I cannot explain the beauty of the Berry College campus. It look like Hogwart's from Harry Potter!. From historical buildings, lakes, bridges, retreats, and just a majestic snapshot of nature, running a half marathon at Berry was truly a pleasure. And Rome, GA, home of the Single A baseball team, the Rome Braves, is such a gorgeous part of the south. Dogwoods were in bloom, the grass was a bright green, the temperature (50 degrees) was perfect, and Rome looked like a beautiful place to run.
Packet pickup was in Ford Dining Hall on the Berry campus. This was a beautiful building with stained glass windows all around and surface level ponds just out front. While the packet pick up was a little congested, the event was well-organized and the volunteers were as helpful and polite as can be.
Now, to the race. Ames, as always, was by my side. I believe her love and support are the main reasons why I enjoy our travels so much and for my improved finish times. WE"RE A TEAM!!! Thomas and LJ made the stop on their way down to the Big Easy, New Orleans, for Mardi Gra. Tom and I stayed together and talked the entire race, a good elixir for pain and struggles throughout a long run. Saturday morning, race day, March 5, 2011, was rainy, windy, and 50 degrees. The optimistic perspective was the rain and wind was light and would be refreshing throughout our run. I gave Ames a kiss, she wished me luck, and my race-day ritual had come to an end.... It was time to focus on 13.1 miles of beauty!
Miles 1-3: Start was a little congested. We looked up and we realized we started we runners aimed at a 2:17 goal. After weaving through the crowd, running through the beautiful campus, back toward the start and seeing Ames and LJ, the route directed us toward the wooded side of the Berry Campus. We were starting a little fast at a 6:54/mi pace. I felt a flare-up of my left plantar fascia and got a little nervous. I stay aware and nursed my left side for the next 10.1 miles.
Miles 4-6: This was, perhaps, the most beautiful stretch of the entire run. From the nature, to the Old Mill, to the elementary school and the unexpected muddy trail, the pace was good and I was feeling really good. We got a little muddy,but a little dirt never hurt!
Miles 7-10: This stretch included the Winshape Retreat and their pond and the Normandy Inn. The support of the volunteers throughout this portion was awesome. Their cheers were motivating and I appreciated the support. We hit the Viking trail which led us to the home stretch. I was getting a little winded so I know we were running fast (we were)!
Miles 11-13.1: Wow, passing runners in this stage is a good sign. One after another, we targeted a runner and took them down. Finally, the finish line was in sight. A left hand turn led the way. I looked at the clock, seen another PR in sight, and went for it! We ran a great race and kicked in the highest gear to the finish. Even a little gassed after crossing the finish line, the feeling of accomplishment was incredible.
Official Results:
3/5/11 Berry Half Marathon Rome, GA
Bib Number: 2329
Chip Time: 1:31:03 (PR)
Overall Place: 17 out 696
Sex Place: 15 out of 341
Division Place (30-34): 3 out of 46 (Award)
The 2011 Berry Half was fun and the campus was beautiful. Thanks to the organizers for a great event and to the volunteers for being helpful, kind, and supportive so early in the morning on a rainy day. Other events included a 10K, 5K and a Kid Fun Run. With all this going on with rain, this event was well-handled and is highly recommended by me.
Thomas, we did it again. Another example of training paying off. The dedication and hard work is well worth it.
HAPPY RUNNING!!!!!
http://jamesrunsthenation.blogspot.com/
No comments:
Post a Comment