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.
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:
Dances with Dirt Gnaw Bone Trail, Gnaw Bone, IN
Geist Half Marathon, Fishers, IN
Varmint Half Marathon, Burkes Garden, VA
Iron Horse Half Marathon, Midway, KY
Indianapolis Monumental Half Marathon, Indianapolis, IN
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Twitter @jameshoagy, Facebook, and on my blog: JamesRunstheNation.blogspot.com
- Thank you for reading, commenting and, as always, HAPPY RUNNING!
- FIT4LIFE RUN4BOSTON
Great post! An inspiration to all!
ReplyDeleteAs always a job well done. You are my Hero!! Love you!!Mom
ReplyDeleteThank you all. Nothing heroic about it though. Just trying to stay fit, be a good role model and encourage people to do the same. Love y'all!
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