2011 Carmel Half Marathon - Carmel IN

The Carmel Half was a last minute decision, which resulted in a fun weekend with great friends and a hot race.
Ames and I rushed up to Indy Friday after work to pick up my race packet for the 2011 Carmel half Marathon. I applaud the organizers for keeping the expo open that late or we would not have made it. No Saturday packet pick-up meant make it to the Friday expo, or miss the race - and I was not missing the race!
When we arrived in the area I was impressed. Beautiful details on highway exits, a super clean area, and green grass reminded me of Geist, which is right next door. Mapquest took us the wrong direction but we were not lost (LOL!), we turn around and found the place. The MONON Community Center looked to be new and full of events. I had an immediate good impression of this event as soon as we parked and saw the large banners. The logos and marketing tools told me this was not the organizer's, Todd Oliver, first involvement with this type of event. Most aspects of this event were clean and concise, similar to a large city's or a long tenured event. The packet pick-up was easy to find and retrieve my goodies. My only complaint is all the vendors were either shut down or shutting down early. Admittedly, I like to browse for new ideas, which arriving 20 minutes before closing did not allow us to do.
Saturday morning, I woke early, took a shower, kissed Ames, and headed to the race. The temperature was about 10 degrees warmer than the forecast led me to believe; therefore I hydrated on the way and prepared for a tough race. After finding a parking spot, I did some last minute preparation, and look around the Starting Line area. This was another clean part of Carmel - new structures, green grass and a large farmer's market setting up.
I took my place at the starting line, stretched, said a prayer and made sure the Garmin was ready. Start time temp was about 70 degrees with an overcast sky. Here is how my race went:

Miles 1-3: I started fast but not knowingly until a little later. My body was feeling good, but thighs were still fatigued from last weekend's downhill race. While I was rolling along and optimistic, my pace was sneakily under a 7 minute mile, which I was trying to avoid early. 6:50/mile average pace.

Miles 4-6: While mile 4 was not too bad, I could feel my body temperature heat up, which meant the temperature was increasing outside. I starting feeling like I was pushing it too hard, which I was, and I did something at mile 5 which I try to avoid, I slowed down and walked for about a minute. I knew I still had over half the race to go, temps were rising and I had to be intelligent in regards to my health and safety. It took everything I had in my pride to walk it out, and I am glad I did. I got back going a carried on. 7:15/mi average pace.

Miles 7-11: I was still trying to hold back through this stretch of the race. It was hot. I got a little relief on a trail we ran through around miles 7 and 8. The shade was much needed. Although I had a fuel belt on, which came in handy with hydration throughout the tough portions of the race, I walked through hydration stations at mile 10 and 11, taking water then Powerade at both. I am proud of myself for running smart and listening to my body throughout the last three-quarters of the race. Sometimes pride is difficult to overcome. 7:25/mi average pace.

Miles 12-13.1: I got stronger through here. I walked through the last hydration station at mile 12, which slowed my pace but all I was concerned about was finishing. I got behind a guy that refused to let me pass, like we were racing go karts on a track. Although, very rude, I needed to manage my pace for a strong finish. I got back to the sub 7 minute pace, took one last shot of Gatorade from my fuel belt then focused on finishing strong. I reached deep down, disregarded the pace and crossed the finish line. 7:05/mi average pace.
My official stats are as follows:

Whew, I was glad to get this race out of the way! The sun did not come out until just after I crossed the finish line, which I thank you God for. Throughout the race I looked at my time and noticed, although I had stopped, I was still going to finish at a time consistent with my recent performances. Total, I slowed down to a walk four times within my run, the first time I had even walked during a race since 2010 in St. Louis. Speaking of the St. Louis race, Carmel was the hottest race since that miserably steamy 85 degree race with tornadic activity.

After receiving the Finisher's Medal and walking through the coral, I looked up and saw the Refuel with Milk tent, which meant I got my favorite post race drink, chocolate milk. This made all the pain and struggle I just went through well worth it!!!! I even got my picture taken with a milk mustache! I thank them for being at these races and giving pictures and the best post race drink ever to finishers FREE!
Carmel had multiple races available based on the runner's preferred distance. It seemed they were all going on at the same time; however, I could not tell, which meant all were well organized and timed. For an inaugural year, the crew put on a well-organized event. Through the first half of the race, I felt like hydration stations were every half mile. The second half, the stations seemed to decrease. All were well-stocked with water and Powerade and smiling volunteers. Along with the obvious medical aid tents, their time and effort were much needed, and are appreciated. Mile markers were marked in good spots and most had timing. While the slightly uphill road to the finish was a little on this hot day, the finish line area was very well laid out and organize and the volunteers were smiling and congratulatory.
The only distaste I had within my experience of the Carmel Half was with some of the runners. Many wore headphones, which is completely fine by me; however, they paid no attention to their surroundings. Runners, if you are going to listen to music, please look around. Keep this in mind when you are in training because cars cannot stop or change directions as quick as your fellow runners. Additionally, there were others owning the road. I was forced into curbs a couple times. Throughout the last two miles, there was a guy in front of me that just would not let me go around him.
Thank you to Mr. Todd Oliver for organizing a good race and to the supporters, volunteers, police, and EMS for getting us through this race.
FEEDBACK FOR THE ORGANIZERS:
While I cannot say too much about the expo due to our arrival time of 8:40pm and I really appreciate the 9pm closing time, I would contract the vendors to stay until 9pm. The area was busy and runners were coming in and out when we arrived; therefore, I cannot see a reason for them to shutdown. Staying open would have not only maintained the integrity of their company, but made them more profitable with more merchandise sales.
Also, I would advertise more information about the use of headphones, "do's and dont's". While I am not opposed to them because they keep people in their comfort zone (I used them at one time while running), people tend to get a little too comfortable and disregard their surroundings. Giving some tips would make a difference.

Another race in the books and a good time in a very pristine part of Indiana. For me, aside from training, my race season will break, possibly, until September.

10/30/2011

9/24/2011

11/12/2011

 In the first six months of 2011, I have run in 7 half marathons, a 5K and a 10 miler, and seen some great progress in my performances. Of these races, I set a PR in the 5K, the 10-Miler, and in 3 of the 7 half marathons. In addition, I have marked three more states off the list toward my goal - 20% of the way there!!! This goal has given Ames and I the pleasure of seeing sights in some beautiful places while spending priceless time together. Here are some images from our trips:

 

 

HAPPY RUNNING!!!!!

http://jamesrunsthenation.blogspot.com/

2011 Downhill @ Dawn 1/2 Marathon Ridge Crest, NC

What a long, eventful weekend filled with a beautiful drive, a great race with a PR, the Biltmore Mansion and Gatlinburg. Ames and I seem to cover a lot of territory on our weekend excursions. This trip was up to Ridgecrest, North Carolina, where the people are nice, the scenery is beautiful and the land is truly blessed by our maker. I knew the Downhill @ Dawn Half Marathon would produce a good time; however, the sights, conversation and people made our trip begin on a positive note!
The drive from Louisville was approximately 6 hours, with a few stops along the way. The last hour toward NC is very tense but majestic. Weaving through windy roads requires a ton of focus, which takes away from enjoying the scenic route! After passing through Asheville, Saturday afternoon's destination, our arrival at the Ridgecrest Conference Center was welcoming and our check in was a breeze.
Amy and I visited the Black Mountain area for dinner along with coffee from an excellent place called the Dripolator. Good stuff for such a small scale area in the mountains of NC. We went back to the hotel and it was bedtime.
I woke up at about 5am Saturday morning to the start line, right outside our hotel door. The weekend was warm and humid and I was hydrating accordingly. I woke Amy up gave her a kiss and went to the line with around 350 other early morning runners. Instead of the normal National Anthem, we said the Lord's Prayer before the start. I looked over and saw my wife, blew her a kiss, and started off on a beautiful morning run through the mountains. Aside from some "nervous" cramps, I felt ready to race. Here is how my run went:

Miles 1-3: We started on the Ridgecrest Conference Center campus, downhill, around, then out the gate. There were a few challenging hills in this stretch. One stands out to me after the turnaround at mile 2 and the mile 3 marker. I vividly remember a supporter shouting, "this is the last hill!" That was good to hear! I felt good through this leg of the run. From talking to other runners before the race, I knew the first 3 miles were the most challenging. My body was feeling great and I was putting out a lot of energy for not knowing the course. Pace averaged around 6:58/mi.

Miles 4-8: From road to packed dirt, this was an interesting stretch. I usually avoid talking during races; however the guy that finished right behind me, from Asheville sparked a 2 mile conversation. He filled me in on the challenges to come then put his headphones back in and went back to work. Throughout this stretch down the mountain, I was extremely cautious, but still felt like I was flying. All downhill and around curves, I was averaging a pace over 7:00/mi. I was feeling great and had cruise control in full effect.

Miles 9-11: Back on pavement and around curves, I read a sign that reminded us of the history of the land we are so blessed to run this race on; a Civil War trail. This was motivating on many levels, to think of the soldiers that made sacrifices so long ago. I arrived at mile ten, where I knew the last hill awaited. I conquered and carried on to mile 11. I conserved some energy but the heat took care of that. I was still averaging a 7:00 minute mile.

Miles 12-13.1: I knew I had a small stretch left to the finish and I had the energy left for just that. I set my sights on one runner after another, setting a goal to pass each one. The last stretch was turning a corner and a straightaway to the finish. I knew where it was and gave my all to average under a 6:42/mi pace during this final portion of my run. I saw Amy with her camera, I smiled and waived, then I looked up at my time as I finished... Another PR!!!!! Here are the results:

Official Finish Time: 1:29:35 (PR)
Average Pace: 6:50/mi
Overall Place: 11 of 350
Division Place (30-34): 2 of 175

Although this race was mostly downhill, I was really proud of my effort, place and another PR. Of the six half marathons I have completed in 2011, I have set three PRs. While these times are a result of dedication and hard work in a hobby I absolutely love, I am surprised and proud every time I see the clock at the finish line.

To the Downhill @ Dawn 1/2 Marathon in Ridgecrest, North Carolina. Only in its fourth year, I liked many qualities of this race. From the small field of 350 runners, to the location and the sights, to the organizers, tech shirts, medal and supporters, there was not much I did not like. This was not a race where supporters are seen throughout (besides the occassional mountain man LOL!); however, the start and finish were well supported with some of the nicest people you will find, including the organizer, Ron Pratt. The trophy company put some 2010 plates on the awards and Mr. Pratt stepped up and assured recipients the would be provided the correct plates. I appreciate the good people at Ridgecrest for putting on a quality race. Mr. Pratt mentioned at the start the race started four years ago with 6 runners and has grown to an unexpected number over these last four years. Mr. Pratt, keep doing what you're doing and this race will double again in 2012. I hope I can help!
Tips for the Organizers: Due to the small scale, I did not expect an extravagant event as seen in bigger cities with bigger fields. While the mile markers were not timed, they were seeable. I would put a clock at the 10K, half, or 10 mile marker as a measuring stick for runners. The water stops were plenty; however, the guys working the tables in the first half on the race were not handing out cups, so I passed them by. Handing cups to runners cuts down on congestion and confusion and avoids slowing down the faster runners looking to meet a goal.
Thank you for a great race in a truly blessed and beautiful part of the country.
Next up for me is the Inaugural Carmel Half Marathon this weekend in Carmel, Indiana.

This will wind down my race season until the heat subsides. Be sure to subscribe and follow me throughout these travels!.

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