The Lighthouse Loop: Race #9 of 52

Two weeks had passed since my last race - but I was feeling anything but rested. Struggling to get into a pattern of working out and balancing my nutrition between races, I made the early morning drive to Port Orange, FL for the ninth race of my 2013-2014 season. 

I didn't feel particularly excited about this run, probably because the drive felt like going to work. I seldom make the drive to the coast for pleasure. 

Parking at the finish line I made the walk across the bridge to the start and met up with my running friends. My mood lightened as the energy of race morning started to life me up.

This was the Lighthouse Loop Half Marathon - and as you might expect, at mile 6.5 we looped around the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse. I realized that I was smiling as I remembered climbing its 203 steps with my daughter and her class during a second grade field trip... nine years earlier. I was not a runner yet then - my how my life has changed! 

The weather was warm and the air was heavy. I decided to just settle in and enjoy the beautiful coast line as we ran back towards the finish line. This is why people love Florida, this is why I should make the drive to the coast more often. 

The race medal was pretty, marking off another race on my quest to complete 52 half marathons in this running season. I sat in the parking lot eating eggs and drinking a beer - laughing with friends that we had finished next to a funeral home. 

What this run lacked in pomp and circumstance it made up for in community. It was a nice run, a short drive home, and a reminder that running with friends is half of the run of running at all.

The Staten Island Half Marathon: Race #8 of 52

Stumbling off the bus from Hartford my body was tired and my muscles were sore..... I made my way to the subway and caught the 1 train at Penn Station to South Ferry. It was rush hour and I had minutes to get to the Staten Island Ferry.  While this leg of the trip is provided to residents and guests of NYC free of charge (which is honestly, quite remarkable) I had not made this journey in a long time.

After what felt like an eternity of hurrying and hoping I would make it - I turned around on the deck of the swiftly moving vessel and saw The statue of Liberty, bathed in the setting sun, directly behind me. All of my worries seemed to melt away. It matters not how many times I see her, Lady Liberty always brings me a sense of calm and comfort. 

I carried this calm into my hotel with me on the island, too late to get my packet tonight, I would have to do it in the morning.

It was cloudy and windy, which seemed appropriate for this race, the Staten Island Half Marathon, which was being run in benefit of the continuing recovery from Hurricane Sandy which had hit this Island so hard a year before. I received my bib and shirt, which I wore until the race start and then tied around my waist before we began, and looked across at Manhattan. Even in the haze of the morning The Freedom Tower at One World Trade Center stood proudly, 1,776 feet tall -  marking the renewal of the Iconic Manhattan skyline devastated by September 11th. 




Immediatly after the race was Staten Island Day - I wandered and watched the vendors setting up. The NY/NY Superbowl Committee venue displayed the time until Kickoff 2014 - down to the seconds. They had an interactive staging area with field goals and a sample locker room.



Just before the singing of the National Anthem, the runners, huddled in the corrals were watching the FDNY vessel.... which then majestically sprayed from all of its hoses. While I may not have wanted to get wet on a cold morning like this - pictures alone cannot capture how moving and fantasia this was to witness. 


The race ran up and down the coastline, and I was heavy with thought. I love New York, and I love running here. I joined NYRR when I signed up for this race and I intend to make this journey more often. 

The medal was, breathtaking. In the palm of my hand its weight and meaning felt heavy. I was honored to have been a part of this day, in this place, in New York City - my hearts home. 

The ING Hartford Half Marathon: Race #7 of 52

This was one of the races which kept popping up, in Runners World articles, at Expos, in Conversations... but it never fit into my schedule.  Finally, in this season of 52 races, I decided to pair it with a weekend in New York, so my journey begins.

I had never been to Hartford before, but I knew that this was a race with a lot of history. Celebrating their 20th anniversary, the ING Hartford Marathon was sure to be a big event... and it did not disappoint.

The expo itself was small, but the bright "Come Together" signs lit up the hallway leading to a few dozen vendors. The tech-tee was long sleeved and unique to the half marathon, those running the full marathon received a solid "heathered" orange colored shirt. I was handed a Kings Hawaiian bag with two dozen rolls in it - one of the most unusual pieces of swag ever received at a race. Tired from my early flight, I was off to find my hotel to check in and rest for the night. 

Taking a leap of faith, I had booked a room knowing only the general location, price, and rating on Hotwire. After my booking was complete I discovered I would be staying at the Ramada Plaza Hartford Hotel. It turned out that this hotel could not have been more convenient  It was a half mile from the Expo, a mile from the race start, and literally steps from where I would catch the bus to NYC the following day. 

Not directly associated with the race - I didn't expect them to have any special amenities for us. Walking in the small lobby I saw signage and the front desk clerks were wearing ING Hartford Marathon shirts. After checking in I received the branded key and special TAPERING - DO NOT DISTURB sign (pictured above). The room was comfortable and equipped with a Keurig! I was sold - if coming back to Hartford for any reason I would book directly with this hotel!

I shared the room with another Half Fanatic whom I had met on the Facebook Page. That evening we went and checked out the start line  and noticed that the finish line festival area being set up was HUGE. The Ramada had a special menu for racers so we ate in the hotel. The food was wonderful and reasonably priced. 

We set out bright and yearly in our Half Fanatics shirt - and gathered to meet several other Fanatics for a group picture. 

Security was tight, images of tragedy at the Boston Marathon earlier in the year flashed through my mind as I watched police checking backpacks. The start was at the Capital Building, and armed guards were perched at several points watching the crowd. No one there minded their presence, in fact - there was a buzz of gratitude and a sense of community that filled the air. 

After a lot of Pomp and Circumstance, and what may have been the longest pre-race prayer I have ever witnessed, we were off. The course was pretty, the weather was cool, the support was plenty, and I felt wonderful.

At the finish festival - runners were treated to complementary massages, (there was a long line but it moved very fast and was worth the wait) LARGE bottles of Chocolate milk and a fantastic and free post race lunch, the menu is pictured above.

Stretched out and feeling replenished from the grilled cheese and tomato soup, I walked back to my room looking at the water bottle we had been handed at the finish line. There were a lot of little details at this race that made it very unique and special. The fact that this was this seasons PR for me did not hurt either. 

The race medal, which pictured the archway runners ran through just before the finish line was stunning, and attached to a satin ribbon with the year imprinted on it. It was a beautiful event and one I would be excited to run again. 

Now however I was off to catch my ride to New York City. I had secured a one-way ticket for $3.50 on Megabus. Stretching at the bus stop with my fellow runners, most of whom were heading home to NY after the race - I knew I was in good company for this next leg of the trip! 

The RunRaleigh Half Marathon: Race #6 of 52

As I made the early, and very hazy, morning drive from a friends house in Fayetteville, NC to Raleigh - I realized my expectations for this race were fairly low. 

It was not very expensive - and that was even with not signing up until about two months prior to the race. 

RunRaleigh was a newer, local race, put on by a running store in Raleigh. Whenever the start line is in a mall parking lot - I hedge my expectations accordingly. 

This race did everything to prove me wrong. 

As I picked up my packet - I was handed my race #, along with a long sleeve white shirt. This was a treat. I have SO many race shirts - the long sleeve shirts are a welcome change. 

And then the beautiful beer glass with the race logo and date imprinted on them were handed to me, I was impressed.

With time so spare, I wandered up the hill to Starbucks - this was the first time I paid attention to this mall, which was a rather impressive collection of mid to high end specialty stores. I had never been to Raleigh before, but the charming streets of the city had me wishing I had left more time in my schedule to explore. 

The race began up-hill, a blessing I would feel later as I came down this same hill across the finish.  The city streets were replaced later with beautiful paths carved out for recreation. Settling into 5 and 1 intervals, I enjoyed my walk breaks to take in my surroundings. 

When the race was over and I reexamined the elevation map on my Nike Plus App I realized that the steep nature of the climb at mile eleven had not been in my imagination!  

This was the 6th race in my chase run towards 52 in 365 - and my 4th in 9 days. I was sore, and spent time during this run reflecting on everything I had done wrong between the North Face Endurance Challenge and last weekend, and this weekends races.

I was not eating enough right after the race - and I needed to be stretching more. Dropping 10 lbs wouldn't hurt me either. 

Throughout this race - I was also reminded of one of the most supportive groups at many of the races I do - Black Girls Run.

In 2009 this organization was developed with the goal of encouraging health and fitness in the African-American community while providing encouragement and resources to new and experienced runners. 

While I am not African American - I have still been the recipient of their outpouring encouragement at MANY races in the past. At this race in Raleigh my tired limbs needed the emotional support they provide throughout the race course. After I crossed the finish line - I watched this group "running in" several girls - many of whom poured out tears of exhaustion and triumph as the beautiful finishers medal was placed around their neck. 




This is what these events are about for me - and so many other women. Finishing. Being better. Setting a goal and seeing it through. Holding that medal in the palm of your hand and realizing that nothing is impossible - if you just put one foot in front of the other and head towards the finish line. A lesson to remember in all of the sweet journeys of our lives.... 

The Jacksonville Marine Corps Half Marathon: Race #5 of 52

There were some specific motivating factors behind the selection of this race.

1. It is a Marine Corps race. 

Last years hurricane looming run at the MCM was my favorite full marathon. There is no half-marathon in the DC race, so the decision to skip this year was one made in logic, considering my half-fanatics goal to run 52 races in 365 days. Logic aside, it had left me with an emotional gap when I examined my running schedule,  hopefully this race would satisfy the need.

2. It is close to home. 

Trying to coordinate 52 half marathons demands that as many as possible are driving distance from my home, and Jacksonville fits the criteria. While not my favorite place to run, it is convenient.

3. Race day packet pickup. 

A two hour drive is reasonable on race morning when the packet pickup can be completed on the morning of the race. Both my schedule and budget dictate that this is a necessary option for many races in my schedule.

4. The price is right.

I paid less than $50 to enter this race - combined with all of incentives above, this was a done-deal.

This shot, taken on the final mile of the race - reminded me why people are drawn to the Jacksonville riverfront. It is truly beautiful, and after a hot 13.1 miles, the cool breeze off the river was a welcome relief. 

I had taken it fairly easy - and enjoyed the run. This was the second in three weekends of double runs - for a total of 6 races in 16 days. Not knowing how my body would respond, caution was my compass. 

Before the race there had been some complaining on the official Facebook page about the medal.  I have to say, I love it. It has a regal feel and is heavy - made of Brass. Admittedly some medals are more impressive than others, but rarely am I truly disappointed in one - and I love that this says FINISHER.

After the race there was real food! Turkey subs provided by FIREHOUSE subs - A pleasant change from the pile of snacks I have grown to expect. 

While I replenished my senses with water and nutrition, I watched the marines showing the kids their gear. It was a very nice finish line set-up. I did not stay and enjoy it however - I was off to Raleigh for tomorrows race.

I did not really examine the race swag until Monday when I was unpacking my bags from the weekends adventure. There were some pleasent surprises! The bag is nice, with an outside zipper and separate drawstring pouch - great for dirty shoes after a race!

A large and nice quality towel (it is folded in half in the picture above) was handed out at the finish line. On it is pictured some of the unique swag that I discovered inside the bag: 

A customized 13.1 sticker

A key ring on a sturdy clip

A safety whistle on a neck-strap 

A small (and bright) flashlight also on a clip 

I realized as I examined these items that they were well thought out - essentials that I should be running with, especially when I am alone on early morning runs. Another reminder that the marines are looking out for my safety and security. Thank you. 

The North Face Endurance Challenge: Race #4 of 52

 

The North Face Endurance Challenge can be summed up in one concise thought:

As my 44th half marathon, it was hands-down the hardest race I have ever completed - and by far my favorite race to date. 

In honest reflection I know that I did not necessarily choose this race for the right reasons. When you are running 52 races in 365 days - often trying to do weekend doubles -  factors like date and proximity drive the decision making process. 

Needing a Sunday race, this weekend, that worked with my Saturday half in Darlington, SC had left me with limited options. 

My budget required that I stay about an hour away in the small town of Newnan- making the drive to Pine Mountain early in dark of morning. 

I had posted these race directions to my Facebook page a few days before the race when I was getting ready - I commented on the first aid station being at mile 5.3 - and drew attention to the final line of the instructions: "This section seems to be the longest and never ending 2.6 miles. The last .25 is in the field of the event site so keep some juice in the tank to kick in at the field where everyone will be watching." 

Funny, I thought. Little did I know what was coming. 

The shuttle location was in a dark parking lot, on an unlit road with a VERY small sign.  I passed it twice before I saw another car pull in and took a gamble that anyone else out here at this time was also headed to the race.  I do not like feeling rushed on race morning, and knowing I needed to both get my packet and check a bag, I was nervous about time. 

The waiting school bus quickly took us to the start and the anxious nerves instantly dissipated when I reached what we reached the very impressing start line village. A large circle of tents set up for vendors and services sat in the glow of the start/finish gate. Nestled in the middle were multiple fire pits. The welcome brisk morning invited the early arrives to huddle around them, trading stories of how they came to the decision to run this race.

The packet pickup and bag drop were at the same location and took a matter of seconds.  The high quality North Face technical shirts could be screen printed on sight with the race distance and date - while I skipped this option I was perused those which had been dropped off the previous day and was impressed with the work. 

Wandering the runners village I was drawn to the recovery tent.  Packed with pre and post race nutrition - I imagine this had been a fascinating place to be the previous day when the full marathon, 50k and 50 mile races had taken place. 

Immediately next to this was an Ice bath station.  I should have known when I saw this what I was in for. 

With the sun now up and the crowd growing my excitement began to build. Not only was this my first double of the season - we would be sent off by the encouraging words of one of the greatest men distance running has ever known - the ultramarathon man himself, Dean Karnazes. 

Hurrying to put my phone away after we took off - I accidentally snapped this shot. It was a happy accident, because with the time clock looming over me and the difficulty of this course, I did not take out my phone for the duration of the race.  Needless to say - no pictures could have done this course justice. It was breathtakingly beautiful.

The beauty however is not the only thing that took my breath away, the massive climbs and rough terrain quickly separated the pack, and throughout the race a handful of us pushed forward with every bit of endurance we could muster. 

Running most of the race with a woman named Heather - we traded stories of success and challenge, discovering that we have been at many events together - as well as future races we have planned. Even though this race was handing our egos to us on a silver platter - there was talk of training for the 50K race a year from now. 


I fell twice, hitting my hand hard both times, ripping the knee of my running pants and taking a good about of skin off my right leg. After the second fall my hand began to swell - I commented to Heather that I was just happy it was my hand and not my knee. As long as nothing happened to sideline me from future races.

The reality that my shoes were not made for this terrain was painfully obvious.  Not a seasoned trail runner - I had worn my road shoes on this trail - big mistake. I asked Heather how many pairs of North Face Trail Shoes they sell from runners that are battered and bruised after they complete this course. 

The route was IMPECCABLY marked. At any moment where we even began to wonder if we were on the right path we instantly saw the multi-colored ribbons answering the unasked question. The three aid stations were filled with gels, chews, and fluids. The volunteers at these stops made us feel the victory of our accomplishment with their encouraging words. 

The words from the instructions echoed in me - those last 2.6 miles were the longest I have ever run... I knew I was pushing the 4 hour time limit and I ached with every step.  My feet were wet my hand was throbbing - but as I crossed that field, the announcer was there - microphone in hand to congratulate me by name.  Finishers medal around my neck - I went directly to the medical tent to get ice 

I made a lot of mistakes before this race - and I paid for it the week following. 

There are a few things I know for certain - I will be back, I can't wait to see how training right will impact my performance on my return. 

My new shoes - already ordered from the North Face Website, as we speak should help greatly. 

As fate would have it... they coordinate beautifully with my brand new Half Fanatic Diva shirt!

 The history of this event, as described by its founders is to "build lasting relationships with runners by creating an authentic experience with the North Face brand". For me they have done exactly that. 

The Darlington Half Marathon: Race #3 of 52

The first victory of the day was getting out of Orlando by 5:30am and through Jacksonville before 8. Arriving in Darlington, SC just after lunch, I passed by my hotel in nearby Florence and went directly to the packet pickup site for the Darlington Marathon (warning, the site plays music!).

Packet pick-up was a no frills event, however to get to it, race participants walked through the stock car museum at the Darlington Raceway. Taking time to walk through and look at the cars and artifacts on display, I realized I had not been certain  what I would find here. The museum website says that they can: "Offer those who are interested in the history of stock car racing and in-depth look at the roots of the sport, and has a lot to pique the interest of newer fans as well."

The pictures above are just a few of the cars on display. Although this was included as part of the packet pick-up experience, NASCAR fan or not, anyone visiting the area could learn a lot about this iconic American sport for the $5 price of admission (free for children). . 

Stepping out of the hotel room in the dark cloak of early morning, the crisp fall air was a refreshing change from the heat and humidity of recent races. Sporting my new "Half Fanatics" singlet, the easy journey from Florence to Darlington found me at the track with plenty of time to spare.

Like most inaugural races - there were some hiccups here. The picture above shows the line for the porta-potties 35 minutes before race start. I got through just before the official start time of 7AM - however the race director did delay the race 10 minutes to let the line clear.  As we waited, he discussed with the mostly patient crowd that next year there would be more. 

The wait gave the gathering crowd time to look at the giant banner which, acting as a start line, celebrated Steve Hughes who was running his 300th Marathon at this event. 300 - the number rolled around in my mind. Would I ever be in those ranks? I smiled as I thought... probably, well, for half marathons at least - after all by the end of this running season I will be closing in on the 100 half marathons mark. 

The course was not overly exciting, wrapping through the streets surrounding Darlington. However, like most things in life, it was the finish that mattered. Entering the same tunnel where the cars enter the track - a second wind came upon the runners who finished the final mile on the iconic oval track. 

The finish line was filled with fan-fair and and in it waited a treat in the cool air of the morning: hot, fresh, chicken noodle soup - a brimming cup of salt, fat, carbs and protein.... everything needed to begin the recovery process. 

Runners sat in the bleachers usually packed with racing fans sipping their soup and water and trading stories of races run and those to come. As enjoyable as this was, as I peered over the empty stands to my right, I remembered that there was no time to waste... my afternoon would consist of the drive west to Pine Mountain, Georgia for tomorrows race. 

The custom medal, attached to the checkered satin ribbon would be a nice addition to my collection.  The same design but half the size of the full marathon medal, I knew then that if I do this race again next year - I will be coming back for the big one.