The Trail Marathon

What can I say? It’s a 26.2 mile race on a trail.

What more can I say? It was a great time running my first trail marathon (already signed up for two more this year). A bunch of my RUT friends were also doing the run, along with Paula and a few others doing the Half (one loop). Before the race, we had a chance to relax, talk, and enjoy the cooler day. Everything was set-up, organized, and ready for the race; as it always seems to be with the RunningFit races.

As the race started and progressed through the woods, I found my pace and stuck with it. At about mile seven, Kai caught up and ran with me through the first loop and until mile 20ish. At which time I slowed down and dropped back.

The last few miles were a bear; I overdressed and didn’t drink enough. The clothing got me overheated in the beginning of the race. They became soaked from the sweat, and when I slowed down for the last four miles, I became extremely cold. Add the dehydration from not drinking enough and fatigue from running the Boston six days earlier, my body told me that enough was enough.

I finished the race at 4:14:00; not a bad time for my first. And looking back, it was a great experience and I can’t wait for the next one.

Ran the race on Sunday, April 25th 2010

The 2010 Boston Marathon

What a great experience. This was truly high up on my list of things to do before I die – and it was all I thought it would be. I enjoyed the trip from beginning to end; the drive out East, spending time with friends and family, the race experience, and the wandering back home.

Although I didn’t do quite as well as I was hoping, time wise, I did soak in the excitement and festive atmosphere of the event. I took full advantage of the Expo (very big, crowded, and not many deals) and the pre-pasta dinner (sat outside in the wind and rain and ate cold, icky food – but free beer!). I staked out the drive for the morning of, to get me there fast and in time (went right to the park and skipped the buses altogether). Hydrated and kept warm before the race started. And when the gun went off, I headed to Boston.

The race was great; so many runners and spectators during the entire course. The crowds were alive and cheering and the volunteers were expert. I hit my time at the half, but fell from grace at the 14 mile mark. By mile 18, I slowed too much to make up the time loss and decided to take the rest of the course easy and enjoy the people. After that point, it was a lot of hand slapping with the kids watching, smiling, and sucking in the mood of the race.

The CITGO sign was exactly as I expected. I knew that after I passed it, the road would soon lead me to Boylston Street and the Finish line. The people were going crazy with cheers and support, every racer that had reserves left kicked it into high gear, and I watched the last miles from my vantage point – some runners whipping by, some walking or limping, some waving their hands to get the crowds riled, and some doing the same as me.

Soon enough, the Finish Line was in view and the race was over. It ended as all races do; a blanket, water, a banana, a finisher’s medal, and a lot of “Good Job”s. For me, it was more than the end of a 26.2 mile race, but years of dreaming, months of training, and hours of running to accomplish The Boston Marathon…

Ran the Boston Marathon on Monday, April 19th 2010

Running with the RUTsters

This was my first time running with this bunch of "crazies". I don't know what I was thinking. I had to get up at 5:00am just to get there in time - mad.

The plan was to meet up at some parking lot outside of Island Lake Recreation Area at 6:45am to hit the yellow loop. Then drive into the park and meet up with the less-crazy people at 8:00am. And then run some more.

The early bunch was going for 50 kilometers for the day, the rest of them were going for anywhere between 10-20 miles, and I needed to get in at least 18 miles; I had to get my mileage in by 10:15am. I opted to run early and was hoping to get over 24.

I woke up at 4:30 – wide awake, like it was a race day. I was excited to get started. I coffeed-up, got my gear together, and headed out for the hour drive to the park. I even got there ten minutes early (so I went to the gas station to get more coffee and ended up getting back last).

The day was just right; clear and chilly, but with the promise of warmth, sun, and trails ahead. The lakes were shaking off their sleep. The mist was lifting, evaporating for the day. And while dispersing, sticking gently to all of the spider webs that Farra would soon be running through.

I looked through the darkness to get a head count, 1 -2- 3- 4- 5 -6 -7. Seven people out this early Easter morning. Seven of us sneaking away from our sleeping families to take this opportunity to run with some friends. Introductions were made – “Greetings and Salutations”, Farra, Kyle, Kai, Martin, Matt, and Andrew.

And off we went with Farra in the lead…


P.S. This was my first run with the group. I was looking forward to it and was not let down. These guys are a bunch of good people and they made the run something more. And, I was glad to be a part of Kyle’s crossing over to the really dark side as he tipped the 100 mile mark for the week during the run (and went on to do a total of 31 miles for the day).