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| Race Report by Ron Horton
First, congratulations to the Hickory Grove Baptist runners - Christa (front row, shorts, bib 1344) ran a 3:45:22 and qualified for BOSTON!! WOOOOOHOOOOO!!! Bree (#5281, just to right of Christa) ran a PR for the Half at 2:11:36. Special recognition to the guys (you know who you are) who ran the half on minimal (almost non-existent) training and finished - though not ahead of most of the ladies who ran the same half-marathon. You can find more details and pictures on Facebook. I decided a couple of months ago that I really couldn't go a full calendar year without running a marathon. I did two last year, but my last one was Medoc Trail Marathon on 10/17/09. I had been running about once per week, no long runs, life had just gotten in the way during the spring, summer, and fall. So I hit the streets on a more regular basis, and decided to work on the premise that you can finish a race that is three times your regular run. Made my runs 5-8 miles but nothing long. Two weeks before the race I ran 14 miles that included the second half of the course, one week before I ran 14 that included the first half. I had a plan (from my ultra training days) to walk most of the uphills, and run the flats and downhills, just planning to try to avoid getting swept as the course has a 6 hour time limit. I also recruited some good friends to join me for sections of the race. The day was perfect weather wise - overcast skies, little wind, and temps that ranged from 28 at the start to around 45 at the finish. Ran across the HGBC guys in the starting corral. Clint led us in prayer, the green flag was dropped, and off we went. Thanks to Matt for his company the first two miles. Sorry, no picture of us together. You can see him in the HGBC pic above, he's the one in the back wearing sunglasses..
Marc (left) and Kim (center) were waiting at mile 5 and stayed with me just past mile 12. They were great company and inspiration, helping me to conquer the first (hillier) half of the course. The picture above was taken as we parted company at mile 12.2. Mike joined me at mile 14.9 and Greg jumped in at mile 16.7 - they both stayed with me to the end.
Just before mile 21 in NoDA we came upon The Wall.
Greg got this picture after I made it through the Wall.
Mike (L) and Greg (R) were a huge help for those last 11 miles. Here we celebrate beating the Sweep Truck. I finished in 5:24:49, only 895 places behind Christa! I was very pleased, it was my fastest (er, least slow might be better wording) marathon since Victoria on 10/7/07. With the help of Matt, Marc, Kim, Mike, and Greg, I met my only goal - remain Vertical and Moving. Thanks to all of you - I know I would not have had such a great day without you.
Mike and I have shared many adventures - those of you who know our background can appreciate the significance of the Caldwell Street sign overhead. |
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