flew to Seattle to begin my quest to scratch Washington and Utah from my list of 50 states to run. Over all it was a great trip, though I did have some issues with rental cars, hotels and airlines. Where has customer service gone??
One of the really good things about their trip was the weather, it was outstanding in both states.Coming from Houston, where the temperature is close to, or above 100 degrees every day (even higher with the Heat index) it was a treat to run in the cool weather.
When I got to Seattle, it was about two and a half hour drive to Ocean Shores Wa., where the "Big Weekend Tri and Footfest half marathon" was taking place. Back in 1979-80 and 81, I was in the Navy and was stationed on a submarine that was in the Puget Sound Navel Shipyard for overhaul. The ship Yard was located in Bemerton Wa. which is about a 45 minute ferry ride from Seattle. Needless to say, I could not resist taking a stroll down memory lane, and riding the Ferry back to the old stomping grounds. In the nearly 3 years that I spent in the Pacific Northwest, I can not remember a day like the one then. Seattle is typically overcast and gloomy, but that day, there were very few clouds, the sky was an beautiful shade of blue, and it appeared you could see for ever. I got an amazing shot of Mt Rainer from the Ferry, I am thinking about having it blown up and framed.
The actual race in Ocean Shores, was a very small race, the kind I prefer. There were 3 triathlons on Saturday, a sprint, Olympic, and Half Iron distance and 3 running races on Sunday, 5k, 10k and Half marathon. The half marathon probably had less than 100 entrants. This was not a race for someone who need a lot spectators cheering them on. There were almost no onlookers other than the volunteers manning the aid stations, I must say though, the volunteers were very vocal and supportive. It was a very serene and tranquil experience, running through the quite town of Ocean Shores, and for a while down the beach along side the Pacific Ocean. There was a baby Harbor Seal on the beach, which was being watched over by one of the town policeman. He said that the mother typically leaves the baby on the beach, to go fish for their dinner. The officer was making sure no one touched the baby, because the mother would then have abandoned it, because of the strange smell. Later, after I left the beach, I saw a young female deer. She was quite tame and came right up to me. She must have been used to being feed by the residents around there, because when I tried to take a picture of her, she thought my camera was something to eat, and wanted to take a bite of it. About 50 yards from the finish line another doe and two yearlings (they were just beginning to lose their spots) ran across the road in front of me and jumped a big hedge. It was pretty exciting. I wish I could have got a picture of them.
Like I said the race was small, and it did have some growing pains. Being one of the last to check in at packet pickup, they were out of shirts and promised to mail me one. Haven't got it yet. Also as one of the last to finish, they were out of medals, but there was a lady who gave me hers when she heard that I was from out of town. She would get one later she said. Very kind of her, I wish I knew her name to thank her properly. Overall It was a good race and I would recommend it. If I were to return to participate again, I would want to do one of the triathlons instead of the half marathon.
Utah
The run in Utah was another race I highly recommend. Bryce Canyon is located a little Northeast of St. George Utah. It is in amongst several State and National Parks and the scenery is spectacular. Even if you don't run, it is worth the trip just to take the drive down Scenic Byway 12, which is the highway running through a string of small towns in that area. The race was a point to point which started at 7 thousand ft near the entrance of Bryce Canyon Park, and ended 2 thousand ft lower in Cannonville UT. We parked in Cannonville and were bused up to the start line, where it was so cold, they built bonfires for everyone to keep warm while waiting for the race to start. The race started at 6 am which was just as the sun was starting to rise. We ran the entire race on the Scenic Byway 12. This was a race that was just a Great experience to run. It was not a big deal, but it was FUN. It was almost all downhill, weather was perfect (no wind and Cloudless skies),and the views were breathtaking. We ran through the town of Tropic, in which there was a large number of spectators to get you pumped up for the remainder of the race. All in all, It was an ideal day to celebrate being a runner.
The race was Saturday morning and while driving in on Thursday evening we stopped in Cedar City for dinner. Cedar City was about 100 miles from Bryce Canyon, and I had unknowingly got a room there. After carbing up at the local pasta Hut, I was talking to a young woman who was the cashier. she asked where I was from and I told her. She wanted to know what brought me to her part of the country and I told her about the race. She told me she was running in it as well, and we parted with both of us agreeing to look for each other. Saturday morning, when I got on the bus in Cannonville to go to the start line, I was looking for a place to sit. All the pairs of seats were either full or had a person in them, so I was going to have to sit beside someone. I asked a lady if the seat beside was taken and she said "No". Imagine both of our surprise, when she was the cashier from the restaurant in Cedar City.
If you do get to the area, I have to recommend a restaurant. The night before the race, I had a remarkable meal at the "Cowboy Blues" in Escalante Ut. The smoked chicken was superb.
Washington
On July 9th I flew to Seattle to begin my quest to scratch Washington and Utah from my list of 50 states to run. Over all it was a great trip, though I did have some issues with rental cars, hotels and airlines. Where has customer service gone??
One of the really good things about their trip was the weather, it was outstanding in both states.Coming from Houston, where the temperature is close to, or above 100 degrees every day (even higher with the Heat index) it was a treat to run in the cool weather.
When I got to Seattle, it was about two and a half hour drive to Ocean Shores Wa., where the "Big Weekend Tri and Footfest half marathon" was taking place. Back in 1979-80 and 81, I was in the Navy and was stationed on a submarine that was in the Puget Sound Navel Shipyard for overhaul. The ship Yard was located in Bemerton Wa. which is about a 45 minute ferry ride from Seattle. Needless to say, I could not resist taking a stroll down memory lane, and riding the Ferry back to the old stomping grounds. In the nearly 3 years that I spent in the Pacific Northwest, I can not remember a day like the one then. Seattle is typically overcast and gloomy, but that day, there were very few clouds, the sky was an beautiful shade of blue, and it appeared you could see for ever. I got an amazing shot of Mt Rainer from the Ferry, I am thinking about having it blown up and framed.
The actual race in Ocean Shores, was a very small race, the kind I prefer. There were 3 triathlons on Saturday, a sprint, Olympic, and Half Iron distance and 3 running races on Sunday, 5k, 10k and Half marathon. The half marathon probably had less than 100 entrants. This was not a race for someone who need a lot spectators cheering them on. There were almost no onlookers other than the volunteers manning the aid stations, I must say though, the volunteers were very vocal and supportive. It was a very serene and tranquil experience, running through the quite town of Ocean Shores, and for a while down the beach along side the Pacific Ocean. There was a baby Harbor Seal on the beach, which was being watched over by one of the town policeman. He said that the mother typically leaves the baby on the beach, to go fish for their dinner. The officer was making sure no one touched the baby, because the mother would then have abandoned it, because of the strange smell. Later, after I left the beach, I saw a young female deer. She was quite tame and came right up to me. She must have been used to being feed by the residents around there, because when I tried to take a picture of her, she thought my camera was something to eat, and wanted to take a bite of it. About 50 yards from the finish line another doe and two yearlings (they were just beginning to lose their spots) ran across the road in front of me and jumped a big hedge. It was pretty exciting. I wish I could have got a picture of them.
Like I said the race was small, and it did have some growing pains. Being one of the last to check in at packet pickup, they were out of shirts and promised to mail me one. Haven't got it yet. Also as one of the last to finish, they were out of medals, but there was a lady who gave me hers when she heard that I was from out of town. She would get one later she said. Very kind of her, I wish I knew her name to thank her properly. Overall It was a good race and I would recommend it. If I were to return to participate again, I would want to do one of the triathlons instead of the half marathon.
Utah
The run in Utah was another race I highly recommend. Bryce Canyon is located a little Northeast of St. George Utah. It is in amongst several State and National Parks and the scenery is spectacular. Even if you don't run, it is worth the trip just to take the drive down Scenic Byway 12, which is the highway running through a string of small towns in that area. The race was a point to point which started at 7 thousand ft near the entrance of Bryce Canyon Park, and ended 2 thousand ft lower in Cannonville UT. We parked in Cannonville and were bused up to the start line, where it was so cold, they built bonfires for everyone to keep warm while waiting for the race to start. The race started at 6 am which was just as the sun was starting to rise. We ran the entire race on the Scenic Byway 12. This was a race that was just a Great experience to run. It was not a big deal, but it was FUN. It was almost all downhill, weather was perfect (no wind and Cloudless skies),and the views were breathtaking. We ran through the town of Tropic, in which there was a large number of spectators to get you pumped up for the remainder of the race. All in all, It was an ideal day to celebrate being a runner.
The race was Saturday morning and while driving in on Thursday evening we stopped in Cedar City for dinner. Cedar City was about 100 miles from Bryce Canyon, and I had unknowingly got a room there. After carbing up at the local pasta Hut, I was talking to a young woman who was the cashier. she asked where I was from and I told her. She wanted to know what brought me to her part of the country and I told her about the race. She told me she was running in it as well, and we parted with both of us agreeing to look for each other. Saturday morning, when I got on the bus in Cannonville to go to the start line, I was looking for a place to sit. All the pairs of seats were either full or had a person in them, so I was going to have to sit beside someone. I asked a lady if the seat beside was taken and she said "No". Imagine both of our surprise, when she was the cashier from the restaurant in Cedar City.
If you do get to the area, I have to recommend a restaurant. The night before the race, I had a remarkable meal at the "Cowboy Blues" in Escalante Ut. The smoked chicken was superb.
2011/04/23
That is my 13.1 in 50 story to date.
Now that I have done a few running trips, I am finding myself becoming more selective. I don't want to just go run to say that I did. I want a quality experience. A race that is well organized, is small enough so the participants are not treated like a bunch of cattle and herded around aimlessly, and I want a good and scenic race course. Later this year, I have 6 more states scheduled, that I feel sure will met my criteria. I have spent countless hours researching and feel I have some excellent trips ahead of me.
I am doing Washington and Utah in July.
Ocean Shores Big Weekend Tri & Foot Fest Half Marathon, in Ocean Shores Wa on Sunday July 10th,
Bryce Canyon Half Marathon Bryce Canyon, UT, Saturday July 16th
In September I am doing another 4 race Odyssey. 4 races in 3 weekends. Pennsylvania, New York, Rhode Island, New Hampshire
Erie Half Marathon at Presque Isle................... Sunday, September 18, Erie, PA
Hamptons Half Marathon.................Saturday, September 24 East Hampton, NY
Ocean's Run Half Marathon....................... Sunday, September 25 Matunuck, RI
Smuttynose Hampton Half Marathon... Sunday, October 2 Hampton Beach, NH
I also have a few triathlons scheduled for this year.
I am doing Siverlake Sprint May 15th. That is were the whole triathlon thing started for me. I look froward to having a chance to return to my beginnings.
Memorial day in Austin Texas is CapTexTri, billed as the premier Triathlon of Texas, it is nothing less, and is my absolute favorite race ever. It's charity is the Wounded Warrior Project, and to see the various members of the Armed Forces competing without one or more significant limbs can only bring a lump to my throat.
August 7th I am going to do Rivercities Sprint Trithalon in Shreveport Louisiana. My sister and brother-in-law are coming up to do it with me. it will be a real family Affair. Should be a great time.
Finally I am doing Galveston 5150 on October 23rd. Ironman has began hosting Olympic distance races. Oly's are my favorite distance. This is just 2 weeks after my 4 half marathon odyssey in New England, I should be ready for the run by then
Now that I have done a few running trips, I am finding myself becoming more selective. I don't want to just go run to say that I did. I want a quality experience. A race that is well organized, is small enough so the participants are not treated like a bunch of cattle and herded around aimlessly, and I want a good and scenic race course. Later this year, I have 6 more states scheduled, that I feel sure will met my criteria. I have spent countless hours researching and feel I have some excellent trips ahead of me.
I am doing Washington and Utah in July.
Ocean Shores Big Weekend Tri & Foot Fest Half Marathon, in Ocean Shores Wa on Sunday July 10th,
Bryce Canyon Half Marathon Bryce Canyon, UT, Saturday July 16th
In September I am doing another 4 race Odyssey. 4 races in 3 weekends. Pennsylvania, New York, Rhode Island, New Hampshire
Erie Half Marathon at Presque Isle................... Sunday, September 18, Erie, PA
Hamptons Half Marathon.................Saturday, September 24 East Hampton, NY
Ocean's Run Half Marathon....................... Sunday, September 25 Matunuck, RI
Smuttynose Hampton Half Marathon... Sunday, October 2 Hampton Beach, NH
I also have a few triathlons scheduled for this year.
I am doing Siverlake Sprint May 15th. That is were the whole triathlon thing started for me. I look froward to having a chance to return to my beginnings.
Memorial day in Austin Texas is CapTexTri, billed as the premier Triathlon of Texas, it is nothing less, and is my absolute favorite race ever. It's charity is the Wounded Warrior Project, and to see the various members of the Armed Forces competing without one or more significant limbs can only bring a lump to my throat.
August 7th I am going to do Rivercities Sprint Trithalon in Shreveport Louisiana. My sister and brother-in-law are coming up to do it with me. it will be a real family Affair. Should be a great time.
Finally I am doing Galveston 5150 on October 23rd. Ironman has began hosting Olympic distance races. Oly's are my favorite distance. This is just 2 weeks after my 4 half marathon odyssey in New England, I should be ready for the run by then
States 9 & 10 Arkansas and Tennessee
As I mentioned, I also do triathlons. I did Ironman Texas 70.3 on April 10th 2011 in Galveston. In order to get ready for that race, I was running a lot every weekend. In amongst my other training, I wound up signing up for 4 half marathons in 4 weekends. I did Mardi Gras in Galveston Sunday Feb 20th 2011, Cowtown in Ft Worth Sunday Feb 27th, Little Rock Sunday March 6th, and Tom King Classic Half Marathon Saturday March 12th in Nashville, TN
Little Rock prides themselves on their finisher medals, and with due cause. It was definitely the nicest half marathon medal I have received. Mississippi runs a very close second. Little Rock put on a Great Race and is another I would highly recommend you add to you race list. Mississippi Blues, and 26.2 with Donna, being the other two.
I barely got to run this race. At work, We pick vacation around the first of February. After I had picked, my plans got scrapped and the week I had selected was now null and void. As an alternate, I decided to try and go run Little Rock and Nashville. I had to wait till 21 days before the day I wanted off, to ask for it, which was Feb 14th. On the 14th, I put in my request and got the OK to be off. I went home and signed up that night. The very next morning, I got an email from the race saying that Registration was closed, they were SOLD OUT. I had to have grabbed one of the last few spots available.
There was an after race party that was billed as one of the best, and again it lived up to it's billing. It was held that afternoon, several hours after the race. They had the party at the Clinton Library. It was free to get in, but you have to RSVP when you signed up, and they give you a bracelet in your packet. Without a bracelet it cost 20.00 to enter. If you do Little Rock you have to do the party.
In Nashville, we started and finished at Titian's stadium. It was a very warm day, and there was a 3 hour time limit. I normally run around 2:45 -2:50 so I wasn't real concerned. There was however, an option to start 30 minutes early if you felt you would go over 3 hours. Just to be on the safe side, I had decided to take the head start. When we lined up, we were told that the early start was only for those over 3 hours. If you started early and finished under 3, you would be disqualified and not receive a finish time at all. Decisions, decisions. I decided to go ahead and wait for the later start. Once I began running, I had all kinds of problems, cramps, weird pains, and just struggled in general. I had let myself obsess over the heat, and if I should start early or not. I finally had to stop and give myself a combination butt chewing/pep talk, and basically just get a grip. I knew that I could run, and make it in within the allowed time, and that is what I needed to do. After that I settled down, I started feeling better, and finished 2:47. Once again, there is so much of endurance sports that is purely mental.
At the end of the race we finished inside of the stadium, and I received my medal from one of the Titian's cheerleaders. All is well that ends well.
Also, as a side bar, I have to mention that in between Little Rock and Nashville, I happened to stop and visit a friend from High School who lives in Memphis. We went out to eat, and had the absolute best Fried Chicken I have ever ate. I realize fried Chicken is not on the Menu of the elite athlete. But I am not one of them, and I was on vacation, and it was Fat Tuesday. So There !!! Thanks Tim and Anita
I did finish my Ironman Texas 70.3 race. I was lucky in getting an early start. I was in wave 6 of 22, and started at 7:25 vs 8:45 which was the start time of the last wave of women. It was a tough day, it was hot and humid and the wind was roaring off the seawall. My primary goal in any race is to finish, to cross the line without needing to be carried, revived, or hearing the words "CLEAR" right before I feel the electric shocks trying to restart my heart. A secondary goal, is to not be the last one in my age group to finish. In Galveston, after I got off the bike, I struggled on the run, and walked more than I would have liked. The run is a 3.257 mile loop, that you have to complete 4 times. The 8 1/2 hour allowed finish time is from the start off the last wave, so with my 1:20 advantage, I actually had almost 10 hours to finish. However, I was determined to finish in 8 1/2 which was required of those who went last. On the last lap I had to push it, and did so despite blisters, cramps, and sunburn. But I got in at 8:25:19. Of 99 men in my age group, I was 91 with one man finishing behind me at 92 and 7 DNF. Yippee...I wasn't last !!!
Little Rock prides themselves on their finisher medals, and with due cause. It was definitely the nicest half marathon medal I have received. Mississippi runs a very close second. Little Rock put on a Great Race and is another I would highly recommend you add to you race list. Mississippi Blues, and 26.2 with Donna, being the other two.
I barely got to run this race. At work, We pick vacation around the first of February. After I had picked, my plans got scrapped and the week I had selected was now null and void. As an alternate, I decided to try and go run Little Rock and Nashville. I had to wait till 21 days before the day I wanted off, to ask for it, which was Feb 14th. On the 14th, I put in my request and got the OK to be off. I went home and signed up that night. The very next morning, I got an email from the race saying that Registration was closed, they were SOLD OUT. I had to have grabbed one of the last few spots available.
There was an after race party that was billed as one of the best, and again it lived up to it's billing. It was held that afternoon, several hours after the race. They had the party at the Clinton Library. It was free to get in, but you have to RSVP when you signed up, and they give you a bracelet in your packet. Without a bracelet it cost 20.00 to enter. If you do Little Rock you have to do the party.
In Nashville, we started and finished at Titian's stadium. It was a very warm day, and there was a 3 hour time limit. I normally run around 2:45 -2:50 so I wasn't real concerned. There was however, an option to start 30 minutes early if you felt you would go over 3 hours. Just to be on the safe side, I had decided to take the head start. When we lined up, we were told that the early start was only for those over 3 hours. If you started early and finished under 3, you would be disqualified and not receive a finish time at all. Decisions, decisions. I decided to go ahead and wait for the later start. Once I began running, I had all kinds of problems, cramps, weird pains, and just struggled in general. I had let myself obsess over the heat, and if I should start early or not. I finally had to stop and give myself a combination butt chewing/pep talk, and basically just get a grip. I knew that I could run, and make it in within the allowed time, and that is what I needed to do. After that I settled down, I started feeling better, and finished 2:47. Once again, there is so much of endurance sports that is purely mental.
At the end of the race we finished inside of the stadium, and I received my medal from one of the Titian's cheerleaders. All is well that ends well.
Also, as a side bar, I have to mention that in between Little Rock and Nashville, I happened to stop and visit a friend from High School who lives in Memphis. We went out to eat, and had the absolute best Fried Chicken I have ever ate. I realize fried Chicken is not on the Menu of the elite athlete. But I am not one of them, and I was on vacation, and it was Fat Tuesday. So There !!! Thanks Tim and Anita
I did finish my Ironman Texas 70.3 race. I was lucky in getting an early start. I was in wave 6 of 22, and started at 7:25 vs 8:45 which was the start time of the last wave of women. It was a tough day, it was hot and humid and the wind was roaring off the seawall. My primary goal in any race is to finish, to cross the line without needing to be carried, revived, or hearing the words "CLEAR" right before I feel the electric shocks trying to restart my heart. A secondary goal, is to not be the last one in my age group to finish. In Galveston, after I got off the bike, I struggled on the run, and walked more than I would have liked. The run is a 3.257 mile loop, that you have to complete 4 times. The 8 1/2 hour allowed finish time is from the start off the last wave, so with my 1:20 advantage, I actually had almost 10 hours to finish. However, I was determined to finish in 8 1/2 which was required of those who went last. On the last lap I had to push it, and did so despite blisters, cramps, and sunburn. But I got in at 8:25:19. Of 99 men in my age group, I was 91 with one man finishing behind me at 92 and 7 DNF. Yippee...I wasn't last !!!
States 7 & 8 Mississippi and Alabama
This was another Back to Back set of races. The Mississippi Blues marathon in Jackson Ms on Saturday, and Mobile First Light Marathon in Mobile Al on Sunday. These two were actually linked together, and offered discount for doing both races, as well as a commemorative plaque for completing both.
I really enjoyed the Mississippi Blues race in Jackson. It was Elvis's birthday and he was the theme. "Without the Blues, there would be no King of Rock and Roll" They had great swag as well. There was an engraved harmonica, a CD of Mississippi Blues Music, and a pair of plastic Elvis sunglasses with fake sideburns (too Cool). At packet pickup, there was an elderly black man, who was sitting and playing the harmonica. He did have a guy backing him up with a guitar, but that was it, no singing, nothing but mainly the harmonica and a little of the guitar. He was fabulous, I sat and listened to him for about an hour. Definitely a great example of American culture. Also included was a pass for the Blues pub crawl for the night after the race. There were about 10 bars with blues bands playing in them. Each runner was given a wristband for free entrance into the bars, as well as frre rides on a bus that continuously made the loop, dropping people off at the bars, or back at their hotels. I'm sure it would have been a blast, but I was running Mobile the next day and couldn't stay.
The First Light in Mobile was special for me in that my sister ran it with me. It was her first half marathon. I say she ran it with me, actually she ran it ahead of me. She took no mercy on me at all, and finished it about 40 minutes before me. The finisher's medals were unique in that they were made of wood. The race benefited a home for mentally challenged people, and the medals were painted and decorated by the residents of the home. Likewise, the plague I received for doing the two race challenge was made by a woman who resided there. On the back of the plague was a picture and brief story about her. It put a human face on the reason for the run, and was a nice touch.
There really is something to the saying that 90% of being active is mental. I talked to a man in Jackson on Saturday. He was doing both races as well. He told me that while Jackson was indeed a hilly course, the next day had fewer hills but they were much bigger. While running Jackson, I was trying to do well and pushed hard up the hills. After the race, my legs were very sore and stiff. They were still very much that way the next morning. When we got to the race in Mobile, we had to go upstairs in the hotel to packet pickup. I had trouble climbing the stairs. I was thinking about the bigger hills coming up, and wondering if I was going to be able to finish. Once we got in, one of the race volunteers was explaining about the course map to a couple of women. He was saying, the full course was hilly, but the half was flat. I asked him, "What was that you said"? He told me, the half was very flat, and even pointed out a street and said that there was a speed bump there, which was the biggest hill on the half course. Suddenly, I felt so much better. After he told me that, my legs immediately improved, and I went on to have a good run.
I really enjoyed the Mississippi Blues race in Jackson. It was Elvis's birthday and he was the theme. "Without the Blues, there would be no King of Rock and Roll" They had great swag as well. There was an engraved harmonica, a CD of Mississippi Blues Music, and a pair of plastic Elvis sunglasses with fake sideburns (too Cool). At packet pickup, there was an elderly black man, who was sitting and playing the harmonica. He did have a guy backing him up with a guitar, but that was it, no singing, nothing but mainly the harmonica and a little of the guitar. He was fabulous, I sat and listened to him for about an hour. Definitely a great example of American culture. Also included was a pass for the Blues pub crawl for the night after the race. There were about 10 bars with blues bands playing in them. Each runner was given a wristband for free entrance into the bars, as well as frre rides on a bus that continuously made the loop, dropping people off at the bars, or back at their hotels. I'm sure it would have been a blast, but I was running Mobile the next day and couldn't stay.
The First Light in Mobile was special for me in that my sister ran it with me. It was her first half marathon. I say she ran it with me, actually she ran it ahead of me. She took no mercy on me at all, and finished it about 40 minutes before me. The finisher's medals were unique in that they were made of wood. The race benefited a home for mentally challenged people, and the medals were painted and decorated by the residents of the home. Likewise, the plague I received for doing the two race challenge was made by a woman who resided there. On the back of the plague was a picture and brief story about her. It put a human face on the reason for the run, and was a nice touch.
There really is something to the saying that 90% of being active is mental. I talked to a man in Jackson on Saturday. He was doing both races as well. He told me that while Jackson was indeed a hilly course, the next day had fewer hills but they were much bigger. While running Jackson, I was trying to do well and pushed hard up the hills. After the race, my legs were very sore and stiff. They were still very much that way the next morning. When we got to the race in Mobile, we had to go upstairs in the hotel to packet pickup. I had trouble climbing the stairs. I was thinking about the bigger hills coming up, and wondering if I was going to be able to finish. Once we got in, one of the race volunteers was explaining about the course map to a couple of women. He was saying, the full course was hilly, but the half was flat. I asked him, "What was that you said"? He told me, the half was very flat, and even pointed out a street and said that there was a speed bump there, which was the biggest hill on the half course. Suddenly, I felt so much better. After he told me that, my legs immediately improved, and I went on to have a good run.
States 5 & 6 North Dakota and Montana
September 18th and 19th 2010, I did two states in two days. On Saturday the 18th I did Kroll's Diner Bismarck Marathon in Bismark North Dakota and Sunday the 19th I did Montana Governor's Cup Marathon in Billings Montana. I wanted to be able to do more than one race per trip, and began looking for two races in the same time frame, that were within a favorable distance of each other. My requirements were that they be half marathons, they have to fit my vacation schedule, (I am the last to pick vacation at work due to seniority, any week with a holiday is out) and that they give a finishers medal at the end. Normally, I am not that concerned about finishers medal. I have a bunch and am not sure what to do with them. Other than the 5 Cowtown medals that will form the big star. If I get all 5 of them I will get them framed or something, that will be worth commemorating. Most people say hang the medals up some where, but I am not sure just how or where to do that. With the 50 states though, I do want one for each state. I will find something to do with them. Of the 10 I have now, some are really nice, one or two not so much, but they are all part of the big story, and I am proud of them all. After researching for quite a while I finally found Billings and Bismark which were about a 5 hour drive apart.
So, the trip was on. I flew into Montana the Tuesday before the races, and stayed just outside Yellowstone park for 3 nights. While in Yellowstone, I got to see some wildlife (including a Mammoth Elk, and a Bazilllion Buffalo), I visited "Old Faithful," and I had what seemed at the time, to be a brilliant idea. I decided to go mountain biking down one of the ski slopes in Big Sky Montana. Turns out it wasn't such a good idea after all. I missed a turn, and ended up on an advanced course. I took a spill, which resulted in the loss of my glasses, and as I found out later, I cracked a rib. Not a real bad crack, just enough to be uncomfortable until I started running. About halfway through each race it would begin to throb. Luckily, I had some bio-freeze, and was able to finish both races. When I left Houston Sept 14th, it was 95 degrees, and that was in the shade with a ceiling fan blowing. I think the low at night was in the 80's. I got to Montana and it was in the 40's. Friday, the day I left Yellowstone, they got 6 inches of snow and I drove through snow flurries all through North Dakota. Quite a difference from Texas weather. I think that if I had been running in 90 degree heat the rib problem would have been much worse. I definitely like cold weather to run in. But not to cold. Frigid sux too.
So, the trip was on. I flew into Montana the Tuesday before the races, and stayed just outside Yellowstone park for 3 nights. While in Yellowstone, I got to see some wildlife (including a Mammoth Elk, and a Bazilllion Buffalo), I visited "Old Faithful," and I had what seemed at the time, to be a brilliant idea. I decided to go mountain biking down one of the ski slopes in Big Sky Montana. Turns out it wasn't such a good idea after all. I missed a turn, and ended up on an advanced course. I took a spill, which resulted in the loss of my glasses, and as I found out later, I cracked a rib. Not a real bad crack, just enough to be uncomfortable until I started running. About halfway through each race it would begin to throb. Luckily, I had some bio-freeze, and was able to finish both races. When I left Houston Sept 14th, it was 95 degrees, and that was in the shade with a ceiling fan blowing. I think the low at night was in the 80's. I got to Montana and it was in the 40's. Friday, the day I left Yellowstone, they got 6 inches of snow and I drove through snow flurries all through North Dakota. Quite a difference from Texas weather. I think that if I had been running in 90 degree heat the rib problem would have been much worse. I definitely like cold weather to run in. But not to cold. Frigid sux too.
State 4 Flordia
After running in Nevada, the idea of doing all 50 states was born. When the thought first occurred, it seemed far fetched and more then a little intimidating. But, like any race, you have to start one step at a time. The miracle isn't that I finished, the miracle is that I had the courage to start
My first step was Florida. I signed up for the "26.2miles with Donna, The National Marathon to Finish Breast Cancer " which was in Jacksonville Fl on Feb 19th. I had a week of vacation. My plan was to leave Friday Feb 19th and drive to Biloxi Ms, there, I would spend the night at my sister's who lives in Ocean Springs, which is right outside Biloxi. I planned to get up and drive Saturday to Jacksonville, do the race on Sunday, and then spend a few relaxing days in Florida. Wednesday, I was going to drive back to Biloxi, stay again over night, and be back in Texas and visit my Mom who lives near Ft Worth, before doing the Cowtown race on Feb 27th. (I am doing the 5 year series of the Cowtown marathon in Ft Worth, if you run 5 consecutive years from 2009-2013 the 5 finishers medals form a large star, its my 5 year plan) After Cowtown I was returning home. That WAS my plans, funny how these things seldom work out. Thursday before I left, I got a call that my father had passed away, and would be buried in Enis Texas(near Dallas) on Tuesday the 23rd. I decided I just had time to drive 2 days to Jacksonville, do the race, and drive back in time for the funeral. I figured that if I did all 50 states, each one would have it's own story, and this one was going to be a Duzzie. Somehow, It all worked out, I drove a lot more, in less time than I would have liked, but it is all part of the story
When I signed up, I just wanted to do a race in Florida, so I could scratch that state from my list. To that point, I had not encountered Breast Cancer. I have lost several people that I cared deeply about, to other forms of cancer, and I have worn a Yellow LIVESTRONG bracelet since my Stepfather passed away from colon cancer, a number of years ago. (I now wear a Pink one too for Breast Cancer). My "Run for a Reason" Charity in the 2008 Houston marathon was the American Cancer Society, in memory of Papa Ray, and a close friend of mine Kerry Malone (King Bo) However, when I went to Jacksonville, I didn't really know anyone suffering from Breast Cancer. Little did I know the force of the impact it was about to have. Once I got to Jacksonville, I think it must have been one of the most Humbling experiences of my life. As I said, I went just to run in Florida. When I got there, I encountered so many people, with so many tragic stories. So many women with shaven heads due to Breast cancer Treatment. Everywhere you looked, people had signs proclaiming Who they were Running for, and Who they wanted to remember. I have never seen more PINK in my life. Early in the race I passed a man on crutches, he had lost his left leg below the knee to cancer. He said cancer had knocked him down, but it didn't kill him, he was doing the Half Marathon and doing it WELL. We ran through a neighborhood, and it seems every block, the spectators had created their own aid stations. The crowds lined the entire course and the runners were treated like heroes. I felt like a member from some conquering army retuning to a victory parade, and yet, I was just there to run in Florida. It was overwhelming. I have never seen a run more supported by the spectators. There were so many survivor shirts (people who had beat cancer), they were loud, and they were vocal, they were banging on noise makers, and they had organized Cheering sections. If you couldn't be inspired by them, you were never going to be. At one point, a woman came up to me while I was running, she told me how proud she was of me, and that I was doing a Great thing. She said she lived in the house next to us, and offered to let me use the restroom, or come in for water. I felt a little more insignificant. I couldn't tell her I was just running so I could say "I ran in another State". Instead, I told her I was OK, and thanked her for her generosity, and her encouragement. At the finish line, they were picking out people and asking them their stories, and putting then them up on a Gumbotron Screen, some stories were heartbreaking, others inspiring, all were unforgettable.
After doing this race, I knew my decision to run all 50 was indeed a good one.
I would strongly recommend this run. It should be a MUST DO on everyone's list. If you have only one Race left in you, Go Do "26.2 With Donna"
My first step was Florida. I signed up for the "26.2miles with Donna, The National Marathon to Finish Breast Cancer " which was in Jacksonville Fl on Feb 19th. I had a week of vacation. My plan was to leave Friday Feb 19th and drive to Biloxi Ms, there, I would spend the night at my sister's who lives in Ocean Springs, which is right outside Biloxi. I planned to get up and drive Saturday to Jacksonville, do the race on Sunday, and then spend a few relaxing days in Florida. Wednesday, I was going to drive back to Biloxi, stay again over night, and be back in Texas and visit my Mom who lives near Ft Worth, before doing the Cowtown race on Feb 27th. (I am doing the 5 year series of the Cowtown marathon in Ft Worth, if you run 5 consecutive years from 2009-2013 the 5 finishers medals form a large star, its my 5 year plan) After Cowtown I was returning home. That WAS my plans, funny how these things seldom work out. Thursday before I left, I got a call that my father had passed away, and would be buried in Enis Texas(near Dallas) on Tuesday the 23rd. I decided I just had time to drive 2 days to Jacksonville, do the race, and drive back in time for the funeral. I figured that if I did all 50 states, each one would have it's own story, and this one was going to be a Duzzie. Somehow, It all worked out, I drove a lot more, in less time than I would have liked, but it is all part of the story
When I signed up, I just wanted to do a race in Florida, so I could scratch that state from my list. To that point, I had not encountered Breast Cancer. I have lost several people that I cared deeply about, to other forms of cancer, and I have worn a Yellow LIVESTRONG bracelet since my Stepfather passed away from colon cancer, a number of years ago. (I now wear a Pink one too for Breast Cancer). My "Run for a Reason" Charity in the 2008 Houston marathon was the American Cancer Society, in memory of Papa Ray, and a close friend of mine Kerry Malone (King Bo) However, when I went to Jacksonville, I didn't really know anyone suffering from Breast Cancer. Little did I know the force of the impact it was about to have. Once I got to Jacksonville, I think it must have been one of the most Humbling experiences of my life. As I said, I went just to run in Florida. When I got there, I encountered so many people, with so many tragic stories. So many women with shaven heads due to Breast cancer Treatment. Everywhere you looked, people had signs proclaiming Who they were Running for, and Who they wanted to remember. I have never seen more PINK in my life. Early in the race I passed a man on crutches, he had lost his left leg below the knee to cancer. He said cancer had knocked him down, but it didn't kill him, he was doing the Half Marathon and doing it WELL. We ran through a neighborhood, and it seems every block, the spectators had created their own aid stations. The crowds lined the entire course and the runners were treated like heroes. I felt like a member from some conquering army retuning to a victory parade, and yet, I was just there to run in Florida. It was overwhelming. I have never seen a run more supported by the spectators. There were so many survivor shirts (people who had beat cancer), they were loud, and they were vocal, they were banging on noise makers, and they had organized Cheering sections. If you couldn't be inspired by them, you were never going to be. At one point, a woman came up to me while I was running, she told me how proud she was of me, and that I was doing a Great thing. She said she lived in the house next to us, and offered to let me use the restroom, or come in for water. I felt a little more insignificant. I couldn't tell her I was just running so I could say "I ran in another State". Instead, I told her I was OK, and thanked her for her generosity, and her encouragement. At the finish line, they were picking out people and asking them their stories, and putting then them up on a Gumbotron Screen, some stories were heartbreaking, others inspiring, all were unforgettable.
After doing this race, I knew my decision to run all 50 was indeed a good one.
I would strongly recommend this run. It should be a MUST DO on everyone's list. If you have only one Race left in you, Go Do "26.2 With Donna"
My Long Range Plan......13.1 Miles in all 50 states
I am on a Long Range Quest to run a Half marathon in all 50 states. I started it 2 years ago in 2009, and have no idea how long it will take me to complete it. I am faced with the very realistic possibility that I may never finish all 50, but intend to get as far as I can, and enjoy every moment of it. I have always had the desire to travel, and see new places and experience new things. I have found that destination Races are the perfect way to do this. Going to a new place and doing a race there, allows you to experience the location in a way that few others ever will. You meet a lot of really nice people, and you are doing something that is healthy and beneficial for you. I am blessed with longevity on both sides of my family. I expect to live to be at least 100. So, I have a while to get this done. I am far from an elite athlete. At any one of my races, you can find me at or near the rear of the pack. But that's OK, I am out there, both doing it, and enjoying it. I am thankful to be endowed with both the ability and the desire to continue be active. One of the sayings that I adhere to is "DAL... (Dead @ss Last), is much better than DNF (Did Not Finish) which is much better than DNS (Did Not Start). Another is "Run if you can,Walk if you need to, Crawl if you must." And my all time favorite "Weebles Wobble, but they don't Fall down." My long range strategy is to continue racing for another 20-30 years, outlive the competition, and DOMINATE my Age Group well into my 80's, and beyond.
Along my way, many of the people I have encountered have suggested that I chronicle or document my journey, so that I might share it with others. That is what I intend to do here. So I now have started 13.1 in 50.
I am presently 10 states in, so I will have to go back and catch up to present day. But first....How it all got started.........
Several years ago I went to the Dr, and proceeded to get read the "Riot Act". I was over weight, had High Blood Pressure, High Blood Sugar, and was told "You are as close to being Diabetic as you can be, without actually being one" Changes needed to be made. The next day I went out and ran down to the end of the block and back. Probably about a 1/2 mile overall. (It was a long Block). It didn't go real well, but I did fill a sense of accomplishment, and thus, a running career was started.
Not long after that I got up the courage to actually enter into an organized race. I did the Goblin Gallop 5k in Deer Park. A 5k is 3.1 miles. It was especially rewarding to finish, because we ran through an old neighborhood that I lived in years before while I was married. When I lived in Deer Park, I had a number of bad habits, and led a sedentary life style that resulted in the ugly scene at the Dr's office. At one point during the race we ran past the vacant lot where the little girls T-ball team I coached with my then Step daughter, had practiced. Running that day congered up a range of emotions and memories. To run 3 miles through the neighborhood which at one point I would have struggled to walk the block, was very fulfilling. It was self-validating, and extremely motivating. At that point I knew that I wanted to continue to run in races, and I DID.
I continued to do 5k's and an occasional 10k. Later on, I decided to get a bicycle to start riding as another way to be active. A friend of mine from the YMCA talked me into doing a sprint triathlon. (400 yds swim 10 mile bike ride and 3.1 miles run). It was the Silverlake triathlon in Pearland in May of 2007. I only agreed to do it because Theo was so insistent, and I thought it would be a good addition to the list of things I could say I did. I never thought I would want to continue doing triathlons. I was WRONG. I have finished two Ironman 70.3 triathlons (1.2 mile swim 56 miles bike 13.1 mile run), four Olympic distance (1500 meter swim 24 miles bike 6.2 mile run) and more sprints than I can count. But back to the Half marathons.
State 1 Texas
I did my first half marathon in 2008 at the Houston Marathon in January. I have done a bunch within the state of Texas, notably Houston 3 times, Cowtown in Ft Worth 3 times, Seabrook, Waco, San Antonio, Galveston, and a few others, but Houston 2008 was my first. I actually signed up for the full marathon, but midway through my training, I realized it was not going well, and switching to the 1/2 would be better. That first half was a tough run. I struggled to finish and was sore for a week afterward. However, I did not lose my desire. I signed up for the Half again in 2009. At that time I was extremely fortunate to find Bay Area Fit (BAF) Marathon Training Group, a branch of the National USA fit Running Program. BAF is organized by Pete Rake and his family, they do an excellent job, and definitely changed my running experiences for the better.
State 2 Wisconsin
I had not decided to run all 50 states yet, I was just planning on going to visit a friend of mine who lives in Wisconsin. While planning my trip, I discovered the 2009 Lake Geneva Marathon and Half marathon. I decided that as long as I was going up there, I would do the half marathon. The race was on Saturday morning, I decided to fly into Chicago on Friday afternoon, rent a car and drive up to pick up my packet, then drive the race course before going to my friend's house in Janesville. No problem, I thought, since I booked my flight insuring that I would have plenty of time to accomplish that. Well, You know what they say about the best laid plans. (Or maybe that's the best plans to get Laid, I forget). Anyway, I got to Chicago and began the drive to Wisconsin. However, I was immediately stuck in bumper to bumper traffic, and was so for almost the entire way. Turns out the Milwaukee Brewers, and Chicago Cubs were playing in Milwaukee that night, and half the state of Illinois was making the road trip. Next time, when making plans, I will be sure to check the Baseball schedule. As it turned out, I barely made the packet pickup, and it was to late to drive the course and still make it to my friend's house, where they were waiting dinner for me.
The race itself was good, we ran partially along the lake, and through rural Wisconsin's dairy farms. It was a good race.
State 3 Nevada November 20 2009, was my 50th birthday. I wanted to do something memorable for such a lifetime milestone. I was looking at different races and found the Valley of Fire marathon in Nevada. It was run in a state Park which is composed of Mountainous deserts and fabulous scenic views. I had to fly into Vegas, then drive a couple hours to Overton Nevada, where the race was held. When people asked me where I was going for my 50th birthday, and I told them Vegas, they would smile and nod in agreement. When I told them I was not staying in Vegas, and wasn't gambling, but going and running 13 miles in the dessert, they stopped smiling and agreeing, and thought I was crazy. But I am used to that.
One year, I went to Alaska to go Salmon fishing, something I had always wanted to do. While I was there, I also went on a half day kayaking trip and I ran the 5 mile event of the Midnight Sun Marathon. (I wasn't doing halves then, so I will be forced to return to Alaska....damn the luck :0) Anyway, when I would tell people at work I was going to Alaska to go fishing, they would want to know why would I go all that way to fish. Why not fish here at home in the Gulf of Mexico. Because I wanted to catch a salmon, I would reply. Invariably, the cost of the trip would arise. It was an expensive trip, it was an all inclusive trip on Kodiak Island, and I was paying for prime time plus single supplement for going alone. When I told whoever I was talking to that I was paying about 4000.00 for the week, they would be shocked. I would let that settle in for a few moments, and then add "Not only that, I am paying extra to run 5 Miles"
Valley of Fire was a good race and a Great Experience. It was Big Hills and it was hard. Because it's a small race, I ran mostly by myself. It is a race I will always take pleasure in remembering, after all, how many people would do that on their 50th birthday? I would recommend it, if your in Great running shape, but I probably won't do it again. I have to many states to do, before I start repeating them
Along my way, many of the people I have encountered have suggested that I chronicle or document my journey, so that I might share it with others. That is what I intend to do here. So I now have started 13.1 in 50.
I am presently 10 states in, so I will have to go back and catch up to present day. But first....How it all got started.........
Several years ago I went to the Dr, and proceeded to get read the "Riot Act". I was over weight, had High Blood Pressure, High Blood Sugar, and was told "You are as close to being Diabetic as you can be, without actually being one" Changes needed to be made. The next day I went out and ran down to the end of the block and back. Probably about a 1/2 mile overall. (It was a long Block). It didn't go real well, but I did fill a sense of accomplishment, and thus, a running career was started.
Not long after that I got up the courage to actually enter into an organized race. I did the Goblin Gallop 5k in Deer Park. A 5k is 3.1 miles. It was especially rewarding to finish, because we ran through an old neighborhood that I lived in years before while I was married. When I lived in Deer Park, I had a number of bad habits, and led a sedentary life style that resulted in the ugly scene at the Dr's office. At one point during the race we ran past the vacant lot where the little girls T-ball team I coached with my then Step daughter, had practiced. Running that day congered up a range of emotions and memories. To run 3 miles through the neighborhood which at one point I would have struggled to walk the block, was very fulfilling. It was self-validating, and extremely motivating. At that point I knew that I wanted to continue to run in races, and I DID.
I continued to do 5k's and an occasional 10k. Later on, I decided to get a bicycle to start riding as another way to be active. A friend of mine from the YMCA talked me into doing a sprint triathlon. (400 yds swim 10 mile bike ride and 3.1 miles run). It was the Silverlake triathlon in Pearland in May of 2007. I only agreed to do it because Theo was so insistent, and I thought it would be a good addition to the list of things I could say I did. I never thought I would want to continue doing triathlons. I was WRONG. I have finished two Ironman 70.3 triathlons (1.2 mile swim 56 miles bike 13.1 mile run), four Olympic distance (1500 meter swim 24 miles bike 6.2 mile run) and more sprints than I can count. But back to the Half marathons.
State 1 Texas
I did my first half marathon in 2008 at the Houston Marathon in January. I have done a bunch within the state of Texas, notably Houston 3 times, Cowtown in Ft Worth 3 times, Seabrook, Waco, San Antonio, Galveston, and a few others, but Houston 2008 was my first. I actually signed up for the full marathon, but midway through my training, I realized it was not going well, and switching to the 1/2 would be better. That first half was a tough run. I struggled to finish and was sore for a week afterward. However, I did not lose my desire. I signed up for the Half again in 2009. At that time I was extremely fortunate to find Bay Area Fit (BAF) Marathon Training Group, a branch of the National USA fit Running Program. BAF is organized by Pete Rake and his family, they do an excellent job, and definitely changed my running experiences for the better.
State 2 Wisconsin
I had not decided to run all 50 states yet, I was just planning on going to visit a friend of mine who lives in Wisconsin. While planning my trip, I discovered the 2009 Lake Geneva Marathon and Half marathon. I decided that as long as I was going up there, I would do the half marathon. The race was on Saturday morning, I decided to fly into Chicago on Friday afternoon, rent a car and drive up to pick up my packet, then drive the race course before going to my friend's house in Janesville. No problem, I thought, since I booked my flight insuring that I would have plenty of time to accomplish that. Well, You know what they say about the best laid plans. (Or maybe that's the best plans to get Laid, I forget). Anyway, I got to Chicago and began the drive to Wisconsin. However, I was immediately stuck in bumper to bumper traffic, and was so for almost the entire way. Turns out the Milwaukee Brewers, and Chicago Cubs were playing in Milwaukee that night, and half the state of Illinois was making the road trip. Next time, when making plans, I will be sure to check the Baseball schedule. As it turned out, I barely made the packet pickup, and it was to late to drive the course and still make it to my friend's house, where they were waiting dinner for me.
The race itself was good, we ran partially along the lake, and through rural Wisconsin's dairy farms. It was a good race.
State 3 Nevada November 20 2009, was my 50th birthday. I wanted to do something memorable for such a lifetime milestone. I was looking at different races and found the Valley of Fire marathon in Nevada. It was run in a state Park which is composed of Mountainous deserts and fabulous scenic views. I had to fly into Vegas, then drive a couple hours to Overton Nevada, where the race was held. When people asked me where I was going for my 50th birthday, and I told them Vegas, they would smile and nod in agreement. When I told them I was not staying in Vegas, and wasn't gambling, but going and running 13 miles in the dessert, they stopped smiling and agreeing, and thought I was crazy. But I am used to that.
One year, I went to Alaska to go Salmon fishing, something I had always wanted to do. While I was there, I also went on a half day kayaking trip and I ran the 5 mile event of the Midnight Sun Marathon. (I wasn't doing halves then, so I will be forced to return to Alaska....damn the luck :0) Anyway, when I would tell people at work I was going to Alaska to go fishing, they would want to know why would I go all that way to fish. Why not fish here at home in the Gulf of Mexico. Because I wanted to catch a salmon, I would reply. Invariably, the cost of the trip would arise. It was an expensive trip, it was an all inclusive trip on Kodiak Island, and I was paying for prime time plus single supplement for going alone. When I told whoever I was talking to that I was paying about 4000.00 for the week, they would be shocked. I would let that settle in for a few moments, and then add "Not only that, I am paying extra to run 5 Miles"
Valley of Fire was a good race and a Great Experience. It was Big Hills and it was hard. Because it's a small race, I ran mostly by myself. It is a race I will always take pleasure in remembering, after all, how many people would do that on their 50th birthday? I would recommend it, if your in Great running shape, but I probably won't do it again. I have to many states to do, before I start repeating them
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