Saturday, June 8, 2013

2013 Varmint Half Marathon Review & Results - Burkes Garden, VA

Five races in the last seven weeks and seven half marathons in 2013........so far!

No posts have been written for my last two races, Geist and Bernheim Trail, well, because both are awesome and I have posted tremendous feedback to the organizers and they just keep getting better!

Where I found the Varmint Half, I am not too sure. The drive to nearly the most western tip of Virginia took us through Coal Miner Country. We drove I-64 East for nearly two hours and the remainder were tense, white-knuckled back roads through the mountains and mining towns. Beautiful mountains and terrain and some of the hardest working, proud, people in the world were just some of my observations the last couple days. Similar to us as proud runners, coal miners have personalized license plates and stickers on vehicles to show how they feel about a really tough, dirty, dangerous industry.

Our stay was at a Super 8 Hotel in Pounding Mill, VA, about 45 minutes from the start on the Varmint Half Marathon. Due to the far distance, we test drove to the start/finish. Absolutely a beautiful area of our nation! Mountains and knobs and huge rocks; the scenery looked like the Shire from Lord of the Rings. Driving up Burkes Garden Road had me hoping this was not the race route, made up of tight winding roads up the side of a mountain. Again, the view from up there were nothing short of breathtaking.

After that voyage, Ames and I dropped Cali off back at the hotel and set out for dinner at Cuz's Uptown Barbecue. Just three miles from our hotel, Cub's is a local favorite eccentric dining. The staff were pretty friendly and the food was good. Not exactly the ideal pre-race meal with a filet; however, that steak did the trick!

The morning came and off to the Burkes Garden Community Center we went. Early arrival is always good for my one mile warm up. In this race, packet pick up was the morning of. For the record number of runners, Charity and her staff were well organized and ready for the crowd. Pickup was in a gym older than me. The old basketball floor and the baskets with the plywood backboards were an awesome sight to see. This is small town livin'!!! Off to run a mile, kissed Amy and Cali, and to the start I went. Here is how my race went:

Miles 1-3: Temperature at race time was awesome: overcast and about 63 degrees. I made the mistake of getting out in front. I looked at the elevation and last year's results, so I thought I could run with those boys - big mistake! Mile 1 was a 6:45/mi pace - big mistake with some steep, mountainous hills coming up. We made the turn at mile one and up we went. I felt good about my first leg with a strong pace; however, there was still a long way to go and the temps were rising.

Miles 4-6: The second leg was no easier. After miles two through five, the Varmint had bit me and I knew it. I paced pretty good through this leg. After a cool start, the sun blared with the open road ahead. No shade and my goose was cookin'!
The Garmin did not do justice to the elevation. WOW!


Miles 7-10: The hills just kept coming. This part of the route was similar to running the country roads of Kentucky in the Bourbon Chase, only hotter. Mile 8 is where I met my threshold. My hip pointers were screaming from last weekend's trail half, I was dripping with sweat and I knew a saving some energy for the final leg and finishing would be a great accomplishment. So, at a couple inclines, I walked to recharge a little. My legs were toast and there is know shame in considering personal safety when out on the course. My goal is always to finish safely where I can run another day. Mile 9 was a 7:52/mi pace and mile 10 dropped all the way to 8:32/mi. I knew, run or walk, I had to keep moving forward.

Miles 11-13.1: My final leg started off a little conservatively at a 7:58/mi pace. I was definitely fine with that. At this point in the run, my butt was kicked, I was exhausted and the goal was to finish. As always, a little adrenaline kicked in, pacing mile 12 at 7:30/mi and mile 13 at 7:18/mi. After a painful, grueling, hilly, hot and exhausting race, I was thankful I finished safely. Here are my results:
Well deserved after a grueling race!

Bib: 117
Finish Time: 1:39:02
Overall Place: 24 of 283
Division Place: 6 of 22
Average Pace: 7:34/mi

 Virginia is my 16th state where I have finished a half marathon; just under one-third of the way to my goal. The drive and the area we visited was truly gorgeous and the people were so nice! Charity McDaniel and her team did a fantastic job organizing and accommodating to a record number of participants. The feel good story of this race to me was mentioned in the pre-race announcements: 
While I do not recall her name, a lady participating in the race (which made all 20) was diagnosed with breast cancer, had surgery two days ago, and had the will and determination to keep her streak alive. I hope this message finds you well: you are an inspiration to everyone that ran today and, to all I am sure that know you. Keep fighting the good fight!

 The 20th annual Varmint half had it all: challenges, hills, good competition, nice volunteers and a homely feel and just a great vibe. Admittedly, the half marathon, my 40th, was the most challenging. I came in expecting to win an award and it did not happen. I finished successfully and safe and ready to race again!
Our traveling companion! Ready to be home!


 Another great trip with Ames and Cali and now for some well-deserved rest! Here are my next scheduled races. I hope to add a couple more in the this year!
Follow me on: 
    Twitter @jameshoagy,  Facebook, and on my blog: JamesRunstheNation.blogspot.com

    Thank you for reading, commenting and, as always, HAPPY RUNNING!
    FIT4LIFE RUN4BOSTON
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Monday, May 13, 2013

2013 Gnaw Bone Extreme Trail Half Marathon Review & Results

Trail running is much different than the roads. With more adventure, obstacles and so much green, you feel like part of nature letting you run through its beauty. There is also the thrill of getting muddy and overcoming streams, tree roots and slippery rocks and coming out safely, with a little blood or a couple of scratches. Trails are simply a different set of elements, which I have added within my love of running.

The Dances with Dirt (http://dwd.runningfitsites.com) Gnaw Bone Extreme Trail Half Marathon was an awesome event from start to finish. Upon signing up, I had no clue where to set my expectations. I received and read the Waiver, which all runners are required to sign, which was the first time I had ever read a waiver for a race. Honestly, the mention of broken bones and death made me think. In conversation with Derek at Blue Mile of Louisville, I made mention. His response: "You mean the death waiver?!" While this made me laugh, Derek did make me feel much more at ease about the race. Once that obstacle was overcome, I was confident and ready for race day.

Days leading up to the race made for fun conditions with a lot of rain and low temperatures. This meant  sloppy and muddy conditions - my favorite! Race day temperature was a prime 44 degrees and overcast.

Before the start of the race, the announcer described mile two as the "shittiest mile of the race." This set the tone for my race - get through mile two and the rest would be smooth sailing. After a few more announcements, we set off into the woods of Brown County State Park. here is how my race went:

While I can break my road races down into sections for mental purposes, trail runs are much tougher. My approach to trails is to break the race down by major inclines. Gnaw Bone had three. The major climb was at the beginning. When the race started, runner were lead up a fire road to a sloppy climb. Due to earlier races, the mud was deep and soft - the kind that will take your shoe right off! My strategy up the first climb was to follow and keep up with a fast runner and use their footprints as plant points. This would, for the most part, help me avoid sinking. Good strategy - still almost lost a shoe four times. 

 Mile 2 was, as promised, the toughest and slowest mile of my race, with a 10:58/mi pace. Pace was not an issue for me. In trail runs and races, my goal is to come out safely and let pace take on a life of its own. The slow pace of mile two would prove to be a great contribution toward my finish. Once mile two was done, I was positive the rest of the race would be at least, easier than mile two.

 Through trails and campsites and winding through the park, terrain was varied and the focus was safety. Throughout the race, I tried to stay behind runners and use their footing as safe spots. Two times I had a runner wipeout in front of me. Once I made sure they were okay, I continued on. Luckily, I stayed upright and avoided falls. 

 One of the best parts of the race, besides the challenge of mile two, was the last mile. Running downhill through long grass, I felt separated from others running the half, while passing some 10K'ers. Once down the hill, all the mud was washed of while running through a few creeks. The day was cool and the water was cold. At one point, the stream was nearly waist deep and I thought about swimming! After tackling that obstacle, I emerged from the water, legs numb, and hit the last quarter mile hard! Crossing the finish line was awesome, especially when seeing my time. Here are my official results:

 Bib# 2043
Age 30-34: 1st Place (see video)
Overall: 5 of 180
Official Time: 1:55:10

 This, my third trail half marathon, was an awesome race! The course was well-routed and marked,  volunteers and organizers were awesome, and the medals, shirts, and "death waiver" are awesome!  The under two hour time was a great accomplishment for me, along with a first place age group finish. Thanks to DWD for a great event. See you next year!

 My race schedule gets no easier:

My Race Schedule



    Follow me on: 
    Twitter @jameshoagy,  Facebook, and on my blog: JamesRunstheNation.blogspot.com

    Thank you for reading, commenting and, as always, HAPPY RUNNING!
    FIT4LIFE RUN4BOSTON
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Saturday, April 27, 2013

2013 KDF Mini Marathon

What a great day!
My hometown race is always the most special and this one did not disappoint.

The Kentucky Derby Festival (KDF) Mini Marathon is always a great race. In the midst of Derby events, the race falls on or near my birthday (April 26) and alway draws a large crowd. This year, 18,000 runners gathered on a prime running morning to run a route worthy of traveling to our great city to tour. From the Louisville Slugger Factory/Museum and YUM! Center on Main around and through the old victorian mansions and the University of Louisville campus, in and out of Churchill Downs then back down to our beautiful waterfront, the views take your mind off the effort and strain of 13.1 or 26.2.

I set out to the start feeling good and ready for a smooth and steady race. Unlike last year, when I ran with such emotion, my sixth KDF Mini in 2013 was not to set a PR or to run my best time; my goal was to run with my friend Thomas and let our conditioning and feeling guide us to an efficient and safe finish.

Thomas and I met up for our ritual warm-up run. We ran a mile to loosen up the legs and get set. Once complete, we headed toward the start. The National Anthem was AWESOME, as always, followed by a necessary moment of silence for Boston and those affected. We took our place in the pack and, after the cannon blast, we were off.

As planned, we ran a nice smooth and efficient pace. West on Main Street, then around toward Churchill Downs, the weather was perfect with overcast skies and 50 degrees. An observation during the race was the continuance of support of my fellow Louisvillians. Despite the events of Boston and the fear of many, our residents were out in full force and cheering louder than ever. We appreciate that more than you know and it always makes me smile!

South into Churchill Downs and north out the tunnel toward the river, only four miles are left to the finish. This part of the race is like a straightaway in the Derby, with a couple light hills. After much conversation and pulling each other along, Thomas and I turned the last couple corners to Preston Street and another finish line in the KDF Mini.

Official finish time: 1:36:37, 7:23/mi pace.

As I said before, I appreciate the reminders the race gives of such an awesome city we live in. Possibility City we call it. We are artsy, unique, full of landmarks and beautiful sights and saturated by great, creative, hospitable residents.

As with every race, feedback is necessary to improve the following year. We felt like some cost-cutting measures were a little obvious in the 2013 KDF Mini. The one that stood out the most was the lack of sports drink at the hydration stations. While I can only recall two stops with a sports drink, at those two stops there were only two people handing it out, and we had to ask. My recommendation is to use two different color cups and have some one yelling or have a sign letting runners know what to look for. Set the expectation in the FAQs before the race so runners can better manage their run. Second, their was no chocolate milk at this finish. With 18,000 runners, there has to be a vendor will in to supply or show up at the finish. Chocolate milk is a growing need for hydration and recovery and is a must-do for 2014. Please.

Other than those, Thomas and I ran well and enjoyed the race. I remember coming out of Churchill Downs and being so proud of Louisville, KY. The KDF truly puts on one of the nations best races and has tremendous local support. Our city comes out, stands up and cheers as needed.

As for me, this is the time of year where my race schedule ramps up:


    Thank you for reading, commenting and, as always, HAPPY RUNNING!
    FIT4LIFE RUN4BOSTON
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Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Run for Boston


The last couple weeks have been moving for the running community in Louisville, KY. For me, I took special interest in the events in Boston, having a good friend up there, thinking about how many finish lines I have crossed, and how people can be so inhumane. On the flip side, I have been inspired by the show of selflessness and humanitarianism of people, not only in Boston or around the world, but from the residents of my hometown of Louisville, KY. 

Monday night, the running community met a Hogan's Fountain in Cherokee Park. I had the pleasure and honor of running there with the good people of Blue Mile Highlands. Runners came from all directions and all stores in the Louisville area to meet and have a moment of silence at 6:26pm. This was a good show of a community pulling together, not for money, but for a common cause, a purpose, an interest, in which we all find solace: running. Being in that moment with so many recreational athletes was special to me. 
Finish lines will never be the same. While we will all think of Boston with every line we cross, let us also be thankful for the ability to be able to run free and cross those finish lines. While you are inspired by Boston, always keep in mind, as a runner, you inspire people with your story. 
This weekend and the Kentucky Derby Festival Mini and Full marathon, runners I ask you to not only take joy in and be proud of yourself for crossing the finish line; think about how you arrived at that moment in your life. Who or what was it that inspired you, how hard you have worked, what opportunity cost did you sacrifice, all with the finish line in mind. 
Remember Boston, your friends and family that support you, your inspiration, and run a good race. The finish line is waiting for you.
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Wednesday, March 6, 2013

2013 Little Rock Half Marathon


First race of the season is always highly anticipated for a lot of reasons: first race of the season, seeing where my fitness is after the colder training months, sets the tone for the race season, and this one was awesome because it was another state marked off the list.

Amy, Cali and I set off for Little Rock Friday after work. In dark, cold, wet temperatures, driving was tense. We stopped in Jackson, TN, to rest then off to our destination in the morning.
After checking in, and unpacking the baggage, I went to the Expo at the Statehouse Convention Center, which was nice and well-organized. Throught the crowds and back to the packet pack-up, there seemed like a whole lot more runners were participating in this event. The race organizer really did well on the expo. I cannot help but compare this one to Cincinnati's Flying Pig, maybe because of the "Hog-Theme" of Arkansas? This is a great race for beginning runners looking to have a really good time. From cowboy hats, to swag, even to the Volunteer "Western-style" tees, the folks were really welcoming and fun. Even more, I LOVED the additional merchandise available for purchased. I picked up a sweet new pair of socks and a tee the reads, "Thirteen Point Freaking One," so I can just point when some one asks how many miles are in a half marathon.

While we did not get to explore Little Rock too much, we did find a phenomenal place to eat Saturday night: Dizzy's Gypsy Bistro. Great atmosphere, "Award Winning" cheese dip, some great sandwiches, and white Wedding Cake for dessert make the experience prime. The only bad part was the pain I was in as we left the restaurant from my glutonous eating habit - good thing I have a running habit!
Race morning was a chilly 25 degrees. I dressed, kissed Ames and Cali, and set off for a short run to the Clinton Library, across the walking bridge, then around to the start line after 2 miles. Corral A was my start and I felt in place. While I am sure many runners were much faster than I, those people set the tone for my run to be a fast-paced one. After a prayer and our great country's National Anthem, start time had finally arrived. Here is how my race went:

Miles 1-3: I felt really great out of the gates. I had my racing shoes on, my mental state was prime, breathing was good, and my body was quiet. Although around 30 degrees at the start, the sun was blaring I did not feel the cold weather. This was by far my best leg of the race; coincidently, it was also the flattest part of the course! About mile 3, danger hit. Sharp pains started shooting into my right shoulder. I managed to keep up the pace although really struggling. Although I averaged a 6:50/mi pace, I was hurting.

Miles 4-6: Mile 4 was flat, 5 got a little tougher going back over the bridge and 6 got into the gradual hilliness of the course. I felt none of that due to my shoulder pain. Maintain was all I could think of even though I was averaging a 6:56/mi pace throughout my second leg. I was not struggling anywhere else, I just wanted the pain to go away.

Miles 7-10: Mile 7 was a water stop where I decided to walk for a few seconds, get a drink, stretch my shoulder and pray for the pain to subside. Oddly enough, the pain gradually went away over the next mile. I was fine after that, even though I avoided pushing my pace. Strong and steady, I averaged about a 7:10/mi pace. I had my thoughts and sights on the finish, and off I went.

Miles 11-13.1: After splits from those crazy full marathoners, my fitness took over for a valiant race to the finish line. For me, the last leg of my run is always the easiest, really from mile seven on. I keep the mentality that half the race is over, and its all downhill to the finish! Around a few curves and I ran hard for a last mile average pace of 6:54/mi and a strong finish. Crossing the finish line was relieving and another state is in the books.

OFFICIAL RESULTS:
Bib Number:
Time: 1:32:44
Pace: 7:05/mi
Division Place: 8 of 231
Gender Place: 64 of 1673
Overall Place: 69 of 4431

The Little Rock Half Marathon was a success in my eyes. I have trained for the moment to perform well, I performed well finishing in the top 1.5% of the field, I overcame a little pain, and I cross the finish line. Although I am not competitive with the elite runner that post ridiculously fast times, I am running against myself and those in direct sight. The next runner in front of me is always my goal to overtake.

I mention swag earlier in the post. Included the awesomeness is the Finisher's Medal. While I did not do the full to receive a medal about as round as a basketball (no joke!), the Half Medal was the best earned to date! Big, heavy and glittery, you can tell some serious design played a role in the creation of what has been publish as the best finisher's medal in the country.

The race was well-supported by supporters and AWESOME volunteers, covering nearly the entire course. We were given the opportunity to explore Downtown Little Rock, cross a bridge and see the Governor's Mansion, which was pretty cool. This was a welcoming town with a pretty cool water front. The best quality of this race is the proceeds supported Little Rock Parks and Recreation. I am a huge supporter of this cause due to the beautification of the city and the benefits and encouragement the residents receive to stay active.

On to the next race for me. I have four races scheduled in the upcoming months:
Lincoln Presidential Half - 4/6/13 - Springfield, IL - my 2nd year
Wickedly Fast Half - 4/20/13 - Olathe, KS - Wizard of Oz themed for Ames
KDF Mini Marathon - 4/27/13 - Louisville, KY - my hometown race and 6th consecutive year
Monumental Half - 11/2/13 - Indianapolis, IN - new race for me

We see some great things on the road, going to races and just living life. You can obviously tell I love running as a hobby. Arkansas marks the 15th state I have conquered a half marathon in. Wow! What an opportunity we have to do anything we want to enhance the quality of life. I feel my life is better with running, spending quality time with my wife, meeting people, and talking about my hobby.  As the kids at work say, "That's what's up!"


Follow me on: 
Twitter @jameshoagy,  Facebook, and on my blog: JamesRunstheNation.blogspot.com


Thank you for reading, commenting and, as always, HAPPY RUNNING!
FIT4LIFE
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Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Are We Running in a Bubble? from Runners World January 13


I recently received the January 2013 edition of Runner's World in the mail. I admit, I am not one of those runners that read the publication from cover to cover; however, I do view every page and read stories I think will keep my attention. This issue of Runner's World was special due to the recent natural disaster that occurred in the Northeast and the article titled The Storm (And Everything After).

I read through the opinions, the Tweets and the different perspectives laid out in the article, having already formed my own. The portion that peaked my interest was the excerpt titled, Are We Running in a Bubble? by Mark Remy.
I had plenty of time to think and assess during my trip from my hometown of Louisville, KY to Los Angeles, CA. Before I read the article, I took time to reflect on my years and many thousands of miles running and thought about "the Bubble." I came up with similar outlooks, although different opinions, pointed out in the article.
For starters, you may be thinking, "How does running in a bubble relate to Hurricane Sandy?" Here is how: many were affected by the Hurricane due to some severe flooding. In fact, so much flooding occurred, one of the world's most popular races, the New York City Marathon, was considered to be and eventually was cancelled. Think about the runners that held their hobby on such a pedestal that they did not agree with canceling the race - they were in a bubble. Think about the Race Director and Mayor that initially stated the race would go on despite displaced residents that lost lifelong possessions and wondered where they would sleep that night or how they could possibly get their life back in order - they were in a bubble.

Mark Remy makes the following statements on page 74 of the January 2013 issue of Runner's World. I will follow with my outlook:

Remy: Here's the thing: Many runners, especially marathoners, tend to live in a bubble. We revel in our specialness, our otherness, and move in circles that amplify this.
My Take: This is so true, even if my specialty is the half marathon. I talk people's ear off about my hobby. Whether it be my wife, mom or friends, just mention running and off I go. I can talk for hours regardless of the person's interest in my love for running. What can I say, I love running, and believe I can impact people in some way.

Remy: Not only that, we feel compelled to let total strangers know that we run marathons. So we slap 26.2 stickers on our cars, share details of our training runs on the web, wear our Boston marathon jackets to the supermarket. Marathoners are tough. Noble. Heroic, even. Don't believe me? Just ask one.
My Take: I am guilty as charged on all accounts. I am currently blogging my opinions, I post my mileage on three websites, which post to my social media accounts, I have a 13.1 and a Bourbon Chase sticker on my car. I take it a step further and have a Running Warehouse sticker on my car, the online retailer where buy all my gear.
So freaking what! Want examples of others that brag with stickers?: Parents, Republicans, Democrats, sports fans, etc. And I love wearing my gear I earn by running in races. As a runner, I do not see myself as tough, heroic, or even noble. As the others I mentioned that put stickers on their cars, I am proud of what I do, the mileage I put in and the places running takes my and the sights I see.

Remy: When we converge on a city for a race, the bubble swells, barely containing the greatness of thousands of Very Special People Who have Trained So Hard and Sacrificed So Much to Make it Here. We check in hotels full of other runners, attend expos and seminar dedicated to us and crowd into bars, restaurants and coffeehouses full of other marathoners.
My Take: I love visiting cities, as people visit my hometown for the Kentucky Derby. They put money into my local economy and I put money into theirs. There is enough room for all of us as humans to co-exist, no matter our hobby.

Remy: But outside our bubble, where the other 99 percent of the population lives,we aren't so special. Many people tolerate big-city marathons at best. Think about it. We barge into town, clog sidewalks, take over all the decent restaurants the shut down 26.2 miles of streets for a half day. All while mugging for photos and glaring at anyone who lights a cigarette within 20 feet of us. Hooray for marathoners, right? 
My Take: Everyone has their own hobby and there is an event that accommodates to those hobbies. Many of you reading this love running and see it as your hobby. Take pride in the fact you travel and run races. I live in Louisville, KY, where we have three to five half and full marathons a year and we welcome the business brought to our economy. As a thriving city, we also welcome people that "clog" our sidewalks, hotels and restaurants such as tractor pulls, international events, national basketball and volleyball tournaments, concerts, and so on and on. The fact is that running is not a burden on a city. Running inspires and positively influences and impacts areas. Running gets people of the couch and keeps them out of trouble. I believe these areas mentioned can "sacrifice" one day per year for a positive boost to the local economy. There are many hobbies where the 1% in favor are out-numbered by a 99% majority - an example, almost all of them!

Remy: In the end, there are three lessons we can take from the 2012 New York City Marathon fiasco: that perhaps runners aren't as universally liked as we think; that running may be wonderful, but it's not everything; and that every so often, we should remind ourselves of those first two things. 
My Take: These are general. Here are three lessons on a similar plane: many hobbies are not as universally liked as people think - cycling, walking, parades, etc.; running may not be everything, but it is not violent, it gives people inspiration, salvation and something to be proud of. Sports are not everything either, but that show went on; and every so often we should remind ourselves of those first two things. Again, sports are not everything, yet they were allowed to continue following 9/11/01, Hurricane Sandy, and following the Newtown, CT massacre. 

Remy: As marathoners, we pride ourselves on our strength and perseverance. Those are fine qualities. But so is humility. 
My Take: I am humbled every time I run, when I run races and see military or police assistance, or when I selflessly help a local charity I hold dear to my heart, directly linked to running which opened the door for me to help them. I am humbled when I see the ability in disabled kids I work hard to raise money for. I am humbled when I cross the finish line and share an embrace with my sister and my nieces, who, no matter how much I love them, suddenly lost a husband and a father, and may possible be the least bit inspired when I nearly set a PR when running with their pain and heavy hearts on my shoulders. Sir, that is humility, and do not criticize the majority who are not selfish, but selfless in their efforts to inspire, raise money, volunteer, support and give a little love for people they may or may not know. 

I believe many runners do run in a bubble. Some run while listening to music and all around them seems to disappear, barely avoiding contact with cars, bikers, or on-coming walkers and runners. Some think they are the only person that deserves to be on a sidewalk, path or street and do not get out of the way or yield. Before making runners the villain, think of these similarities: cyclists, drivers, motorcyclists, smokers, the impatient, shoppers, parents with strollers, etc. 

People in general live in a bubble. We get some caught up in ourselves, our situations and get caught in the moment, where no one or nothing else matters. 

Yes, this article made me emotional due to efforts I put forth and painful experiences I have been blessed to endure over in 2012. I deeply feel for the Northeast and definitely agree with the cancellation of the 2012 NYC Marathon. What I do not agree with is vilifying runners who just wanted to run. Many, when receiving the news the race was cancelled, still ran for their charities and for donors while others volunteered their time to help those affected by Sandy. 

A Message to New York and New Jersey: Runners across the nation know you hold the NYC Marathon to a high standard and you have worked hard with great pride when volunteering or participating at this annual event. I challenge you, in 2013, to show your pride and look back at Sandy with a grin on your face. Runners just wanted to run. Please safely welcome runners to your city in 2013 and make the NYC Marathon the best ever.

FIT4LIFE
Happy Running!!!!!
@jameshoagy on Twitter
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