UltraMarathon Man Movie

Dean Karnazes' movie UltraMarathon Man premiers tonight. It is only being shown in a very limited number of theatres. This documentary covers his 50 Marathons in 50 states over 50 days. To learn more about the movie visit here.

Greenville is trying to get a showing of the movie on Monday August 4th. The theatre will arrange it if they have commitment of 100 people coming to watch. If you are interested, please post here NOW. Dave Lovelace of the Greenville Running Group is trying to organize the effort. It would be great if we could help them pull it off.

Other showings that may interest you are:

• Carmike Fayetteville 12 (Tonight)
• Southpoint Cinemas Durham (Tonight and 08/02)

Train at Medoc Before the Race

Several registered Medoc runners have expressed interest in a training run at Medoc Mountain State Park. This will allow runners to become familiar with the trails before race day. We now have a perfect opportunity for you to do this!

On August 23rd, our own, Frank Lilley (aka Triple F) and Cameron Kelley (Mangum Track Club) will host a trail running event that will utilize essentially the same eight mile loop as the Medoc Trail Races. This is not an organized race, and is not supported with aid stations. Runners must bring their own fluids. It is essentially like any other weekend run you might do. It just happens to be in the park with friends.

You can decide how many loops you choose to run. You can do as little as 8 miles (1 loop) or as much as the 50k (4 loops). This event should not to be confused with the Medoc Trail Races held on 10/04/08.

If you plan to run, you must notify Frank or Cameron in advance and get on the runner list. For more information checkout the Medoc Meltdown 50k site.

Your "Relationship" With Running

You are in a relationship with running. . . A love/hate relationship.
Running kicks you out of a warm cozy bed and in to a cold hard world.
Running calls you at all hours of the night.
Running gets you up a the crack of dawn.
It keeps you at practice, long after play has left the building.
Everyday with running is a question of your commitment.
Running is not afraid to ask.
Yes my friend, it is a complex and torrid afraid.
It is a constant balance; a balance between joy and pain; work and play.
Balance between love and hate.
Everything we do is geared towards tipping the balance. . .

If you have not caught one on TV yet, New Balance has a ad campaign geared towards runners. If you like to run, you will fully appreciate these great new commercials. They are all based on your "relationship" with running. They are cleverly written, and cut to the core of why many of us lace up our running shoes each day. Above is the narration from their "Anthem" commercial. To view them all online, visit the New Balance website.

Volunteers Needed!

We need volunteers for Ford's Colony and Medoc. I know some of you are already planning to volunteer, or have family and friends planning to help out We need to start getting a firm list of names, so we can move forward with our planning, and identify any potential gaps. All the best planning does not matter if we fail on the execution, so please try to help us out.

Ford's Colony is only 46 days away. I don't want to be scrambling trying to find volunteers the week of the race. Medoc is over two months away, however the race is 30 minutes from Rocky Mount, lasts longer, and takes more volunteers. Please volunteer if you are not racing. If you are running, encourage friends to help out. They will be given race shirts for their help.

There are two unique volunteer positions that we are looking to fill. We need a "bike escort" to ride ahead of the lead runners in both the 5k and 10k races. The job is simple. . . 1) Stay in front of the lead runner, 2) Don't make a wrong turn, and 3) When approaching slower runners in the other race, let them know you are coming. I can get a bike if you need to borrow one. The 5k escort will only ride for about 17 minutes, and the 10k escort will ride for about 40 minutes.

The easiest way to Volunteer is to sign up online. Pick the race, and then select "Be a Volunteer". This is very important that we get volunteers. Experience is not required. As long as you can follow instructions, you can volunteer.

RUN RSVP: Saturday July 26th

We will be meeting at the Teeter for our 6:00 am run. The mapmyrunsite is having issues (again), so check back this afternoon of the routes. As a reminder here is a link to our summer "long-run" schedule. PLEASE POST A COMMENT IF YOU ARE COMING. The routes do not go in to Candlewood at all, so it will be something a little different.

Run Details:

• Where: Saturday, 6:00 am @ Harris Teeter
• Supported: Yes
• Weather: Forecast
• Route: 5 mile; 10 mile; 16 mile

I am hopeful you can see these maps when you click the links. The 5-mile route is an out-and-back. You will run 2.5 miles to my house where there are fluids, and then take the same route back to the Teeter. Let us know what distance and what pace you plan to run, so people know if they have a running partner. If you are doing the 16, bring a few bucks. We can pick up a Gatorade at the YMCA.

Are you still waiting to join the RMEC?

You can now register online to join the RMEC. We have a new registration page hosted through eventbrite. It will add an extra 99 cents to the fee, so if you would rather complete the paper application, write a check, and mail it in, shoot us an email at runrmec@yahoo.com

Why should I join the RMEC?

• To stay healthy and active by exercising with friends.
• To get discounts at local races (Ford's Colony 5k and 10k, Medoc Trail Races, and more).
• To reach goals you never dreamed you could reach
• To get a 15% discount on running gear at Raleigh Running Outfitters.
• Other stores will be giving us discounts soon.
• To help make a difference in Rocky Mount by getting people active
• To add life to your years, and years to your life.
• Have your friends read about your races online.
• It is cool. . . and everyone is doing it!

About the RMEC: The Rocky Mount Endurance Club is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization. This means no individual officer or members are allowed to profit from any dues, races fees, sponsorship contributions, etc. We are comprised of a group of runners in Rocky Mount North Carolina. We welcome any runner regardless of your experience or ability level.

Who we are? If we were not wearing our running gear, you would never know what we have in common:

• We vary in age from late 20's to 60's
• Our pace ranges from low 7:00 to 12:00
• We have men and women
• We have newlyweds, parents, and grandparents

What to I get out of it? You will get out what you put in to it. The RMEC began as a marathon training team when we took 21 people to the Richmond Marathon in 2006. Many of these people never dreamed they would run a marathon in their lives, but working as a team, following a plan, and staying dedicated drove as all to the finish line.

Maybe a marathon is not you goal. Maybe you just want to stay active. Maybe you want to train for the First Carolina State Bank Half Marathon on 11/22. Whatever your goal, it is more fun with friends. Come join us for a Saturday run one weekend and get to meet the group. If you have joined us before. . . now is a great time to come back and say hello!

Have questions? Shoot us an email, and we will quickly be in touch.

Current Members: Please take a minute and post a comment here, and let the "website lurkers" know how you feel about being a member of the RMEC.

Join Today!

Save with Friends and Family Discounts

I always recommend going to a local running store, but if you know what you want here is a good deal. Foot Locker, Champs, and Footaction are all having their Friends & Family Sales with an additional 30% off in store starting today, July 24 through July 26. Click on the store names (above) to open a link the printable coupons.

To shop online use the following codes:

• Foot Locker: FF87L247
• Champs: FF872427
• Footaction: FFV727

How does this sound for a long run?

You know how sometimes you hear these stories about people trying to do crazy things? Like Dean Karnazes running 50 marathons in 50 states in 50 days. . . or the story of Charlie Engle, Ray Zahab, and Kevin Lin Running the Sahara. . . Most often, these individuals are ordinary people, but they are doing extraordinary things.

Well, there is a North Carolinian who has just begun a trek across the United States on foot. Yes, you heard me right. Doug Dawkins of the Mangum Track Club began last week in Ocean Isle on what will be the journey of a life time. According to mapquest, this is 2,542 miles and a 38 hour drive. Doug however is taking the "scenic route" and his trip will cover 3,236 miles.

I expect the story to pick up steam as the days and miles add up, but for now you can follow him online by checking his blog. He has just begun, so it will only take you a few minutes to catch up on his adventures. Although he has not asked for comments, I am sure he would like read them along the way, so if you feel inspired, leave him a message. 3,326 miles is a long way. . . I am sure he could use some things to think about. Seriosuly, you should check this out!

So the next time, you have a 20 mile run that you are dreading, just think of Doug, pounding the pavement across the country day after day. . . Your run may not seem so bad.

Beaufort Results are in!

There were two impressive performances this weekend at the Beaufort 10k by the RMEC. Both Tracy and Kinnie decided to take advantage of a coastal race and signed up for the 10k. The good news is they both left with some hardware too!

The 10k had 143 finishers. Tracy Proctor came across the finish line in 19th place. Only four women got their faster as she was the 6th woman overall to finish. Here time of 47:03 was good enough for a 2nd place agre group victory. Kinnie Pruden had a very strong performance. She finished with a time of 55:39 and was 2nd in her age group as well. Not too shabby for a person who claims not to be a runner!

For complete results visit the race website. Great job ladies!

Ford's Colony Press Release

Below is a press release sent out by North Carolina Wesleyan regarding the Ford's Colony Race. It provides additional details on how the proceeds will be used.

==========================================

Race Will Benefit Scholarships

Rocky Mount, N.C.—Two local education scholarships that honor the late Richard J. “Rick” Ford, Jr., founder of Ford’s Colony in Rocky Mount, will grow larger from the proceeds of 10K and 5K races to be held along the golf paths at Ford’s Colony on Saturday, September 13.

The Rocky Mount Endurance Club is directing the inaugural Ford’s Colony 5k and 10k races presented by Davenport Honda. All race proceeds will be divided between the memorial scholarships that honor Ford at North Carolina Wesleyan College and Nash Community College.

The 10K race will begin at 8:00 a.m. on the private Ford’s Colony entrance road beside the main fountains. Runners will follow paths for all 18 holes and can enjoy one of the most scenic golf courses in the Southeast. The 5K race will start at 8:05 a.m. on the same entrance road and will follow a somewhat different scenic path before returning to the finish line located near the 18th green.

The Rocky Mount business community has shown tremendous support for this inaugural event. Over 10 local businesses are participating as sponsors of the races, which will help to ensure an enjoyable time by everyone involved.

Rick Ford, who passed away in December 2007, was a Wesleyan trustee and served on the Nash Community College Foundation Board of Directors. Rick was a generous supporter of education and the needs of young people in general. He supported many community groups and made Ford’s Colony the home course for North Carolina Wesleyan’s golf team. He also made the Ford’s Colony course available for fundraising events at both North Carolina Wesleyan and Nash Community College.

He was president and chief executive officer of Realtec Incorporated and in 2005 began Ford’s Colony—Rocky Mount, modeled after Ford’s Colony—Williamsburg. He also created Keowee Key in Salem, S.C., and Sapphire Valley in Cashiers, N.C.

A native of New York, Rick Ford was a highly respected member of the business communities of Atlanta, Williamsburg, and Rocky Mount; a founding member of the Buckhead Club in Atlanta; and an executive founder of the Georgia Dome. He served on national boards of directors of professional associations and generously supported major charities.

Team Hoyt Video

Most of you have probably seen this clip in some form or fashion before, but it is still an amazing story, and one that serves as a strong example of hard work and dedication. Two of you have emailed the story to me last week. Here is a the email and the link (note: some firewalls block the video clip).

A son asked his father, 'Dad, will you take part in a marathon with me?'. The father who, despite having a heart condition, says 'Yes'.

They went on to complete the marathon together. Father and son went on to join other marathons, the father always saying 'Yes' to his son's request of going through the race together. One day, the son asked his father, 'Dad, let's join the Ironman together.' To which, his father said 'Yes' too.

Father and son went on to complete the race together. View some race footage online.

To learn more about Dick and Rick Hoyt, you can visit the Team Hoyt website. If you would like to meet them, they will be at the Rock and Roll Half Marathon in Virginia Beach. Last year they were at the expo and also raced.

RUN RSVP: Saturday 07/19

Our Saturday running crowd is getting bigger each week. I am really glad to see more of you on the roads. Those that are training for a marathon have been pretty consistent with join us. If you plan to do a fall half marathon, it is time to start seeing you on Saturdays as well. Don't keep putting it off. . . lace up those shoes and join us. As a reminder here is a link to our summer "long-run" schedule. PLEASE POST A COMMENT IF YOU ARE COMING.

I decided to try something completely different this weekend. We will run from City Lake, and have a 3.3 mile loop route. This is a recovery week for many of you, so the plan called for a 7-mile run and a 10-mile run. Using this loop, you can get the proper distance based on the number of times you run it.

Run Details:

• Where: Saturday, 6:00 am @ City Lake (by Chicos)
• Supported: Yes - At City Lake
• Weather: Forecast
• Route: 3.3 mile route (the turn-by-turn notes are not working)
  

It might sound boring, but this is a beautiful place to run with lots of shade. We are staying on safe roads, and I am hopeful to have lots of runners. This will mix things up a bit for everyone, and allows me to have one water stop at the lake. Runners should do the second loop in the opposite direction, so we will be passing each other more often.

Please RSVP by posting a comment, and let us know your estimated pace and the distance you plan to run. Everyone is welcome. . . even if you have never run with us before! If someone can write out the directions and post it would be a big help.

Race Updates

I wanted to share some positive race updates with the RMEC. Both of our club events are doing very well with runner registrations.

The Medoc Trail Races are over 100 runners with no signs of slowing down! We have runners coming from 10 different states, and from all over North Carolina. So far 30 of the registered runners will be staying in a Rocky Mount hotel, so we are very pleased to see this. If that trend continues, we could fill up nearly 100 hotel rooms by race day. We are now averaging about two runners per day in July, so we will likely hit our cap in mid September right before the final price increase.

The Ford's Colony 5k and 10k are filling up fast. In just three weeks, the 10k filled to 35% of capacity, and the 5k to 20%. We are getting almost 20 entries a week, and we still have not put brochures out in many of our key locations yet.

I know not all of you are involved in the planning of these events, but I really hope you will all embrace these as a great opportunity for the RMEC and for Rocky Mount. Please register to run or volunteer if you have not already. More importantly help spread the word. Get some brochures from Frank, Scott, Arthur, Patti, or myself. . . get in the car and take them somewhere.

We need to reach out to runners. We honestly feel that we are planning two of the best races you will find in North Carolina this year, but we need your help to let people know!

Beaufort 5k and 10k

Looking to make a beach trip and get in a race? Consider the Historic Beaufort Road Race this weekend. This will be the 29th running of the 5k and 10k races that draw over 600 runners and walkers annually.

There is also a 1 mile race, and even a baby jogger division in the 5k (last year's winner ran a 6:13 pace with a baby jogger). The online registration is closed, but you can still register at the event.

I added some other events in the races links to the right, including the Patrick Henry Half Marathon and the Cross Country Festival at Maymont Park. Both events are in Virgina, but the are reasonably priced, well run, and not too far to drive. If you have other events you would like to see added, let me know.

Andy Gives it a Tri

Congratulations to Andy for completing the Triangle Triathlon this past Sunday in Raleigh. This sprint tri was hosted by Setup Events, and consisted of a 750 meter swim, 15 mile bike ride, and a 5k run. Andy is one of the most fearless people I have ever met. Nothing seems to scare him. Last week at the Y however Andy seemed genuinely nervous about swimming 750 meters in open water. Turns out he had nothing to fear, as he finished the swim in 19:24. This actually turned out to be his best leg of the tri relative to the competition. Following the swim, Andy did the bike in 53:29, and the 5k in 30:34. Great job Andy!

More Tris: My hat is off to Andy, for overcoming a fear, and taking on the challenge of a triathlon. Andy is one of many examples in the RMEC that proves you don't know what you are capable of until you give it a try. I know lots of you are in the bubble trying to decide if you want to try a triathlon. I hope you do! If you just do one a year, or one in a lifetime. Give it a shot. We have enough bikes, helmets, and wetsuits among the RMEC to help you out.

Here are some options for you to consider:

• 08/02 Goldsboro YMCA Triathlon - Here is a close tri that has a half mile swim, 20 mile bike, and 3 mile run.
• 09/06 Mayo Lake Triathlon - Another sprint option put on by Finish Strong
• 09/06 Dash for Divas Sprint @ White Lake - Perfect introduction race for women only. Has an open water swim in a crystal clear lake that is only 250 meters long. There is even a Saturday night Luau.
• 09/07 Club Wars @ White Lake - Another White Lake event with a 1000 meter swim, 21 mile bike, and 5 mile run. You can enter as a individual or a team. Teams require ten finishers to be scored. RMEC are you interested? Can we come up with 10 participants?

Runner Safety

Undoubtedly, many of you have seen the story regarding the missing runner in Cary. 34 year old Nancy Cooper left for a run Saturday morning, and as of this moment she still has not returned. She is married with two young daughters. Please keep her family in your prayers, and lets all hope for a safe return.

The sport of running is something we all hold dear to our heart. The simplicity of throwing on a pair of running shoes and heading out the front door makes it easy to love. Every run is a new adventure, and something I hope we all will continue to explore. I will use this sad story as a reminder for runner safety.

We are all vulnerable when we run. This is not limited to women, and this is not limited to the younger crowd. Face it, running on the roads has it's risks. . . heat, unaware drivers, dogs, and bad people. Do what you can to make sure you stay safe:

1) Always try to run with a friend
2) Always tell someone where you are running in detail
3) Always tell them when you will be back
4) If possible carry a phone
5) Where bright colors to be visible to traffic
6) Take fluids or money with you just in case
7) If you have a "funny feeling" about something turnaround and go home
8) Never stop at a car needing help - smile and keep moving
9) Be smart - if something does not feel right, don't do it.

I know it is not likely, but if anyone has information regarding Nancy's disappearance, please contact the police.

RUN RSVP: Saturday 07/12

Last weekend was another good showing of runners. We need the ladies to keep coming out to run. Two weeks ago we had lots, but we want to see more of you. . . ummm. . . you know what I mean. The run will start at 6:00 am again. I will continue to follow the long run plan I created several weeks ago. Here is a link to it that you may want to bookmark.

Also, if you are riding Saturday, or just can't make the run. Tim is running Sunday morning. Post a comment if you are interested in a Sunday run.

Run Details:

• Where: Saturday, 6:00 am @ Harris Teeter
• Supported: Twice at tracks (TBD)
• Weather: Forecast
• Route: 9 mile route below; 14 mile route

The mapmyrun site just had a redesign, so it may take you a minute to figure everything out. It runs much slower (not realy an upgrade). To see the directions, click "Notes --> View Notes". You can then highlight those and copy-and-paste it into something else for easy printing. Here is a good option for a five mile route.

I can not put out fluids tomorrow. If anyone can help with this, please say so in the comments. They only need to be placed at the tracks. Please RSVP by posting a comment, and let us know your estimated pace and the distance you plan to run.

Odds & Ends

Time for a post with some random items. None was big enough for it's own post, so they are all getting lumped in here. Feel free to post a comment about any of these topics.

Thursdays Nights - We had tried to do some Thursday evening speed workouts. We had a few show up the first two nights, but I am not sure if there is enough interest to keep it going. I now have a regular conflict, but don't want to cancel it if people are still interested.

Wednesday Mornings - The Wednesday group is really starting to grow. We run 5-7 miles and usually do one of two loops. This week we had eight people show up at 5:45 am to run. It is a key workout, and a great way to beat the heat while doing your summer training. Come join us at Bell Drive.

Brochures - We have a fresh stack of Ford's Colony brochures to distribute. We need your help to get the word out. Please let me know if you can help get brochures to people and places.

Equipment - We are getting the details finalized for our two races. There are several items that the RMEC will need to rent, buy, or borrow to host the events. It is not our intent to own a bunch of assets that rarely get used, so when we can borrow, that is what we prefer. If you have access to any of the following, please let us know: Cones; Folding Tables; Closed-in trailer; Portable PA System; Generator, Chairs, etc.

Volunteers - Registration is going great for both races, but we still need volunteers to pull this off. Please encourage your family members and friends to volunteer. They can sign up online at the race sites by clicking on "Volunteer".

Who has a Sweaty Butt?

Frank continued his quest for 12 marathons in 12 months this past weekend by entering the no-frills "Sweaty Butt 50k". Frank swore he would never do another 50k, but he has a short memory and signed up for another. This event took place on many of the single track trails in Umstead Park. Only allowed 30 runners participated, and there were no awards, no medals, no official time, and no shirt. You got to admit, having a "Sweaty Butt" race shirt would be fun to have. . . or at least some "Sweaty Butt" running shorts.

With ten miles to go, Frank was back at the main aide station. He was ready to call it a day and start passing out Medoc brochures, but that is when fellow Mangum runner Jeff Dufor convinced him to go back in for the final loop. So back they went for 10 more miles of madness. They knew the pace would be slow, but they also knew they wanted to complete the event. After nearly nine hours and 30 minutes they both finished with pride in the near 100% humidity. Congrats Frank!

What are you running?

Time to check in with your race planning. We have had several posts about potential races and each of you have started to make your choices and begin training. I know we have crowds doing Ford's Colony, Chicago, OBX, and Medoc. Take a minute to post a comment about what your upcoming races are. This will help others to select their race, and encourage people to get signed up.

I know we have done this before, but plans change and we have added some new runners (and races) into the fold. So everyone. . . near or far. . . short or long. . .let us know what your plans are!

RUN RSVP: Saturday July 5th

We had 20+ runners last weekend. . . lets keep it going. The weather is expected to be hot, so we are starting a 6:00 am. I know that is early, but you will be glad to have it over with and you can hang out at the pool when you are done

Run Details:

• Where: Saturday, 6:00 am @ Harris Teeter
• Supported: Yes - 1 water fountain, 2 Gatorade
• Weather: Forecast
• Route: 9 mile route below; 13 mile route

The routes are not as easy to shorten this week. If you plan on running less, I recommend staying on the Candle Wood side, and taking fluids at the train tracks. Here is a good option for a five mile route.

To view the written directions, please click on Notes, on the map page. You can copy-and-paste these and print them if needed. Please RSVP by posting a comment, and let us know your estimated pace and the distance you plan to run.

4th of July Race?

Looking to set a PR? Butch is hosting the Great Raleigh Road Race tomorrow at the state capital. This is a five mile race. Many of us have never run a 5-miler, so just by showing up you get a PR!

Registration is only $25, and they have a kids one-mile race for $10. Both event include a race shirt. I am pretty sure I will be running. The kids may join in as well. Anyone else interested? It is an 8:00 am start, so you will need to get up early to get there. You can save time and fill out your application before you go.

Please reply if you plan to run. I will post a RUN RSVP for Saturday morning shortly.

Race Registrations

I wanted to take a minute and update the RMEC on race registrations for the two events we are hosting. In case you have not been paying attention, or maybe you just stumbled on to our blog, we are hosting:

• 09/13 Ford's Colony 5k and 10k in Rocky Mount
• 10/04 Medoc Trail Races in Hollister

Both events are doing extremely well with registrations, and will fill up. Seriously. . . they will both sell out. The Medoc Trail Races now has runners registered from 10 different states. They range from age 19 to age 62. We also have several running their first marathon at Medoc! This race is going to be a blast.

The Ford's Colony races are going to fill up fast! Registration has only been opened five days, and the 10k is already at 15% of capacity. It is clearly the preferred choice over the 5k. 15% may not sound like much, but we reached this number is less than a week, without any posters, brochures, and fliers. Once these are printed this week, expect to see the numbers move even faster. If you plan to run, I would suggest signing up now!