2012 KDF Mini Marathon Results & Review

2012 KDF Mini Marathon Results & Review

My hometown race and the fifth consecutive year I have participated in the Kentucky Derby Festival mini Marathon. Familiar sites of Louisville's downtown skyline, the best arena in NCAA basketball in the YUM! Center, historic Churchill Downs, and the artsy-ness and vintage while modern style of our city with projects in motion, buildings and old Victorian mansions. This is always a great race for me due to the pride I take in my hometown and the effort the organizers put into the Kentucky Derby Festival Mini and Full Marathon. Always a race that will rank up there with the best.

This year was different for me in a couple ways. The balloon race was cancelled so there was no poster-esque moment when looking behind us at the start line and my mind was not really on running. There was an 18,000, record-setting participant field; however, my success in running disciplines me to never look back at the runners behind me, only to set my sights on those ahead, so I did not see them. I thought of my family and the great person we lost in Scott Loyall and the strength my sister and my nieces have shown over the past week. Throughout the race, I pictured him and my family's smiling faces at the finish and the big hug I was going to give them all. Yep, I did well. My time was close to a PR, and I ran with a heavy heart, which I let guide me for 13.1.
I woke up a little late and quickly made my way to downtown Louisville, where I knew parking would be a little tough. I parked a little less than a mile away. I slowly warmed up by running this distance toward the start line, where the streets were flooded with runners. I made my way to Corral A and got into my pre-race routine. I was not feeling the best. In fact, I was nervous for the first time in a while. Our National Anthem was proudly sang and I said a prayer for my family and I. After the call to the post, it was off to the races. Here is how my race went:

Miles 1-3: The start line was crowded with some of the quickest local runners and familiar faces seen at many Louisville races and they would prove to be quick as expected. As the cannon went off, I knew I was rolling; however, I felt pretty numb. I admit, I stayed in deep thought throughout this race with little distraction. This leg of the course is flat with a couple of turns. While only scenic at the beginning, the crowd support makes up for it. I felt no issues and took notice of the quick pace. I knew a good time would be posted. Paced averaged 6:51/mi. WOW!

Mile 4-6: Runners approach Old Louisville at this stage of this race and really get a great idea of the support Louisvillans give to the KDF race. Whether handing out water or fruit or just cheering, we have one of the most supported races I have participated in, up there with Cincy's Flying Pig. Like I said before, I was really numb and had no issues. Here and there I would snap out of it when I noticed funny signs or cheering kids and I would give them high fives. All was good with my body and I was rolling. I kept picturing the smiling faces I would see at the finish and I would get a little amped. I did notice the mile markers and thought this race was going by really fast. Again, pace averaged 6:51/mi! Could I really maintain this?

Miles 7-10: Runners get a good view of UofL's campus and crowd supporters are in full stride to energize runners as they approach Churchill Downs. On the way in, I saw my friends Thomas and LJ Hines in a different view. Normally, Thomas is right next to me running. Mile 8 was ran through, around and out of the track, which is pretty cool for out-of-towners. For me, I see that mile 9 marker and gauge how much I have left to finish. I gave Thomas a high five at 3rd and Central and he juiced me up with cheers and yells. I still felt good physically as I headed back toward UofL and downtown toward the river. We had wind in our faces but a downhill straight away to the Ohio. I could not believe how fast the mileage markers approached, one after another. Pace averaged 6:53/mi.

Miles 11-13.1: A straight shot north and only two turns to the finish. I thought more and more about the goings on of the past week, seeing my family in a matter of minutes and found strength to increase my pace to get there faster. Not sure why, but the turn off 3rd to Main toward the finish seems like an extremely long stretch. I had no idea of the time I was about to post until taking the last left turn toward the finish line. Wow, I had run hard the entire way and noticed the seconds ticking toward 1:30:00 - I wanted to beat that mark. I notice my family on the left, dug deep and thought this is for them. I geared up and dashed toward a sub-1:30 time. Here are my splits: mile 11 6:55, mile 12 6:47, mile 13 6:31. Pretty awesome but even more emotional. My brother gave me strength and pushed me to a near PR time. Here are my official results:

Distance	HALF MAR
Clock Time	1:29:51
Chip Time	1:29:41
Overall Place	181 / 12104
Gender Place	154 / 5165
Division Place	32 / 761
Age Grade	66.1%
10K	42:37
Pace	6:51

I knew where my family was so after the finish I made my way back to them. I knew I was sweaty but still hugged them all. After all they had been through this week, all I wanted to do on this day was make them proud and maybe provide a little inspiration that everything was going to be okay, and I hope I did. My performance came from their strength and for the memory of a great friend, brother, husband, and father - an awesome person. They were with me the entire 13.1 and provided energy and strength for me to do well. All this, and I missed my PR, a personal best time, by just six seconds. I did beat my personal best in the KDF Mini by 16 seconds! Thank you sis and girls for this. You all are amazing people and truly an inspiration.

The organization, crowd support and volunteers for Louisville's KDF Mini were awesome, as expected. I loved the design of the participant shirts and the finisher's medal. This transition of the Mini out of Iroquois Park has been a success; however, I still love the challenge of those hills in the park. Our start and finish go above and beyond the majority of routes I have run in the US. This year felt as if the organizers set runners up for success - I PR'd, the Mini record was broken, and the participant field was larger than ever! Thank you for that.
TIPS FOR THE ORGANIZERS
There was not too much I noticed this year but we all have room to improve:

• Gear Check - it seemed to be placed in the dead center of the corrals and needs to be moved off Main Street. Since Slugger Field was not allowing people to park there, and their lot was completely empty, I would move Gear Check there.
• Parking - Why Slugger Field did not open up their parking lot is a huge question among participants. There was no utilization of the parking spots in that lot before or after the race. In addition, a long stretch of Witherspoon was shut down before and after the race. Both of these areas could be used for parking, which would have cut down on congestion.
• Water Stops - Still sticking with this plastic cups, eh? I do not like them at all. I understand the recycling aspect, but paper cups can be recycled as well. And, they are easier for runners to drink from.
• Post Race Refreshments - Chocolate milk is my all time favorite and there was none to be found. This would be a great addition for 2013.... please.

I take pride in this race and believe the Kentucky Derby Festival miniMarathon is one of the best races in the country. We have a huge Expo with tons of merchandise and vendors, awesome swag, a great sight-seeing course, sweet finisher's medals, and a scenic finish. Thank you KDF organizers and volunteers for making 2012 a great experience. For the 40th anniversary of the Mini in 2013, I expect you guys to do it big and give participants duffle bags at the packet pickup expo. That would be awesome! I will register as soon as it opens regardless!

Next weekend will mark my 30th half marathon as a participant, in the 500 Festival Mini, in Indianapolis. I hope and pray for safety and many more races to come. Thank you to my wife, mom, sister, nieces and all other friends and family for your support. I love you and you keep me doing what I do. I love to run and hope I make you proud. You are my foundation and I appreciate you.

HAPPY RUNNING!!!!!
 #30

2012 Carmel Half Marathon Results

Another great weekend for running and I was happy to be in Indy for the 2012 Carmel Championship Weekend. This is a great event for all levels and all different distances, especially if you like running through a nice area!
Packet pickup was a struggle again this year for us with no morning pickup time. We were driving from home and trying to get to the MONON Community Center in Carmel and it was tough. I sent the organizers a message on Facebook and received an immediate response. They assured me I would be taken care of, which was much appreciated. Luckily, when we realized we would not make it, we contacted friend Todd Hawks, who generously drove from Indy to get my packet. What an awesome person (he had to put up with us and Cali all weekend).
Race morning arrived and I knew weather would be chilly, but ideal, at 40 degrees. Kudos to the race organizers for moving the race up two months with race time temps in the 70's in 2011. Event organizer Todd Oliver announced before the start this would be the date moving forward. I believe this was a good decision and opens up many possibilities for a "Triple Crown of Indy Half Marathons" in the Indianapolis area with Carmel, the Indy 500 Mini, and Geist all consecutively two weeks apart. Participants would likely commit to all three and pay a little more if there was an overall medal given.
Back to my race. Parking was simple race day morning. I arrived 30 minutes before start and parked in the first spot in the parking garage. This is a huge improvement over last year when runners were shuttled in from a remote area. I believe the development of the real estate in the area made this possible. There seemed to be less construction. As I headed to the start line, I was chilled by the wind. I ran a relaxed one mile and approached the start. The color guard and the national anthem were beautiful, then runners were off. Here is how my race went:
Miles 1-3: This first part of the 2012 Carmel Half/Full Marathon I realized something - I am not sure if I have ever heard so many people talking while running but this energy and happiness was awesome. Miles 1 and 2 are a straight shot gradually up then down a hill, then turns into a neighborhood before an up and back turn around. This was tough from a stride and a pace view due to slowing down and immediately changing direction. I ran 2 sub 7 minute miles in this leg of my race. I felt efficient and kept form at the front of my mind averaging a 7 minute pace.
Miles 4-6: I enjoyed leg 2 where last year a the 5 mile mark I had to walk and regroup. I recognized that very spot. Feeling strong, I smiled and ran right past it. Though this leg, runners climb a hill for roughly 2 miles. What I like about this course is there are so many turns, the hills are not noticeable. I slowed a little averaging a 7:07 pace. I was feeling incredible throughout the first half of my race and knew a good time would be the result.
Miles 7-10: The third leg of my race began through a neighborhood then onto the MONON trail. I like the naturistic feel of the trail, which I hear will be one day connected to the trail I run in Bloomington, IN. This part of the race is where runners are to themselves and find out how much they have left for the finish. As for me, form and breathing were great and I was confident with the fuel I had left in my body. I averaged around a 7:07 pace for these four miles and was ready for a fast finish.
Miles 11-13.1: Splits were mile 11 @ 7:02 pace, mile 12 @ 6:55 pace, mile 13 @ 6:34 pace, and finished at a 5:55 pace. WOW! A couple turns then down Main Street through shoppes and buildings. I laughed at the statues of random people on the sidewalks - you do not know who was real! I was dashing toward the finish feeling so energized at my performance to this point in the race. No one was passing me and I would catch up to the nearest runner in my way. I remembered this race in 2011 where I was worn down and just wanting to finish. Today, I wanted to finish faster than ever, and I had plenty left to do so. While not as fast as Springfield, I crossed the finish 2 minutes faster than 2011 and I was happy! Here are the results:

Official time: 1:32:24
Overall place: 34/1012
Sex place: 31/497
Division (30-34) place: 10/72
Overall pace: 7:04/mi


After I crossed and as expected, I noticed Chocolate milk, my favorite post race reward! The finisher's medals were well designed and reflected the Earth Day Weekend, which was neat. I walked and stretched and was very satisfied with one of my most efficient, well-ran races yet. GetMeRegistered.com had a both set up where runners could immediately get unofficial results (all races should have this) and free massages were provided. I took advantage of both!
I am often amazed by how performance affects a persons perspective on their satisfaction of a race, the route and organization - I am living proof. Last year I struggled and was happy just to finish, which deterred my attention from the beauty of this course and the area of town that hosts it. This year, I was feeling great and running faster, but still looked around to notice the greenery and nature runners were provided with. While this course will not woo you with bridges, tall buildings, nor rivers and lakes, the architecture of the start/finish area, the greenery of the lawns and other well kept areas, and the streams through MONON trail are enough to make this event special. Thank you to Todd Oliver and his staff for hosting a great event and the volunteers, police and military folks for smiling and inspiring runners to get through to the finish line. Upgrades and improvements were obvious differences between 2011 and 2012 with better tech shirts, parking and participant voting on the finisher's medals. I appreciate being part of a great event and look forward to the years ahead. Another good effort was the Twitter updates the day prior, early in the morning and throughout the day, to keep runners informed of events (@CarmelMarathon). Good stuff!


TIP for the ORGANIZERS:
All events have room to improve, especially the newer ones. The organizers of the Carmel Half are always willing to listen and put participant feedback into their race. 

• As I said earlier, I suggest a "triple crown" or the "1,2,3 of Indy" with Carmel, Indy 500 Mini, and Geist all having two weeks separating them. With two of the three having small fields, this may generate more interest and benefit the other two.
• Water stops. Late in the half, runners passed a water stop with cups sat up all nice and neat. While this was pretty and I am sure they worked hard, volunteers at this stop need to hand the drinks to runners instead of expecting them to stop to pick one up. Otherwise, when runners attempt to grab a cup, a bunch of others are spilled.
• Directions. The mile or two before entering the trail, a runner was lost. I noticed he passed a volunteer and said "thanks for pointing me in the wrong direction!" I had to ask about four times in different locations if I was going the right way. I know volunteers are limited and signs cannot go everywhere; however, in any questionable area, spray something on the pavement. If Carmel supports this race as they should, this will not be an issue.
• Timing Clocks: The timing clocks were off the mile markers which was confusing. With miles marked for the half and the full, I was already confused. I would put the timing devices on one of the two mile markers.
• Packet Pickup. A Saturday morning packet pickup would a really considerate implementation. With all the space around the start and now close parking, this would be beneficial to runners.

Carmel marks my 27th half marathon with many more to come. Up next is my hometown race - the 2012 Kentucky Derby Mini Marathon, then back to Indy for the 500 Festival Mini. For all coming to Louisville, KY for the KDF Mini, welcome to a great race that has been around for a while. The Expo is huge and the course is scenic so get ready for an awesome experience, Derby-style!

 


HAPPY RUNNING!!!!!

2012 Presidential Half Marathon & IU Alumni Mini Marathon

2012 IU Alumni Mini 3/31/2012 Bloomington, IN
Some may wonder why  I did not write about my race, 3/31/12, in Bloomington in the IU Alumni Half Marathon. Well, I started to but a lot of negativity came out - the organizers took medals away and gave out pint glasses and a few other reasons. However, the negativity did go away quickly due to the way I felt and the energy of the volunteers, which really make this race a good one. I like the course, through IU's campus and up and over some tough hills; however, its going to be tough for me to want to participate in this one again. The race feels geared toward the students habits of drinking and partying, not for a person that likes to travel to races. The expo is minimal and the online registration and results are tough finds and very unorganized. All that aside, I was happy with my performance:
Official Finish Time: 1:35:22
Overall Average Pace: 7:17/mi
Overall: 111 of 530
Age: 6th place

2012 Lincoln Presidential Half 4/7/2012 Springfield, IL
Now this was an awesome experience. A little disappointing at first because Ames' parent did not go; however, they really missed out on an educational experience and we'll them in. Springfield, IL is about 5-1/2 hours from Louisville with a fairly plain drive, whether heading toward St. Louis or Indy. We took the STL route and hit Route 66 in Springfield, which was pretty cool. The packet pick up was fairly small but full of free goodies and super nice people. We received a tech shirt, a commemorative poster, and a few other things from vendors. The way there and back was full of sites - I was astounded by the preservation of the Old Capitol Building and the size of the new one. After the packet pickup we walked around the Capitol Building and took numerous pictures. Next we headed to the Cozy Dog Drive In, where the "Hot Dog on a Stick" or corn dog, was invented, then to Bernie & Betty's Pizza for the pre-race dinner - a salad and a pizza pie!
I woke up extra early on race day and went to Starbuck's for a boost. We got ready and Ames, Cali and I headed out. We arrived at the start about 30 minutes early - parking was easy - and I prepped. I felt very good like I would do extremely well. I headed to the start line, running my new 1/2 mile ritual. I was ready. I saw the Half Fanatics group of Michael Hoyt, Dave Mari and others, took some pictures and I was ready to run! Abe talked to the group and one quote stood out: "They say good things come to those who wait, but what they get are the leftovers for those who hustle!" That stuck with me as the National Anthem played and I said my prayer. Here is how my race was ran:
Miles 1-3: As I said, I woke up feeling great, my pre-race warm-up felt great, and the first 3 were no different. Runners headed toward the only house Lincoln ever owned then toward the beautiful Capitol building. My paces were fantastic: 6:42, 7:04, and 6:59. I was feeling a little rough due to this speedy rate. I noticed the first mile and was sure it was a mistake; however, training and hard work increased my confidence in this pace.
Miles 4-6: Possibly my favorite stretch of the race, we headed through Washington Park via beautiful neighborhoods, the greenest grass and pretty waterways. The latter part was down and back up a hill but I was not feeling it. I soaked up the history and the beauty of this majestic route in its entirety. Paces slowed a little but negatively split: 7:07, 7:04, and 6:53. This place was simply beautiful!
Miles 7-10: This was a quick portion of the race for me, maybe because at mile 7, I mentally picture the rest of the race downward sloping: 6:59, 6:52, 6:58, and 7:14. I believe  7, 8, and into 9 were nearly straight and downhill - a great reward going into a challenging finish - and I knew history was ahead. This is the portion of the race where I find out if I will last or crash - I felt fantastic! Knowing I had plenty left in the tank, I turned into Oak Ridge Cemetery toward the final resting place of the 16th President of the US, Abraham Lincoln. I was inspired by the hard work and dedication Abe put into his life and career and just kept running hard. On to the last leg of my race.
Miles 11-13.1: The last 2.1 was a flash but are very vivid in my memory. They went by quick due to my fast paces: 7:00, 7:00 and 6:55. Again, through beautiful parks and trails to Lincoln Park and toward the finish. While heading downtown, my head was held high and I felt strong as ever! So I dashed to the finish line determined to come in under 1:32, and I did! Here are the results:
Bib Number: 571
Official Time: 1:31:57
Average Pace: 7:01/mi
Overall Place: 49 of 1434
Gender Place: 44 of 670
Age Group: 8 of 113
I had a great feeling going into and throughout this race. To run where Lincoln walked, getting to see sites, I was motivated to produce a great output. The medal, a big shiny penny was one of my best yet and the tech shirt was a unique color. What more could you ask for?
I loved this race. The volunteers were great, the organizers did phenomenal, the expo was small but the people were very nice, and the goodies were fantastic. The drive was a little distant; however, for the experience my wife and I had in Springfield with the history of corn dogs and Lincoln, I would do it again. Thank you for the hospitality, an amazing time and a nearly perfectly organized race.
Tips for the Organizers: Well, none! Oh wait, my favorite, chocolate milk, could have been waiting at the finish.
This is where my race schedule thickens. After the upcoming off weekend, I have Carmel, IN, my home race the Derby Festival Mini Marathon, then, the Indy 500 Festival Mini.
What a fantastic hobby I love so much!

Lastly is the cause I run for. Please take the time to go to the link below and contribute to a truly amazing cause. The link will give you the KIDS Center's purpose and goal of how no child is turned away. Any amount is appreciated!
http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/catsforkids/WalkandRollforKids2012

HAPPY RUNNING!!!!!