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.

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

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

2012 Griffith Park Trail Half Marathon Results - HOLLYWOOD

After stressing all week about the race start time, my finish time, and making my flight back home at LAX, race morning came and I was ready to get going. Admittedly, stress of the elements kept me up a little later than I would have liked; however, no worries. Race day was here and I was out of my Long Beach hotel by 5:45am. Traffic was lovely through Los Angeles at 6am. No barriers on the 710 or the 5 and I was at my exit at Los Feliz in good time. I stopped at Starbucks – my pre-race ritual always includes coffee to help open my asthmatic lungs – and headed toward Griffith Park. Aside from packet pick-up at A Runner’s Circle Running Shop, I had never visited this area of So-Cal. Thank goodness for Mapquest on the I-Phone 5 – you get me everywhere!

Back up Los Feliz, into Griffith Park, and I was at my destination two hours early. I headed to the top to the Griffith Observatory to take some pictures after deciding not to take my camera on the run – I was way too pressed for time. If you have not had the chance to take the view up there in, please do so and thank me later. I was amazed at the beautiful skyline I had seen pictures of or viewed in movies, with little appreciation. No more. Between the Observatory, the beauty of the Los Angeles skyline and the infamous Hollywood sign, I was speechless.

After my picture-taking frenzy, I drove back to the hill to park near the Greek Theater. I organized for my departure and prepped for the upcoming race. To the start I jogged lightly to warm up my legs.

At the start, the Naked Juice guys gave me a drink of Carrot Orange – yummy! After that treat, I finished off my Cucumber Lime Gatorade – the best flavor EVER! (not to be found in KY). Then, after expecting a light drizzle, the downpour of rain hit us! What? Rain in LA? What is up with that? I found a dry spot and took cover there – I was afraid of melting (Ha). While waiting for the start, I met a guy, Mike, which told me about the race in 2011 and described the route, which helped a ton. We talked about our running experiences, our wives, and other things that led us to this point. Start time came, I wished him luck, and got into running mode. I did get the opportunity to say thank you the Keira Henninger, the Race Director, for communicating with me leading up to the race, with details on where to be and when.

Now, to the start, where the rain calmed down to a drizzle and runners were ready to make like horse poop and hit the trail. We were off at 8:30am sharp, as promised. Here is how my second ever trail half marathon went:

Normally I use sections of milage to map out my race; however, trail races are not that easy to breakdown, so here is a summary:

Uh oh, I started too fast! The first left hand turn went up a great hill with soft sand-like terrain. I was trying to run fast and getting little tread. I had to mentally regroup and remind myself I was not on road, which makes up most my experience is. I hit the reset button and took it a little easier the rest of the way. This was a tough one – I walked a couple times and became worried about my flight. All good because we were already started and there was no turning back! I run/walked on the tough inclines and made up good time on the declines. Over-exertion is tough to accomplish when you hit an incline or terrain where speed is not an option – or maybe I just played it smart. Throughout the rest of the race, runners were blessed the majestic views. A few times we were so high into the clouds, the only sight was the trail in front and drop-offs on both sides of the ridge. I felt like I was in heaven and realized this is why LA is known as the City of Angels. This race was nothing but hills and history. Whether inclines or declines, looking at the city, around Bronson Caves where the old Batman was filmed, or gettin a birds eye view of the Hollywood sign, the route was amazing.

RD Keira Henninger awaited at the finish, gave me the AWESOME finisher’s medal, and told me to “GET TO LAX and catch your flight!” I stopped long enough to get a Naked Coconut Water (delicious) and reset my Garmin. I ran the rest of the way to the car, changed and drove away from there in a frenzy!

Official Results:

Time: 1:47:14

Pace: 8:11/mi

Overall Place: 16 of 349

Age Group Place: 3rd

Though I was running hard, I did take advantage of the opportunity to enjoy the sights seen from this route. The city in all directions, the Hollywood sign, the Griffith Observatory, lookouts, clouds, peaks, valleys and many other sights made this race the most scenic in my tenure as a runner.

About the race organization:

You guys were all AWESOME! Already mentioned was how helpful Race Director Keira Henninger was in making my decision to participate in this race and getting me to the start and to the airport from the finish. The route was excellently marked for runners to find their way with signs and flags. The volunteers were most helpful in cheering us on with encouragement and excitement. I joked with a couple of them telling them their signs were pointed the wrong way – I hope they found it funny.Aid stations were well-equipped with volunteers, water, Hammer, gels and snacks. They cheered and asked runners what they wanted as they approached. Parking was a breeze, both in and out. RD, you really know how to organize an awesome race! Sponsors were terrific, the medal and race shirt were uniquely AWESOME, and you even turned on the rain to cool runners off. I could not have asked for a better experience. THANK YOU!

Next, for me in 2012 is a little rest - or at least for a couple of days. December may bring another trail run in Otter Creek Park – undecided. The main focus for the upcoming Winter Season will be getting miles in and staying healthy so I can run more and run faster! Scheduled in 2013 so far is the Rock ‘n’ Roll Lexington (KY), the Little Rock Half (AR), and the Wickedly Fast Half (Olathe, KS). We will see if any other opportunities pop up!

I love running so much I am going to keep writing about it, so I hope ya’ll keep reading.

Follow me on: 

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

HAPPY RUNNING!

FIT4LIFE

2012 Louisville Sports Commission Half Marathon Results

Today was a good day....

Well, I realize I have not wrote about my last two races - Bernheim Trail Half and the Bourbon Chase. It was not due to performance or any other factor other than getting caught up in life, which I love to live. A brief opinion about both:
The 2012 Bernheim Trail Half was awesome. Perfect temps for my 1st trail race. Time was 2:31:52.
The Bourbon Chase was amazing! Definitely had not participated in an event like this but performed like a champ. I ran Leg 4, which consisted of three legs totaling 19.37 miles and ran it in 2:13:14 - an average pace around 6:52/mi. What was even more fun was I ran with a group of five other runners in Van 1, none of which I had ever met, and they were AWESOME!

Now to today, the 2012 Louisville Sports Commission Half Marathon.......
Being the first road half marathon I have ran since May, I had some butterflies. Temperatures were set to be around 39 deg - I knew nothing of the other elements runners would experience besides a little wind.
The morning of, all fell in to place - I woke up with ease and felt good, kissed my sleeping wife, then, headed to meet my great friend Thomas Hines on Louisville's waterfront. We talked for a few then headed our for our warm up run. Despite the intended slow pace, I realized I felt great. After a mile-and-a-quarter, we headed to the start line. No National Anthem? Disappointing, but I was ready to get running. Here is how it went:

Miles 1-3: We took off and I was in good stride. I shot out of the gate quick with my fastest mile of the race being my first at a 6:40/mi pace. I committed myself to running my own race. I focused on me. This leg averaged about a 6:45/mi pace and I felt great. I was getting warm when sleet started falling. Uh oh - I did not see that on the forecast. 
Up Lexington and toward Cherokee where Dog Hill awaited - but I was ready, I run Cherokee all to often. Not that I was thinking I was better than this hill; I respect it because Dog Hill has brought me to this speed in my training runs.

Miles 4-6: Miles 5 and 6 were my slowest of the race, 7:03 and 6:51, respectively. This leg included the two most challenging hills in the race. I was thinking if I got through them, the rest of the race would be a cinch. I have to mention a runner I talked with at this point in the race, of whom I owe the result of my race. He was obviously faster, and we pushed each other for the rest of the race. Many thanks to you. 
Dog Hill and Cherokee was behind me and I still felt great! After getting through the tough part of the run, runners headed out and up Grinstead. The rain started falling. 

Miles 7-10: Grinstead is always a challenge, a long stretch of gradual incline. Even better, this was the last hill of the run! After leaving the Highlands, runners head down Liberty, which was a wind tunnel last year! Wind was not bad in 2012, only the uneven, chewed up roads. While the rain was falling faster I was running faster! I looked at the clocks this race a was well aware a PR was achievable. Positive thoughts kept running through my head and there was no doubt I would post a time unique in my running history. The guy I mentioned pushed me was just ahead in my sights and I set a personal goal to catch him by the finish. This leg averaged about a 6:45/mi pace and wow, I was still feeling a lot of fuel to be used in the final leg.

Miles 11-13.1: Runners finish Liberty, turn and head toward the finish. Rain was falling, sunglasses were foggy and I could not see anything but the runner in front of me. Mile 13 was my second slowest of the race. My shoes were soaked, as were my clothes, I could see nothing, but I knew the finish was near, and so was a PR. I kept up with my goal and passed him about a 1/4 mile before the finish. I caught a glimpse of the clock, just over 1:29, and was over-joyed with my performance - a PR in a tough race with some great challenges. I turned around and thanked that fellow for his effort, which I fed off for over eight miles of the race.

OFFICIAL RESULTS:

Overall Place	37 / 2143
Gender Place	35 / 1077
Division Place	8 / 184
Pace	6:49/mi

The LSC Half is a tough race. Volunteers are awesome, especially in this one with rain falling and frigid temps. The water stops were plenty and those folks were helpful. My only gripe is those acrylic cups. I was thankful for the paper cups at the last two stops.
Other than the cups and no singing of our Nation's Anthem, the LSC is a great race even more special to me in my hometown. The exclamation point was all the chocolate milk at the finish line and the awesome Finisher's medal!

My performance was special in this race. I work hard to maintain my fitness no matter what life throws at me, whether in town or traveling. I appreciate the support of my wife and family throughout the over 6,000 miles I have put in my body over the last five to six years.

Next up for me may be a Trail Half marathon around the Hollywood sign in L.A. November 17th. After that, I should be done with races in 2012, setting my sights on 2013 with the following races already on the schedule:

• Little Rock Half Marathon

  • 03/03/13,
   
  • Half Marathon,
   
  • 1 Participant

• Rock N Roll Lexington

  • 03/30/13,
   
  • Half Marathon,
   
  • 1 Participant

• Wickedly Fast Half Marathon

  • 04/20/13,
   
  • Half Marathon,
   
  • 1 Participant

 

HAPPY RUNNING!!!!!

FIT4LIFE

2012 Geist Half Marathon

2012 Geist Half Marathon Results Report
This year marked number five for the Geist Half Marathon, my number four. Tom Britt and crew not only sets the expectation for a great experience high, they exceed expectations each year. I have grown to love Geist, maybe because the sights are familiar and the atmosphere is alway buzzing with positivity.

Ames and I traveled up to Indy on Friday, her birthday, and arrived early. I headed to the packet pick up through Fischers, Indiana, which seems to get nicer and more pristine by the visit. The expo is always at Hamilton Southeastern High School - easy in and easy out. It was different for me this time because I notice Mr. Britt, and introduced myself. I have to admit, when I really like something, I love to tell people about it; therefore; away from my blog, Twitter and Facebook, I wanted to let Mr. Britt know my passion for running Geist each year. I appreciated the conversation - you can tell Tom and his wife are fantastic people!
Race day was nothing out of the ordinary. I woke up, organized all my gear and headed toward Fisher's to meet Thomas for the race. Runners are shuttled from a few different locations. We boarded our "yellow limousine" as the driver called it and arrived in a few minutes. While parking approximately 1.5 miles from the start, the organizers are flawless about getting runners where they need to go in a very timely manner, at both start and finish. The start is always entertaining with an excellent singing of the National Anthem and a military plane fly over. Just before that, Thomas and I ran a little to warmup, took a pre-race photo, and squeezed in our corral. After the Anthem and the fly over, it was time to run for awhile, and we did just that. It was already warm, so I was cautioned. Here is how my race went:

Mile 1-3: After the race start, the planes always fly back over for the runners to marvel at. I love it because the first mile seems uphill and the planes take my mind off the incline. After the 1 mile mark runners turn to some great view of the reservoir.  This is the portion of my race where I judge how I am going to run, or should I say, my body judges it. I was not feeling great. I was cautious of the heat and I knew the route would present some tough inclines, so I put my shoulders back and relaxed a little. Average pace was around 7:04/mi, which was a little quick.

Miles 4-6: The second leg of Geist is a curvy stretch on one road that presents a lot of uphill for runners. You really get a feel of your performance in this area of the run. As I said before, I was not feeling the best and I just ran the race with no PR or goal time in mind. Safety was the #1 priority so I hydrated at ever opportunity. 7:09 was my pace here and I knew there was a tough hill ahead.

Miles 7-10: This section is a tough one, especially when temperatures are warming up and the sweat is flowing. After the shopping center, I always see that left hand turn into the neighborhood approaching and try to prepare. Up a short steep hill then through some rolling ones really challenge runners. We really get to gauge how much is let in the tank for the finish. I admit, I had my strains throughout this one. My positive spin, I overcame and stayed consistent. I slowed to average a 7:15/mi pace but I knew the toughest part was behind me and the finish was coming.

Miles 11-13.1: Following a tough stretch of heat and hills, this part of my race was almost a relief. I had not felt good, stomach cramps bothered me throughout the race but I maintained. When feeling a little off, I find positivity where ever I can during a run, especially in the final stitch of a race. I had maintained all race and had little distance left to go. I channelled that and had a pretty nice 11-13.1 run. Although mile 11 and 12 were my 2nd and 3rd slowest, mile 13 to the finish was my fastest portion of the race at a 6:49/mi pace. I knew I did not win, but I finished my 31st half marathon and I felt good about it! Here are the results:

I beat last year's by one second!!! And, Thomas run under 1:32! I would say a satisfying performance for both of us at Geist! As always, we enjoyed chocolate milk at the finish and great conversation on the bus ride back. There is not much to change about this race. My only tip is to make the corrals bigger. We were in Corral B and it was packed solid.
Geist holds a great place in my heart when it comes to running. I know I can always expect a well organized race through a beautiful area of the country. Both volunteers and on-route supporters are always so welcoming and enthusiastic. But this route; there is something about running this challenging route and crossing the finish line. Its seems like the hills and beautiful scenery almost try to take your mind from the focus on running toward a goal time. I always feel like I want to relax, slow down and enjoy my surroundings because I may not see it again until next year. The route really is that beautiful and I enjoy it so much. Is it the water, crossing the reservoir so many times, the people, or the ora and ambiance of nature combined with enthusiasm and a competitive spirit? I am not sure; however, the combination of it all makes the Geist Half Marathon an experience I encourage everyone to try at least once.
Next up for me, number 32, is my first trail half marathon, through Bernheim Forest, in Clermont, KY. So I have read, this race will be challenging, but gorgeous, and I look forward to it. 


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

2012 Indy 500 Festival Mini Marathon

2012 Indy 500 Festival Mini Marathon
This weekend brought upon some milestones in my running tenure. The Indy 500 Mini marked my 30th half marathon, the largest race I have ever participated in (40,000 registered participants) and the fifth half marathon I have ran in the last six weeks.
Compared to my hometown Kentucky Derby Festival Mini Marathon, there are many similarities:  both have been around for a similar amount of time, expos seem to be the same size, run around a historic track and hit mile 9 after the track. The big difference is the size of this race is simply massive!
Packet pickup was held at the Indiana Convention Center. Aside from the traffic in the area, the expo was large and fairly well organized. Runners were met with a ton of vendors with goodies. The packet pickup was in the back of the venue, which directed people through the madness. I would have used a maze format and had the packet pickup to the right, directly followed by event merchandise, then through the maze passing vendors and Indy cars. This way, people would be moving in one flowing direction all the way to the exit. Nonetheless, the packet pickup was easy and the volunteers were extremely helpful and nice. In the packet, participants received a really nice long sleeve tech shirt and a hat ideal for running (it even had a pocket). A date would have been nice on the hat; however, from a business standpoint, I completely understand buying these in bulk and using them in upcoming years.
Race day was interesting. I woke up to almost 70 degree temperatures. My immediate thought was to run a smart race and avoid overheating. The strategy in this one was to stay hydrated throughout and finish strong. Preparation and training had led me to this point and I did not want to cancel all that out with a carelessly ran race. I headed down toward the start a little over an hour early. I assumed the area would be congested and parking would be tough. I easily parked, took my time prepping and ran a warmup mile toward my corral.
I noticed I was in Corral G when I received the participant card in the mail. This was troubling due to my pace and placing in past races. I thought the same when I lined up in Corral G, especially talking to people around me with an expected time of 1:40+. I can only assume the time I registered was a little late and the faster corrals were full, so I was placed in this one. Oh well, I was sweating and knew temps would pose a challenge; therefore, I was comforted knowing my placement would help slow me down. The speaker by us was not working, so I heard pieces of what I thought to be the nation's Anthem. I saw the start of the race on a big screen ahead. Hundreds of runners began to shift toward the start - it took me five minutes to get up there. Our engines were started and we were off, here is how my race went:

Miles 1-3: The first leg of my race clarified my purpose. Due to the slower corral where I was placed and the amount of people combined with warm temps, my Indy 500 Mini was all about the experience and not the finish time. It took five minutes to reach the start and the dodging was endless. I felt good but cautious, This leg was spent weaving in and out and passing slower runners and WALKERS! Cutting and jumping up on sidewalks was a little weary on the legs. I was rested and had no doubts about finishing the race. I did wish I was a faster corral because i got a little frustrated. 7:09/mi average in the 1st leg while passing the Indy Zoo.
Miles 4-6: Leg 2 of my race, although still dodging and weaving, was fairly neat due to the approach to the Indy Speedway. The companies, whose logos seen on the Indy cars on TV are all placed on this approach. I was feeling relaxed and smooth and hit every hydration station, which there were the most I have ever seen! While the area was interesting, the prime sight was in mile 6 as we approached the giant Indianapolis Speedway. While averaging a 7:09/mi pace, running through the Speedway on the actual track was awesome! Through the first half of the race, the crowd never gave, which was really tough to adjust to. There was no getting into a groove today.
Miles 7-10: Leg 3 started off was an awesome experience, when runners got to cross the bricks! I wanted to stop and kiss them so bad. I ran on, focusing on hydration, efficiency and time. In the track pace slowed me a lot, averaging a 7:21/mi pace. As the cars do, runners hugged the inside track and would not let anyone pass. Mile 8 led us through the rest of and out of the speedway, to see mile 9, where I finally got separation from the slower runners. We headed back towards town and this was the chance to increase the pace. Temps had warmed up so I kept it steady and consistently hydrated. Pace averaged around 7:15/mi.
Miles 11-13.1: Back into town and along White River toward the finish. Along the last straightaway, crowd support was amazing and I gave a little more. I did get the pace average down below 7:10/mi but the heat countered me. Although I felt great, I ran a cautious sprint through the finish. Here are the official results from my race:

The finish line area was laid out well. We received sweet medals, yummy snacks and water. Toward the end, hydration fans awaited the blew a cool mist. I spent a few minutes and headed to the post-race party. I admit, I was adamently searching for chocolate milk, but still notice the stages set up where bands played and other amenities for finishers.
As I said earlier, this race, for me, was all about the experience. The Expo, the size of the field, seeing the Indianapolis Speedway, the volunteers, and the post race party was awesome. All of that, combined with the organization of it all was truly amazing. The longevity of this race was obvious in the way everything was set up and taken down. My comment to my wife after the race was, "They really know what they are doing and they know how to do it big."
Thank you to the event organizers and the volunteers for an excellent race. I will not hold the "Corral G" placement against you. I promise to register early for next year, just be sure to get me in A, B, or C, please.
FEEDBACK for the ORGANIZERS:
I really cannot give too much feedback to the organizers that succeed in organizing a race with 40,000 registered participants, year-after-year, and get better each year. I provided some preferred adjustments to the expo and dissatisfaction with my corral placement, but the overall experience of this race was unique and fun.

Next up for me, I have registered for my 4th consecutive Geist Half Marathon (5th Annual), another one that continues to improve. The organizers always put on a good race and I really appreciate the smaller field. Geist is one of my favorite and most beautiful races in our area and I cannot wait to get there in two weeks!
HAPPY RUNNING!!!!!