See James Run...or read about it!: October 2011

Race season began this past weekend in Holland, MI, and WOW was it beautiful. Ames and I took a half day off work last Friday to travel to a part of the country neither of us had experienced. Although I'm a tropical person and the North does not always fare well with me, I am now a fan! Amy picked this place for two reasons: (1) It is a place her parents love to visit and talk about a lot, so we had to go and (2) I got to mark another state off toward my goal!

The drive was not bad at all. We headed North on I-65, to Carmel, through South Bend and then on up to our destination. Amy's parents arrived a little earlier so we met them in Saugatuck, MI. We were amazed at the rarity combined with beauty of a small town on Kalamazoo Lake. Although we arrived at night, shoppes and restaurants were open and lit up. The town was transitioning into their off-season; therefore not too many people were around. We passed Phil's so many times!!!!!
After eating pizza for dinner, we left Saugatuck for Holland, to get rest for the race in the morning.
I woke up feeling pretty good. I wanted to head out a little early to find the start line. Normally, we would pick my packet up the night before the race and find the route to the start. The expo closed at 7 so there was not chance of that, so Mom-2 picked up my packet she's becoming a pro!
Arriving an hour before start time was a little early but gave me time to walk around, get loose, and mentally prepare. I stretched at the start and knew this would be a good experience due to the music - I heard some NKTOB Hangin' Tough and Step by Step. I stretched at the start line walked around a little and it was race time. No National Anthem? Expectations of my performance were a little puzzling. I felt like it had been forever since I last ran a race and I sprained my left ankle the Tuesday before and the swelling was causing Plantar Fascia to flare in my left foot. I told my self to be very cautious and take it easy, so I did. The temperature was Overcast and about 48 degrees. Here is how I did:
Miles 1-3: I always start out at a slower than ideal pace to get a feel for my body. Am I going to set a PR? Is this one going to be tough? Should the crowd determine my pace or should my body? The answers were No, Kind of, and my body, respectively, but my competitive side took over resulting in a fast pace of 7:12/mi through the first 3 miles. I felt ok but not fantastic. My left foot hampered me the whole race due to the feeling of a PF flare up. I was careful and steady and kept telling myself I would be fine. While this was not the most scenic part of the course, the support was good and the weather was prime - especially when the forecast showed rain the whole race!
Miles 4-6: This part of run was not all on the coast of Lake Macatawa; however, you felt it right there on your left. I love the sight of water during a run, so I kept peeking down the driveways to catch a glimpse of the lake on a crisp morning - there is nothing like it. Nearly to the 6 mile marker, the view of the water open up. At this point in the race I knew nothing special was going to take place in my PR book, so I put my shoulders back and "kept in all in here." I have this thing I do now when I want to avoid using too much energy - remember the movie Hitch with Kevin James and Will Smith with the dance lesson? I avoid the slouch position, keep my arms close to my sides and focus on breathing and "keep it all in here." Trust me, it works. 4-6 resulted in a 7:20ish pace - not too bad.
Miles 7-11: This part of the run was the most beautiful. Between mile 7 and 7.5 the lead runners started coming back toward us, so I knew there was a turn around ahead - I hoped for a port-a-potty. I almost never have to pee during a race, but more to come on that. As we approach the 8 mile mark, I became mesmerized by the sight of water - Holland State Park and the Great Lake Michigan. Water as far as you could see and such a gorgeous view, I wished I had a camera. I made the turn and headed back inland. I had a great pace going here but had to pee so bad. After the parks we took a left turn where there was some yards. I really had to go so I stopped in a wooded area and let it loose. Whew, I was relieved and carried on to mile marker 9. I had a slight pain in my stomach and slowed a little to mile 10. My pace slowed and I was not feeling real good so I slowed down to a brisk walk, at some Sport Beans and hydrated. I got it back going but was struggling a little. I promised myself I would get a drink and slow up at the remaining hydration stations, and I did. I managed a 7:45/mi pace through this stretch and kept going.
Miles 12-13.1: I knew I was close so I just focused on the finish. Yep, I had a couple things nagging me, but this would not stop me. The end was near and the last inkling of energy would resulting me sprinting toward the finish. Not sure if I was sprinting, but it sure felt like it. I sprinted and looked forward to seeing some awesome people - DJ, VJ and my beautiful wife! Each were very supportive and I appreciate you.

I ended up with a respectable pace of 7:30/mi, some beautiful scenery and another state toward my goal. This race was a struggle at times. I have never ran in such perfect temperatures not felt great. My competitive nature wants me to blame my ankle but I feel like I could have done better. Oh well, I have to realize, as some good friends told my, I won't feel great for every race!
About the Park2Park Race:
Link to pictures: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Park2Park-race/160077310986
I had a lot of questions coming in so I emailed the Race Director, Sherrie Kornoelje Santos, a few times. She was very receptive and quick to respond. Thank you. I noticed on the Facebook page that many people complained about the race not handing out a Finisher's Medal. Yep, I like hardware; however, the cost was only $35. Between the views, the shirts, and the Finisher's Sticker, I was satisfied. For those complaining about the medal: Would you rather pay $45-$50 for the race? The lack of a Finisher's Medal will keep the field size low, but that's good by me. I plan on coming back many years to come!
FEEDBACK FOR THE ORGANIZERS:
(1) I would put the water more toward the finish. There is nothing like sitting and drinking water after crossing that line! The flipside, YAY! for chocolate milk. KEEP IT!
(2) I can make the sticker into a medal in some way (though I like medals more), but I would maybe add a towel with the logo, from the website. I thought that logo was much more sexy that the one on the sticker.
(3) Have volunteers at tables hand the cups to runners. The issue with just sitting them on the table is that some runners stop to pick it up, causing others that grab-and-go to stumble over that person. It would have been really tough with a larger field.
(4) A couple more Port-O-Pottys would have been nice for obvious reasons.
(5) I noticed short sleeve tech shirts when I arrived for the race. I have no clue where to get one, but this would have been a good way to show of the accomplishment.
I did love the race, the views, and the area. It was a part of the country not far from us, but very different. Scenic routes make such a difference throughout the course of a race. Boats, water and nature take your mind off the struggle, pain and other contributing factors that may hamper a runner and turn them into beauty, serenity, optimism and a constant motivation to continue and see more.
Thank you to the Director, organizers, volunteers and other that provided such a happy, positive atmosphere that day in Holland, MI.
Ames and I spent the rest of the weekend in Saugatuck and South Haven, with our tour guides, DJ and VJ. I found another place, maybe my favorite, that I absolutely love. This place was the perfect balance between Florida and the lake. Serene views, great food, water, sand, lighthouses, my wife, and Denise and Vernon made it such a memorable trip. And, I found my favorite seat ever (pictured). It may looked like dirt to you; however, to me, the view is unreal and gaze-worthy!

My Seat

The view of lake Michigan

For me, marking off Michigan makes 12 states I have ran a half marathon in at 32 years old. That is 157.2 miles of racing with 38 states and 3 countries, or 537.1 miles, with a timeframe of 17 years and 208 to complete my goal in.

Next up is two races in Louisville: the Big Hit Half, October 30th, and the Louisville Sports Commission Half, November 12th.

TIP: I love to run so freaking much, but sometimes I need to step back and make choices based upon that passion. I have talked a little about spraining my ankle, which has been bothering me for the last couple weeks. As we age, we must realize that our bodies are less resilient, and more susceptible to injury and soreness. Yep, I'm young, but I'm not 18. Those harder sports, like football, basketball, and even tennis, we played and loved as a kid, creates the possibly to reduce performance in areas of passion. Point is, pick your passion and be aware of that when participating in other activities. For example, when I play basketball, I have to control my competitive nature and reduce my effort; otherwise, the runs I do the next couple days are going to be a little sluggish. I have not worked those "Basketball" muscles in a while, so they are going to be sore. Stretch, hydrate and allow recovery time. So keep in mind - PICK YOUR PASSION.

HAPPY RUNNING!!!!!

Other pictures from our trip: