RUN RSVP: Saturday 07/31 @ 6:00 am

Tomorrow will once again be HOT. Staying hydrated is critical to your safety. These are all new routes. So please review them carefully. The 4-miler and 9-miler hits the fluids once. The 14-miler hits it three times.

At first glance the routes may look confusion because we double over some roads and hit some dead ends. Please look at the written directions, and print them if you need to.

Run Details:

• Where: Saturday, 6:00 am @ Harris Teeter
• Supported: Yes at the Tracks
• Weather: Forecast
• Routes: 4-Miles, 9-Miles, 14-Miles

I wanted a change of scenery for everyone, which is why I picked some new routes. The 4-Mile route can be shortened by going directly back to the Teeter instead of getting fluids.

The 9 and 14-mile routes both are hilly (by Rocky Mount standards). You will do the Steeplechase loop before coming out of Candlewood. The 14-miler also will go to the back of Woodstock.It will be a very tough day to run, but many of you are working on marathon training now, so your long runs are important. It is critical that you arrive hydrated. If you do not think there will be enough fluids on the routes for you, please bring your own.

The only fluid stop is at the Tracks. If you do not RSVP, but come out to run, there is a good chance the cooler will run out before the 14-milers finish. Please let us know you are coming. EVERYONE is welcome! Please RSVP below with your pace and distance. See you all in the morning.

Long Run Schedule

I have had several people ask about a creating a summer "long run schedule" again. We have done this the last two years as a guide for those doing their marathon training. I did my best creating this, but there are several reasons why it is far from perfect for everyone.

1. Not everyone is training for a marathon. Some are going shorter, and some are doing 50ks
2. Not everyone follows the same plan. Some run a single 20 miler, and others run multiple runs over 20 miles
3. Not everyone is training for the same race.

So why do I even take the time to create the plans? Well, it lets you know what runs we will have planned each weekend. There will be weeks when you need to adjust the route for your needs. Maybe you need to cut off a bit some you don't run too far. Maybe you need to run a mile loop when you get back to the Teeter to add some distance. Bottom line is you need to focus on your training plans.

If you are training for a half. On most weekends we have a distance that should be close to your needs. Once again, you may need to add some tweaks to get the right distance for you.

So here are the plans:

I focused on the six most popular races the RMEC. All of these plans (except for Steamtown) are based on two 20-mile training runs. So this falls somewhere between a typical novice plan and an intermediate plan. For some of you you may do more or less. Once again, this was just a guide to create our Saturday run schedule.

For those who are training for your first marathon or first half marathon, I will remind you. ONLY FOCUS ON THIS WEEK. Don't look ahead on the plan and panic. If a 20 mile run seems impossible right now. . . it should! That is why we train. You should know what your ultimate goal is, but remember there are many steps to get there. Take them one at a time. No one can climb an entire flight of stairs in one jump.

Bear Butte Running Camp

I thought we could all use a laugh today. This is another blog re-post from 2009, but it is still just a funny as the first time I saw it. Plus many of the new RMEC members may not have seen it before.

Welcome to the Bear Butte Running Camp by Nike that promotes "natural running". Several world class runners are in the video. This is nothing dirty, but might be considered PG-13 by some. Don't forget your sunscreen!

When you get to the Nike Site, click the "Watch the Video" box.

Blue Ridge Relay Update

The RMEC has at least one team running in this years Blue Ridge Relay. A team of Michael, Derek, John B, Dennis, Jeff H, and Dave are entered as a six-man "ultra team". This years course will cover 207.1 miles. It begins in Grayson County, Virgina and winds it way to Ashville, NC where it finishes. On a six man team, each runner on the team will cover anywhere from 29.3 to 43.5 total miles. We will each run six times during that span. Here are some interesting stats:

• 2.3 miles: The shortest leg (Dennis)
• 10 miles: The longest leg (Derek)
• 2093 feet over 9.4 miles: The biggest decline (Derek)
• 1398 feet over 6.5 miles: The biggest incline (John)
• 14%: The steepest grade (Dennis) climbs 883 feet in just 3 miles

I would love to see another team sign up for the relay. You can sign up a team with anywhere from two to 16 runners! If anyone is interested in volunteering, the RMEC team would LOVE to have you. Each team is required to bring two volunteers or make a donation instead. Volunteers cover a 5-8 hour window at one of the exchange zones. Kids are not allowed, so that rules out most of our spouses.

If anyone is interested in putting together another team, post a comment,and get the ball rolling quickly before all spaces are filled. There are also groups who are looking for runners to fill their teams.

Surviving the Summer

It has been a long time since I put some "running tips" on the blog. After a long hot run over the weekend I thought it was time to share a few. These are not "expert opinions" pulled from another site. This is just my two cents. . .

Body Glide: In the summer time your running gear is likely soaked at the end of a run. When this happens your clothes stick to your skin and you can get chaffing. Body Glide is the best option out there to put on before a run in the areas that may get chaffed. This includes your chest, your feet and toes, your crotch, your rear, and your inner thighs. You may not realize you are getting chaffed until it is too late. Once the shower hits your body after the run. . . you will know it!

Shoes and Feet: Sweat runs down your body and into your shoes in the summer. That squishy noise you hear while running is not the ground. . . it is your socks and shoes. Use body glide (see above) to reduce any chance of blisters. Be sure to use technical socks too. Wet cotton socks can tear your feet up on long runs. If your shoes are soaked after a run, loosely ball up newspaper and shove it in the shoes. This will help them dry quickly. You may need to change out the paper later in the day if they are really wet. I also recommend rotating shoes in the summer. You don't ever want to start your run in wet shoes.

Clothing: Leaving your running clothes filled with salty sweat for a period of time will a) cause your clothes to stink, and b) cause they to dry rot. The easiest solution for this to me. . . get in the shower with your running clothes! Rinse them out, and put them on a hanger to dry. They still need to be washed like normal, but this will get the salt out, and make them last much longer.

Body Inspection: Many of you are beginning to ramp up your miles. You need to pay attention to how your body feels after the run. If you have a small blister after 10 miles. . . how is that going to look after 20 miles? If your favorite running top chaffed you on a tempo run. . . how will you handle it on race day? If your calf muscle is cramping at mile 12 . . will it make it to mile 26? You need to pay attention to these small problems now and correct them. Maybe you need to put more Body Glide where you got the blister. Maybe that running top is not a good race option. Maybe you need to stretch your calf a little more before and after your runs. The bottom line. . . correct potential problems now. Once a small problem begins big, it can completely derail your training.

Rest: The heat and humidity can make you feel like you are moving backwards. Not to mention we are all adding miles to our week. Don't forget that rest and recovery are critical to any race training. This doesn't mean to eat a gallon of ice cream while doing couch palates, but taking a day to let your body heal and repair your muscles will go a long way to your long term success. If you are constantly falling short on your workouts, it is time to take an extra day of rest.

That's my two cents. . . take it or leave it! Anyone else, please feel free to share your own tips and suggestions.

Washington Tri

Washington Triathlons are next weekend and sign up is good through Tuesday, 7/27 at the lower rate. The Olympic has about 175 entrants and the sprint has about 60. Both have plenty of space left. The Olympic starts at 7 and the Sprint at 7:30.

The Washington Triathlons (not DC) are next weekend. Sign up for both is still open and the rate before 7/28 is $60 for the Sprint and the Olympic is $75.

Both events are open water swims. The Sprint only has 56 spots filled right now, so it is a great chance to get on the podium, and also a stress free event without a big crowd. At least one of the RMEC is planning to race.

RUN RSVP: Saturday @ 6:00 am

Tomorrow will be HOT. It will be a very tough day to run, but many of you are working on marathon training now, so your long runs are important. It is critical that you arrive hydrated. If you do not think there will be enough fluids on the routes for you, please bring your own.

Once again, I have three different route options this week. Of course you are welcome to add on to the route, or cut one as well. Pick a distance that is best for you. Remember, it is your responsibility to be familiar with the route, and know the directions.

Run Details:

• Where: Saturday, 6:00 am @ Harris Teeter
• Supported: Yes
• Weather: Forecast
• Routes: 3.5 Miles, 12 Miles, 16 Miles

Only the 16-mile route goes through Candlewood. The others do not. For those on the 12 and 16 mile routes, we are going to cover a lot of ground. Fluids will be at the tracks, my house, and Co-Ah-Bar. There will also be a few water fountains that you pass. Even if the water fountains taste bad, you still need to drink!

When we are doing three different fluid stops it is critical that you RSVP on the blog. Otherwise I ended up with two gallons of extra Gatorade, or even worse. . . we run short. It only take 20 seconds to do. POST A COMMENT IF YOU ARE COMING. Please RSVP below with your pace and distance. See you all in the morning.

Runner's. Yeah, we're different.

Another fun blog post from last year that I thought I would share again for the new crowd.

Adidas really has never made it to the front of the pack with their running shoes, but they have always had great ads. In 1999 and 2000, Adidas created some fantastic ads that captured the true uniqueness of the endurance runner. I would bet that most of you can related to almost everyone of these ads. . . well, maybe except the last one. Special thanks to Charles Hayden for hosting these pictures on his site.

• Pop-a-squat
• Band aides
• Vaseline
• Stroller
• Bibs
• Snot Rocket
• Fishing
• Hills
• Off Road
• Stretch
• Changing Room (mild warning)

See you on the roads everyone!

Medoc Meltdown FA 50k

Submitted by: Frank Lilley

The Medoc Meltdown FA 50k is officially "On" for 2010. Like previous year's Meltdown, this is a "Fat Ass" event . . . no entry fees, to timing, no aid stations, no supplies. You must bring your own supplies for the day. There may be a few extra goodies available but don't depend on them! You will pass the "Start / Finish" (and your supplies) at about mile 5 1/2 and then again about about 3 1/2 miles later. (Bathrooms and water are available). One rule . . . everyone must carry fluids with them . . . no exceptions!

Medoc Mountain State Park will open it's gates a little early for us again this year. (Directions can be found on the Park's website.) Park gates will be open by 7 am and we will meet around the Picnic Shelter. Run will start around 7:25. Medoc has some great camping facilities if you choose to camp the might before. Just use the Park website to make your reservations.

Each lap is approximately 8.7 miles so the "Total Meltdown" is four loops or just under 35 miles. Come and run as little or as much as you like.

One really nice addition this year will be the brand new stairs down to the creek on Bluff Loop. Proudly, these stair were build by Medoc Park rangers using supplies donated by the Rocky Mount Endurance Club using excess proceeds from the Medoc Trail Races (scheduled this year for October 16th this year.)

By the way . . . the Medoc 10 mile is already sold out and it is looking like the marathon will sell out fairly soon . . .just a warning!!

If you plan to come, please shoot either Cam or me an e-mail. The Meltdown web site has a waiver for you to sign and bring on Meltdown morning. Feel free to share this email with anyone else you think might be interested. Everyone is welcome!

RUN RSVP: Saturday @ Golf Club at Rocky Mount

No, it is not Friday (sorry). I am posting the RSVP early, because this weekends run will be different that the normal Teeter runs.

We will have our group run this Saturday at The Golf Club at Rocky Mount. This will give everyone a chance to run on the race course. This is a VERY BIG DEAL. I am actually surprised that they said yes when I asked. Here are the rules that we must follow:

1. We will start running at 6:00 am, so should be there by 5:50 am.
2. Park at the back of the gravel lot.
3. You will be asked to sign a waiver before you start running.
4. There are no bathrooms available to us.
5. We will only run on the cart paths and the dirt roads. No exceptions.
6. The maintenance crew knows we will be there, but you must yield to them any time you see them.
7. You must bring your own fluids. There is limited shade, so please bring some for the run.
8. I will have a cooler at the finish, but not on the course.
9. We need to be off the course by 7:00 am. If you want to run more, it CANNOT be on the golf course.
10. We will leave zero trash on the course or in the parking lot.
11. This is a ONE TIME event. Any other time you are on the course without permission, it is trespassing.

I know this sounds like a bunch of winy rules by me. . . but we need to make sure to respect the property when we are out there. First and foremost, they are a golf course. That is their business. We are probably one of about a dozen races in the country that is actually held on a golf course. We do not want to lose this privilege.

Run Details:

• Where: Saturday, 5:50 am @ The Golf Club at Rocky Mount
• Supported: No - Bring your own fluids
• Weather: Forecast
• Routes: Course Map

The 5k route follows the cart paths until you pass the fourth green. Before you get to hole #5, you will reach a dirt road. Turn left on the dirt road, and follow it for about a quarter of a mile. You will soon see the #14 tee box on your right. Get off the road and follow the cart paths for the remaining holes.

The 10k route is pretty simple. All you need to do is follow the cart paths the entire run. At the hole #11 tee box the path splits. You will turn right. If you don't you will run small circle and be back in the same spot. At hole #17 tee box the path will spilt. You should turn left and complete the very small circle before running beside the #17 fairway.

Links of Interest:

• Golf Course Phone Number: 252-973-0800
• Golf Course Site (Click on it!)
• Virtual Tour (Very cool. Hole-by-hole preview)
• 5k Map (Select "Satellite Map" Under Map Type)
• 10k Map (Select "Satellite Map" Under Map Type)

Please RSVP below with your pace and distance. See you all in the morning. Looking forward to a BIG crowd. Don't forget to arrive hydrated! Your first fluid stop is at your house.

26.2 Ways to Know You are a Runner

I found this list online last year and posted it on the blog. We then added over 20 more items to the list in the comment section. It turned out to be on of the funniest posts we have had on the blog.

With so many new runners in the group, I thought it was time to re-use this post and see if we got some new responses. So without further ado, here are 26.2 ways to know you are a runner:

1. You know how many miles there are in a marathon.
2. Your weekly mileage is how much you run, not your commute to work.
3. You know how many miles you get out of a pair of running shoes.
4. You can convert Kilometers to Miles in your head.
5. You measure your running route in your car to get the exact mileage.
6. When someone tells you their age, you automatically know their Boston qualifying time.
7. You know Grandma's as the route from Two Harbors to Duluth, not the person.
8. You can drink, blow your nose and pee on the run.
9. The problem with the treadmill is there's no place to spit.
10. You have less than ten toenails and that's normal for you.
11. Body Glide is your friend.
12. Ibuprofen is affectionately known as "Vitamin I".
13. Navigating walkers, dogs and baby strollers annoys you because it interrupts your pace.
14. When you participate in an organized event, you know not to run in your race t-shirt.
15. You have a favorite energy gel and flavor.
16. The "Picasso" above your fireplace is last year's race poster.
17. You have "pre" and "post" race rituals.
18. The journal you keep is in miles and pace not feelings or thoughts.
19. When you look at the weather conditions, you calculate how many layers to wear.
20. The pride you feel after a good run is worth the pain it took to get there.
21. You have more t-shirts than you could possibly wear.
22. When you hear the word "bib", you think of race numbers not babies and Gerber food.
23. The "no carbohydrate diet" does not apply to you.
24. You know that Fartlek is not vulgar terminology.
25. A hill is an opportunity just waiting to be challenged.
26. You know the phrase "you're almost there" only applies when the finish line is in sight.
.2 Your vacation destination is determined by your race schedule.

If you are new to the RMEC and don't get some of these. . . keep running, and you will soon get them all!

Grandfather Mountain Marathon Results

Congrats to Ron Fleming and Jeff Hartney on completing the Grandfather Mountain Marathon. This is one of the most challenging marathons in North Carolina. The heat combined with the mountain makes for a challenging race. Te race starts at 3,333 feet of elevation and finishes at 4,279. That is nearly 1,000 feet of net climbing.

Jeff has been doing all ofhis training at the beach, so running up Grandfather mountain would not be an easy task. He still managed to post a solid 3:39:03 and finish 45th in the race. Ron had a fantastic race. After completing "The Bear" 5-mile race just two days before the marathon, Ron posted a 4:14:54. A strong performance at any marathon, but even more impressive at Grandfather Mountain.

Great Job guys! For complete results click here.

Fourth of July Race Results

I expect I missed some from the RMEC that raced over the 4th of July weekend, but I wanted to share a few results. Ursula and I raced for the 3rd year in the Reedville Firecrack 5k. This is a fun 5k race that primarily takes place on a small point the overlooks the Chesapeake Bay. It actually draws around 400 runners each year.

Being a small race, the results are still not posted (sigh), but I can report that Ursula ran a new PR of 25:00. This knocked a full minute off her previous PR that was set a little over a month ago. A Flat course, cooler temps, and hard training paid off. Michael (yes I just went 3rd person) ran a 19:42 and took first in his age group. This was my first time getting under 20 minutes as an adult which felt good.

Wayne Painter raced in the Great Raleigh Road Race this year. The number of people racing this year was cut in half over last year, but that did not keep the fast runners away. Wayne posted a 25:29 in the four mile race (6:22 pace). In most races in our area this would easily have cracked the top 10, but when 11 runners run the race with a pace between 5:00-5:59 it is hard to chase them down. Despite the stiff competition, Wayne was able to place 3rd in his age group. Nice work Wayne!

If anyone else is out there racing, please let us know so we can share the results online. Also if you have not already done so, please email your race PRs (all distances) to runrmec@yahoo.com

RUN RSVP: Saturday 07/10 @ 6:00 am

I am expecting a big crowd this Saturday because we are giving out RMEC shirts! PLEASE RSVP. It will be hot, and I want to make sure we have enough fluids for the run.

I have three different route options this week. Of course you are welcome to add on to the route, or cut one as well. Pick a distance that is best for you. Remember, it is your responsibility to be familiar with the route, and know the directions. For the 6, 10, and 14 mile route, the directions are listed below the maps.

Run Details:

• Where: Saturday, 6:00 am @ Harris Teeter
• Supported: Yes
• Weather: Forecast
• Routes: 5k; 6 Miles; 10 Miles; 14 Miles

We will pass out shirts before the run. Remember that some are on back order, but we have probably 90% of the shirts right now. If you still need to pay, please bring cash or a check made out to the RMEC (not Michael).

Please RSVP below with your pace and distance. See you all in the morning. Looking forward to a BIG crowd. Don't forget to arrive hydrated! Your first fluid stop is at your house.

Race Report: The Bear - Linville, NC

Submitted by: Ron Fleming

The Bear is a 5 miler that runs from the intersection of Hwys 105 & 221 in Linville up to the top of Grandfather Mountain. The first couple of miles wind up a gravel road lined with rhododendrons on both sides. I've never heard so much huffing and puffing at the beginning of a race in my life. No talking, all breathing.

The beginning seemed a little lackluster and slow, but it was still nice to be out there with a large group of runners. Somewhere in between miles 2 and 3, you enter McRae Meadow which is where the Highland Games are held. The run became a little more interesting at this point with much more scenery. There were tons of people there camping with extravagant campsites, hanging out cheering us on as we passed. Lots of kilts and bagpipes and vendors with tents setup. It was also here at McRae Meadow where we got the first view of the peak of Grandfather Mountain which really increased the stakes and the climb.

After leaving the Highland Games area we got on the park road which winded it's way to the top with very little forgiveness, but there were a couple short and flat spots, with emphasis on short here. The first and only aid station we came to, which I believe was at mile 3, was perfectly placed for an awesome view. The remainder of the course was a series of steep switchbacks hitting around 12% grade near the finish. I finally crossed the finish line, with extremely tired legs and an awesome view from the top of the mountain and received my Bear medal.

They had school buses to carry us down the mountain back to the starting line. I managed to get standing room only in the old school bus and I think balancing myself on the way down the mountain was harder than the run. We also got a pretty cool long-sleeve t-shirt, which seems to be an odd choice for a July run, but apparently in the past, it's always been pretty chilly at the top of the mountain, but this year it was unusually warm.

This was a hard run, but it wasn't quite as bad as I was expecting. You can make it as hard as you want it to be, but knowing I was running the Grandfather Mountain Marathon on Saturday, I had to run it with that in mind. I also decided when I got to the Highland Games area that I would be disappointed if I didn't take some pictures, so that's when I broke out the camera and started enjoying the run. I'm glad I can cross it off my list, but not sure that I would ever do it again. However, it would be a nice challenge to be able to freely run it without having to worry about saving my legs for Saturday.

Click Here For Pictures7

Race Report: Leadville Trail Marathon

Submitted by: Frank Lilley

Note: For more Pictures, visit Frank's Blog

Leadville proved to be too much for me. No excuses. I gave it as good an effort as I had in me that day . . . but it wasn't enough.

Hard to describe the area . . . maybe a mixture of incredible beauty with a mix of man-made ugliness of the old mines thrown in. Some may think the mining remnants are historically interesting, to me they were just plain ugly. But I just chose to focus on the area's beauty and there was plenty of that.

Got there early . . . a beautiful hours drive from Vail. My body was still on east coast time so the 8:00 am start was really 10:00 am to me. Checked in and had my packet by 7:00 am so I just hung out and talked with folks.

One of the highlights of the day was finally getting to actually meet in person my e-friend, Jennifer Nichols. Jenn lives in Bristol, VA near my hometown. We had run two races together earlier, but never officially met. I expected nice, but Jenn way exceeded my expectations.

My race plan was fairly simple . . . walk the uphills as fast as I could, and run all the downhills I could. My right knee is giving me some issues, so I wasn't sure how it would do walking, let alone running (my doctor made me promise I wouldn't run . . . sorry Doc!). I knew there were steep, downhill sections, with tons of large and small loose rock (scree) that I would have to walk for sure. Had no idea just how much there would really be!

The race had an uphill start (altitude 10,100 feet) that lasted a full 3.5 miles. Half sections were steep but the other half were moderate. Right off the bat, I struggled to get enough oxygen. Two results are 1) you breath heavily and rapidly trying to get the oxygen you need, and 2) your muscles get really tired, really quickly. Very strange, like you're just having a bad day and you're tired from the previous day's workouts.

The first 1 1/2 miles took us through an old mining area- not all that pretty! But then we hit a wooded area we ran (aka walked!) through that took us up to the first aid station.

Quick in and out and into one of the prettiest parts of the day as we ran up and around Ball Mountain. This was our first time to run above tree line. Fields, single-track, wild flowers. Quite beautiful, just as Jenn had promised.! Very cold and windy - I put on my wind jacket and wished I had my gloves . . . bad decision to leave them in the car.

We peaked somewhere along here at about 12,500 feet and I got my first areas where I could really run! But I found I couldn't run like I had planned - no oxygen! I got out of breath every 4-5 minutes and walked some to try and catch my breath. I tried to press hard through here as I knew what was coming and needed to gain time anywhere I could.

Passed the same aid station for a second time and continued down through tons of mining remnants on to aid station #3. During this section the leader passed me heading home! We both exchanged encouraging words as we passed. The leader had about a 5 minute lead on the second place runner. Amazing running and it always amazes me how supportive everyone is! Even the guy leading the race makes time to say something positive to me.

Finally got to aid station #3 (elevation 11,200 feet or so) where the marathon course rejoins the Heavy Half marathon. Now was the time for the really hard work to begin as I headed up the mountain to Mosquito Pass (elevation 13,200 feet).

By this time I was seeing tons of folks on their return trip . . . marathoners and half-marathoners alike. The trail here became really tough - scree the whole, frickin' way! Big loose rocks, medium loose rocks, small loose rocks . . . and fine loose rock. People slipping, sliding and tripping all the time. Really, this wasn't a fair test of anything . . . just lucky foot placement!

Guess I was 1/8 of the way up when Jenn passed me on her way down. Clearly, we were both struggling, but a quick hug from Jenn gave me renewed spirit . . . but sadly a positive spirit was not going to be enough this day.

By this point I was walking 100 yards, and then stopping to regain my breath. Then repeat! I had imagined I would be able to walk up this whole mountain at a steady pace, but not a chance! My knee had remained in good shape, with only maybe two instances of real pain, but the uneven, loose rock was treacherous.

This climb was killing me, I found myself almost hoping my knee would go out so I would have an excuse to stop. I had been warned about the five switchbacks and that two of them gave you a false sense of nearing the top. I passed these but wasn't deceived because I knew some of the folks ahead of me and hadn't seen them yet. The trail got even more steep, and even more loose rocks. I remembered the elevation charts and knew it wouldn't last too long, but oh, was it hard for me.

The views back down the mountain were spectacular!! You can see the last aid station just behind the second lake.

I wasn't last . . . but I was next to last! Passed one nice lady and her dog out for a hike and she asked if she could take my picture for me. Believe she my have been an aid station volunteer that just decided to hike down.

One by one I saw folks I had been with earlier in the race as they were headed down. I exchanged words of support with each one, and each told me to hang on . . . it was much easier going back down hill!

Soon the trail steepness backed off and I surprised myself with about a quarter of a mile of no stopping at all! Saw the sign and soon saw the aid station at the top! 13.1 miles done. My hardest 13.1 ever - by far. Cold and windy up here!

Got a cookie and re-filled my fluids, took a few pictures and headed back down.

Maybe 1/4 mile from the top I met the one guy behind me. He was suffering a lot but continued on, committed to getting to the top! I understood his pain for sure!

Going down took way less energy, but I found I couldn't run much at all due to the poor footing. Every once and I while I could see a way through the rocks that looked stable enough to run, but not often. Very frustrating because I was feeling much better and really psyched cause I knew the bad part was over! The only negative I was feeling was a toenail on my right foot was getting banged into my shoe's toe box . . . a rookie mistake on my part to not trim my nails close before the race.

About 3/4 of the way down from Mosquito Pass, the aid station volunteers passed me in the 4-wheel drive trucks and I saw my friend from Atlanta who had been behind me. Guess I was now officially the last place runner.

Miles passed quickly and my spirits were high. Came to an aid station with a few cheering volunteers and I told them they could finally go home! Then I saw the race director who told me I was way past the cut-off and he would have to ask me to stop.

I almost cried.

I felt so good, and I knew there was just a little uphill left for me. Mostly down hill left. I had paid my dues in pain and suffering and now I wasn't going to get my reward. I was crushed.

Rode back to Leadville with one of the aid station volunteers and another runner who was cut-off. Spent a few minutes cheering some finishers . . . but I was just totally bummed. My heart wasn't in it at all. Saw all the folks walking around with their medals, congratulating each other. Looked for Jenn, but figured she was resting and taking a shower. I KNEW I could have finished this race and not finishing just sucked.

Hard to explain the feelings I was having . . . feelings of failure, feelings of pride of having completed all the hard parts, feelings of relief that the pain was over, feelings of anger at being made to stop. Bottom-line I was just crushed and I had no feelings of celebration or success. The race has a dinner for all participants and everyone goes up to the stage for recognition and I had planned to stay for that . . . but I just couldn't stay and be with everyone else that had sucked it up and finished... so I left.

I retrospect, I'm glad I tried this. For me, it was more like an ultra than a marathon, I put forth more effort than either of my 50 milers. This was hard, very hard. I do believe if this were run in the North Carolina mountains I would have easily finished well within even tighter cutoffs, but the altitude and resulting lack of oxygen did me in.

Maybe I should have done the Heavy Half Marathon, a least I would have finished it and gotten a medal.

Here are some more pictures.

Will I try it again? I doubt it. To be successful, I believe you really need to spend at least a week at 10,000 or more prior to the race. And I probably won't be willing to do that. But I sure would love to be able to run under this sign . . .

Our Newest Ironman

This post is LONG overdue. My apologies to Winslow for taking so long to put this on the blog.

The RMEC is proud to announce that Winslow Rogers has joined the rare class of an IRONMAN. On the morning of June 26th, Winslow began his Ironman journey at the Coeur d'Alene race in Idaho. Late that evening under temporary lighting Winslow crossed the finish line. The total event took 14 hours 45 minutes and 23 seconds.

His splits were as follows:

• Swim 1:45:50
• Bike 7:12:02
• Run 5:58:02

If you are not familiar with the Ironman distance, this is a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike, and then a 26.2 mile marathon. It is a true test of endurance and will. You are in a small group of company when you are with Ironmen. The RMEC is very proud to now have four in our club. Winslow joins, Cliff Amos, Jason Irvin, and Kinnie Pruden.

If anyone does not know Winslow, he is "Mr. Incredible" at the top of the RMEC blog. Great job Winslow!

RUN RSVP: Fourth of July Weekend

This is frequently a weekend when people are out of town. For this reason, it is difficult to pull off a big group run. Rather than have a set run time, and a set route, I will instead use this blog post for people to share their plans, so we can create some group runs. There are races in Raleigh and Chapel Hill this weekend too.

Keep in mind there are three different days to run, so don't feel like you have to run on Saturday. Monday might be a good option too. So when you post a comment, please let people know (If you are going out of town, please do not post that on the blog).

• What day(s)
• What time
• How far
• How fast

Here are a few other updates for the group. . .

Leadville Marathon - I also wanted to wish "Triple F" luck this weekend at the Leadville Trail Marathon. . The race is at 10,200 feet of elevation. Oh. . . and it climbs to 13,200. In case you are wondering, Rocky Mount is at about 200 feet of elevation. At the aid stations they give out oxygen instead of Gatorade. (Okay, I made that last part up). You can see why this is called the "Race Across the Sky"

Golf Club of Rocky Mount 5k & 10k - If you have not registered yet for the Golf Club races, please try to take time this weekend to sign up. Registration is going very well. We are more than 30 runners ahead of last years pace. With so many Scouts volunteering, we would love to see the RMEC helped to fill the race up early. We also encourage you to give the 10k a try. It is by far the better of the two race courses. Here is all you need to do:

1. Visit the offical race site.
2. Use the discount code RMECMEMBER to save.
3. Pick a Pack/Troop to give a "point" to.
4. Check out the 2010 Award (click to enlarge)
5. Tell your friends!