RUN RSVP: Tuesday, January 1

For anyone who wants to welcome in the new year with a run, I will organize something. I expect no one is really looking for an early run, so I was thinking maybe a mid-morning run. Maybe something like 10:30? I am completely open to suggestions. If people have a preference name a time. I am also open to ideas of where to run. We don't have to run from the Harris Teeter.

Run Details:

• Day: Tuesday @ 10:30 a.m.?
• Where: Red Oak Cross Country Trails (Start @ Tracy's)
  
• Route: Make it up when we get there?
• Supported: TBD
• Weather: Forecast
  

I updated the post to start at Tracy's for some cross country trails. Come join us for something different.

Top 10 Twin Counties Sports Stories

The Rocky Mount Telegram did a story on the top 10 sports stories for 2007. We made number six on this list. . . well kind of. The First Carolina State Bank Half Marathon was number six, but there is a mention of the RMEC in the story as well. Here is a link to the story if you are interested.

New RMEC Shirt Order?

I have had several people ask about getting more RMEC technical shirts. I can arrange for another order but we need 24 shirts. All shirts have to be inked with the same two color combo. We can decide on the colors once we have enough who want to order.

To keep things simple it is helpful if all shirts are the same color (most likely white). Otherwise, it can cause some delays. I can check once we have a big enough order. Assume long sleeve are $18, and everything else is $12.

So if you want a shirt, post a comment with:

• Your Name
• Your Shirt Size
• Your Style (Long, Short, Tank, or Cap Sleeve)

It may take a while to get an order big enough for 24 shirts, so be patient. I have added a link under Quick Links so this post can be easily found even once it has scrolled off the page.

If anyone is interested in a "sack pack" we can get those done too. I actually still have two (blue and green) at the house.

BIKE RSVP: Tuesday Jan 1

Why not welcome in 2008 with some exercise! Eric is organizing a bike ride for January 1st for anyone who is interested. This message is also on the cycling site, so if you only see a few comments on the blog, don't assume no one is riding.

Ride Details:

• Day: Tuesday @ 8:30 a.m. (may be pushed to 9:00 a.m.)
• Where: Dentist Office
• Route: 30-35 miles - Either Red Oak or Elm City routes
• Pace: 15-17 mph
• Weather: Forecast

We will most likely have a run scheduled for January 1st as well. With the cooler temperatures we could do it late in the morning or even in the early afternoon. More details will follow.

RUN RSVP: Saturday 12/29

Hope you all had a great Christmas. I bet you got some new running gear that you are just dieing to try out now! For those running Myrtle Beach, I have a 16 mile route mapped out. Next week will be a recovery run, so your legs will have a chance to rest. If you are looking for a long run, but less distance I have a 12 mile route posted as well.

Run Details:

• Day: Saturday @ 7:30 a.m.
• Where: Harris Teeter
• Route: 16 miles or 12 miles
• Supported: Yes - Fluids and Gels (TBD)
• Weather: Forecast 45F at start and 49F at finish.

The routes use most of the same roads we ran last weekend, but not in the same order. I think I still have some Clif Shots left over from the Richmond training team. If so, I will have those available for everyone. I will update this post once I confirm it.

Written directions are in the maps. You can cut-and-past into a document for easy printing if you need smaller or larger font.

Field Trip!!

I got some big news from Patti today. The Spirit of the Marathon movie is coming to Raleigh! The movie is being shown all around the nation on January 24th, and Raleigh was one of the cities picked for a showing. In fact, two theaters were picked: Regal North Hills Stadium 14, 4150 Main at North Hills St. and Regal Brier Creek Stadium 14 at 8611 Brier Creek. Both locations will show the movie at 7:30 pm. I am not certain, but I would anticipate the movies could sell out. Here is a link to buy tickets.

Patti has seen the award winning movie, and plans to see it again. It is documentary that follows five runners as they prepare for and eventually run the Chicago Marathon. Several months ago we had a preview of the movie on the blog. It gives me chills every time I see it. To watch the six minute clip again, click here.

I will be getting tickets for the North Hills location. Please let us know if you are going. Maybe we can plan a dinner and movie if there is enough interest.

i spy

New Dualthons Come to North Carolina

You all may have noticed several new races added to the "Upcoming Races" section of the blog. If there are others you want included, let me know and I can have them added. There are four new duathlons that will be in North Carolina in 2008. They are as follows:

Date - Location - (Run / Bike / Run)
01/19 - Wilmington - (3.1mi / 12.2mi / 1.5mi)
02/16 - Winston Salem - (3.1mi / 14mi / 2mi)
03/01 - Charlotte - (8k / 53k / 8k)
03/22 - Cary - (8k / 53k / 8k)

There are several of you who are cross training now. For anyone who has been spinning or cycling, these events are great opportunities to see how you can do, and try something new. The first two events are "short" races. The second two are "long" events. These events are perfect for those racing in the White Lake Tri. It will give you a chance to experience a race that uses different skill sets, and has transitions. It is a good way to try an event with more than running, without having the extra panic from a swim. This way, by the time you do your first triathlon, the only thing that is new to you is the actual swim. It can help you be more relaxed.

If you have any interest in these event, let us know. We may plan a mini road trip. If you are interested but don't have all of the necessary equipment let people know that too. There may be a person who can help you out.

RUN RSVP: Saturday 12/22

Sorry for the lack of updates this week. Been very busy in the office, and with the kids in the evenings. I have a 15 mile route for those running at Myrtle. I also have a shorter route for anyone just looking for a run. I plan to leave fluids, but am not 100% certain. If I can not do it, I will leave a comment. Because of the route selection, you may want to bring your own to be safe. Most water fountains get turned off when the temps get below freezing. Please use the comment section if you plan to run.

Run Details:

• Day: Saturday @ 7:30 a.m. LATER START THIS WEEK
• Where: Harris Teeter
• Route: 15 miles or 5 miles
• Supported: Mile 2.5 and 10.5
• Weather: Forecast 45F to start.

Written route directions are included in the 15 mile map link. I will not have time to write them for the 5 mile route. As always, we are just a group meeting to run together. Roads have cars which are bigger than people. Run at your own risk.

Race Registrations

This is not really big news, but I wanted to remind you all of some upcoming race registrations. Some of these will fill up in a day, others take several weeks, and some never fill up. All of these races are listed in the right column if you need more information:

• 01/26 Krispy Kreme Challenge - (OPEN) This race has become very popular primarily because of it uniqueness. Last year they kept increasing the race size limit. This year, they will probably hit one. After Christmas break, they put flyers up on campus. That is when it starts to fill quickly. You can run the race and skip the donuts if interested (and you are a wuss).
• 02/16 Myrtle Beach Full and Half - (OPEN) I had not heard of this race filling up in the past, but their website says it will. If you are sure you will run, it might be a good to sign up soon.
• 03/08 Crystal Coast Half Marathon - (JUST OPENED) This is the second race in the NC Half Marathon Series. It just opened last week, but it will not fill up. The do have a little more information on the website now.
• 03/29 National Marathon - (OPEN) This race will not fill up. You need a qualifying time to run, but I don't think many of you will have any issues.
• 04/05 Cooper River Bridge Run - (OPEN) One of the largest 10ks in the world. It can fill up, but you have plenty of time to wait it out.
• 04/05 Monument Avenue 10k - (OPENS 12/26) Another one of the largest 10ks in the world. This race has a 30,000 runner limit and will fill up. A takes several weeks for it to happen however.
• 04/05 Raleigh Rocks Half Marathon - (PENDING) This is the third race in the NC Half. To be honest this is a bad weekend for a new race in the southeast. 30,000 are running in Richmond, another 30,000 are in Charleston, and 12,000 are doing the Cherry Blossom 10 miler all on the same weekend.
• 05/03 White Lake Tris - (OPENS 01/02) If you want to race, be online at 7:00 pm. This fills up instantly. A lot of people from Rocky Mount plan to race this, so if you want to "try a tri" this is a great option.

Happy racing everyone!

Trail Connector - YOUR HELP IS NEEDED!

Thank you for those who came out in support of the Tar River Connector Trail last night. There was a decent turnout for the meetings, and the Parks and Rec group did a great job of letting us know the plans for the future.

There are lots of items that this team is working on, but the main focus was to discuss connecting the new Sports Complex with a running/biking trail to the Tar River Trail. This trail would provide safe access from MLK Jr Park, Battle Park, and Sunset Park to the YMCA and the Sports Complex. The grant under consideration specifically will connect to the current trail on the 301 side (connecting by the dog pound). Long term plans are to connect the trail on the Benvenue side as well, creating a ~3 mile loop.

To help ensure the grant is awarded, we need to show our support. This is where I need your help. Please send emails, showing want this connector trail implemented. They are expecting your emails. This along with last nights meetings will show Rocky Mount that we want and need this trail.

Don't just think about. Do it now. It will only take a few minutes to send the email. Let them know why it is important to you (safe access for your family, improved running trails, opportunity for new road races, get kids off the streets and into the Y, etc.). What ever your reason, this trail will benefit you in some way.

This website averages more than 1,000 hits per month. I know people are reading it. Lets show our strength and get something done for the community! Send emails to David Griffin. Put Tar River Connector in the email subject line.

RUN RSVP: Saturday 12/15

It will be interesting to see who is out for a run on Saturday. Now that Fall Marathon season is winding down, and the First Carolina State Bank Half has come and gone, some of you may be looking forward to relaxing for a while. If people are interested, I have two routes below.

The 10 mile route is the Myrtle Beach group, or any one looking for a longer run. I also have a 4 mile route for anyone that is looking to stay in shape. This route is also good for anyone who would like to come run for the first time with the RMEC. New people are always welcome. Please use the comment section if you plan to run.

Run Details:

• Day: Saturday @ 7:00 a.m.
• Where: Harris Teeter
• Route: 10 miles or 4 miles
• Supported: No - Bring Your Own Drink
• Weather: Forecast

The temperatures will drop substantially today and tonight. It will be a cold 43 in the morning, and really will not warm up at all. So dress accordingly.

Written route directions are included in the map links above. As always, we are just a group meeting to run together. Roads have cars which are bigger than people. Run at your own risk.

25% off at Sports Authority

Thought I would share a discount code with everyone for the Sports Authority. This will get you 25% off any SINGLE ITEM Purchase. The coupon is only valid today through Sunday, 12/16/07 . When checking out use the coupon code: TSAFFSAVE (case-sensitive)

There are lots of exclussions (like Underarmor, North Face, and Garmin) but you can still find some deals. This is great for those of you looking for running gear, Christmas gifts, or something for your ski trip!

Tar River Trail Connectors

UPDATE: I wanted to bump this message back to the top. This meeting is tomorrow. Frank has done a good bit of reading on what the city has planned. The overall project is much bigger than just connecting the YMCA to Battle Park. This really is about increasing bike paths all around Rocky Mount. This would include adding a bike lane to the reservoir, and connecting more parks (such as connecting the current green ways with Horn Beam park).

Please, find a way to to make it to one of these meetings. If you have friends who run or bike, tell them to come to. Having a safe system for biking and running is a big deal for Rocky Mount. If we can get a connector from the YMCA to Battle Park, it gives us the ability to create 5ks that could start at the Y. It could even give a chance to put in a local sprint triathlon. Bottom line, this is needed in Rocky Mount. Take an hour out of your day, and let Parks and Recreation know how important this is.

Frank Lilley and Carol Dickens are serving on a City of RM Parks and Rec. committee to evaluate and promote the Tar River Trail Connectors.

• The first of these connectors will connect the Sports Complex area and the Battle Park section by the animal shelter.
• The second will connect the Battle Park area on Falls Rd to the Sports Complex area.

These connectors will be funded by grant money. One key element to receiving this grant money is to show community support for the projects. Anyone that has run or biked from the Y knows how dangerous the Centura Blvd and the Falls Rd area can be for those of us navigating them on foot or bicycle. We need a strong showing at the public meetings to be held on Dec. 13th.

I want to encourage all of the RMEC group and the YMCA Nooners to show their support for this endeavor at one of these hearings. Again, it was said at the meeting Carol attended, that NUMBERS DO COUNT. Please plan to attend one of these hearings! If we could fill up the room for one of these hearings (maybe 7:00) we will have an impact. Take the family out for dinner, and head to the meeting.

Myrtle Beach Training

After several blog comments and a voting poll, it became pretty obvious that Myrtle Beach on February 16th was the next race of choice for those doing a half or full marathon. Some of you who were interested in other races had told me later that Myrtle may work better for them as well. So that being said, here is a training plan for Myrtle.

What you see below is taking the last 10 weeks of the Richmond Novice plan. Some of you will want to run more, but I would not recommend less (with the exception of those that substitute in cross training). This plan is only a guide. You should adjust it to what meets your needs. Most of you already have a base. You just ran a half marathon on Saturday after all, so this plan picks you up exactly where you are today. In fact this coming weekend is actually a recovery run.

No one has to commit to running the race, but I really would like to know who at least wants to give it a shot. This includes anyone who is interested in the Myrtle beach Half Marathon. We can create a plan for the half folks as well. I am essentially trying to get an idea of how many of you I can expect to see on Saturday runs, and what length routes I should be creating.

Please comment on the blog if your are interested, and let us know what distance (half or full). New people to the blog are welcome and encouraged to post. We are always looking for more runners. If you run 3 miles or 20 miles you will fit in.

Note: There is also a 5k, a Marathon Relay, and three Bike Rides (10 miles, 30 miles, or 63 miles) as part of the overall Myrtle Beach weekend.

Newspaper Stories

There were three stories written in the Rocky Mount Telegegram on Sunday about the Half Marathon. I have linked to those three stories below. I also have the story written back in November about the race. If you have a copy of the paper you can see some race photos. I know Frank and Brad are in one of them, and few others show up as well.

• The 'beautiful' race: Half marathon earns respect
• Half marathon attracts full crowd of runners
• Street crusade - Falls Road Baptist athletes enjoy running long distances
• Runners to compete in half marathon race

Official race results are now posted. There were 244 Half Marathon finishers, and 123 5k finishers. I estimate another 75 in the kid race, giving us a total of 442 runners. Great job everyone!

• 5k Results
• Half Marathon Results

Half Marathon Photos

Ursula took lots of pictures from the race this weekend. Several were taken "on the run" so those may be a touch blurry. As always, some firewalls block the Google picture site, so you may need to view these from home.

FCSB Half Photos
Main Directory

What did you think?

Congrats to everyone who raced this morning in the First Carolina State Bank Half Marathon and 5k. Good or bad, let me know what you thought. You are welcome to post anonymously if you would like to. I am looking for feedback from anyone, even if you do not post here normally. I will share feedback with Butch. I also strongly encourage you to contact Butch directly by going to ncraces.com.

Finally, it is important for Tim Taylor and the team at First Carolina State Bank to know how valueable this event is to Rocky Mount. You can email their general email box at ebank@fcsbank.com. It is worth the time to send them a message.

Final First Carolina State Bank Half Marathon Update

A few final race reminders . . . The forecast looks great. Don't forget we have a half marathon, 5k, and kid races. There will be lots to do for the family, including Christmas music, food, inflatable jumpy things, and more. Tell a friend! Don't miss out on the event!

Registration:

• Thursday was the last change to register online for the Half Marathon and 5k.
• You can register Friday at the First Carolina State Bank on Winstead Ave from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
• You can also register at Sunset Park beginning at 6:30 a.m. on Saturday

Packet Pickup:

• If you are in Rocky Mount, I strongly recommend picking your race number and timing chip up on Friday (see location above).
• You can pick them up Saturday before the race if needed as well.

Say Thank you:

• Please make a point to thank the volunteers when picking up your packet and running the race.
• Without sponsorship, this race would not be in Rocky Mount. Take time to thank them for this.

The Weather:

• The forecast is PERFECT!
• 45 F at 8:00 a.m.
• 54 F at 10:00 a.m.
• 58 F at 11:00 a.m.

The numbers:

• 500+ total runners in all races
• 600 race packets
• 600 race numbers
• 600 shirts
• 400 timing chips
• 400 half marathon medals
• 100+ kid prizes
• 27 police officers
• 100+ volunteers
• 69,168 total feet of roads and trails
• 8 gallons of coffee
• 100 pizzas
• 6 hours of music

Reindeer Dash for Cash Results

I went to the Reindeer Dash for Cash race on Sunday, to help promote the half marathon and run the 10-miler. Turns out I was not the only RMEC person there, and far from being the only Rocky Mount runner. Angela and Mike Barnhill also ran. Angela ran the 10-miler, and Mike the 5k. A total of 440 runners participated in this 3rd year event.

Angela has been training for the half marathon this coming weekend, so this race was also a training run. She was still able to finish in 1:17:51, a 7:48 pace. This was good enough for fourth place in her age group, 10th overall female. Looks like Angela is ready for a great race this weekend!

For some reason I could not find Mike in the 5k results, but there were lots of Rocky Mount runners who race. If you know any of these people, please encourage them to join our group for a weekend run, or to race the 5k in Rocky Mount this weekend. Deana has run with us several times, including some of the RMEC 5ks we did in the summer. For complete results visit Active: 5k results - 10-mile results

Half Marathon Shirts

Thought I would share the potential shirt design for the First Carolina State Bank Half Marathon. This is not a final yet, and there will of course be text on the shirts as well, but we are trying to use the design below on a long sleeve shirt. We should know by tomorrow if this will transfer properly to a t-shirt.

Note: If you checked the blog earlier today, you saw a different bridge picture. We tried to use that one, but there was an issue with the number of colors and how it would print on the shirt. So we will be using the bridge picture above.

By the way, If you have not checked the weather recently it looks like a perfect race day! Low of 48 and a high of 71! This means cools temps for the half, and a warm day for the kid races, and awards!

Swim Meet @ YMCA

There is a swim meet this Friday December 7th at 4:00 pm at the Rocky Mount YMCA. Please consider coming and supporting the local swimmers. These meets are very exciting and almost deafening. There will be some outstanding swimmers competing for eight or nine different teams.

Triathlon Training Team?

Discussions have begun about creating a Triathlon Training Team in a partnership with the YMCA. Our meeting had to be rescheduled, but I assure you there are plans in the works. I do not have any details right now, but my assumption is the team would be something like the following:

• Provide a training plan for athletes to follow
• Offer regular YMCA classes that would focus on Tri-specific workouts (inside the Y)
• Have weekly organized runs, and rides (outside the Y)
• Have clinics on various topics (Tri Rules, Proper Gear, Swim Techniques, Tire Changing, etc.)

There are lots of other things that could be part of the program, but the items above are probably a minimum. Until I meet with Angela and Mary at the YMCA, I don't know what that have planned. We need to discuss which event, if there is a cost, liability, what plan, how to handle Sprint Triathletes and Half Ironman Triathletes, etc.

If I had to guess, we may select White Lake as the Tri of choice. It is an open water swim, but in a clear and normally calm lake. It is a very popular race, and can fill up in just a few hours for the sprint. As Kinnie has posted below, hotels are not plentiful at White Lake, so if you are considering the event, you may want to start booking rooms.

At this point I want to find out, who is at least interested in being a part of a team like this?

I Need Your 2007 Pictures

I need pictures from 2007. I would like to put something together for a look back on the year. I have lots of my own pictures, but need more. Especially from races that you did, that I was not at. The City of Oaks and White Lake Tri are big ones. Even if it was a small race that only one person did, I would still like to get pictures. If you read this blog, and/or if your times are posted in the race results. . . I want a picture of you!

Please email them to runrmec@yahoo.com as quickly as possible. I would like to have them by Wednesday. Don’t be shy! Send them over. If you have lots from the same race, send the best ones.

FCSB Half Marathon Updates:

Course Markings: For those that ran on Saturday morning you know that the course is now marked. Butch was out there with paint in hand while we were running. All turns are marked with white pain arrows. I believe all mile markers are in orange. They are a number with a circle around it. The trail should be cleared off by race day to ensure a safe route.

Post Race: In addition to pizza, fruit, coffee, and drinks, there will also be inflatable's for the kids. Butch has arranged for two "bouncy things" and an inflatable slide as well. All the more reason to bring out the kids. 10 bucks gets you a 1-mile race, a finishers "prize", food, drinks, music, t-shirt, and fun!

Packet Pickup: For those in Rocky Mount, I would strongly encourage you to pick up your race packets on Friday at the First Carolina State Bank on Winstead Avenue. With 500 runners anticipate in the races, it will be a big help to the volunteers to get many of these out of the way on Friday. Plus this help First Carolina State Bank see, how much the community supports the race.