JFK 50 Miler 2002

On Saturday, 23 November 2002, I competed in my fifth JFK 50 Miler in a row.  I also finished my fifth JFK 50 Miler in a row.  Here are my thoughts and insights from this year’s effort.  I hope you enjoy reading them.

The course begins with an uphill climb on pavement for about 3 miles.  Then for the next 13 miles or so, the course follows the Appalachian Trail, which could not be rougher if someone planted the rocks in the ground.

The temperature is around 34 degrees at the start, and the forecast today is calling for highs in the low 40s.  The temperatures are just about right for the Polarbear (me), but the wind is gusting quite a bit, and I hope it doesn’t slow me down anywhere.

4.0 miles    36:42  (9:11 avg./mile)

At the start, I see an old friend, Rob Duryea.  Rob and I were at The Basic School together at Quantico in 1991.  I haven't seen him since then, but we only get to talk about a minute before the gun goes off.  This is his first 50 miler, so he is going to run this somewhat cautiously, hoping for a sub-10 hour finish.  My goal is somewhere close to or under an 8:30.  While going uphill the first three miles, I pass by Andrew Faulkner--a former member of my team--Natural Turbo.  We chat briefly before he slows to walk for awhile.

9.5 miles    1:01:23  (11:10 avg./mile)

I reach this park in 1:38:05.  I had told my dad that I would be here between 1:30 and 1:40, so I am right about where I wanted to be.  I have rolled my right ankle twice, but nothing severe.  I grab a muffin and drink some chocolate milk before heading on up the trail.

15.7 miles    1:20:01  (12:54 avg./mile)

This puts me at 2:58:06 getting onto the tow path.  This is rather slow for me, but I was making sure I took it easy on the trail.  The past two years, I have taped my right ankle, but then I had to stop and cut off the tape at this point.  This process usually took me a few minutes, but I was still faster last year.  Anyway, the trail is behind me, and I haven't broken anything.

16.7 miles    9:06

Okay, if I average 10 minute miles from here in, I will finish at 8:43.  Not a bad time, and it would be my second fastest here at the JFK.  However, if I can average 10 minute miles on the tow path and then 9 minute miles on the roads, I will finish in 8:35.  And since my best is 8:36 that would be a new PR (personal record).  So, this first mile on the trail of a 9:06 is probably a little fast, but maybe this will be the year that I really surprise myself.

17.7 miles    9:15

Okay, things are looking good.  This year, the race directors decided that things needed to be a little different.  In the past, the time cut-off was 14 hours at 9 pm.  However, I guess people didn't like staying around that late, so they decided to end everything at 7 pm, but they wanted to still let the really slow people (slugs) still finish.  Therefore, they let the slugs (an appropriate term) start at 5 am.  Well, the slugs are starting to be caught by me.  I passed about a dozen of them up on the trail, and now they are all over the place.  Fortunately, I don't need much from the aid stations because the slugs are causing a crowd.

18.7 miles    10:13

Now these mile markers were put here by the park service and not the race director.  Therefore, they probably aren't exactly a mile (as if they would be if the race director had put them there), but I have nothing else to keep track of how far I have gone, so I use them.  All of this leads to my point that I don't know if I have actually slowed down, or if this marker is a bit farther from the last one than it is to the next one.  Either way, a 10:13 after two quick miles is quite fine.

19.7 miles    9:05

As I suspected, I think the last mile was a little long and this one was a little short, but in the end, it all adds up to 50 miles, no, I mean 50.2 miles.  Yes, that's right this is not really the JFK50 Miler, well it is, but it is really 50.2 miles.  I have no idea why they needed those last two-tenths of a mile.

20.7 miles    9:44

Oh, I almost forgot to tell you that I changed shoes when I came off of the Appalachian Trail.  I started out wearing my Asics Eagles (a trail shoe), and now I am wearing my Asics Traverse (another trail shoe).  I am planning on switching into my light-weight training shoes before I get off the tow path so that I can kick the last eight miles on the roads.  Anyway, a 9:44 is right on target.  It is just a shame that my cruise control doesn't work as well as the one on my car.

21.7 miles    8:28

Wow, I bet this mile is a little short, so the next mile should be a little long.  By the way, my crew (my dad) is doing an outstanding job.  He is right on target with all of my stuff so far.  He keeps my Camelbak full of water, and always has chocolate milk when I see him, although I am not drinking much of that stuff today.

22.7 miles    10:27

As predicted, I will say that this mile was a little long.  This prevailing headwind is starting to tire me out.  As soon as we got on the tow path and headed north the wind has been in our faces.  The temperature is on the cool side and with the headwind, the wind chill is probably in the 20s.  However, I am dressed about perfectly for these conditions.  I am wearing tights, two Coolmax t-shirts, and a watch cap.

23.7 miles    9:28

I have to say that things are going pretty well.  I am ahead of my 10-minute per mile pace for this tow path section, and everything still feels good.

24.7 miles    9:28

As I mentioned earlier, I am passing a lot of the slugs who started at 5 am, as a matter of fact, right around 24 miles, I pass Rob Chappell, who is a legend in his own mind.  Rob doesn't train for these 50 milers the way most of us do.  He believes that training is a waste of time.  Actually, Rob is a much better endurance athlete than I will ever be because I don't think I could finish one of these on six miles a week training.  Anyway, I pass Rob like he is standing still (which isn't far from the truth).  Therefore, I am now 2 hours ahead of him, and I wonder how far ahead of him I will finish this year.  P.S.  This will be Rob's eighth JFK finish in a row!

25.7 miles    9:48

Just over halfway and I am still holding really good splits.  At this point in the race, it feels like I am more than halfway done, although 16 more miles on the tow path makes it seem like I will be on this part for a while longer.

26.7 miles    10:26

Hopefully, this is just a minor variance in my split times and not an indication that I am starting to slow down.  The problem with the tow path is staying motivated and focused until the dam where we get off of this and onto the roads.

27.7 miles    10:17

The headwind is still blowing, but it isn't as gusty as it was earlier.  My legs still feel okay, so I think I can make it with these 10 minute mile splits.

28.7 miles    10:09

Yes, I can make it on 10 minute mile splits while I am on the tow path (at least that's what I try to tell myself).  I only have 13 more miles until the dam.

29.7 miles    8:50

I link up with a couple of guys who have passed me several times so far.  Of course, I have passed them an equal number of times, but who's counting?  Anyway, one of them is an art teacher in South Carolina.  He looks the part with at least one ear ring that is visible.

30.7 miles    8:50

I am probably a little too motivated to stay with these guys this time, and my time for the last two miles is a little fast, but then again I don't feel like am really pushing too hard or anything.  It would be really neat if I could run 9 minute miles from here in.  That would give me an 8:23!

31.7 miles    10:33

Well, so much for that idea of 9 minute miles--back to the 10+ minute miles.  I feel like I am just plodding along, hoping that I will be able to pick things up when I get on the roads.

32.7 miles    10:23

Now there are less than 10 miles to the dam, but that is still 10 miles!

33.7 miles    10:34

Nothing special with these times, although I need to get them back closer to 10 minute miles if I am going to have any chance to run a sub-8:30.  Well, at least I will run another sub-9:00.  This is my fifth JFK, and my times have been 8:53, 9:34, 8:36, and 8:54.  So, anything faster than 8:53 is really a good time, especially given this headwind.

34.7 miles    10:41

These next four miles until the 38 special aid station are dull.  I mean most of the tow path is dull because it looks basically about the same around each bend of the Potomac River, but these miles are especially dull because I happen to be going slower than I was earlier.

35.7 miles    10:10

Well, maybe there is life in these tired legs after all.  I need to run some 10-flat minute miles and then see what I can do on the roads.

36.7 miles    10:16

10-flat, 10:16--who is going to quibble over a few seconds.  I wish I could do something about it, but at this point, I am just surviving until the roads.

37.7 miles    12:14

I promise I will stop complaining about 10-something minute miles.  This is down right pathetic to actually be running a 12-minute mile!  This is two whole minutes that I let slip by because I wasn't focusing on maintaining my pace.

38.7 miles    15:54

Okay, finally the 38 special aid station is here and not a mile too soon.  I change shoes at this point because I won't be able to see my crew (dad) again until mile 44.  Therefore, since I want my Asics DS-Trainers on for the roads, I have to change into them now and just tough out the last three or so miles on the tow path.  Not like the tow path is some rough road surface, but it is gravel, and those little pebbles take their toll after 26 miles, especially coming after 16 miles on the AT.

39.7 miles    9:28

It is the shoes, definitely the shoes!  They make all of the difference in the world.  Next year, I think I should change into the DS-Trainers earlier.  I could have really used a few more sub-10 minute miles.

40.7 miles    10:23

Well, maybe the shoes aren't everything they claim to be.  After all, if they were this slow mile wouldn't have gotten in here somehow.

41.7 miles    13:55

Now, I know I was running this mile, and I know I was looking forward to getting off of the tow path, but I don't know how this mile took so long.  If I didn't know better, I would say that some distance has been added somewhere.  Well, at least I am off of the tow path.  Now let's see if I have a kick of any kind left.  I drink two cups of Coke in order to get the body jump started.  This last mile on the tow path is so slow that I look back on past year's times.  Last year, this mile was a 13:05, but two year's ago, I managed a 10:26.  So, I don't think it is really long or anything.

42.2 miles    8:59    *half-mile split (uphill)

This half mile always takes awhile.  It is all uphill coming off of the river, and everybody walks it.  So, I guess it is just something I have to live with.

43.2 miles    8:32

Now, I am cruising!  Last year, I didn't really put down the hammer until mile 44.  Then I was able to run fast the last six miles.  This year, I am trying to extend my kick out two more miles.  Only time will tell if I have enough gas left in the tank.

44.2 miles    8:07

I am cooking now.  I am really leaning into the downhill portions, and I am actually able to power up the hills.  The course at this point is gently rolling hills, and it is a very nice change from the boring tow path.  I drink another cup of Coke to keep the fires burning.

45.2 miles    8:38

Okay, maybe I can't continue to run low 8 minute miles, but this is still looking very nice with only five miles to go.

46.2 miles    9:36

Now, this mile is more uphill than down, so I will claim that I ran this mile a little slower for just that reason.  At this mile marker, we turn the corner and run straight towards Williamsport.

47.2 miles    9:23

Okay, I will just bide my time until the last mile and a half when I will really lay on the kick.  The art teacher from South Carolina comes back past me for the last time today.

48.2 miles    9:58

There is a guy in a yellow jacket who tries to pass me.  Actually, he does pass me, but I decide that I need to stay with him so that I don't slow down any further.  When I make the effort to stay with him, I pass him back.  However, the best I can do at this point is surge every 100 yards to stay in front of him.

49.2 miles    9:05

The yellow jacket comes back up on me as we make another turn to head into downtown Williamsport.  I respond, but he is right at my side.  We hit the mile to go sign, matching each other stride for stride.  After almost 50 miles, running 9-flats feel like we are sprinting.  Well, we are compared to the other runners we are passing at this point.

50.2 miles    8:14

I finally am able to open up a gap on the guy in the yellow jacket as we make the final turn with about a half mile to go.  I keep pouring it on as I near the finish.  With about 50 yards to go, I allow myself to take a peek back over my shoulder to see if he is close behind.  He isn't even close, so I decide to do a little 360 spin right before I cross the finish line.  This is just for show, but the crowd loves it, and remember, only one person wins, but we all have the chance to look good at the finish.

Official Finishing Time  8:46:43

112th out of 862 finishers

Not a bad time, and I am satisfied.  Martha and the kids were unable to drive up and see me at the finish this year because Nathan had a play-off flag football game, which his team won 19-0.  That win sends them to the championship on December 7.  Also, I find out that Ohio State beats Michigan, so overall it is a great day!

My dad decides to pass on dinner and head on home.  He has been fighting the flu since last night, and so he doesn't really feel like eating.  He drops me off at my car, and I am able to drive on home.

Maybe one of these years I will get under 8:30, but if I don't it will be neat to see how many sub-9 hours I can string together.  This finish today, puts me in the 250 mile club with 5 consecutive.  Of course, I am three behind the great Rob Chappell, but I do happen to beat him by almost 5 hours, as he finishes in 13:41.

Until next time, never stop running,

Darin

Catoctin 50k Trail Run 2002

On Saturday, August 10, 2002, I competed in the Catoctin 50K Trail Run, which is held near Frederick, Maryland. This was the first time I have run this race, and I heard that the course is tough the whole way. Ordinarily, I can do 31 miles in about five hours, but since just under five hours is the course record, I decided that I should shoot for something between six and seven hours.

The weather on this day is pretty nice for August. The temperature at the start of the race is about 60 degrees, and the high today is supposed to be in the mid-80s. The race is filled up with 115 runners. We start and do one lap around the parking lot before heading on to the trail, which we will be on for the entire race.

Mile 6    1:17:54 (12:59 avg./mile)

This first portion is a little more downhill than uphill. Also, I am fresh and all of the rocks on the trail are a challenge, not a nuisance. I was hoping to maybe run 12 minute miles, but I will be satisfied to keep them under 15 minutes per mile. My right heel, which has been bothering me since the beginning of July, is okay for now. At this aid station is my dad, who is crewing for me today. He is ready with some chocolate milk, and I also eat a small piece of a PB&J sandwich.

Mile 9    32:06 (10:42 avg./mile)

This is almost all nicely downhill, and I am not too surprised to see that I have made really good time. Every time the trail intersects with another trail we have to be careful to find the trail markings again. It is getting more difficult now that most of the runners are spread out, and I never see more than one or two runners at a time.

Mile 15.6    1:28:48 (13:27 avg./mile)

I am now realizing that this is going to be much tougher going back than it was coming out because this is an out and back course, and we have gone down more than we have gone up. Somewhere about mile 12, I rolled my left ankle about three-quarters of the way. It hurts pretty good, but I think it will be okay. About a half mile from the turn-around, I come to a road and think that the turn-around must just be up the road a little bit, but after running up the road about eight minutes, I realize that I must have missed the trail branching off of the road. So, I turn around and find the trail again, but I have probably lost over 10 minutes. The lead runner is about an hour ahead of me going into the turn-around point.

Mile 22.2    1:57:10 (17:45 avg./mile)

This six miles starting back is all uphill. It is initially a two and a half mile climb with my ears popping at least once. The rocks are really starting to be a pain. I now have a blister off the back of my left heel, and I roll my right ankle about half way--no problem. I am also dehydrated, but the temperature hasn’t been too bad. The wind is blowing somewhat and we are under the shade of the trees most of the time, but I am still sweating a lot and have obviously lost quite a bit of fluids. I drain my Camelbak during this 6.6 mile stretch and need to refill it at this aid station where crew are not allowed. The aid station volunteers refill it about halfway, and I don’t think that will quite get me to the next aid station at the rate I am drinking right now.

Mile 25.2    55:57 (18:39 avg./mile)

This is down right ugly, but I know that finishes ugly and slow is almost always preferable to dropping out. About half way between the last aid station and this one, my dad meets me in the mild of the woods with a refill for my Camelbak. It is greatly appreciated and I move on down the trail. I am walking about twice as much as I am running, but most of this section is gradually uphill. Finally, when I get into the aid station, four or five runners, who recently passed me, are sitting down worrying about their feet. I seize the opportunity, and since I just got my Camelbak refilled, head straight on up the trail after taking two cups of Coke. I am six miles from the finish and if I make these six miles in under an hour and a half, I can finish under 7:45, which just happens to be the time that my nemesis, Melissa Belleman, ran on this course three years ago.

Mile 31.2    1:30:07 (15:01 avg./mile)

I am recharged and motivated to push towards the finish. As I leave the last aid station, I am probably moving at about an 11-minute mile pace. However, I have trouble picking up the trail at two different points and lose about 5-10 minutes total. I am power walking up hills and flying as fast as I can down the other side. I probably pass close to 10 runners this last portion. My legs are beyond cramping, but I practice mind over matter (if I don’t mind, it doesn’t matter). Well actually it does, but I can put up with it for a little longer. Coming up the last hill, I pass two more runners. I hear the people at the finish line. Near the very top, my legs try to lock-up with cramps, but I see the finish line and manage to run through. I finish in 7:42:05! It is a huge positive split, but I am happy with my effort, particularly the last six miles.

Official Finishing Time 7:42:05
52nd out of 115 starters

Now I have something to improve on next time I run this race. I entered this race thinking that it would just be a good training run, but now I know that this 50km race is as hard as the JFK 50 miler, even though it is 19 miles longer. It is really nice that I have my dad to drive us the three hours back to Richmond. My legs really received a thrashing today. Next on my schedule is the JFK50 on November 23.

Until then, never stop running, Darin

Mohican Trail 100 Miler 2002

June 13

Since Nathan and Amy have school through June 14 and Nathan has a baseball game on June 15, Martha and I decided that I will fly up to Ohio today while her and the kids drive up Saturday afternoon/evening. Therefore, I have found a cheap fare on Delta leaving out of Williamsburg, Virginia. Obviously, I will have a connecting flight, and it is through Atlanta with a two and a half hour layover. The flight goes well, and my parents are at the Columbus airport to pick me up when my flight arrives around 6:30pm.

June 14

My parents moved in April to Apple Valley, which is a private lake community and also happens to be about 25 minutes south of the start of the race. This morning, we went into Mount Vernon to do some grocery shopping for my race. I bought six quarts of Nestle chocolate milk, a box of muffins (which my mom has volunteered to make), a package of beef jerky, AA batteries, and some bagels. The rest of the day was spent mostly relaxing and waiting to go check-in for the race.

Around 4pm, we left to go up to the race start through Loudonville. These were the directions the race gave us, but after getting to the start via their route, we were pretty sure that we could find a quicker way. Usually, at a 100-mile race check-in, runners get weighed in and looked over a little bit, but with the forecast for tomorrow not expected to break 70 degrees, they are not going to bother weighing people. The pre-race meal is of course spaghetti, and surprisingly to me, actually starts a little early! This would be just the first of many things that this race has down pat. My parents and I enjoyed our dinner, met a few new people, and listened to the race briefing. The most interesting portion of the race briefing is obviously the course description and how it is marked. This old guy, who is definitely past 60, gets up on a table and starts to tell us about all of the markers he and a couple of other people have put out on the course the past couple of days--there is the yellow trail, the green trail, the orange trail, the blue trail, the red trail, and the white trail. The green, yellow, and red trails are run twice because they are so nice and muddy.

June 15

The day of the race has finally arrived! I have waited almost 11 months to avenge my DNF (did not finish) at Vermont last July, and now I am well trained, rested, and ready to go. My dad and I leave the house around 4am and drive 25 minutes to the start. I get out of the car and check in so that the race officials know that I have shown up for the start. Then we sit in the car for 15-20 minutes because it is rather chilly outside. I decide to put on a long sleeve t-shirt over my short sleeve Coolmax shirt for the first hour until I the temperature and I warm up a little. Otherwise, I am wearing my patented red shorts, Asics Gel-Nandis, and a lot of Vaseline.

Mile 4.5    54:17 (12:03 avg./mile) Camp Walhonding

This first part has been nice and smooth. There was one significant uphill portion, but everything seems to be starting off well. I am already 10 minutes ahead of a 24-hour pace. Near the end of this segment I meet a guy named Patrick, who is in the Alabama National Guard. He attempted the Rocky Raccoon in February and dropped out at mile 80. I drink about two-thirds of a quart of chocolate milk and take off my long sleeve t-shirt.

Mile 10.7    1:25:33 (13:48 avg./mile) Rock Point

This is a little better pace for how fast I want to be going at this point. I am now running with three older gentlemen. One of them, named Don, helped lay out this course when it was first run 12 years ago. He seems to know where every tree root is on the course. The second guy is Regis, and he holds the course record for men over 50. He is trying to come back after being off for two years recovering from some mysterious illness he caught while fast packing the Appalachian Trail. The third guy is Norm, and he holds the course record for men over 60. He is quite the smooth runner and runs the downhill portion very quickly.

Mile 15.0    51:38 (12:00 avg./mile) South Park

This is the first section totally on the trails. We are walking methodically uphill and cruising downhill. Things are going well, and I am now almost 25 minutes ahead of 24-hour pace.

Mile 19.3    51:07 (11:53 avg./mile) Fire Tower

Another very nice split as the three old guys and I settle into a comfortable rhythm. The temperature at the start was in the low 50s and is probably now around 60. It is raining some, but mostly it is just a light rain. The majority of the trails on this race are on horse trails, which are nice and muddy. My wonderful crew is able to meet me for the second time in the race, and I drink most of a quart of chocolate milk. My dad is crewing for me, and my mom was supposed to meet us here, but I am a good 25 minutes ahead of the time I told her I would be here.

Mile 21.7    33:39 (14:01 avg./mile) Covered Bridge

This is the first of five times we will see the covered bridge. Fortunately, we get to cross on it four out of the five times. The other time, we get to wade through the Mohican River. I am now 36 minutes ahead of a 24-hour pace. By the way, the reward for finishing under 24 hours is a silver belt buckle.

Mile 26.4    1:10:44 (15:03 avg./mile) Hickory Ridge

This is an interesting portion of the race. The first two and a half miles are spent going along the river on relatively flat ground. However, it is along the river so the trail goes up and down a little and the footing is suspect because one wrong step can put you into the river. After the time beside the river comes "big hill" as Regis and Don call it. It is exactly that, going up for at least a mile. All in all, it isn't a terrible section this first time around, although I add a few minutes to the 24-hour pace. At this stop, I again get to see my crew and drink some chocolate milk. I got the idea of drinking chocolate milk from Eric Clifton via Melissa Belleman. It actually works well and I am not experiencing any adverse affects. I change out of my first pair of shoes and into a pair of Asics Traverse at this aid station.

Mile 31.9    1:10:36 (12:52 avg./mile) Covered Bridge

This section starts with a mile on a dirt road, then a bit through a pine forest, and finally down a dam and back along the river. I had been feeling a little weird, but the downhill portions help me pick up the pace, and sweating a little on this cool day actually seems to help. At aid stations when I don't get to receive help from my crew, I usually consume a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and a cup or two of Gatorade. However, I have decided to have no more than one cup of Gatorade at each stop. Right before this aid station, we get to cross the Mohican River, which I cross at a gallop. The water not only refreshes me, but also is a motivating factor.

Mile 35.9    54:10 (13:32 avg./mile) Covered Bridge

Yes, this is not a typo, I am back at the covered bridge. This portion was the blue loop, which isn't really a loop this year. It is just an out and back portion. I run most of the way with Milton Webb, who is from Beckley, West Virginia. This is his second time doing this race. This portion included a climb up beside a waterfall and of course, we got to navigate that one coming back down, as well.

Mile 38.4    47:47 (19:06 avg./mile) Bridle Staging Area

This section begins the red trail, which is probably the toughest portion of the course. These two and a half miles had a significant climb most of the way, and my time reflects the difficulty of the section, but I am rewarded at the aid station by seeing my crew and getting to down some more chocolate milk. Nestle chocolate milk contains 230 calories in just 8 ounces. So, by drinking a quart, I can consume over 900 calories very quickly. The rest of the time on the trail, I drink plain water from my Camelbak. I now stand 33 minutes ahead of 24-hour pace.

Mile 45.7    1:36:33 (13:14 avg./mile) Rock Point

If you are paying attention, you will notice that this is the second time at Rock Point. I am starting the second loop, after which I will have less than 24 miles to go. These 7+ miles were marked with a lot of mud running, several stream crossings, and horses with riders to pass. It was interesting passing the horses because the last thing any of us wanted to do was get kicked. I cover the majority of this portion with Milton and a lady named Debbie, who is stopping at mile 54 so that she and her boyfriend can work the aid station at mile 97. At this aid station, they have pizza. I, of course, grab a piece and think about a second before I decide that I better wait and see how the first piece rides.

Mile 50.0    58:58 (13:42 avg./mile) South Park

4.3 miles in between aid stations is just about right. An hour without seeing someone besides another runner or two is long enough. My legs are doing very well, and my plan of walking comfortably up hills and cruising down hills seems to be panning out. Occasionally, I catch myself daydreaming about a sub 23-hour finish, which might occur, but it is too early to start getting excited. My time at halfway is 11:15, so I am on pace to finish in 22:30. However, I guess I might slow down a little some where along the way.

Mile 54.3    1:01:45 (14:22 avg./mile) Fire Tower

This was another nice steady clip and I seem to have lost Don and Regis. I don't think I have seen them since Hickory Ridge. I also seem to have opened up a little lead on Milton although I am sure I will see him again. At this aid station, I get another piece of pizza, drink some chocolate milk, and let some wives know how long along I last saw their husbands. I also change my shoes into my third pair of the day. This pair is my Asics Gel-Lyte DSs.

Mile 56.8    33:49 (13:31 avg./mile) Covered Bridge

I take out of the last aid station with a little more pep in my step and quickly pass two runners. As I come up behind them, I tell them that I have on fresh tires so that is why I am running faster than them. In hind sight, I might have been going a little too fast on this section, but I was having fun.

Mile 61.5    1:21:53 (17:25 avg./mile) Hickory Ridge

This is the first time I start to really feel like maybe this is getting old. The portion along side the river was tedious, and the "big hill" took a long time. However, I am not doing too bad, but I think a sub 24-hour race might not be here today for me. I wish I knew why things are not going well. My dad is at this aid station, and I take my time drinking some chocolate milk, getting an Access Bar, and putting a shirt back on.

Mile 66.9    1:47:16 (19:52 avg./mile) Covered Bridge

Things continue to go south. My legs feel fine, but my body won't take the jostling of running at this point. I walk this entire stretch and console myself that 3 miles per hour will bring me home before the 30-hour cut-off. I get a Mag-lite from my dad, drink a cup of Coke and begin the long climb at the beginning of the red trail. I have just under 10 miles until I will be off the trails and on the roads until the finish. It is now dark and the going will be a little bit more difficult.

Mile 69.4    1:08:01 (27:12 avg./mile) Bridle Staging Area

My goal starting this section was to make these 2.5 miles in at least an hour. Then I would know I could finish. Milton is again with me, and we walk most of the way together in the dark. With about a half mile to go, I can no longer even stay up with Milton as he walks. My walking is getting slower and slower, and thoughts about why I ever thought I could run 100 miles pass through my mind. I enter the aid station and decide that I have had enough. My abdomen won't allow me to run, and I am not looking forward to staggering in the darkness and mud for what may be 3+ hours. It is now just past 10pm when I withdraw from the race. I wish Milton good luck and hop in the car.

I get home around 10:45pm, take a shower, and climb in bed. My legs still don't feel that bad. Martha and the kids arrive at midnight, and around 2am, I get up to go to the bathroom. I can't decide to sit on the toilet or throw up, so I just lay in the hallway. After about an hour I feel better and go back to bed. The next morning, I feel better, but not great. We decide to go to church at 9:30 in Mount Vernon. When we get back, I take a dump and feel much better, even ready to really eat something.

In hindsight, I think I either ate too much (close to 7,000 total calories on Saturday) or I should have taken time to go to the john and sit. I didn't realize it at the time, but I am quite sure that was the queasy feeling overall in my gut.

Until next time, never stop running, or at least moving forward,
Darin

Shamrock Marathon 2002

It has been four months since my last long race at the JFK 50 Miler in November. My training this winter has gone pretty well, and I feel like I am close to 3:10 shape for this marathon. However, Mother Nature is not going to assist me today as the forecasted high temperature is mid to high 70s. The ideal temperature for me running a marathon would be around 45-50. On the other hand, I did run a 3:12 in Pittsburgh when the mercury climbed to 76, but the humidity was really low and the temperature at the start was 52. Then I ran a 3:23 at Pittsburgh the next year when it was 68 and humid at the start, and the temperature hit 90 before the day was done. So, I think I will try and run a conservative race and see if some clouds can move in early and I can stay hydrated.

March 16, 2002

Start    0:01

The number of runners is around 2,000 for this marathon. This is a right size marathon. There aren't too many so that you can't move. Yet, there aren't too few, which leaves you running alone and unable to draft off anyone.

Mile 1    7:21

As I approach the first mile mark, Martha and the kids are along the side of the road cheering me on, and Martha has my sunglasses, which I was hoping to not need. However, there are no clouds in the sky, so I take my Oakleys. This first mile of 7:21 is exactly where I wanted to be, but I am definitely sweating quite a bit.

Mile 2    7:12

In a shorter race, a little bit of sweat is a good thing, but in the marathon and farther, every drop of liquid needs to be replaced or dehydration will catch up later in the race.

Mile 3    7:32

As I am settling into a comfortable pace, my Access bar falls to the ground. I had it pinned to my shorts, and the wrapper was torn through by the safety pin. So, I stop and pick it up and will carry it until mile 14 or so.

Mile 4    7:19

I am running very comfortably, but it is hot! Sweat is dripping in my eyes, and even drinking two cups of water at each aid station is probably not replenishing my lost liquid.

Mile 5    7:28

I turn off of the boardwalk and run past the Cavalier Hotel. The course takes us back this way, so hopefully I will pass the Cavalier again in two hours or less.

Mile 6    7:14

This is marathon number 18 for me, I something just occurred that I have never had happened. My nose just started bleeding as I was running. This is more of a nuisance than anything else, but I don't want to lose any significant amount of blood. I start asking spectators if they have any napkins or tissues, and a lady digs some out of her backpack. Without losing my stride, I quickly plug the nostril, and the problem is solved.

Mile 7    7:31

At this point, I am feeling great, but I also realize that it isn't going to get any cooler. Furthermore, with the breezes and climbing temperature, dehydration will be a serious problem before my day is done. Therefore, I am going to try and run very conservatively. This 7:30 pace is easy, but is it slow enough?

Mile 8    7:26

This mile begins the slightly uphill climb on Shore Drive towards the entrance to Fort Story. I am not close enough to draft well off someone, but I am doing okay.

Mile 9    7:28

Another uphill mile, and everything looks good, although I am working harder to stay up with someone as I try to draft a little with the wind in my face.

Mile 10    7:30

Ten miles is a mark on the marathon when I say that I am now warmed up and well into the race. My legs are feeling very strong, and this could have been a personal record opportunity if the heat wasn't such a factor.

Mile 11    7:48

I turn into Fort Story and am done going uphill for a while. I am beginning to feel the effects of dehydration and heat, but then again it appears that I am not alone.

Mile 12    7:32

This is a good mile, but I am already realizing that I will be slowing down some more as the temperature continues to climb. I would guess at this poin that the temperature is in the mid-70s. For those that don't know, ideal marathon temperature is in the 50s, and I wouldn't complain if it was in the 40s.

Mile 13    7:53

This is getting ugly! The game begins with telling myself just to keep my mile splits under 8.

Mile 14    8:03

Well, so much for that idea. I can probably maintain low 8s until mile 20 then I think I have something to push it home. This of course assumes that the temperature doesn't get too much hotter. My halfway split is 1:38, which is right about what I wanted on a day like this.

Mile 15    8:35

I was eating my Access bar on this mile-trying to anyway. It is difficult to eat something when your mouth is completely dry. Okay, I can use this marathon as a nice training run and keep my splits under 9 minutes per mile.

Mile 16    8:31

This is a good split for my now training run. I can still look good at the finish. After all, only one person wins, but everyone has the chance to look good at the finish line. Although with all of the sweat, there is dried up salt sticking to most of my body. So, I don't know how good I will actually look.

Mile 17    9:16

I guess it is time to revise my threshold of having all of my mile splits under 9 minutes. Now, this is really a training run because my average long run training pace is around 9-10 minutes per mile.

Mile 18    9:18

Yes, I will just coast in and think about the mental aspects of trying to complete my first 100 in June. I hope it isn't this hot in Ohio on June 15.

Mile 19    9:49

I exit from Fort Story (finally), and turn to run back towards the beach. With any motivation for pushing myself hard completely gone, I guess I can't complain about this slower mile.

Mile 20    10:39

As I am plodding along wishing I could stop (I could, but it would take too long to wait for the straggler bus), a guy comes up beside me, and he is running his second marathon. This gives me a little motivation because his first marathon time was a 3:40. I let him know that a 3:40 today would be outstanding and that he could expect to be 15-20 minutes faster on a cooler day.

Mile 21    8:40

With the company and motivation of my newest friend, we click off a quick mile. Now, I think I might be able to get this guy in under 3:40.

Mile 22    9:10

Another mile with this guy, and things are looking okay, but I don't think I will be able to finish under 3:40. Maybe I can just get him to mile 23, and he will be able to push it in from there without me.

Mile 23    10:32

Unfortunately, he doesn't have any greater heat tolerance or any more hydration than I do. We both slow down and repeatedly tell each other not to let the other one hold us back from pushing it to the finish.

Mile 24    12:42

Finally, he pushes ahead of me, and I walk a bit as the legs are cramping from dehydration.

Mile 25    14:08

Ugly doesn't begin to describe this marathon on this hot day. I don't know how I ran a 3:23 in Pittsburgh in 2000 when the mercury hit 90. This has the potential to become my second slowest marathon ever out of 18 finishes.

Mile 26    10:08

Finally, I turn off of the boardwalk again and head towards the finish at the Pavilion. I will always have at least a little kick for the finish, and surprisingly, I catch my new friend as he is really hobbling.

Mile 26.2    2:07

Near mile 26, Martha and the kids are waiting for me, and I perform my patented (check it out) move just before crossing the finish line. I spin and do a 360 for the crowd and act like I could run another marathon.

Final 3:48:52 officially.

I was 162nd of 1213 finishers. I finished 16th of 112, males 30-34.

The only thing good at this point is that this race is over, and I don't think I have done any damage that would keep me from getting back to training right away. I find in the finishing area something that I had only seen at the Honolulu marathon before now. That is Coca-cola. It is the best thing for a stomach low on water and slightly on the queasy side, and a body that just wants to shut down.

The second half of this race was just plain ugly. My time for the second half is 2:10. Now, it is time to get back to Richmond, recover, and go to bed, so that I can set up in the morning for The Life, our church that meets in a middle school. My next race will be the Mohican Trail 100 on 15-16 June in Ohio. Stay in touch, and if you ever are in Richmond, VA, we have a guest room.

Never stop running,
Darin