2011 Geist Half Marathon Report

For starters, I could go on and on about my love for this race.....and I will a little bit.
For a race in only the fifth year of existence, the Geist Half Marathon has a special "thing" going. A beautiful area, great fan support, brilliant organizers, and just a great event for all.
Amy and I got up to Indy Friday night, a little late for the packet pickup. We went to our friends (I feel they have accepted me by now) Ben and Todd's house for the usual good time. They are both always welcoming and gracious enough to let us board at their home for the weekend of Geist. (We may need to stay again for Carmel). After some great conversation and eating some awesome pizza from Jackamo's pizza, I got my gear ready (wore the new Ghost 5 I am wear testing for Brooks) and went to sleep for an early morning "Run Around the Reservior."
Amy and I got up early and made our way to Hamilton Southeastern High School to ensure I could pickup my packet. Of course, the organizers are so well-prepared, there was no line or worry at all. I pinned on my bib and got ready to meet Thomas across the parking lot. All runners are shuttle to the "no parking" start line to avoid any confusion or congestion. This is always a smooth and easy process, both to the start line and back from the finish.
We arrived at the start about 15 minutes early. The weather is usually a little gloomy with a light rain, and about 55 degrees. Today was a little different; the sun was out and temps were a little warm at 65 degrees. No worries, the sun made the area that much more beautiful. After the annual beautiful singing of the national anthem by Brooke Roe (Fisher's own the opens for Kenny Chesney), an awesome fly by, and an official start by IU and Subway's Jared Fogle, Thomas and I were off to 13.1 miles of beauty. here is how the race went from my perspective:

Mile 1-3: After the race start, three planes flew back by with a amazing smoke screen display, a good way to take the runner's mind off the initial uphill stretch. We ran through a beautiful neighborhood with great supporters and a view of the reservoir, then over the first bridge. I was feeling good with the  upcoming hills in mind. Average pace was around 7:06/mi.

Miles 4-6: This was a really good up hill stretch full of support. Nothing but green nature all around. I recognized this was a gradual uphill climb but said nothing until we got to the top. I looked over at Thomas and gave a congrats. The toughest challenge was in the next stretch of the race and was were passing runners. Average pace was around 7:09/mi.

Miles 7-10: This section started off with a much deserved downhill reward, followed by about a mile of climbing hills through a beautiful neighborhood with supporters, both residents and military; thank you as always. The refreshing part aside from the hydration stops were the misting points and the residents with waters hoses. I needed this because my thighs were screaming after the hill. My mindset was to maintain, maintain, maintain. Average pace was around 7:10/mi.

Miles 11-13.1: This was a tough stretch for me, not on the route, but to keep up the pace through the finish. My thighs were a little weary, the sun was out and temps were warm. I pictured Amy at the finish line with a pint of chocolate milk and kicked it in gear. We turned the corner and crossed the bridge toward the finish line. I reached down for one last burst and made a mad dash for the line. Average pace was around 7:10/mi. Whew, another race complete, and another great experience at Geist, which I look forward to in 2012!
Here are the results:

 

After crossing the finish, runners were welcomed to a top-notch finisher's medal, water, bananas, cookies, and my all-time fave, chocolate milk. We arrived at the shuttle line, which appeared to be a lengthy, timely wait. Have I mentioned how organized this race was? The line was a breeze and we were back to the car in minutes.
I love this race, I love this area, and I love that not only the residents of the neighborhood get up to support runners, military members volunteer to maintain traffic control. I find myself saying "thank you" more during this run, compared to any other. No matter the weather or other elements, this course is beautiful and well supported. Again, I say thank you to Mr. Tom Britt, the organizers, the volunteers and the residents for putting on the most organized, well laid out race I have experienced. You have a gorgeous area of the country and I will be back every year!

 

Normally I have feedback in some aspect for a race organizers. The only thing I can think of is to extend the Friday hours of the expo, for participants the had to work then drove up; however, we had no problems picking up the packet pre-race Saturday morning.

Next up for me is the Downhill at Dawn 1/2 Marathon in Ridgecrest, NC, June 4th. I will continue looking for more races and more states to run. Until next time:

HAPPY RUNNING!!!!!
http://jamesrunsthenation.blogspot.com/

2011 Pittsburgh 1/2 Marathon Report

First impressions are hard to overcome; however, when you look inside you realize something special.....
Pittsburgh is not a "sight-to-see" based upon things you hear and the first sights coming into the city. After Ames and I got to exploring the city, we left extremely impressed. First off, we stayed at the Omni William Penn Hotel, the biggest and best (we didn't know at time of booking) hotel in Pittsburgh. The ballroom on the 17th floor is amazing and there was an actual Starbucks in the lobby! The staff was really nice and helpful there.
After settling in at the hotel, we set off to the expo, at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. What an excellent design with an amazing fountain down the center, leading to a beautiful river view. Honestly, I did not realize how big and the amount of pride this city put into the Pittsburgh Marathon until we entered the expo. It was huge. I did get alarmed when I went to look for my bib number, 1280, and had to pick it up in the full marathon section. I sweated a little until I scanned the number for the word HALF. Whew!!
We left the expo after getting a ton of cool stuff, we grubbed on pizza, showered at the hotel, and set off for an adventure, on foot. The first destination was the Andy Warhol museum. The walk was short and so was the visit. The outside, the lobby and the gift shop were filled with unique creativity. Next, a cab ride took us to the Carnegie Science Center, which was pretty cool. We took pictures with R2D2 and C3PO from Star Wars, toured the USS Requin Submarine, and watched Tornado Alley in the IMAX! We trekked back to the hotel and thought about a Pitt-esque meal....
No other came to mind than Primanti Bros. Sandwiches - they put french fries and cole slaw on every sandwich. Not the prime pre-race meal, but it was delicious. It was time to return to the hotel for some luxurious rest.
Sunday morning was gloomy and a little warm. The location of our hotel was perfect for the expo and start line - the walk was about ten minutes away. We arrived at the start, I kissed my beautiful wife, and approached Corral A for my readiness ritual. The anthem was beautifully sang, I said a prayer and thanked God for everything in my life, and got focused. Here is how my 2011 Pittsburgh 1/2 went:

Miles 1-3: The temp was warm with a light wind as we headed East on Liberty through downtown and into an industrial area. At about the 2.5 mark runners made a left and headed west toward the 16th street bridge. I was not feeling it. No excuses but I was really pessimistic at this point. Breathing was thick and PF hit me in my left foot. I immediately felt another PR slipping away.

Miles 4-6: After crossing the first bridge, my goal was to maintain a good pace and finish at a satisfactory pace. I was still in a negative funk, although carrying on. I was not really aware of my pace, I put my shoulders back and carried on.

Miles 6-8: The majority of peaks and valleys in this run were mental, and on the bridges, as was so in this stretch. I really liked this area. The uphill approach gave us a view of a little town sunk down in a hidden crevice. After reaching the top, we headed down toward the industrial waterfront. I was feeling a little better. Definitely good enough to relax and maintain toward the finish.

Miles 9-11: The route now led down the waterfront where industrial workers would take incline cars up and down the mountainside to work or home and into suburbs of Pitt. These mile took runners back toward the Smithfield Street Bridge, which led into the city, and and uphill push. I had my thoughts on the finish line and kept plugging away.

Miles 12-13.1: Over the bridge and uphill through the city where supporters awaited. We ran near the hotel, around where I thought the finish was. The approach toward the 6th street bridge was downhill but meant another incline and one last uphill push. Supporters lined the street and the adrenaline kicked in. A left turn took us by PNC Park and a statue of Roberto Clemente and toward the finish, near Heinz Field. I felt runners start to pass me, but I kicked in a high gear, passed them, and finished. Here are my official stats:

Although I felt like I was not into the race for 11 miles, I overcame a little resiliency and pessimism. The run was great, the city was great, the support and the volunteers were great; this just wasn't a PR kind of day. I returned to the hotel, synced my Garmin and reviewed my splits. Maybe this would provide an explanation for my run, and it did. I started fast, too fast and set a bad precedent for the rest of the race. Positive splits will kill a good time quick. Lesson learned.
As I said before, I had no idea the pride and support Pittsburgh put into this race. The organizers did great, sponsors were top notch, the volunteers were knowledgeable and helpful, and the supporters were motivating. The only feedback I have was a clearer plan to shuttle family support from the start line to the finish and the runners from the finish back into the city - three miles is a long distance to walk after a long run when temps are cool and its raining.
After the race, we packed and headed back to Primanti Bros. for some more of there deliciousness! There was one more landmark in Pittsburgh that is a must-see for all, the Duquesne Incline, a what a beautiful view from the top.

 

Our final perspective of Pittsburgh was no doubt excellent. Ames and I get to see so much traveling to races and there are always positives - some more than others. We enjoyed jam-packed weekend in the "City of Bridges."

Next up for me is the 2011 Geist Half Marathon, this Saturday May 21st, in Northeast Indianapolis. I love this run a look forward to the people, the sights and the environment every year.

HAPPY RUNNING!!!!!
http://jamesrunsthenation.blogspot.com/

2011 Kentucky Derby Festival MiniMarathon - Official Results

To the 2011 Kentucky Derby Festival MiniMarathon organizers:
To start, I have to admit, I was not one in favor of the course change for my hometown race, the 2011 Kentucky Derby Festival MiniMarathon. Iroquois Park has a lot of meaning to me - I grew up in the South End and have many memories at the park. This is the very place I started running and grew so passionate about my hobby. Each year, I have looked forward to those two challenging hills and the thousands of people supporting the "Mini" when entering and exiting Iroquois Park and along Southern Parkway. Now, I will only get to run Iroquois Park when I meet my friend Thomas on Sundays for our long run.
With all that said, I changed my opinion about the "new route" at about 7:15 a.m., Saturday April 30th, on KDF MiniMarathon Day. I have a new memory about my hometown race I will never forget, and a sight I will look forward to every year. As I approached the starting line, about the time the adrenaline starts to flow, I looked back, Eastward on Main Street. Above the runners and through the buildings, floated dozens of hot air balloons!!!!! What a priceless sight to see. Along with Louisville's staple of an "artsy" downtown, the Slugger Museum and Slugger Field, sits a new image - perhaps the prime candidate for next year's race poster - a beautiful backdrop of hot air balloons on a brisk, sunny morning. I would say the sight was breathtaking; however, that would have altered my performance in the race.
In other words, please do not ever change where we start the Kentucky Derby Festival MiniMarathon!

The route:
Although much more quiet than normal, the route was a nice one. I enjoy runs where we are mostly downtown, or close to it. Louisville has many sights to offer in these areas: parks, landmarks, and hundreds of beautiful Victorian mansions. Here is my breakdown of the route and how I felt throughout:

Miles 1-4: I did not feel good at all. I am not a "pace watcher" by any means. I felt like I was at about a 7:30/mi pace through all four miles. I heard people around me talking about a 6:50/mi pace and I thought "no freaking way!" My thighs were not awake at all! We ran west on Main through some less fancy parts of Louisville where it was nice to se a few people out there cheering! Next we came up to Broadway and headed South.

Miles 5-7: Something clicked and I started running! My body started to feel better as the route took us up South 4th toward UofL. There is always good fan support around the campus. I went from doubt and feeling like crap, to getting in my groove and coasting along. I was not certain of my pace because my Garmin measured about 1/10 of a mile more than the posted mile markers. I figure they were off so I focus on my stride more that the time.

Miles 8-10: The first familiar sight based on prior years in this race, Churchill Downs. I was feeling great as we hung a right on Central Avenue and approached historic Churchill Downs. Another great staple of  this race route is running into Churchill, through the tunnel, around the infield, and out another tunnel to exit back onto Central. I always look forward to the guy on the backside of the infield, with the loud speakers, blaring a race being called..."And down the stretch they come!!!!" After exiting the track, runners head back down South 3rd, around the Confederate Monument and toward UofL, to the home stretch. I felt like I had a lot left in me and I continued steady and strong.

Miles 11-13: We continue the northern stretch down South 3rd all the way to Main Street. I told myself to save some energy for the last mile and I stayed true to that intention. I drank Gatorade from my fuel belt and maintained all the way to Main. There is always great crowd support on this stretch to prepare us for the last mile, where the finish awaits. At mile 12, I picked it up and started to run with all I had left. That short stretch of Main Street, past the 2nd Street bridge to Preston Street, seems so freaking long!!!

The Finish: I was running a 6:25/mi pace, my fastest of the race by far. After a left down Preston Street, next to Slugger Field, the downhill led to the finish line. I tried to see the clock at the turn but could not see that far. As I approached, the time became more clear, and another PR was in sight! I dug deep and sprinted as the clock ticked toward 1:30 and I pushed across the line, smiled, and gave a fist pump at another PR. I knew I started a couple seconds back and that I may have just ran my quickest half marathon, sub 1:30......

Here are my official results for the 2011 Kentucky Derby Festival MiniMarathon:

Another PR, by a minute and six seconds, and 3 seconds under 1.5 hours, a time thought would be tough to reach. The course was fast and the weather was near perfect. Thank goodness the PJ Stadium hill on Central was taken out of the course or the time would have been a little slower. While the course was quieter than past years due to the new route, the upcoming years should provide more and more support along the course. Thank you to the organizers for making a good, although unpopular, decision for the new route. That's why you guys get paid the big bucks! Also, to the volunteers and the supporters, you all do great work in helping us finished the race and meet our goals, and we appreciate the assistance!

Tips for the organizers:

There were only a few changes I would like to see made to this event. I did not see any mile markers or time clocks on much of the second half of the course for the Mini Marathoners. Either I was zoned out or they were not there; regardless, this is important. The Mini generates the most entries and the most support, therefore the most money, and I think the markers should reflect this. Rent more timing clocks or include both mile marks on the signage; whatever it takes to put these in place would be much appreciated. Second is the finish area - what a mess. I have the same thoughts as last year - people are trapped in and getting through that mess is a challenge. Sure the downhill finish is great but finishing on Witherspoon in front of the new condos would help out, perhaps where the Susan G. finishes.

People are always going to have opinions and suggestions on ways to change or make an event better and those are mine. Overall, I love the event as a whole. Keep up the great work organizers and we'll keep running!

Running for the KIDS Center has been a pleasure. Our group put forth an excellent effort in raising money for an amazing cause, the kids. I will and our total fundraising efforts as a group when I get the results.

Up next for me is Pittsburgh (PA), Geist (IN), and Downhill @ Dawn (NC).

 

I look forward to more beautiful sights, great races, and quality time spent with my wife. I will definitely post feedback on these races and will have more scheduled soon.

HAPPY RUNNING!!!!!
http://jamesrunsthenation.blogspot.com/