RUN RSVP: Saturday 8:00 am @ Medoc

There is NOT a group run from the Teeter tomorrow.  Jump in the car and come join us at Medoc for the Great Medoc Rerun on 2010!  This is a fun fall run with over 40 people already planning to run.


Run Details:

• Where: Saturday, 8:00 am @ Medoc Mountain State Park
• Supported: Kind of
• Weather: Forecast
• Routes: 5k loop, 10M loop, or 26.2 Mile (or anything in between)

We will have a cooler at the main shelter, and also have GUs, pretzels, and jelly beans.  Bring your own water bottle, because you will be away from the shelter on the first 6+ mile loop.  Even though it is cool, you still need to hydrate.


If you are coming, please register online.  It is FREE.  We just want to know who is coming so we can plan properly.  This is open to EVERYONE, so bring friends.  It is a great way to be introduced to trail running.  With some leaves still on the tree, it will be "raining leaves" the entire run.  Don't miss out!  If you want to carpool from the Teeter, post a comment.  Medoc is only 20-25 minutes away.

REMINDERS:

TOBACCO ROAD MARATHON AND HALF MARATHON:  Register today with the code

trm_black_friday2010 and save 10% off your race entry.  This only works until midnight.  THIS WILL BE THE BIG SPRING RACE FOR THE RMEC.  Sign up now, and get committed to a new goal.  We will have training runs that build everyone up for a successful race.  Sign up today!  I expect over 20 RMEC members will be racing.  It will be a blast!

DASH FOR CASH:  Please register today for the Dash for Cash if you plan to run.  At one point we were going to have six teams for the race, but people are backing out.  Right now we only have two that I know are running the 10 miler.  There are still about a dozen racing, but most are in the 5k.  Would like to so see the RMEC put together a 5-person coed team.  Please let me know if you have registered so I can tell them about our teams ASAP.

A few runners from the Rocky Mount Endurance Club went to Wilson this weekend to compete in the Nash Street Mile 10k. This shady and scenic course has several turns throughout some of Wilson's prettiest neighborhoods.

John Batchelor took 3rd overall in the race with a time of 38:00. A 6:07 pace would be quick enough to win most races in our area, but the small race had two other strong runners to compete against. John's other half Jeanette also ran posting a 57:51 and taking 7th in her age group.

Larry McKeel took 22nd overall and 8th in his age group with a 49:41. Tom Thurman had another strong performance taking 1st in his age group with a 54:11. Right on the heels of Tom was Jon Shingleton finishing in 54:53. Arthur Bennett also took on the 10k challenge and posted a 58:03 finishing time.

Complete results are available online.  You can also view age groups awards.  Great job everyone!  Please keep supporting local racing.  As always, we welcome any race reports.

RUN RSVP: Saturday 7:00 am @ Teeter

Looks like most of the fall marathoning is done for the RMEC after a big weekend of racing.  I am hoping you will all want to come out to the group run and share your stories on the road with your fellow runners.
Run Details:

• Where: Saturday, 7:00 am @ Harris Teeter
• Supported: TBD
• Weather: Forecast
• Routes: 4 Mile Candlewood;  6.67 Loop Route

It will be cold once again.  Please dress in layers.  I have family in town this weekend, and am doubtful for the group run, so please post a comment if you can bring fluids this week to the tracks.  New runners are welcome!

REMINDERS:

NASH STREET MILE 10K:  If you are interested in racing, please make the short drive to Wilson and race in the Nash Street Mile 10k.  Kind of an odd name, but it is a 6.2 mile race.  They have had limited registrations, and they have ordered custom medals as awards.  This is a great chance to take how some age group "bling".  The race starts at 8:30 am.  You can register from 7:30 - 8:15 race morning.

GREAT MEDOC RERUN:  We currently have over 30 people participating in the Medoc Rerun next Saturday, and are expecting 40-50 to show up.  This is a FREE event.  You only pay if you plan to take home some extra swag.  Even if you are just doing the run, please sign up online so we can plan accordingly.  This is open to everyone, so please tell your friends, and help us get rid of extra merchandise.

DASH FOR CASH:  Please register today for the Dash for Cash if you plan to run.  Price goes up this weekend.  Once you register, comment on the post below so we can put you on a team.

Dash for Cash Team Updates

As a reminder, The RMEC is putting together multiple teams for the 2010 Reindeer Dash for Cash in Greenville.  Hard to believe, but the race is just around the corner.  After this weekend, it is Thanksgiving, and the next weekend is the race!

Remember, the is a 5k and 10M option.  The race is held on 12/5, which is a Sunday afternoon.  I need to know ASAP who is running so I can put you on a team, and increase your chances of winning a prize.  Each team is made up of 3-5 runners, and will run the race independently.  The three fastest times from your team will be used to determine your teams place.

Here are the names that have show interest:

10-Miler:

1. Tim Shea (Registered)
2. John Batchelor (Registered)
3. Ashley Bass
4. Cliff Amos
5. Kevin Boudreau
6. Mike Barnhill
7. Dennis Crossen
8. Kinnie Pruden
9. Tracy Proctor

5k:

1. Zack Shea (Registered)
2. Jon Shingleton (Registered)
3. Amber Poole (Registered)
4. Margaret Bentley (Registered)
5. George Mount (Registered)
6. Alane Floyd (Registered)
7. Eric Ghiloni (Registered)
8. Brandie Ghiloni (Registered)
9. Mary Frances Bush

All ability levels are welcome. I know several of you have registered, please post a comment if a) you plan to run, b) you have already registered, or c) your name is above but you are not running.  I am turning in a list of our teams next week.  YOU NEED TO REGISTER ASAP so they have you in the database.  Thanks!

RACE REPORT: Richmond Marathon

Submitted By: Derek Hurdle

Below is a thank you note I received from an individual in my pace group. I think this note does a nice job summarizing my experience as a pace leader. I would say it ranks right up there with the feeling I had after the my first BQ. I was on cloud 9 on Sunday and then as so often happens you go back to work and get in a rut-and then I received this email out of the blue.

I had a fellow pace leader for the 3:45 group (those who stayed with him got behind pace) and then I was ahead of the pack. I can't tell you the feeling I got as I was running over the Lee Bridge to turn around and see nearly 100 people running behind me. I really wish I would have had a camera at that point.

I had individuals coming up to me before the race asking advice and begging me to help them reach their time goals. By mile 24 I told the other pacer to take the pack home I was going to stand and wait for a minute to try and "rally" all the runners I could. I suspect I got another 10 or so under 3:45 because I waited (albeit they had to pick up the pace and run 7:45 from mile 25-26 to get it).

Check out this letter as mentioned Ryan was my fellow pace leader . . .

Derek and Ryan:

I don't know if you'll remember me, but I asked Ron for your email addresses to THANK YOU for helping me through the Richmond Marathon.

I was the one who was asking all the questions before we started running! This was my first marathon and I was so nervous. You guys made it look too easy!

I got slightly ahead of you from about mile 6 to mile 21. I think I started running to fast. I was running with a guy named Steve and another named Matt and Steve's watch said we were running 8:19 minute miles, which was probably too quick for me. Steve had to slow down due to a muscle ache but Matt and I kept going. You came up beside us at about mile 21. Derek, thanks for trying to keep me motivated and going! I know you kept looking back to see where I was after mile 21, but I was really out of sorts. I had never run more than 20 and I think that, coupled with the fact that I didn't hydrate as well as I should have the day before, made my legs feel like rubber.

Also, at about mile 22 I took a big fall and landed on my face! I have a big bruise from it and I'm pretty scraped up. But I got back up, determined to finish. I found the course to have a lot of potholes and even in one place there was a missing manhole cover!

My time was 3:48:37 which was great for me. Matt, who you may remember because he was from Paris and had a strong French accent, ran right over with both of you and I was really happy for him. We got to know each other along the run.

It was great to see both of you at the finish line! I don't know if you were waiting on purpose for those of us who were trying to finish with you or not, but either way, it felt great to see you both there and get to give you a hug of thanks! I know you may not remember me, but I will never forget either of you. Thanks for making this marathon a great experience for me!

Thanks!

Many in our group were first time marathoners others trying to hit Boston, others just trying to PR. I heard so many stories, got to meet so many people that I felt vested into their success. The only downer was not being able to slow down and make sure every person hit their goal. While a good amount fell short of their time goal they were just as ecstatic as they crossed the finish. I got to stand and watch most of them finish at the finish line and get hugs, handshakes, and thank you's, The most rewarding running experience I have had yet.

RACE REPORT: OBX Half Marathon

Submitted By: Elizabeth Fuson

Ready to Race!

Exactly one year ago I began running. It has been a journey that has taken me to places that I could never have foreseen. I began the Couch To 5K Training program last November in an effort to reach my weight loss goal. I had been doing Weight Watchers for a few months and had lost a great deal of weight, but I knew that I needed to step-up my workouts to get through the weight loss plateau. I had never liked running...in fact, I loathed running! Looking back, this must have meant I was very serious about getting fit.

I stuck with the C25K Program and pretty soon I was challenging myself to run faster and farther. I had officially been bitten by the "Running Bug." Along the way, I began to meet other runners, including many RMEC members. Every time that I had a question about running, an RMEC member was around to answer it, encourage me, give me advice, and even invite me to runs. You guys will never know how much your encouragement has meant to me, and I appreciate every person who took the time to answer my "dumb questions."

Staying Warm.

A few weeks ago, I ran my very first Half Marathon in Greensboro. Although it was a hilly course, I finished with a 2:08 finishing time and felt good about the race. After all, I had just hoped to finish! It was really just a practice run for the OBX race coming up.

This past weekend I ran the OBX Half Marathon with the obvious goal of beating my previous time of 2:08. The day prior I drove the course. For some reason, I still have a hard time believing that I can run that far. After all, I still don't consider myself a "runner."

Running the 13.1

The race itself was so exciting! It was such a fun experience to be among so many runners and in such a charged atmosphere. I ran with a friend of mine and was so worried that I would hold him back. We had a great race and we ran faster than we thought we would. At mile 12, I knew I had to "give it all that I had" and told him that I would see him at the Finish Line. Silly me, I thought he would leave me and now here I am leaving him behind! At this point, I knew I was going to finish right around the 2:00 mark and could not believe that was even possible! The excitement of that challenge drove me to a dead sprint the last half mile. I finished strong with a time of 2:01:18. I was very pleased with my time and I knew that I had given my best that day.



Proud finisher





I am still riding the high of the race, but I am not only celebrating that race day result. This week I celebrate my 1 year Anniversary of running. I cannot even tell you how running has changed my life for the better. Not only have I lost the weight that I wanted to lose and have become a healthier person, but I have also been transformed within.

Running has helped me regain the confidence that I had lost somewhere down the road, and now I am ready for anything that life may throw my way!

American Odyssey Relay Teams

Okay RMEC, it is time to try to bait you all into some more crazy race ideas. Life is about stepping out of your comfort zone, and trying something you never thought you would do. . . now is your chance!

I am realy excited about this race. Many of you have read about the RMEC team that completed the Blue Ridge Mountain Relay in September. It was a 200+ mile scenic adventure that took about 28 hours. It was tough, it was frustrating, but once the exhaustion was finally gone, I realized it was one of the best experiences I have ever had. Five of the original six-man team from the RMEC are putting together another effort this Spring. We want to see more RMEC teams on the race course.

THE RACE: The American Odyssey Relay is another 200+ mile race that travels from Gettysburg, PA to Washington DC. The course is far less hilly than the Blue Ridge race, but equally as scenic. Runners will go through State Parks, Civil War battle grounds, country roads, national forests, beside rivers, and ultimately finish running into Washington DC. . . sounds pretty cool doesn't it?

THE DATE:  The relay starts on Friday 04/29 and finishes on Saturday 04/30.

THE TEAMS: Relay teams are made up of 6-12 members, and run a total of 36 legs. The shortest leg is 3.5 miles, and the longest is 8.8 miles. If you have a 6-man ultra team, each runner would run six times and total an average of about 33 miles. A 12-man team would run three times each and total about 17 miles. It is a challenge, but worth it.

THE OASIS: The Odyssey Relay has something that is pretty unique. They have included what they call the "Odyssey Oasis Festival" in Boonsboro. Leg 16, 17, and 18 are a variety of out-and-back loops. This allows for the van to stay parked for a short while. They have food, showers, music, and massages available. It allows for both vans (if you are a 12-man team) to hang out. It also allows a chance to meet the other teams. It is a chance to recharge before heading out for the second half of the race.

THE LOGISTICS: It is really not the hard to do a relay as long as you a) have directions, and b) follow those directions. 6-man teams rent (or borrow) a van. Runner A starts to run, and the van drives to the next exchange zone. When Runner A arrives, Runner B leaves, and the van drives off again. You repeat this another 34 times. 12-man teams use two vans so one van is a "racing-van" and the other is a "resting-van".

THE START TIMES: Teams start at various times on the first day of the relay. The faster the predicted time, the later your start. This way teams stay as closely grouped together as possible. So if you are concerned about being the last team on the course all by yourself, there is no need to worry. With well over 200 teams of all ability levels you will be in good company.

LEARN MORE: This is lots of information on the American Odyssey Relay website. You can learn about the course, check out each relay leg, and check out the FAQs.

If anyone is interested, please post a comment. This is not just an event for fast runners, or marathoners. Remember that at no time will you run more than nine miles unless you make a wrong turn, which never happens :-). Don't wait for someone else to take charge. If you are interested in running the relay SPEAK UP! You will not regret doing this!

2010 Beach2Battleship Tri Result

Time for the final race results update for the weekend. Did I mention I would love some race reports yet? We had four Rocky Mount women racing at the Beach2Battleship Triathlon this weekend. One was racing the Half Iron Distance solo, and three others were relaying the full Iron Distance.

Patti Miller has training long and hard to prepare for the Half Iron Distance. To say she is in the best shape of her life right now would be an understatement. She has been swimming at the Y, flying on the bike, and running a pace on the roads that is a blur. The only way Patti would not rock the Tri would be if something truly went wrong. . . and it did.

Patti heading out for the run!

Patti, came out of the 1.2 mile swim 4th out of 51 women in her age group. On the 56 mile bike she average just under 20 mph and posted a 2:52 ride, the 5th fastest in her age group. Coming into the final transition Patti was looking strong but told Jeff she has having some back pain. Assuming it was just cramping from being in the same bike position for three hours she sucked it up, and went out on the run. Within the first five minutes of the run, she knew it was not normal cramping.

At this point Patti began to race-walk hunched over in pain. Her kidneys were torturing her with every step. Jeff joined her around mile five and did everything he could to get her to pull of the course. . . no luck. Patti continued her hunched-over-race-walk for virtually all of the 13.1 mile run. Despite the pain and the bad form she still managed a 2:53 half time. No doubt this was far from her goal, but impressive that she pushed through the pain and never gave up.

What started out looking like a top 3 age group performance eventually landed Patti in 28th place with a time of 6:34:24. Patti has a score to settle with the Beach2Battleship, and she will be back next year to show this race who is boss. Great job gutting through Patti!

Team Steelwomen

RMEC members, Kinnie Pruden and Tracy Proctor teamed up with Yvonne to form an Iron Distance relay on Saturday as well. Yvonne kicked things off for the "Steelwomen" team with a 1:19:34 in the swim.

Kinnie was next on the course where she posted an amazing 5:29:05 on the 112 mile bike ride. This time was only beaten by two elite women in the race! Tracy Proctor was next to take the virtual baton in the final leg of the race. . . a marthon. She headed out in daylight and finished the 26.2 miles with the setting sun. Her overall time was 4:16:01.

So, if you add it all up this steel tough group of ladies won the relay in the women's division! Their overall time of 11 hours and 10 minutes was nearly 20 minutes ahead of the 2nd place team. Great job ladies!

2010 OBX Race Results

Sean, Ryan, Julian, & Adriano

As mentioned below in the Richmond Marathon post, the Rocky Mount Endurance Club was loaded up with people racing this weekend.  We had 10 race at Richmond, and an additional nine more at OBX Marathon and Half Marathon.  So glad to see the RMEC getting to enjoy the near perfect race conditions at both events.

Ryan passing a Half Runner

In the Marathon, Ryan Bullard takes top honors from the RMEC with an impressive 3:23:18.  This fantastic time earned him 107th place out of 1,660 finishers (top 7%).  Abe Cox was the next to cross the line from the RMEC with a solid 3:49:11.  Despite limited training (new dad) Abe ran within seven minutes of his marathon PR.  Well done Abe!

Abe looking focused

Sean Epps and Julian Martinez were both taking on the challenge of the marathon distance for the first time on Sunday.  Julian also had his brother join in the adventure as well.  All three did fantastic in their debut finishing is 4:24:00.  As the pictures show, they looked strong even in the final few miles!

Almost Done!

Mike Votava snuck down to OBX for the marathon as well.  Where he posted a 5:07:11 finishing time.  Not 100% certain, but pretty sure this was also Mike's first marathon.  Fantastic work guys!  We look forward to seeing you race again (and again) at more marathons.  Complete results of the marathon can be found online.

No longer Marathon Virgins!

We had some equally impressive performances in the Gateway Bank OBX Half Marathon race.  This well sponsored race brings in a crowd every year.  On Sunday 3,752 finishers cross the line.  Jeff Hartney took 41st place overall and 2nd in his age group.  Wow!  This puts him roughly in the top 1% of all finishers.

Levi Moore had a fantastic race as well finishing in 1:54:03.  Close on his heals came Mike Barnhill with a 2:01:56.  Based on their Facebook pictures of late night Jenga and enjoying some ice cold PBR it is safe to say all three had a good time.

Levi, Abs, & Mike

Fresh off her half marathon debut just a few weeks ago, Elizabeth Fuson knocked 7 minutes off of her original PR.  She ran a 9:16 pace for the 13.1 mile course and clocked a 2:01:18.  This was only Elizabeth's second half marathon.  Great job Elizabeth!  Complete results of the marathon can be found online.

Hopefully all of the PRs, awards, and debuts over the weekend is inspiring others to get out and race.  You have to keep challenging yourself with new goals to push your limits.  It could be a longer race, a faster time, or just trying to see how many you run.  What ever your motivation. . . keep running, and keep racing!

2010 Richmond Race Results

There are so many from the RMEC racing this weekend that I am going to break it up in to multiple posts.  Everytime I thought I knew everyone racing, I would find out about another.  I think there were close to 25 of us out their racing.

Richmond is always a popular race for the club.  In case you did not know, training for the Richmond Marathon is what first created our group.  We were just the "Marathon Training Team" back then, but adopted the name Rocky Mount Endurance Club after the marathon.

Laura and Tracy!



This year in the marathon, Amber Poole ran a fantasic race and was our first female finisher.  Her time of 4:33:19 is a big PR too! Jeanette Batchelor finished with a 4:40:51.  Just 40 days ago Jeanette had never run a marathon, and now she has two medals. 



Tracy Hicks and Laura Haynes were quietly training throughout the summer, logging countless miles around Rocky Mount (and Spain).  The hard work paid off.  Both ran every step together and finished with a 4:51:36!  Tracy had the privledge of seeing her friend complete her first marathon.  Great job Laura!  Welcome to the very addictive marathoning club.

John might actually be smilling

John Batchelor and Derek Hurdle took a new approach to the marathon on Saturday.  Both elected to be pace group leaders.  John took on the 3:15 pace group, and Derek the 3:45.  Running a marathon is already stressfull enough, but knowing that other people are counting on YOU can make it more challenging.  Both executed their job flawlessly.  John brought his group in at 3:13:53, and Derek brought his group across the line a 3:44:58.  Great work guys!  Would love to hear about your experience as a pace group leader (hint. . . race report).

Derek & John done

The RMEC also had three racing the half marathon.  Arthur Bennett returned to Richmond where he ran a 2:19:36.  Jon Shingleton has been fighting injuries all summer and fall but still was able to cross the line is 2:26:07.

The star of the half marathon was Jeannie Kerr who ran a 2:25:59 in her half marathon debut.  Jeannie got the running bug last year when she ran the 5k at Disney and her friends did the Princess Half Marathon. . . it is safe to say that Jeannie has bigger goals for 2011.  Great job Jeannie!  The other half of the Kerr family was running an impressive pace in the 8k at Richmond.  Brad stayed well under an 8:00 pace and clocked a solid 38:43 finishing time.  Well done Brad! 

As always, plesae consider writing a race report.  It does not have to be long.  Just write a paragraph if that is all you want to do.  You may think that no one wants to hear your story, but you are wrong.  Personal stories about races (both good and bad) are what motivates people to run.  People love to hear things in your words.

Congrats to everyone!

RUN RSVP: Saturday 7:00 am @ Harris Teeter

Even though the time has changed, I will still start the run at 7:00 am.  This gives us all an extra 30 minutes of sleep, and a little more time for things to warm up.  Most everyone has (or will) run their fall marathon, so I am just picking a single route.  No one is building up miles or tapering right now.  We are just running. . .

Run Details:

• Where: Saturday, 7:00 am @ Harris Teeter
• Supported: TBD
• Weather: Forecast
• Routes: 10 Miles

It will once again be cold, so please dress accordingly.  There are lots of ways to cut this route short.  So please adjust to meet your needs.  I an not certain if I will be at the run in the morning or not, so for tomorrow, please plan to bring your own fluids unless someone wants to volunteer.

It is very possible we will have a small crowd because of the number of people racing.  So if you are considering running, please post a comment.  Often people don't come out to run because they think no one will be there, but then six people show up who did not post a comment.

I am sure I will miss lots of people but good luck to. . .

• the Richmond crowd: Laura, Tracy H, Arthur, Amber, Jon, and Derek.
• the OBX crowd: Ryan, Mike, Sean, Jennifer, Julian, Levi, Elizabeth, and Jeff H.
• the Beach2Battleship crowd: Patti, Kinnie, Tracy P.

With this many people racing I really hope we get at least one race report.  Good luck everyone!

Early November Race Results

PICASSO RUN 10K: Our friends in Roanoke Rapids held the inaugural Picasso Run 10k on Saturday. Wayne Painter tore up the new course with a 40:25 finishing time. His pace of 6:31 was fast enough for 1st place overall! Margaret Bentley made the short drive to race as well. She just missed breaking the 1-hour point when she finished with 1:00:05. An impressive 9:41 pace!  Overall results are online.

NC HOLIDAY FLOTILLA 5K: Also racing this weekend was Jeff Hartney. Jeff was getting in a final training race before this coming Saturday's half marathon so he entered the NC Holiday Flotilla 5k. If he was trying to gauge his speed, I think it is easy to confirm that things are going well. Jeff ran an 18:17 5k. . . and WON THE RACE! Not too shabby for a race with 200 participants!

CITY OF OAKS: The RMEC had a good day this past weekend at the City of Oaks. It was a chilly start, but this usually helps produce some good race results. If you are not familiar with the Oaks race courses, they are pretty hilly by most runner's standards. It is certainly not the most challenging marathon you will find, but it is also not a first choice for a PR. The course is a beautiful mix of urban, back roads, and trails.

After a successful run in the Medoc 10-Miler, Eric Seale decided to raise the bar and sign up for the City of Oaks Half Marathon. Eric continues to drop weight and focus on his triathlon training which has turned him into quite the runner. His half marathon debut was a 2:18:50. Gerry Felton also ran the half and proved once again that he is ageless. He finished with a 1:43:46 and took 14th out of 70 in his age group. This was a new PR for Gerry.

Frank Lilley was running his second marathon in seven days. As expected, Frank showed no ill effects from his "double" when he finished with a 5:32:05. Also doing a "double" of sorts was Eric Pate and Ursula Forrester. Both ran the Steamtown Marathon four weeks ago. Eric was first to cross the line in 4:15:56, and Ursula finished in 4:38:02. Two strong performances by both!

After upgrading from the Half Marathon less than 24 hour before the race, I had low expectations and planned for just a long training run. The good weather, the nice course, and a good pace group leader added up to a 3:25:51 finishing time. Not a PR, but I am very pleased.

The star of the day was Ralph Willey who ran his first marathon. Ralph picked a tough race for his first, but ran an amazing 4:21:38. In case you don't know Ralph, he is 61 but has the heart of a person half his age. His time was 257th among 443 male finishers, and 6th in his age group. Wow! Great job every one.  Learn more at the race website.

RACE REPORT: City of Oaks

Submitted By: Ursula Forrester

Nostalgia: Today I ran the City of Oaks marathon. My 8th marathon. My first one in North Carolina. I'd have to say it's probably the hardest one I've done. That may be because it's the first rebound marathon I've done (second in less than 30 days). It could be the difficulty of the race course. Or it may simply be the fact it's so fresh in my mind. Regardless, I am so pleased with both the outcome and experience. It was a 26.2-mile journey filled with wonderful memories. I lived in Raleigh for 20 years, starting at age 9. In essence, it's my hometown. So, rather than spewing the mile-by-mile pain and suffering, I'm listing my top-15 points of interest during this journey.

1) Pullen Park -- The city park where I worked as a lifeguard for four summers. I've always said that was the best job ever. The outdoor pool is no longer there; nor is the little pond where the paddle boats resided.

2) Boylan Ave -- This street reminded me of The Connells who happened to be included on my IPod playlist.

3) Sacred Heart Catholic Cathedral -- The church my mom now attends religiously. One of the priests was out cheering on runners. Cool!

4) Broughton High School -- This was not my school, but I have a lot of friends who went there. It really is a beautiful school. The architecture reminds me of buildings at Virginia Tech.

5) Cameron Village Shopping Center -- Shopping, shopping, eating, shopping. Great spot to visit!

6) NC State Faculty Club -- This was the site of our wedding rehearsal dinner 13 years ago.

7) NCSU vet school -- Sure can smell those cows! These were the first of many cows "spotted" during the race. Of course you could normally smell them before you see them. ;-)

8) Fairgrounds -- Loved the fair as a teenager; however, today the flea market was in full force

9) Shopping Center on corner of Blue Ridge & Duraleigh - It was always fun going to Crowleys Bar & Grill as a young 20-something.

10) Umstead Park - It's sad to admit, but today was the first time I've run there. It was GORGEOUS! The trails were wonderful and the gigantic fall leaves showering us were fantastic.

11) NC Museum of Art - We passed the museum out and back. There's a pedestrian trail nearby that our family explored several years ago. Henry wiped out on a scooter.

12) Chargrill! Passed nearby two of these locations; one of them the original. Love Chargrill! YUM!

13) Mitch's Tavern - The location where I had my FIRST legal drink at the age of 21! I went there after midnight to celebrate and then danced at the FIVE-O club next to it. Anyone remember that club?

14) El Dorado - The restaurant where Michael and I dined the night he proposed. The waiter served me a rose.

15) NC State campus and Hillsborough Street -- Lot's of familiar places where I spent lots of time as a teen and young adult. East Village for example. We did our first college fantasy football draft there back in 1997. But so much has changed. Does anyone remember when Darryl's was still there? And what's up with all the new traffic circles on Hillsborough?

Anyhow, it was nice to have so many nice distractions along the way. My entertainment for this race was truly observation of the city of oaks. Even in the park, I found myself taking time to see what was on my right and left. There were also a few great encounters too.

Sonia Bauer (former co-worker and race volunteer) -- she was kind enough to let me leave my sweaty shirt with her at the Mile 4 water stop!

Eric Seale - he passed me looking mighty strong at Mile 7 running his first Half. Go Eric!

Ralph Willey! - I caught up with a fellow RMEC runner at Mile 11. And we wore the same club shirt and looked like a team. I learned this was his FIRST marathon. How wonderful! We hung together for about two miles before Ralph surged ahead tackling the hills while I took some walking breaks.

So, that's what I did today. I ran hard, pushed when I didn't want to push, but if I needed to walk, I walked. I'm sore, but I'm happy. Crazy EIGHT is in the books.

FINISH TIME: 4:38:02 (my second best time)

Now, it's time for some rest!

RUN RSVP: Saturday 7:00 @ Harris Teerer

Once again we will start at 7:00 am the reduce the time of running in the dark.  The time does not change until Sunday.  I am late getting this posted, and short on time to plan. . . so we are using the same routes as last week.
Run Details:

• Where: Saturday, 7:00 am @ Harris Teeter
• Supported: TBD
• Weather: Forecast
• Routes: 4-Miles, 8-Miles, 12-Miles

It will once again be cold, so please dress accordingly.  I am not running tomorrow due to other obligations, so I am not able to put out fluids.  If someone can drop them at the tracks, please post a comment.  Save your receipt, and we will reimburse you.

If you are able, I strongly recommend you head to Roanoke Rapids and race the Picasso Run 10k instead of running from the Teeter.  Check the link to the right under upcoming races.

Please post a comment if you plan to run.  Good luck to everyone racing this weekend!

Roanoke Canal Half Marathon & 8k

Okay, RMEC, it is time to get registered for the 2nd Annual Roanoke Canal Half Marathon & 8k  The 2001 race will be held on Saturday, March 12.  This course begins in the Roanoke Rapids Lake Park and takes runners on the historic Roanoke Canal Trail with views of the lake, the historic bulkhead, the old canal, the aqueduct, and the Roanoke River!  The race is only a 45 minute drive to Rocky Mount..

The race entry is only $40 for the half marathon.  Official club members can get a discount by using the code "TEAMRMEC" when they sign up.  You will not find another half marathon that gives you this much for so little.

• A run through the historic Roanoke Canal Trail, "North Carolina's longest museum"
• Custom medals for all Half Marathon finishers.
• New this year, a long sleeve technical shirts for all half marathoners (short sleeve for 8k)
• A FREE sports sling pack with the race logo..
• Personalized Race numbers.
• Unique Awards that you can really use!
• Affordable Online Registration

Because of the nature of the race course, and limited parking the race is capped at 400 runners. We will sell out early, so don't wait long to sign up. Please help spread the word among your running friends.

Halloween Weekend Marathon Results

The RMEC continues to add more fall marathons to our "done it" list. After this weekend the RMEC has completed the following fall marathons/ultras: Steamtown (PA), New River (VA), Medoc (NC), Spinx (SC), Ridge to Bridge (NC), and Marine Corps (DC).

Starting things off, we had three from the RMEC run the Marathon at the Spinx Run Fest on Saturday. This race is held in Greenville, South Carolina. The event has multiple races and is in it's sixth year. The marathon was just brought back this year and over 600 runners took on the challenge. Anthony Lucas ran a PR 3:40:51 and took 6th in his age group. His dad William Lucas came in seconds behind with a 3:40:56 also setting a new PR. Levi Moore also posted a PR with a 4:02:32.  Three runners, and three PRs. Would love to hear what you thought about the race guys.

Also racing on Saturday was Frank Lilley who took on the Ridge to Bridge Marathon. This small personal downhill marathon has become a favorite from people all over the U.S. An organized and personal race director is key to their success. Frank got a last minute spot off the wait list and took full advantage. He finished in 5:47:32. Great job Frank! For more pictures and a race report, check out Frank's Blog.

On Sunday, Dennis Crossen went back to DC for some redemption in the Marine Corps Marathon. Last year a fast start led to an early 'bonk' for Dennis. This year he planned a smart conservative evenly pace race, and it paid off. Dennis finished with a 3:27:03 placing him 1027th out of 21,886 finishers. That is top 5% for the stat nerds in our club! This was a 38 minute improvement over last year. Nice work Dennis!