Weekend Update: Part 1

What an amazing weekend for the RMEC! This was by far the biggest weekend of running all year for people around Rocky Mount. Of those people we track through the RMEC, 20 were racing this weekend. We had people running in the Outer Banks, Richmond, and Wilmington. The race distances varied from 8k, Half Marathon, and Full Marathon. The best part of it all is PRs were being set everywhere you looked!

Ryan and I were "on the course" coaches for this year's Richmond Marathon race. This enabled us to see and run with everyone on our team at some point in the race. This was a great experience, and we hope it helped to encourage and motivate everyone to a great finish.

Richmond Marathon:
Part one of this post will begin in Richmond, where a "mowhawked" Derek set a new marathon standard for the RMEC, posting an amazing 3:31:06. What a fantastic race for Derek. Although this was his debut at the marathon, he clearly proved that he has the talent to shine at the distance. I expect even faster times in the near future.

Close behind Derek came Matt and Cliff. Matt arrived at 3:43:57 breaking four hours for the first time. Cliff ran most of the race by himself, but came in just barely a minute behind Matt with a 3:44:30. I was able to run down the finishing hill with Matt, but was unable to catch Cliff because he was so close behind. Both ran fantastic races.

Next to arrive was Scott. Cramping took its toll on Scott in the last 10 miles of the race (he was not alone). He still arrived at the final hill with a smile on his face, while throwing his gloves at me. We ran to the finish together announcing Scott's birthday to the crowded finishing area with arms held high. Although this was not a PR for Scott, he was within a minute of his previous race, on a much more difficult course.

Tom was the next person to crest the final hill. Also in his marathon debut, he ran a fantastic 4:25:58. What is more impressive is that he ran a nearly perfect pace, hitting the halfway point at about 2:10. Despite a much more difficult second half, Tom's pace remained strong at 2:16.

Ryan and I both were able to run to the finish with Tracy P who was next to arrive. A foot injury, and a body chill that not even two jackets could cure held Tracy back. The pain in her foot was simply too much to handle, but Tracy showed amazing guts and still pushed through to the finish in 4:45:22.

After Ryan and I ran back up the hill, we were able to make it to the water stop at mile 25 for a much needed drink. We hardly had a chance to swallow a few cups when another trio of RMEC runners arrived. First came Tampa with Frank nipping at her heals. Minutes behind Frank was Ursula. This three ran some of the race together, including a segment when they "kicked the Lee Bridge's ass."... When they arrived at the finish Frank came first at 5:04:28. Tampa was next at 5:04:56, and Ursula then arrived at 5:12:41.

Ryan and I quickly headed back up the hill again, because we knew more RMEC runners were on the way. It was not long before we see Arthur, Misty, and Elaine with Russ also in sight. Cramps were trying to attack their legs but nothing was going to stop this group from reaching the finish. Misty and Elaine pulled ahead when Arthur had to stop to stretch out a cramp. Ryan ran in with Misty and Elaine, and I ran with Russ. It was a thrill beyond words to see all four PR as we raced down the hill. Elaine and Misty arrived at 5:19:12. Arthur was next at 5:20:40, and Russ arrived at 5:23:16.

Ryan and I had one final trip to make back up the hill. We went about one mile away from the finish to wait for Steve. We knew Steve was injured, and that the race was a true test of will. Steve knew what he was getting himself into before he ever decided to line up at the starting line. . . 26.2 miles of pain. We all know marathons hurt, but they are not supposed to hurt when you start. If you saw the transformation of Steve from week 1 of training until the end, you know that there was a runner just dying to break out of his body. . . and it did. It was just unfortunate that two injured knees set him back. With some rest and recovery Steve will be back, and I fully expect him to knock 90 minutes at least off of his Richmond time. My hat is off to you Steve for enduring the pain for 6:07:24.

Counting the debut performances as PRs (which they are), we set 11 PRs yesterday in the marathon! By the way, here is a 45 second video clip that may help summarize how you are feeling today.

• Arthur - 5:20:40 *
  
• Cliff - 3:44:30 *
  
• Derek - 3:31:06 +
  
• Elaine - 5:19:12 *
  
• Frank - 5:04:28
  
• Matt - 3:43:57 *
  
• Misty - 5:19:13 *
  
• Russ - 5:23:16 *
  
• Scott - 4:08:08
  
• Steve - 6:07:24 +
  
• Tampa - 5:04:56 +
  
• Tom - 4:25:58 +
  
• Tracy P - 4:45:22
  
• Ursula - 5:12:41 *

+ Debut, * PR

nTelos 8k in Richmond:
Andy and Carol also made the trip to Richmond to join 6,000 runners in the 8k race. This race draws more runners than the marathon does every year. As expected this was a debut for each of them at this distance. If you are curious, an 8k is a few step shorter than a 5-mile route.

Andy ran a 43:14, an impressive 8:41 pace, which was good enough for 53 in his age group. Carol finished in 54:12 (10:54 pace). This was good enough for 87th in her age group.

• Andy 43:14 +
• Carol 54:12 +

Equally important as their race, Andy and Carol immediately jumped on their bikes and headed out on the marathon course to support the team. Despite the cold temperatures they biked countless miles, delivered fluids, gels, and encouragement to every person they found. Andy helped to escort Steve for the last two miles of the marathon. I think I speak for everyone when I say thank you Andy and Carol.

Dinner and Drinks:
It was a memorable weekend from start to finish. Our pre-race dinner went off with out a hitch. The food was good; the service was great; and the company could not have been better. We went back to the Capital Ale House Saturday night, but this time it was to celebrate. . . and celebrate we did! What a great night! Just ask "Bull's Eye" Frank about it. I am still waiting to hear if he ever went streaking?

Thanks:
I also need to take a moment to thank Ryan and Tracy for their help over the last four months with this team. Both were a tremendous help during our training. Tracy helped several times with fluids, and weekend runs when I was gone. She also was a frequent host for hill workouts (which will be mandatory next year). She has always welcomed us into her home and even invited everyone to her house for the RMEC cookout, which included some amazing RMEC cupcakes by the way. Tracy, I enjoy every minute we spend on the roads together, and look forward to many more races, gatherings, and hill workouts in the future.

Ryan should be recognized for everything he did this weekend. Even though the two of us were not racing, Ryan still made the drive to Richmond, and joined us at the Marriott. He did this to support the RMEC group. Both of us quickly realized our legs had not recovered from New York once we took our first few steps on the Richmond course. Pains that took 20 miles to feel last weekend, resurfaced after just two miles this weekend. All of the pains seemed to fade away, however every time we saw one of your faces on the course. Ryan had a big impact on everyone's performance this weekend.

Ryan and Tracy, you are both superb runners, dear friends, and outstanding coaches. You have my admiration and my appreciation. Thank you!

The Future:
The RMEC group has really turned into something special. This group is much more than t-shirts and a training team. We are friends. If you are training for a race, or just looking for friends to run with. Let's keep this thing going. If you are a blog reader, but not a regular weekend runner, please come join us. We always welcome more!

Part 2 of this post will address the Outer Banks and Battleship Half Marathon. I also have LOTS of picture to share as well. Please email me if you have more to add.