RMEC, I need your help! Tomorrow starting around 5:30, we will be stuffing the race packets for the Medoc Trail Races. We need 6-8 people to help with this job. It is easy to do and goes by quickly. This is the biggest race we have ever done, so having volunteers is important!
This time it will be just a little bit different. We have some great race bags donated by Halifax County. They are a bit different, and will not fit as easily in a box. They are more like a shopping bag with a handle on the top. Instead of putting the bags in boxes, we will try to runs some rope through the handles, and string 10-15 bags together. Once they are strung, we will take them to the U-Haul. This way we don't have to load them up the next day.
Please post a comment if you can help. We will use the RBC main building once again. Thanks!
1. Michael
2. Ron
3. Arthur
4. Ralph
5. Elizabeth
6. William
7.
8.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
RACE REPORT: New River 50k
Submitted by: Ron Fleming
I had pretty high expectations going into the New River 50k. I thought my training in the past couple of months was going to yield big things. However, I had been dealing with some nagging soreness in my right calf since the weekend before Golf Club. I didn't run for two weeks leading up to the New River 50k just to let that heal, but managed to get in some biking, elliptical and swimming. The day of the race, it seemed to be a non-issue.
I started the race running with Scott and Liz. We just could not stop talking about the views we were getting. A foggy morning made for some very cool views of the trail and rocky river. The race started off pretty cool, in the high 40's I believe. Once the sun burned through the fog and the skies cleared it became very warm.
The race started in Fries VA. The first 5 miles were along the New River. We came to an aid station where we had a half mile out and back to the aid station and then crossed the river to start a 10 mile run along Chestnutt Creek to the 16 mile turn around point near Galax. I stayed with Scott and Liz for a while, but never really felt good. Typically after a few miles of warning up, things fall into place for me. That never happened. I never felt like I had my legs and never had confidence that it was going to be a good day. Around mile 12, I started having some GI issues and backed off the 9:00 pace and Scott and Liz moved forward. After toting those GI issues around for a couple miles a bathroom was sent down from the heavens and I was able to put that behind me, hoping that would make things better.
On my way to the mile 16 aid station, I finally met Scott and Liz headed back towards the finish. They both seemed to be doing really good. I arrived at the aid station, had a piece of a turkey sandwich and some other snacks. I removed a shoe and sock and lathered up a couple of toes with petroleum jelly as I could feel a blister coming on.
I knew I wasn't "feeling it" that day, but was not really prepared for what was about to happen. I started making my way away from the aid station and out of the blue was getting pain in the outside of my left knee and started developing a limp. I met Ted making his way to the aid station and then not long after that, he was on my heels and he slowed down to speak and then moved forward. Shortly after, I met Frank making his way to the aid station. Both Ted and Frank were in good spirits. This knee pain ultimately shut me down. It wasn't that I had gone out too fast and that my legs were shot, it was just that I couldn't run because of the knee. I could walk it off for a few minutes and then resume lightly running for literally just a few seconds until it came back. To top that off, I turned on my iPod for the first time and it was stuck on one song and would only play 20 seconds of that song and then repeat.
I had about a mile-long self pity party after the 16 mile aid station, but then made up my mind to just suck it up and enjoy the scenery. I pretty much walked the last 15 miles from the turnaround to the finish. The scenery was so incredible, I was not about to let myself have a bad time out there. So many other runners that passed me could see me struggling and offered all sorts of support, from verbal encouragement, to fluids, electrolytes, salt and ibuprofen. It was such a friendly and supportive group of runners on the course.
I felt so weird after finishing. Usually after finishing a distance race, my mind and body are completely exhausted and hurt. Not this time. I had walked for so long that my body and legs felt fresh (compared to a normal finish) except for the nagging knee pain I experienced, which wasn't really an issue when walking...only running. I thought I was going to escape post-race soreness, but boy was I wrong. Today (Monday), I definitely feel like I covered the distance.
For anyone that is reading this far, I assume you might have some slight interest in increasing your race distance, doing a 50k or participating in some smaller local, off the beaten path races. If you ever want to run a race further than a marathon, the New River Trail 50k is your race. It is flat. Very very flat. It is a trail, but it is not technical, there are no roots and loose large rocks. It is packed gravel and cinder for the most part. The scenery is fantastic. I will be very surprised if I ever run a course that is more scenic than that one. The course and supportive group of people at this race will make it an excellent choice for you to try something different. I expect I will be back next year.
My hat is off to the other RMEC runners that finished Saturday. They had wonderful races and I was happy to be there to share that with them.
I had pretty high expectations going into the New River 50k. I thought my training in the past couple of months was going to yield big things. However, I had been dealing with some nagging soreness in my right calf since the weekend before Golf Club. I didn't run for two weeks leading up to the New River 50k just to let that heal, but managed to get in some biking, elliptical and swimming. The day of the race, it seemed to be a non-issue.
I started the race running with Scott and Liz. We just could not stop talking about the views we were getting. A foggy morning made for some very cool views of the trail and rocky river. The race started off pretty cool, in the high 40's I believe. Once the sun burned through the fog and the skies cleared it became very warm.
The race started in Fries VA. The first 5 miles were along the New River. We came to an aid station where we had a half mile out and back to the aid station and then crossed the river to start a 10 mile run along Chestnutt Creek to the 16 mile turn around point near Galax. I stayed with Scott and Liz for a while, but never really felt good. Typically after a few miles of warning up, things fall into place for me. That never happened. I never felt like I had my legs and never had confidence that it was going to be a good day. Around mile 12, I started having some GI issues and backed off the 9:00 pace and Scott and Liz moved forward. After toting those GI issues around for a couple miles a bathroom was sent down from the heavens and I was able to put that behind me, hoping that would make things better.
On my way to the mile 16 aid station, I finally met Scott and Liz headed back towards the finish. They both seemed to be doing really good. I arrived at the aid station, had a piece of a turkey sandwich and some other snacks. I removed a shoe and sock and lathered up a couple of toes with petroleum jelly as I could feel a blister coming on.
I knew I wasn't "feeling it" that day, but was not really prepared for what was about to happen. I started making my way away from the aid station and out of the blue was getting pain in the outside of my left knee and started developing a limp. I met Ted making his way to the aid station and then not long after that, he was on my heels and he slowed down to speak and then moved forward. Shortly after, I met Frank making his way to the aid station. Both Ted and Frank were in good spirits. This knee pain ultimately shut me down. It wasn't that I had gone out too fast and that my legs were shot, it was just that I couldn't run because of the knee. I could walk it off for a few minutes and then resume lightly running for literally just a few seconds until it came back. To top that off, I turned on my iPod for the first time and it was stuck on one song and would only play 20 seconds of that song and then repeat.
I had about a mile-long self pity party after the 16 mile aid station, but then made up my mind to just suck it up and enjoy the scenery. I pretty much walked the last 15 miles from the turnaround to the finish. The scenery was so incredible, I was not about to let myself have a bad time out there. So many other runners that passed me could see me struggling and offered all sorts of support, from verbal encouragement, to fluids, electrolytes, salt and ibuprofen. It was such a friendly and supportive group of runners on the course.
I felt so weird after finishing. Usually after finishing a distance race, my mind and body are completely exhausted and hurt. Not this time. I had walked for so long that my body and legs felt fresh (compared to a normal finish) except for the nagging knee pain I experienced, which wasn't really an issue when walking...only running. I thought I was going to escape post-race soreness, but boy was I wrong. Today (Monday), I definitely feel like I covered the distance.
For anyone that is reading this far, I assume you might have some slight interest in increasing your race distance, doing a 50k or participating in some smaller local, off the beaten path races. If you ever want to run a race further than a marathon, the New River Trail 50k is your race. It is flat. Very very flat. It is a trail, but it is not technical, there are no roots and loose large rocks. It is packed gravel and cinder for the most part. The scenery is fantastic. I will be very surprised if I ever run a course that is more scenic than that one. The course and supportive group of people at this race will make it an excellent choice for you to try something different. I expect I will be back next year.
My hat is off to the other RMEC runners that finished Saturday. They had wonderful races and I was happy to be there to share that with them.
Monday, October 11, 2010
2nd October Weekend Race Results
What a BIG weekend of racing for the RMEC. I will try to hit everyone, but will apologize in advance if I missed you. I will start with the race closest to home.
Run for Autism: The RMEC silver streaks continue their onslaught of the local 5k/10k racing scene. Ashely Bass ran a 17:07 taking 7th overall and 1st Masters in the Run for Autism this past Saturday. Brian Lankford ran an equally impressive race finishing in 18:19 and taking 16th overall and 2nd in his age group.
In most local 5ks these times would be top three, but Brain and Ashley are acing in events that are part of the Second Empire Grad Prix Series, so the competition is always strong. It is still nice to see two RMEC Masters running "high school" quality times. See complete results online.
New River 50k: At the same time that Brian and Ashley were running a 5k, we had another group running a 50k at the New River 50k Ultra. This flat out-and-back course has been described by all runners as absolutely beautiful. Liz Lord ran a steady pace and was the first to finish from the RMEC with a time of 5:02:02. This was good enough to be the 16th overall woman. It shoudl also be pointed out that this was Liz's first Ultra. . . and she had never run a marathon!
Eight spots back from Liz were Scott Wingfield and Ted Lord who finished with a time of 5:12:59. Scott and Ted swapped places several times in the last stages of the race before finishing together. This was also the first Ultra for the two of them.
Next to finish was the ultra vets from the club. Ron Fleming ran strong for the first 15 miles, but then felt his body telling him it was not going to be a good day. It would have been easy to pack it in and call it quits, but Ron pushed through and still managed a 6:18:49. Frank Lilley had concerns when he realized the cut off for the race was seven hours. He was thinking it was a 7:30 cut off. This meant Frank would need a PR to finish the race. . . and that is exactly what he got! Frank finished in 6:57:06. A new PR and another Ultra under his belt.
Complete results are available online. Great job everyone!felt
Steamtown Marathon: Eight members of the RMEC traveled to Scranton Pennsylvania to race in the Steamtown Marathon. Hoping to take advantage of a fast course and cool weather, the RMEC did not dissapoint. John Batchelor wanted to join the sub-3:00 club of the RMEC, and he was successful. John finished in 2:58:35. This was 57th overall and 4th in his age group. Both are very impressive considering the 2000 runner field.Derek Hurdle was next to cross the finish line with a 3:10:31. This was Derek's second time qualifying for Boston and a new PR. I expect his time would have been a bit quicker had he not run over 50 miles in the Blue Ridge Relay a few weeks ago. Dave Lavely was right on the heels of Derek when he finished with a 3:14:32. This was not only another BQ for Dave, it was also a marathon PR.
Ryan Bullard was only minutes behind Dave when he crossed at 3:17:04. Keeping with the trend of the RMEC, this was also a new PR for Ryan. Eric Pate has been fighting off freak (non-running) injuries during his taper, but showed no signs of problems on race day. Eric broke four hours for the first time finishing with a 3:59:48.
Steve Cooper had some GI issues early in the race that had a big impact on his pace. It would have been easy to have quit, but that is not Steve's nature. He had to make some pitstops in the race and still finished with a 4:16:46.
The ladies of the RMEC were the next two to finish. Although they never saw each other in the race, the posted chip times that were only four seconds apart. Ursula Forrester knocked 36 minutes off of here Marine Corp PR when she finished with a 4:21:19. This was the race that Ursula knew she had in her. Jeanette Batchelor had been quietly training over the summer. Each week running farther and faster. In her marathon debut she posted a 4:21:24. Heck of a way to start marathoning! Full results are online.
Great job to everyone in the RMEC. Nice to see we are off to a great fall marathon season. If you add up the endurance races this weekend, we had 11 PRs posted! I look forward to many more great races in the coming weeks! Please share your race reports.
Friday, October 08, 2010
RUN RSVP: Saturday 6:30 @ Harris Teeter
Another great week of cool temperatures. Hopefully you are all feeling the benefits on your long runs now. We have lots from the RMEC racing this weekend (Frank, Scott, Ron, Liz, Ted, Dave, Derek, John, Jeannette, Ursula, Steve, and Eric) so there may be a smaller group tomorrow morning at the Teeter.According to our long run schedule, we will have route of 4, 10 and 20 mile option. Some of you likely have a long run, and others (those running the Spinx Marathon) are beginning your taper.
Run Details:
- Where: Saturday, 6:30 am @ Harris Teeter
- Supported: Yes at the Tracks
- Weather: Forecast
- Routes: 4-Miles, 10-Miles
Regarding fluids. . . we have had an issue over the summer with trash, cups, bottles, and shirts being left at "the tracks". I am guilty of this myself. Please make certain that whatever you take to the tracks needs to be picked up. I normally try to get by and pick things up when we are done, but I am not always there. The family who lives there was kinds enough to not only let us use their driveway, they built a table for us to use as well. Please do your part to keep this clean for them. Thank you!
Please post a comment if you plan to run. There will only be enough fluids for those that RSVP. I am going to rest my knee this weekend, so I am not running. I am happy to put fluids out in the morning, but if someone else would like to take care of this it would be appreciated. Remember, we are starting at 6:30 now to allow for some extra sun light.
Thursday, October 07, 2010
Dash for Cash Teams
Both courses are very flat, and very fast. It is a great place to set some new PRs. When you race on a team, it is just like any other race. We all will run the full distance, but they will take the top three times of your team to create a total time. Each team is made up of 3-5 runners.
My strategy for the RMEC is to build multiple teams for men and women. I have asked the race director about creating an awards category for Women Teams and she is looking into it for us. I know there will be other all women teams as well racing.
For each race (Men 10M, Men 5k, Women 10M, Women 5k) I would like to have an "A" team that will compete to win. It only needs three "fast" runners, so we can fill in with different people. My goal is to spread out the RMEC runners so we can field as many teams as possible. You pace and your experience does not matter. This is about getting out, having fun, and meeting new people.
So if you run a sub 6:00 pace or a 15:00 pace you are welcome to join in. I will make some recommended teams based on who signs up so we can still remain competitive. If you plan to run, let us stick you on a team. It can't hurt, and you just might win an award!
Please post a comment if you are interested so we can try to assemble the teams. Here are the names that have shown interest so far. Remember, that everyone is welcome to join in.
10-Miler Men:
- Derek Hurdle
- Michael Forrester
- Cliff Amos
- Kevin Boudreau
- Mike Barnhill (Tentative)
- Dennis Crossen (could also do 5k)
- Ron Fleming
- Ashley Bass (Tentative - could also do 10M)
- Brian Lankford (Tentative - could also do 10M)
- John Batchelor
- Eric Ghiloni
- George Mount
- Kinnie Pruden
- Tracy Proctor
- Carolyn Beam (Likely - could also do 5k)
- Ursula Forrester
- Alane Floyd
- Mary Frances Bush (Tentative)
- Brandie Ghiloni
Wednesday, October 06, 2010
Early October Results
The RMEC had a few members sneak off last weekend for the Lake Royale Triathlon. This sprint distance event is one of the last of the season. The "ever-shrinking" Eric Seale took his new lean swimmers body to the event on last weekend and finished 77th among all men. His strongest leg was the bike portion where he average 18.9 mph, but Eric's run times are dropping every week. After the swim and the bike Eric posted a solid 32:50 in the run. Overall, Eric placed 7th in the Clydesdale division.
Following the mold of Eric, the "ever-shrinking" Brad Kerr also took on Lake Royale. Months of not running from an injury has forced Brad into heavy cross training. This showed up in his swim and in the bike leg where he averaged a solid 17.7 mph. Overall, Brad finished 8th in his age group.
Brian Lankford also decide to sneak in a quick race over the weekend when he drove down I-95 to compete in the Selma Railroad Run. Despite a field of just 114 runners, it was pretty stacked at the front. Brian ran a 6:02 pace on his way to a 18:43 5k. This was good enough for 6th overall, and second in his age group. It should be pointed out the 47 year old Brian was second to a 40 year old.
Kinnie Pruden was also racing a Tri this weekend at the HalfMax Championship. Poor water conditions turned the event into a biathlon instead, so the race began with a 56 mile bike ride, where Kinnie posted an amazing 2:36:15 averaging 21.5 mph. The hard push on the bike made for a challenging run, but she was still able to finish with a strong 2:26:47 half marathon time. In total she finihed in 5:08:03 and 34th in her age group. Don't let the place fool you. This was a qualifying event for Nationals, so the field of competitors was stacked!
Great job everyone! As always, please let me know when you race so I can get it on the blog. Your running performances is a big motivator to others. Better yet, I always love a race report. It can be one paragraph, or a short story. . . if I can copy-and-paste, it makes thing easier for me.
Following the mold of Eric, the "ever-shrinking" Brad Kerr also took on Lake Royale. Months of not running from an injury has forced Brad into heavy cross training. This showed up in his swim and in the bike leg where he averaged a solid 17.7 mph. Overall, Brad finished 8th in his age group.
Brian Lankford also decide to sneak in a quick race over the weekend when he drove down I-95 to compete in the Selma Railroad Run. Despite a field of just 114 runners, it was pretty stacked at the front. Brian ran a 6:02 pace on his way to a 18:43 5k. This was good enough for 6th overall, and second in his age group. It should be pointed out the 47 year old Brian was second to a 40 year old.
Kinnie Pruden was also racing a Tri this weekend at the HalfMax Championship. Poor water conditions turned the event into a biathlon instead, so the race began with a 56 mile bike ride, where Kinnie posted an amazing 2:36:15 averaging 21.5 mph. The hard push on the bike made for a challenging run, but she was still able to finish with a strong 2:26:47 half marathon time. In total she finihed in 5:08:03 and 34th in her age group. Don't let the place fool you. This was a qualifying event for Nationals, so the field of competitors was stacked!
Great job everyone! As always, please let me know when you race so I can get it on the blog. Your running performances is a big motivator to others. Better yet, I always love a race report. It can be one paragraph, or a short story. . . if I can copy-and-paste, it makes thing easier for me.
Tuesday, October 05, 2010
Best of 2010
RMEC, our club needs five minutes of your time. This is really important and easy to do. I honestly hope all of you will take the time to help us out.
Endurance Magazine is a free regional magazine. If you have never picked one up you should. They are doing a Best of 2010 poll with 100 questions. Several of these questions could directly impact the events that we are involved with. 100 questions sounds like a lot, but you don't have to answer them all. Some of these you actually may not have an answer actually.
Here are the questions that interest the RMEC:
1) Best RUNNING SHOE SELECTION
Raleigh Running Outfitters - Raleigh NC
7) Best CUSTOMER SERVICE
Raleigh Running Outfitters - Raleigh NC
9) Best OVERALL retailer - Running
Raleigh Running Outfitters - Raleigh NC
13) Best TRAIL Run event
Medoc Trail Races - Roanoke Rapids NC
14) Best 5K Run Event
Golf Club at Rocky Mount 5k - Rocky Mount NC
15) Best 10K Run Event
Golf Club at Rocky Mount 10k - Rocky Mount NC
16) Best 10 MILER Run Event
Medoc Trail 10 Miler - Roanoke Rapids NC
17) Best HALF-MARATHON Event
Roanoke Canal Half Marathon - Roanoke Rapids NC
18) Best MARATHON Event
Medoc Trail Marathon - Roanoke Rapids NC
20) Best OVERALL Run Event
Medoc Trail Races - Roanoke Rapids NC
21) Best SPRINT Triathlon Event
Tri Roanoke Valley - Roanoke Rapids NC (Help Halifax out with your vote!)
35) Best ONLINE EVENT REGISTRATION WEBSITE
Medoc Trail Races - Roanoke Rapids NC
37) Best POST-RACE Experience
Medoc Trail Races - Roanoke Rapids NC
38) Best EVENT T-SHIRT
Medoc Trail Races - Roanoke Rapids NC
39) Best EVENT MEDAL (We BETTER win this one!)
Medoc Trail Races - Roanoke Rapids NC
40) Best EVENT AWARD
Medoc Trail Races - Roanoke Rapids NC
42) Best PLACE TO RUN (trail)
Medoc Mountain State Park - Roanoke Rapids NC
44) Best PLACE TO RIDE (trail)
Medoc Mountain State Park - Roanoke Rapids NC
47) Best PLACE TO HIKE
Medoc Mountain State Park - Roanoke Rapids NC
Now, please don't feel you have to vote all of the items above. We don't want to cheat the poll. If you do feel our races are worthy of the vote, then put us down. If there are better races that you feel are more deserving then vote for them. Regardless vote!
Endurance Magazine is a free regional magazine. If you have never picked one up you should. They are doing a Best of 2010 poll with 100 questions. Several of these questions could directly impact the events that we are involved with. 100 questions sounds like a lot, but you don't have to answer them all. Some of these you actually may not have an answer actually.
Here are the questions that interest the RMEC:
1) Best RUNNING SHOE SELECTION
Raleigh Running Outfitters - Raleigh NC
7) Best CUSTOMER SERVICE
Raleigh Running Outfitters - Raleigh NC
9) Best OVERALL retailer - Running
Raleigh Running Outfitters - Raleigh NC
13) Best TRAIL Run event
Medoc Trail Races - Roanoke Rapids NC
14) Best 5K Run Event
Golf Club at Rocky Mount 5k - Rocky Mount NC
15) Best 10K Run Event
Golf Club at Rocky Mount 10k - Rocky Mount NC
16) Best 10 MILER Run Event
Medoc Trail 10 Miler - Roanoke Rapids NC
17) Best HALF-MARATHON Event
Roanoke Canal Half Marathon - Roanoke Rapids NC
18) Best MARATHON Event
Medoc Trail Marathon - Roanoke Rapids NC
20) Best OVERALL Run Event
Medoc Trail Races - Roanoke Rapids NC
21) Best SPRINT Triathlon Event
Tri Roanoke Valley - Roanoke Rapids NC (Help Halifax out with your vote!)
35) Best ONLINE EVENT REGISTRATION WEBSITE
Medoc Trail Races - Roanoke Rapids NC
37) Best POST-RACE Experience
Medoc Trail Races - Roanoke Rapids NC
38) Best EVENT T-SHIRT
Medoc Trail Races - Roanoke Rapids NC
39) Best EVENT MEDAL (We BETTER win this one!)
Medoc Trail Races - Roanoke Rapids NC
40) Best EVENT AWARD
Medoc Trail Races - Roanoke Rapids NC
42) Best PLACE TO RUN (trail)
Medoc Mountain State Park - Roanoke Rapids NC
44) Best PLACE TO RIDE (trail)
Medoc Mountain State Park - Roanoke Rapids NC
47) Best PLACE TO HIKE
Medoc Mountain State Park - Roanoke Rapids NC
Now, please don't feel you have to vote all of the items above. We don't want to cheat the poll. If you do feel our races are worthy of the vote, then put us down. If there are better races that you feel are more deserving then vote for them. Regardless vote!
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