Reindeer Dash for Cash

I wanted to make sure the RMEC know about a great race that is only 45 minutes from Rocky Mount. Greenville annually hosts the Reindeer Dash for Cash in December. This years race is this coming Sunday. Because it is December, they take advantage of the cool temperatures, and host an afternoon race. Both the 5k and 10-mile race start at 1:00 p.m. If you have not run an afternoon race before, they are always a good time.

John and I are running the 10-Miler. We are waiting on Tim to confirm as well. We plan to assemble a RMEC team. Teams have 3-5 members, so we have room for two more. You all run the full race, and they take the top three times.

Hope the RMEC will consider running. This is the largest race that Greenville hosts. I plan to leave around 11:20 to get there in plenty of time.

RACE REPORT: Medoc Rerun

Submitted by: Ursula Forrester

My personal rave run. . . Today I ran at Medoc. At first this morning, I didn't think I would run today. I just didn't feel well. But after Henry was up, we decided to head there and I would at least walk/run the shorter loop (Bluff trail) with Henry. Today was the day of the big "Medoc Re-Run" race for all of us who volunteered or couldn't make it to the actual event in Oct. The majority of people doing the re-run got there around 8 AM. Leading up to this day it looked like there could be as many as 30+ people out there running today but as is often the case, things come up, people are injured, etc. and the total number of runners dwindled. It is a holiday weekend after all. Regardless, there were probably still between 15 and 20. I didn't see everyone so I don't really know.

Henry and I didn't get there until close to 9:30 but that's okay. We headed out on the trail after I took a couple minutes to do some stretching (as I usually do, almost as a ritual, before exercise). Henry was wearing his Lightning McQueen toboggan and some mismatched gloves; Spiderman on one hand, Lightning McQueen on the other. As long as they keep the hands warm, that's all that matters. I broke out my running tights for the first time this year, was wearing my running headband (to cover my ears) and my red/white striped gloves.

I went ahead and set my watch so I would know how long we were out there, but no one was concerned with how fast we were going, or not going. Henry and I would walk some, then jog some, walk some, jog some. And of course, we would have to stop and pick up these perfect "walking sticks" that he spotted along the way. Once we were about a good mile into the trail, along comes the first runner from our group. Frank catches up with us and he is planning to run the full 26 miles today, instead of the 10 miles most people were planning to run. We keep up with him for awhile...sometimes ahead... sometimes behind... sometimes together. Henry thought it was big fun to get ahead of him. I guess it was nice for "little Hank" to have a little motivation, besides the recurring encouragement from mommy: "Come on Henry!" "You're doing great Henry, let's keep moving." "Let's do a little running Henry!"

Another 5 minutes and I hear voices coming up behind me. I knew there were some other runners from the group not too far behind Frank, because he told us they would catch us soon. He was right. I just didn't realize there would be a whole "conga line" of runners coming through. It was impressive. About 10 guys one right behind another moving swiftly along the path. I'm amazed at how fast some guys can run the trails. When the guys caught up, Henry just took off ahead on the trail. He was "leading" these fast guys for the next quarter mile or so. After a couple minutes, all of them were out of my sight and I was moving along, running at a decent pace. I guess Henry wanted to challenge himself? Or maybe it's his male ego (pride?) showing through at a young age. But he was really moving running along on the trail.

It was another 10 minutes before I caught him and I was going quick because I didn't want him on the trail by himself (because I figured eventually he would drop back behind the big group). I was right. We kept moving but I could tell Henry was starting to get tired. We did more walking than running to get back to the car. But he did it! Henry finished 3 miles on the trails and was awarded an honorary medal for his accomplishment.

So, now was the time of decision. I had planned to run 10 miles today so I could earn my Medoc 10-miler medal and shirt. Soooo....that's what I did. I left Henry with Michael, stopped at the restroom momentarily, picked up a water bottle and trucked back out onto the trails. This time I headed in the opposite direction. I was feeling pretty good and the weather was absolutely perfect for running. So, the decision to continue and finish what I started was easy.

It really was a great day to be there running. Most of the leaves had fallen. So, the trails were covered with leaves. I was afraid this might make it dangerous. And I guess to some degree it did. But, it wasn't bad. Either way, running or walking the trails requires paying careful attention to every step and every foot placement. I tried hard to balance watching the trail and admiring the scenery. There were actually points when I stopped just to look around and take in the surroundings. Often during a race, you wouldn't necessarily do that, but I was in no rush. And strangely enough, I didn't even have my camera with me. It was in the car. Oh well! And there were a few times the trail split off and I had to stop and try to remember which way the "course" goes. Lucky for me, I made good directional decisions. My sense of direction is "usually" pretty good. It worked for me today.

When I headed out on the Discovery and Summit trails, I continued along the trail for almost an hour before I ever encountered another person. It was like I was out there by myself. So secluded. Just me and my thoughts. I could hear the shuffle of my feet rustling through the leaves. It was a constant sound of leaves crunching beneath me. And there was the occasional misstep when one of my ankles would turn one way or the other because I landed on the side of a rock or root. It happened enough that I lost count. Or I would trip up some. Enough to scare me but not injure me. I feel fortunate. I got through the course again today without falling. The cool air was brisk. There was no breeze that I recall. The sun was shining the whole time. There were rays of sunshine falling through the treetops onto the trail. It was a beautiful day to be out there.

Just before I exited the trails, I ran into Scott and Ron who were running the marathon. They were on about mile 18. And they looked really good. All I could think is "more power to you." I think doing just the 10 miles is pretty tough, mainly because the trails make it harder. I have a great appreciation for the stamina and mental toughness it must take to complete the Medoc marathon. I had to finish the 10-miler by running the last (almost) 2 miles on the roads leading into the park (running out to the turnaround point and back). I ran the course out of order but finished all of the pieces. It wasn't maybe a fantastic way to finish but felt good to be on solid pavement after navigating the challenging trails. Plus, one of the last songs to come up on my Playlist was "Believe" from The Polar Express. Great song for the finishing stretch. I'm tired now but feeling pretty good. I ran (and walked/hiked) 10 miles today! And I earned my Medoc medal! And I did most of it out there all by myself which was GREAT. And the rest was with my little buddy. GREAT DAY!

Michael's Note: Congrats to Frank, Ron, and Scott for completing the marathon. I still have shirts for everyone in the list below who requested one. We still have hats too. To buy the hat, you must complete the run at some point. . . we are using the honor system!

Lost and Found: Found: one sweaty black Under Armor shirt, one sweaty black Asics Long sleeve "Eagles" Shirt, one sweaty grey Medoc cap. Lost: one Amphipod bottle (Ron), one small water bottle belt (Jeff)

RACE REPORT: Inside Out Sports Turket Trot 8k

Submitted by: Brian Lankford

Thanksgiving morning was a great, and very foggy, day for the Inside Out Sports 8k Turkey Trot in Cary. Yes, this is the continuing saga of Ashley and Brian: The Beasts from the East, running the 2nd Empire Grand Prix Series. On a chilly and very foggy Thanksgiving morning, 670 runners braved the weather to burn some calories before they stuffed themselves with Tom Turkey.

The write ups are redundant but impressive for us both. Ashley, running like a Turkey on Thanksgiving Day (a very fast turkey) claimed a 5th place overall finish and 1st masters with a 28:50, or 5:49 pace. That's haulin some drumsticks baby. Brian had a very good race also but this turkey may end up on someone's dinner table. Perhaps he could use a little more meat on his drumsticks. Anyway, Brian placed 11th overall and 1st in his age group with a 30:16, or 6:06 pace. Again, a pretty good showing for the RMEC boys.

There are 2 races left in the series, the Jingle Bell Run on Dec. 5th and the Jolly Elf Trail Run on Dec. 12th. These are both 5ks so I'm expecting blistering results. Right now Ashley sits #1 in the series points and Brian is #2. Or should I say 2nd.

Saturday Medoc Rerun

Don't forget that this Saturday is the "Official Unofficial Great Medoc Rerun!" Below are the people that have posted comments about joining the run. As it stands right now everyone should be able to get the shirt the requested. If a few more volunteers decided to run, it could bump some down the list, but I expect we will do okay. Everyone is still welcome to join! If you just want to run and get the medal, it is FREE!



We are running at 8:00 am, but you are welcome to start early or late. This is a very laid back run. Come ready to just enjoy the cool morning and have fun. We will have a cooler of Gatorade at the main shelter and GUS. If you need more fuids, bring your own. If you are running more than 10 miles, I highly recommend it.

If you are writing a check, please make them out to RMEC. Cash is fine too. There are some other extra items that I will have with me on Saturday as well:

• $7 - A few white long sleeve 2008 Medoc Tech shirts
• $7 - A few Medoc 2008 Finishers hats
• $5 - Some 2008 Ford's Colony cotton shirts
• $5 - Some 2009 Ford's Colony cotton shirts (a variety of colors)
• $5 - A few black and/or grey cotton RMEC shirts

RSVP: Thanksgiving Day @ 7:00 am

I have heard that some of you plan to burn of some calories early on Thursday so they can eat more Turkey in the afternoon. Just in case others are interested, I am doing a RSVP post. This is once again a bring your own fluids run (unless someone can drop them at the tracks).

Run Details:

• Where: Thursday, 7:00 am @ Harris Teeter
• Supported: Bring your own fluids
• Weather: Forecast
• Routes: 6.67 Miles

Feel free to add to, subtract or change the route to meet your needs. Also, don't forget the Medoc Rerun is this Saturday! I will have a post with additional details shortly. Let us know if you are coming.

If you would like to race over the holidays, there are a few Turkey Trot options out there as well:

• 11/26 - Inside Out Turkey Trot 8k - Cary
• 11/26 - Ridgewood Turkey Trot 8k - Raleigh
• 11/26 - Gallop and Gorge 8k - Carrboro

RUN RSVP: Saturday 11/21

The group is running at 8:00 am tomorrow, and we are leaving from the Red Oak Park. This is right across the street from Red Oak Middle (3170 Red Oak Battleboro Rd, Battleboro, NC 27809). This is bring your own fluids unless someone has a suggestion to drop them on the route. The park is about 10 minutes from the Harris Teeter.

Run Details:

• Where: Saturday, 8:00 am @ Red Oak Park
• Supported: Bring your own fluids
• Weather: Forecast
• Routes: 10 Miles

This is a 10 Mile route on pretty quite roads. If you do not want to do 10, review the map closely, and do an out and back route instead. Please stick around after the run and help Tracy with the RMEK race at the park. Bring and extra RMEC shirt to wear at the 10:00 event. We really need your help!

RMEK Race Weekend

The RMEK working together with Nash Parks and Recreation is happy to announce a Fun Run for all RMEK participants and family/friends this coming Saturday.

• When: Saturday 11/21
• Time: 10:00 am
• Location: Red Oak Park
• Distance: 1.5 mile or 5k run.

Nash Parks and Rec is closing down the trail just for our participants during this time! We want to make sure these kids feel special for completing the program. They will be getting their RMEK dog tags, and t-shirts.

The RMEC will hold our normal Saturday group run at 8:00 am from the park. This gives everyone ample time to get in a long run, and get back in time to help set up and cheer for the RMEC. Tracy, Misty, and Elaine will be looking for help, so please come ready to volunteer. If you have a RMEC or RMEK shirt, please wear it to the event. It will be a short event, and all contained on the jogging trail, so please try to find the time if you can.