The Spirit of a Running Club

Tonight was an amazing night for the RMEC.  We have 40+ members and family members come out on an 80 degree evening to run at 6:30 pm.  More importantly we came out to support one of our teammates and one of our dear friends.  Margaret asked that I share the following with the club.

Submitted by Margaret Bentley

The love that a person feels is immeasurable. This is because it comes from God Himself. If the value of a person's life is measured by those that love them I am one blessed woman. 

There are no words to describe the overflowing joy you each bring to my life. From the amazing testimony in perseverance of Frank, the smile that seems to radiate from within Ralph, the graceful comforting stride of Liz, the always positive never give up Arthur, the depth behind those eyes that always seem to listen when you need them Ursula, to the simple undying faith of Michael, Steve, Kinnie, Jackson, Kevin. 

Then there's the Erics. My Brandie and Alane. Jon and Amber. The Greyhounds that continue to amaze us all. The Pattys and Elizabeths that inspire us to be more than we ever thought possible. Those that we look forward to seeing each week to help us get through yet another. And Max. Always Max (and he has a pretty stellar fellow for an owner too). All of you. Every single one.

Is there a way that I can thank you all? I don't think so. There are no words, no actions, no intentions that could ever display the depth of my love and gratitude for each of you.

I have waited my whole life for you all. My soul is never lonely. We will have many years to watch each other grow I am sure of it. 

"He gives the harness bells a shake 
To ask if there is some mistake. 
The only other sound's the sweep 
Of easy wind and downy flake. 

The woods are lovely, dark and deep, 
But I have promises to keep, 
And miles to go before I sleep, 
And miles to go before I sleep." 

From Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening by Robert Frost.

My thoughts exactly.

M.

RACE REPORT: XTERRA Smith Lake

Submitted by: Eric Seale

Yesterday I raced my first XTERRA event. It is a very different beast than any sort of road triathlon. I can honestly say I am more sore and drained today than I was after my almost half ironman at White Lake.

The quick skinny: I don’t have final (official) results, but I believe I was 57^th, and I think 85 racers were pre-registered. All in all, I was very happy with the way it turned out and I now have a baseline for the next one. Numbers (from my GPS, not official scoring which are not yet posted):

• 1000 meter swim in 17:14
• T1 6:16
• 18 mile (I measured 19.56) in 1:43:50
• T2 1:46
• 4 mile (I measured 4.08 miles) run in 47:42
• Total time of 2:57:00

I think I must be in the XTERRA age bracket of highest competition and largest number of competitors. The first, second and fifth place overall finishers were from my 40-44 bracket, and the winner finished 55 minutes faster than I at 2:02ish.

Here is the long version of the race report if you have nothing else to do this Memorial day. ;-)

The swim went fine and was a straight out and back course. All participants started together which meant 80 plus people thrashing together and the first 150 yards were pretty rough. The lake was interesting due to there being plenty of long grass that you occasionally swam through. I had some nut swimming about the same pace near me that could not go in a straight line. He must have swum into me no less than 10 times, from my left, right, behind and once almost swimming backwards into me. It was frustrating.

T1 was a pretty long run uphill from the lake from sand to gravel road. Usually it is not as long, but the area was plastered by the tornados last month and they still have not cleaned up the area they usually send you up from the lake. They suggested (and were right) that you wear shoes. So it took extra time to put shoes on after coming out of the water, run up the hill (550 yards according to my GPS) and then take off those shoes and get everything on to go on the MTB course. So, T1 took a long time and yet I still forgot to put my gels in my shirt or to buckle my Camelbak. Darn glad I have a neck to keep me from forgetting my head.

The bike was OK, but my back tightened up about mile 3 or 4 of lap 1 and I just could not push it. I guess the 9 mile pre-ride on Saturday coupled with camping on the ground and just being a geezer contributed. I passed about 7 or 8 people early on, but then as the bike progressed, I was passed by three or five others. The course was very sandy and as it had rained on Saturday, my pre-ride did not really hint at the difficulty the sand would create in the race. The showers had packed and wet down the sand so it was pretty fast and relatively easy to ride on through lap 1. As the race unfolded, the 85 passes on lap one and the 30+ riders ahead of me on lap 2 really churned up the sand in the corners and one spent a tremendous amount of time trying to control the bike and not wash out the front wheel through lap 2. There were plenty of crash victims around. The other tough part of the bike was all the roots. With the tight nature of the course and the sand, it was difficult to maintain speed that would allow you to bunny hop or roll the roots and I expended a ton of energy unclipping to foot dab to maintain control over roots and correct in the sand.

T2 was pretty much normal for a bike-run transition except it takes a little longer to take off MTB shoes and then to ditch the camelback etc.

The run, well, it was just brutally hot, humid, sandy and hot and hot and hot. I ended up walking far more than I expected, probably 20% of the 4 miles were spent walking. I could not keep my heart rate down and was just over heated. There was no breeze and even with pouring about 5 cups and 2 bottles of water over my head and drinking one water and one Gatorade at each of 4 water stops, I just could not keep cool. For the next one, I will not attempt to wear any shirt at all as it was not helping to keep me cool and it certainly weighed plenty as it was completely soaked.  

I had no illusions that I was going to be podium material with this being my first event, but I had no idea I would be so far off the pace. I think I finished the swim in the mid 20’s and the bike in the 40’s. I would guess that I was in the 50’s if not 60’s on the run – I was passed by many on the run. At least I can report that I wasn’t the only one dying on the run and I passed a couple of people who were cramping or puking and even handed over some electrolytes to one guy who then blew past me later on. I knew I was getting stomped when I saw runners over half way finished with the run course when I still had over a mile to go back to the transition area after my second bike lap. Turns out the two men and the woman I saw were out of the top ten no less. The hero of the day – was the third place finisher in I believe the 30-34 age group. He was still not finished with the race (only three in division I guess) at the awards ceremony, but was announced as third anyway. Why was he not finished? Well because he broke his chain and derailleur on lap one AND WAS CARRYING HIS BIKE FOR THE REMAINDER OF LAP ONE AND ALL OF LAP 2. The rumor was he carried it for over 4 miles of lap 1, so 13 miles of running with a 25 pound-ish bike over his shoulder. NUTS.

Eric

RACE RESULTS: Late May Racing

While many of us were out getting a fresh sunburn to start off the summer, several RMEC members were out racing.  Jeannie Kerr competed in her first Duathlon and did fantastic!  The Woodlake race was held in Vass, NC.  It began with a 3 mile run, followed by a 17.2 mile bike ride, and finished with another 5k run.  Jeannie began with a solid 27:15 5k, and then averaged 14.1 mph on the bike.  Even with tired legs, she stayed strong in the second run portion, and finished with an overall time 2:16:04.  Great job Jeannie!

Brad Kerr took on the added challenge of the swim, and competed in the triathlon instead.  After completing the open water swim in 11:53, he posted an very impressive 18.2 mph on the bike leg.  He saved enough for the 3 mile run where is 8:25 pace took him to the finish line in 1:38:13.  Well done Brad!

If anyone else is racing, please let me know so we can share the news with the RMEC.

RUN RSVP: Saturday 5/27 @ Harris Teeter

To my knowledge there is no "big" race going on this weekend for the RMEC, but I expect many of you are traveling over the three day weekend.  I am still hopeful we will have a good crowd of runners.  I think we will have a slight reduction in the heat, so get out early and enjoy the cooler temps.

• Where: Saturday, 7:00 am @ Harris Teeter
• Supported: Yes (at the Tracks)
• Weather: Forecast
• Routes: 3 Miles, 9 Miles, 13 Miles

Margaret is putting out fluids (thanks Margaret).  I will also have fluids at my house.  I changed up the routes, so please review them before starting your run.  and PLEASE COMMENT IF YOU ARE COMING.  Thanks everyone.  See you in the morning!

The Gun Show

It has been several weeks now since the RMEC completed the American Odyssey Relay.  As most of you know, we sent three 6-person Ultra Teams to the event.  The RMEC actually accounted for half of the ultra teams in the race.  Both men's teams broke the previous ultra record, and our women's team was the first ever all women's team to complete the race.

Relay races are truly an amazing experience.  Running as a team gives you a feeling that is different than any other race you will do.  I highly recommend doing at least one relay in your running career.

• It does not have to be a six-person team. . . in fact most are 12-person teams.  
• You don't have to be fast. . .  most teams are out to have fun.
• You don't have to be best friends. . . you will form a bond during the race.

Below is a 10 minute video of The Gun Show.  We ran the race hard, but we never took ourselves too serious.  I tried to capture that in 10 minutes of pictures and clips.  Hopefully after watching this, you will be ready to sign up for a relay too.

RACE RESULTS (5/21 & 5/22)

BRIGHT NIGHT 5K:  A small group from the RMEC went to Greenville on Saturday night to race in the Bright Night 5k. This twilight 5k race is quickly becoming a favorite of runners, and this year drew over 500 total participants. I had the unique pleasure of riding in the Moe's truck as the leader of the race. It was a great time, and the RMEC raced very well.

• 20:38 - Emily Bass (3rd OV-F)
• 18:35 - John Batchelor (3rd OV-M)
• 30:56 - Margaret Bentley (44th AG)
• 27:51 - Carrie Crossen (11th AG)
• 19:54 - Dennis Crossen (1st AG)
• 39:09 - Caroline Forrester (7th AG)
• 28:29 - Henry Forrester (8th AG)
• 28:50 - Ursula Forrester (Child Pacer)
• 20:03 - Derek Hurdle (2nd AG)
• 28:25 - Dave Lavely (19th AG)
• 28:23 - Tessie Lavely (12th AG)
• 21:02 - Levi Moore (6th AG))
• 26:52 - Amber Shingleton (15th AG)
• 24:23 - Jon Shingleton (12th AG)

 IOS CLASSIC HALF MARATHON:  On Sunday, Ron Fleming ran in one of our favorite races. The Inside Out Sports Classic Half Marathon is now in it's 13th year. Each year the race grows in size and in competition. This out-and-back course runs 10 miles of the course through Umstead. Ron took 18th out of 621 finishers. His 6:49 pace gave him 4th in a very competitive age group and also gave him a new PR. Ron now has a marathon and a half marathon PR in Umstead. Can't wait to see his next road marathon time.

Great job everyone!

WHAT'S NEXT?: For the next local 5k, be sure to check out the Whirli-Run 5k in Wilson, NC on June 4, 2011.  This is another growing race that is just a short drive from Rocky Mount.  The race has 5-year age groups, so the chance for awards is pretty good.

RUN RSVP: Saturday 5/21 @ Harris Teeter

A lot of people are running the Bright Night 5k on Saturday evening, but I am still doing a RUN RSVP for the morning crew.  Looks like a great day for a run.  Hope to see you out there.

• Where: Saturday, 7:00 am @ Harris Teeter
• Supported: Yes (at the Tracks)
• Weather: Forecast
• Routes: 3 Miles, 6 Miles, 9 Miles

I plan to put out fluids, but if anyone else would like to, please comment.  I will bring the RMEC hats, so that gives you one more reason to come.

Fun Run for Charities Results

Big congrats to everyone involved with the Fun Run for Charities this past weekend. It once again proved to be a fun and exciting event. It is rare to find a race that is so much more than “just a race”.

On the racing front, the RMEC did outstanding. With so many running, I am sure I will miss someone, so please send an email to runrmec@yahoo.com if I missed you below.  Because this was a family event, I tried to grab all members of your families to list below.  I think is is fantastic that so many parents were encouraging their kids to run.

10K RESULTS
46:16 Cliff Amos – 4th Age Group
42:47 Kevin Boudreau - 1st Age Group
44:52 Abraham Cox – 1st Age Group
50:03 Christy Cox – 2nd Overall Female
59:05 Dennis Crossen – 9th Age Group
46:29 Gerry Felton – 2nd Age Group
42:37 Michael Forrester – 3rd Overall Male
58:57 Amber Shingleton – 3rd Age Group
53:19 Jon Shingleton – 6th Age Group
52:15 Ralph Willey – 1st Age Group
45:40 Scott Wingfield – 2nd Age Group

5K RESULTS
24:35 Colin Amos – 8th Age Group
17:50 Ashley Bass – 3rd Overall Male
21:03 Emily Bass – 1st Overall Female
30:26 Margaret Bentley – 13th Age Group
24:34 Matt Boudreau – 7th Age Group
19:32 Teddy Cheetah – 1st Age Group
39:16 Alane Floyd – 16th Age Group
29:12 Henry Forrester – 13th Age Group
27:14 Ursula Forrester – 2nd Age Group
39:00 Brandie Ghiloni – 33rd Age Group
30:00 Eric Ghiloni – 11th Age Group
36:55 Ethan Ghiloni – 24th Age Group
35:03 Lucas Ghiloni – 21st Age Group
28:11 Laura Haynes – 4th Age Group
31:42 Jeannie Kerr – 8th Age Group
43:09 Reilley Kerr – 27th Age Group
18:38 Brian Lankford – 1st Age Group
28:17 Jackson Lavely – 9th Age Group
29:02 Jillian Lavely – 3rd Age Group
28:25 Tessie Lavely – 5th Age Group
27:32 Frank Lilley – 2nd Age Group
29:26 Liz Lord – Child Pacer!
39:07 Mac Lord – 30th Age Group
36:19 Owen Lord – 23rd Age Group
36:20 Ted Lord – Child Pacer!
37:06 Luke Martinez – 26th Age Group
37:18 Renee Martinez - Child Pacer!
29:13 Brandon Miller – 14th Age Group
32:46 Kayla Miller – 7th Age Group
26:59 Tom Moyer – 7th Age Group
26:52 Billy Pruden – 7th Age Group
35:11 Kinnie Pruden – Child Pacer!
35:11 Will Pruden – 22nd Age Group
19:21 Zac Shea – 3rd Age Group
30:48 James Votava – 15th Age Group
30:49 Michael Votava – Child Pacer!

RUN RSVP: Saturday 5/13 @ Imperial Centre

This weekend’s group run is at the Fun Run for Charities. If you are running this weekend please make sure it is at the Fun Run for Charities. The weather may not cooperate, but don’t let that keep you away. A little water never hurt anyone.

• Where: 8:00 am @ Imperial Centre
• Supported: Yes
• Weather: Forecast
• Routes: See http://www.funrunrm.org/

This race gives us an opportunity to showcase the RMEC. If you have a RMEC shirt or hat, please consider wearing it to the race. Remember, even though this is not a club event, this is our home town. We should always be positive and encouraging to all runners. This includes before, after, and during the race. Make sure everyone has a great time.

RESULTS: White Lake Half

Last weekend the RMEC sent five men to take part in the White Lake Half Ironman. This race is a favorite of triathletes all around the east coast because of the crystal clear waters of White Lake. Swimmers can see clearly to the bottom of the lake almost the entire time of their swim.

This year plans were changed. A heavy fog rolled in over night, and it made conditions unsafe for the volunteers working the swim portion of the relay. The event sent home all of their swim safety team. . . and minutes before the start, the fog lifted. It was too late, so they instead had a half iron distance duathalon.

Fresh off of the Boston Marathon, and the American Odyssey Relay, Dave still had the power to take 97th among men, and 6th in his age group. Most impressive was his 1:35:54 half marathon time.

Eric Seale has trained his ass off (literally) preparing for this race. Needless to say Eric was disappointed with the swim cancelation. It is still a challenging event, but he wanted to complete his first Half Iron distance event. His training paid off and he finished 187th among men, and posted a very impressive 2:10:43 half marathon time.

The final three finishers from the RMEC are already Ironmen. Cliff came closely behind Eric is the results with a 4:48:02 overall time. This trailed Eric by two minutes and placed Cliff 195th overall. Jason was next finishing 242nd, and Winslow finished 288th.

Congrats everyone on great races!

• 97th Dave Lavely 4:31:58
• 187th Eric Seale 4:56:01
• 195th Cliff Amos 4:58:02
• 242nd Jason Irvin 5:12:49
• 288th Winslow Rogers 5:32:02

RUN RSVP: 05/07 Saturday @ Teeter

We should have a big crowd running this weekend.  I don't think there is anyone racing.  The forecast is perfect for a long run.  It will be 53F at 7:00 am and only 63F at 10:00 am.  Don't sleep in!  Get out and enjoy this beautiful day.

• Where: Saturday, 7:00 am @ Harris Teeter
• Supported: Yes (at the Tracks)
• Weather: Forecast
• Routes: 3 Miles, 6 Miles, 9 Miles

I plan to put out fluids, but if anyone else would like to, please comment.  I will bring the RMEC hats, so that gives you one more reason to come.  If we have a big crowd I would like to take new picture the the header on the RMEC blog.  Getting kind of tired of seeing us in "picnic clothing".  Happy running!

Congrats Relay Runners!

I am sure there will be more to share, and hopefully a few race reports, photo collections, and slideshows. . . but for now, I will keep it simple.  All three RMEC Ultra Teams did fantastic at the American Odyssey Relay.  Results will be posted soon.  Below are the finish line photos.



Ashpalt Junkies

 



Six in the City



The Gun Show