RUN RSVP: Saturday 11/01

For many of you, this is the last "long run" in your taper. Expect everything to hurt. Expect to feel tired. Expect to wonder "how am I going to run 26.2 miles?". This is all normal. That is why it is called "taper madness".

I only picked one 8-mile route today. I know those training for the First Carolina State Bank Half need to log more miles, but you are probably familiar enough with the streets now that you can add on what you need. The easiest thing to do, is probably to add on the Candlewood/Greystone loop once you get back to the Teeter, but do what feel right to you.

Run Details:

• Where: Sunday, 7:15 am @ Harris Teeter
• Supported: Yes - Fluids and GUs at Tracks
• Weather: Forecast
• Routes: 8 Miles

We have been running from the Harris Teeter for almost three years, and I think this is the first time we have ever done a route around the Hospital. Please review the directions and the map. You will need to select "Hybrid" under the Route Info on the top right of the map. This will let you see the hospital roads that are not normally visible. Please RSVP if you are coming with your pace.

Quote for the Day: "It's at the borders of pain and suffering that the men are separated from the boys." - Emil Zatopek

Good Luck RMEC!

We all know that Cliff and Jason are racing this weekend, but there are other RMEC members also racing. Dave Lavely decided he had nothing planned for Sunday morning, so he signed up to run a marathon. He will be one of roughly 1,000 runners participating in the second annual City of Oaks Marathon this weekend in Raleigh.

Amber Poole will return to the scene of the crime in Raleigh again this year, and run the City of Oaks Half Marathon. This is where Amber began her distance racing. Also from the RMEC will be Ursula Forrester. Ursula has run multiple halfs, but this will be her first in Raleigh.

Many of you met Beth Coleman this summer on some long runs. She is now back in school, but this weekend she is making the trip to the "big apple" to run the New York City Marathon. This will be Beth's first marathon. Be sure to check your Sunday afternoon TV listings. A one hour special will be shown to cover the New York City Marathon. If you need something to get you excited about your next race, this will get your juices flowing.

Good Cliff, Jason, Dave, Amber, Ursula, Beth, and anyone else who is racing!

OBX Pre-race Pasta?

Typically when the RMEC has a big group travel to a race, we normally try to arrange a meal the night before to "carb-load". Sometimes we have everyone together, and other times we have several mini groups. With 10 runners plus multiple family members, OBX presents a great chance for an outing.

I started this post to give everyone a chance to post their plans, and see if anyone wants to organize a big dinner. It is not easily done, because restaurants will be crowded, but if you plan in advance and eat a little but early it can work out for everyone. Let us know your plans!

FCSB Half Marathon: Volunteers Needed

Butch is looking for volunteers to assist with the First Carolina State Bank Half Marathon and 5k on 11/22/08. I know most of you are probably racing, but you may have friends or family members who could assist with the event. Please help spread the word that volunteers are needed. People can help with:

• 5k Lead Runner Escort on bike (must be 18+)
• Half Marathon Runner Escort on bike (must be 18+)
• Course Marshall (must be 18+)
• Water Table Volunteer

No experience is required, and Butch will meet with everyone to explain their volunteer duties. If you are interested, please contact Butch by visiting his site. Tell him your name, your age, and how you would like to volunteer. There is lots of planning on the placement of volunteers, so please don't delay in contacting him if you can help.

Earning Their "E"

I think we all know that the "E" in RMEC stands for "endurance". Every time we push ourselves through a half marathon, marathon, 70.3 triathlon, or even a 50k ultra we are fully reminded of what endurance truly means. Webster's Dictionary defines endurance as follows:

• en·dur·ance \in-'dur-en(t)s, (noun ): the ability to withstand hardship or adversity ; especially : the ability to sustain a prolonged stressful effort or activity

Two RMEC members will live the definition of endurance this coming weekend. Cliff Amos and Jason Irvin are each taking on the challenge of a full Ironman triathlon. On Saturday, Jason will compete in the Ford Ironman Florida and Cliff will complete the inaugural Beach2Battleship Full Iron Distance Triathlon in Wilmington.

If you are not familiar with the Ironman distance, this is a 2.4 mile swim, a 112 mile bike ride, and then they finish with an easy 26.2 mile run. That is right. . . after what will likely be 7+ hours of exercise they will run a full marathon! The best in the world finish these events in about eight hours, but most will over 12 hours.

This is a very big deal, and something that the RMEC should take pride in. The number of people in the world who have taken on this challenge is extremely small. We are a small club with about 40 members, yet we have completed countless marathons, half ironmans, and soon to be two full ironmans.

Best of luck Cliff and Jason. Regardless of the outcome, I admire your drive and dedication to take on the challenge. The months of training you have put in has you ready. We look forward to hearing the race reports upon your return. As your mind begins to wander during the event, know that we are all pulling for you in Rocky Mount! Go kick some ass!

Sweetheart 5k has a Presenting Sponsor!

The good people at Dental Care Center have agreed to be the presenting sponsor of the Sweetheart 5k on Valentine's Day 2009. This race may seem like it is a long way off, but it will be here before you know it.

There are already four sponsors on board, but three slots still need to be filled. The race brochure goes to print next week, so having at least a verbal commitment from a sponsors will ensure they are included. Please help the Rocky Mount Parks and Recreation Department fill these spots. The success of this event will help ensure a non-RMEC race will continue in Rocky Mount. Our club can not do it all, so having the Parks and Rec team continuing to host a local race is very important to our community. The RMEC is helping to get them started, but this will be their event.

Here is where things stand right now:

• $600 Presenting Sponsor: Dental Care Center
• $400 1-Mile Fun Run Sponsor: Providence Bank
• $300 Aid Station Sponsor: Polley Clinic of Dermatology
• $250 Mile 1 Sponsor: Rocky Mount Cord Company
• $250 Mile 2 Sponsor: AVAILABLE
• $250 Mile 3 Sponsor: AVAILABLE
• Official Printing Sponsor: Eagle Press

I can provided a sponsor package to anyone who needs one. Please help us out RMEC members!

Mary and Carol in Print!

If you visit the YMCA, you have probably seen this posted on the community bulletin board. At the Lake Royal Triathlon, there was a short article written about Carol Dickens and Mary Whitwell. It is a great story and highlights their training, friendship, and love of the sport. Andy scanned it for me so we could upload it to the blog. Click on the picture to the right to see it full size. Enjoy!