Club Oly Tis the Season for a 5K at Pioneer Park Tumwater 12/12/09

About a week after my last race I had a severe and unexpected flare up of plantar faciitis in my right foot. It happened on an off day after an easy run day and I do not have a definitive explanation for why it happened. I could not walk without a limp for four days. I had to take a full week off of running. Dedicated icing and gentle stretching brought the internal inflammation down and I gradually got back into running. I was disappointed to not be able to race over Thanksgiving weekend, but I am running again and I have a fresh and profound sense of gratitude and joy to be able to run. One week from today is the Pigtails 50K race with so many of my Marathon Maniac pals. Having had three "did not starts" in marathons in the past two months (for three different reasons) my main goal is to not injure myself today so that I can make the start line next week. It seems to be the speed work or short races that cause "microtears" in my plantar, so as long as I take it easy I should be fine.
I arrive at Pioneer Park nice and early. My first time racing here, a new location for the final race in this series. The course is just over a mile, so we will do three laps to make it a 5K. I am early enough and want to get some miles in, so I run three loops prior to the start. I bring the camera along during the warm up. As you can see the weather is freezing fog. The trail is flat but mostly somewhat loose and large gravel. Not the best footing. On the side of the gravel is packed dirt, but in places it is very bumpy. Lots of opportunities to twist and ankle, another good reason to take it slow. Billy and Tammy join me for part of the warm up and I snap their picture coming out of the one forested very bumpy section.

Start - I line up in the back and when we start I am amazed at how fast some runners are going and how quickly we spread out. Ruhama and I are together in the back. I'd be happy just running with her, but I am afraid that this pace may be a little quick for her and I would be more comfortable going just a little faster. Tammy is next person ahead so I catch up to her. I like this pace and settle in with Tammy.

Mile 1.4 - On our second lap. I like this pace. We pass one runner. Tammy is looking at the ground in front of her, a wise choice with all these bumps, but she misses the sharp turn away from the river and starts down the path to where the river has eroded the old trail. About five more steps and she will tumble into the river. I shout and grab her to safety. That was funny.

Mile 1.7 - I thought this could happen and here it is. Jesse Stevick is lapping us. Its one thing to be super fast on the roads, I just don't know how anyone can run so fast on this uneven surface with all these twists and turns. Just a moment later Rich Brown laps us too.

Mile 2.6 - Still with Tammy. We are holding a steady 8:25 pace. Through the twisty woods, then the final straight way to the finish line.

Mile 3.1 - I want to push Tammy to finish strong and I want her to pass me at the end. She seems to want to finish exactly together. I slow a bit, then she slows and we end up crossing at about the same time. I think she was a half step ahead of me.

A couple of us do one more lap as a cool down. That makes seven laps for me this morning. Foot feels great, so I should be good to go much longer next week. Congrats to Bill for running a speedy time, I'm not so sure I could have kept up with him if I had given a full effort. And big congrats to Ruhama for winning the shoes again this year. She may not be the fastest runner, but she makes it out to every race of the series, earning enough points to be the overall winner, while having a fun time.

26:49

Results Pending

Race #179, 5K#49

****

Club Oly Tis the Season for a 5K - 3 mile race at Millersylvania State Park 11/14/09

I very much enjoyed this little race last year and vowed to run it again. I particularly enjoyed the cool forest trails and natural setting. I remember thinking that I would like to try some barefoot running and if ever there was a race to run barefoot this would be it. In the Summer I started some barefoot running on grass, mostly to strengthen the muscles in my feet that don't get worked on as they are trapped in my clunky running shoes with orthodic inserts. Being careful to not over do it and get injured, I gradually built up some strength and adjusted to a completely different foot strike. Along the way I discovered that I love the feeling of the earth beneath my feet and that I can run just as fast without shoes as with, as long as I am on soft ground and not in pain from stones or pavement. A few weeks ago I picked up a pair of Vibram 5 Fingers, which offer some protection from sharp stones but are essentially the same as running barefoot. I have built up to 1.5 miles on them and I hesitated to race a full 3 miles, but at the last minute decide to go for it. No time goal and if it becomes painful I will just walk it in, or switch shoes for the second lap. This morning is the coldest day of the year so far, just sub freezing. I jog about a mile in regular shoes and take some photos of the course, then join Bill for another warm up lap. A few minutes before the start I switch to the Vibrams and my feet start getting cold right away. Debbie, Lynn and Sabrina show up to watch and help with the race, so I give my camera to Lynn who was able to get some good shots of the race....thanks Lynn!!

Start - Three more runners than last year. I either know or introduce myself to all eleven of us. Karen Steen is going to run with her dog. Race Directors Craig and Rich have marked the course which will be a little different from last year. They are explaining the route and I really should be paying attention but somehow my mind wanders and I am not really listening.

Mile 0.3 - Down the "road" which has the most gravel of the course. I've tucked in behind Bill and am in a group of five. Casual atmosphere, I do not look at my watch to check pace. Angie asks about my marathoning and then another runner asks what my favorite marathon is. That is a question that I could go on and on about. I mutter out a few races but decide to not ramble on. In fact my feet are adjusting to the Vibrams, I am warming up and feel like I could go faster. I make a move speeding up just as we enter the second type of trail.

Mile 0.8 - I really like the feel of this trail. Softer and no stones. The big puddle from last year is merely a patch of mud. Ohh it feels lovely squishing around my feet. "Its a treat to beat your feet on the Millersylvania Mud". I pass one runner and the others seem to fading away behind me.

Mile 1.3 - Third type of trail, no picture of this one. Dry and very narrow track with uneven grass on either side. I run on the grass and my foot goes in a hole hyper extending my right leg. Scary but a minor issue as I continue on and feel OK. On to the grass to finish the first lap.

Mile 1.9 - Feet feeling the stones on the gravel road more that they did on the first go round. Trip up on a small branch. A number of very minor ankle turns and slips that would not have happened in regular shoes. I wonder if I will regret this. First look at watch. 7:42/mile pace.

Mile 2.2 - Back onto the softer trail and although I have to watch for roots and branches and general unevenness of the trail I simply love this part. I can speed up some, enjoy the squishy mud, and I just relish racing on the trail.

Mile 2.7 - Did fine on the narrow track this time. Course takes a right turn on this second lap and I can not help but look back to make sure no one is close behind. In fact no one is and as I go down the gravel road I slow a bit due to lack of competition. Soon enough it is time to make a sharp left and enter the field and final section to the finish.

Mile 3.0 - I look at my watch and realize that I can beat 23 minutes if I push it. The "crowd" is cheering and I crank it up a notch to the finish. Craig hands me a pumpkin pie. I change shoes and put on warm clothes and watch the others come in.

This race has a number of wonderful things: simple day of race registration (free for Club Oly members), two experienced race directors, accurate timing, small group of mostly Club Oly members and a fast beautiful trail. My calf muscles tightened up after the race, but the feet feel fine and I will race in my Vibrams again sometime.

22:47

5th place of 11

race #178

*****

11-1-09 Turn Back the Clock 10K

With budget cuts to the county Parks and Recreation department we lost my favorite Fall short race, the Ghostmuster. Thankfully the city of Lacey has stepped into the race directing game and has this offering. Jody and I chose the 10K and registered the morning of. Start and finish at Rainier Vista Park. The course is flat and heads to the Chehalis Western (paved) trail. Turning left we will run south and exit the trail in order to circle Horizons Elementary School, site of the Run for Luck (another race that may be no more). About half of this course is very familiar racing territory and the whole thing is flat and should be fast. Cold and foggy.

Start - One mile warm up, then some strides. Greet lots of local friends. Feeling good and ready to go. I have something of a training plan for the coming months and just 5 days ago I did a tempo run at 7:30 pace for 4.5 miles. I want to extend the length of that pace, so today I will just try to hold a 7:30 for the full 6.2 miles. It should be doable and not too difficult. No chance of a PR (7:09 pace) so I will run at this tempo speed and if I feel good pick it up in the last mile. Mile 1 - My neighbors Maureen and Kent are calling out mile times. I am at 7:28 and running smoothly. Another neighbor, Lauri directs us onto the trail and points the way.

Mile 3 - Pass a couple of people, run for quite a while next to a guy about my age. Not a talking pace, we exchange a few words. Finally I move ahead. Lots of wet leaves on the ground, but no slipping.

Mile 4.8 - Heading back now. We have merged with the 5K runners who started 15 minutes earlier, so I have to pick my way around the slower ones. Someone says that there is a mile to go. That is true for the 5K, but we get directed onto a side street where we make a half mile loop. Then it is back to the main road for the straight shot to the park.

Mile 6 - I am at 7:26 overall pace. Very pleased with the running today. Time to see what I have left and sprint to the finish. I can hear footsteps behind me and catching up. That sound and the cheers of some friends propel me forward and I cross the line without getting passed. Former Ghostmuster RD is volunteering at the finish and comments on my 2002 Ghostmuster shirt. As a replacement race for the Ghostmuster I am very pleased with Turn Back the Clock. Well organized, lots of helpers, accurate timing, nice age group awards, plenty of food and good sized turn out. Do not have to wait long for the awards ceremony and it was generally a very nice time.



46:19

18th place of 96 runners

24th 10K, race #177

****

10/10/09 Columbus Day Marathon

Bob Green race at Elma. I saw that M1353 was planning to run, but had not done one of these "holiday" races before, and I was able to contact her and warn/advise her about what to expect. I thought that there would be at least five of us at the 9:30 start time, but Monte and Jim opted to start off on their own at 7:30. So three of us (M1813, M1353 and myself) start together on a cool but very nice day for running. Three others would start at 10:30, along with just a few doing the half, ten miles, 10K or 5K.
Mile 5 - The three of us running together holding a steady 9/mile. Chatting away.
Mile 6.4 - Here is the turnaround, it is the double out and back course. The turn around is at the exact same spot as at the Easter Marathon, well short of the 6.55miles where it should be. I think about going out a little farther but I know that the other runners (at least the 10:30 starters) won't do it. 25.8 miles is close enough to 26.2 and would make up for some of the marathons that have been long? Really I do not think so and in fact I vow to not run this course again, unless he gets the mileage correct.
Mile 8 - M1813 starts to lag. M1353 and I continue at our steady pace.
Mile 10 - The chatting stops, we are together but have stopped talking. Runners coming at us, who started at 10:30. Can't tell who is doing what race. I hope that fast guy is only doing the half. With such a small field there is the potential for me to be overall winner.
Mile 12.8 - Turn around back at the park.
Mile 14 - We have slowed down some since the turn around. M1353 is lagging just a bit. She is on her 4th marathon or ultra in 4 weeks and ran a 100 mile race just two weeks ago. Her normal times are a little faster than mine, but given what she has done recently I think that I should be able to beat her. I decide to get my pace back to 9/mile and the distance between us grows.
Mile 16 - Bill Herzog pulls along in his truck, then pulls over to join me for the last ten miles. So great to have his company. Too bad I am starting to tire somewhat. I don't feel horrible, but not great either.
Mile 21 - Still holding pace. One of the late starters (M989) is coming at me and a quick calculation tells me that there is no way my time will be faster than his. Nothing I can do about that. M1353 is gaining but I am not slowing much. Bill encourages me to drink and to gag down that third GU. I am not going to go all out today, but I would like to run the whole way with no walk breaks.
Mile 24.5 - Aid station. I don't want to litter so I drink from the cup at the table and put it in the trash bag, and there is M1353 passing me by. Bill and I continue running, but M1353 has really picked up the pace and I have no chance of catching her. Plug along to the finish, able to run the whole way.
Mile 25.8 - Hang around the finish area recovering and waiting to see who comes in next. M989 rolls in easily taking first place. He has a PR and is most unhappy about the course being short. The others finish later. Highlights today were pleasant running with M1352, M1813 and then Bill. Also the decent weather and the horses, cows and red tail hawk. Low light was the race distance. I just can not do this one again unless I know that the course will be accurate. I do have a number of races planned for days that are the same as these holiday races, so I probably won't be back to a Bob Green race for some time.

3:54:03
3rd place of 8
Marathon or ultra #40
****

9/27/09 Bellingham Bay Marathon

Third running of this event. Third course variation. Third location for packet pick up on the day prior. Beautiful sunny cold morning. 258 in the full marathon, just over 1,000 running the half. Races start at the same time and follow the same course for the first eleven miles.

Mile 1-7 Easy running in the neighborhood. Blazing sunshine in my eyes (even with sunglasses on) on some roads. Short new trail section. Nice running with some Maniac friends to keep the pace even and enjoy the time.

Mile 8-11 - Along the waterfront. I like the wooden boardwalk. Hill out of the waterfront and I feel my legs tire a bit for the first time.

Mile 12-16 - Through a different hillier neighborhood. Last year we did this section after the long trail. I think that I will like getting this done first better. All along catching folks I do not know, having pleasant short conversations for a about a mile, then moving on. It has thinned out with all the halfers off the course now.

Mile 16-23 - Gravel and dirt trail. I really like this part. California hill is as steep as ever. Harder to run down it than up. Tiring but hanging in there. Temperature is perfect. Kid volunteers are great. Not just at the aid stations but at all the road/trail crossings. Full of enthusiasm for the runners.



Mile 22.5 - Looking at a zig zag uphill and not wanting to go up. No runners close by, but two spectators encourage me. I get an idea to be funny and I come to a complete stop and say "I quit. I can't go on". The spectators looked shocked and don't know what to say. "Just kidding" I say and start up again. It was good for laughs.



Mile 25 - Clock looks good, no PR but under 4 hours for sure. I could ease up and do fine. But I read the back of the T-shirt of a guy in front of me. It says "Never stop challenging yourself" I like that, and it means that I should keep trying my best. I run beside the guy and tell him that his shirt inspired me. We stay together and run comfortably hard to the finish.



Mile 26.1 - Jody and Bill are cheering on one side of the road. On the other side I hear someone yell that is was great that I did not quit. That makes me laugh and we accelerate to the line.



3:55:
75th of 258
Race #175, Marathon or Ultra#39, Bellingham Bay Marathon#3
*****

9/13/09 Skagit Flats Marathon

Last year I dwelt on the negatives about this race (boring course, flat out and back, too hot and sunny) but today I am thinking about the positives. Although it is 120 miles from home, it is an easy drive and just off the freeway. No problem parking at the High School. Easy day of race packet pickup. I like out and back because I can see so many Maniac friends. Finish on a track with bleachers providing a good recovery and spectating area. Shower facilities available too. Logistically this is a terrific race. Unfortunately the weather is shaping up to be sunny and hot yet again.
Start - I do not have plans to run with anyone in particular. I am also completing my third marathon in three weeks and do not feel the need to run conservatively like I did last week, but also have no idea how the recent races will affect me today. I will just set my own pace and hope to do well. I would like to get in under 4 hours. I'll go out just a little faster than that, just in case I am feeling great, and want to go for a PR, though with the heat and recent races this is unlikely. What I do want to do is focus on my form. With all of these long straight and totally flat miles I can set and hold my pace. I decide that I will try to concentrate on one element of form (elbows straight, head steady, slight lean forward, navel to spine......) along each straightaway and change to thinking of another element after the turn. White cap and sunglasses. Find some friends and then we go off.
Mile 1 - Crowded with all the halfers too. Started a tad fast but find my pace and stick to it.
Mile 3 - Aid station. I am sweating already. Tempted to pour a little water on my head, but it is too early for that.
Mile 5 - Thinking about holding my head steady. I zone in on a yellow cap in front of me that I am gradually catching up to. Soon I recognize the hat and the runner. Nice to run with Ron, Una and Herb for a few minutes. Halfers are coming back and I see three Marathon Maniacs who are doing the Half Fanatics thing today.
Mile 6.5 - Half turnaround. Happy that the runner with me (18 years old) is continuing on. Pleasant conversation, then she slows some and I move ahead. Try to think about form, but then catch up to someone and run with them for a mile or two. This would become the theme of the race till mile 22. Run for a while with someone I do not know, but enjoy a little conversation. Try to not talk too much, especially with the two who are trying to BQ. With each runner though they can not hold the pace and I slide ahead.
Mile 13.1 - Halfway in 1:56
Mile 16 - Bob Dolphin Sighting
Mile 19 - Starting to be a grind. Not so much fun anymore. Pavement seems old in places, some uneven surfaces. I wish that I could adequately describe the blazing sunshine. I have been pouring water on my head and the slow drip through the hat is nice. I have run in hotter situations though and I am ever so gradually passing runners. Diligent with the S!Caps, Gu and hydration. Aid stations staffed by High School athletes and I like most of their enthusiasm. One guy offers me a branch of blueberries he just plucked from the field. I take one berry. Pass a runner who is scraping her feet on the ground with each step.
Mile 22 - I almost always speed up a little prior to the aid station, then walk through to make sure I get what I need and this gives my legs a change of pace. Leaving the aid station here I can not help but make a wailing cry like a baby because I do not want to start up running again. A woman behind me must have recognized my cry, because she asks if it is me, then I recognize Maniac Susan who I met a few months ago. If it was nice to have some company from strangers along the way earlier, this is wonderful. We run together and encourage each other. My spirits are lifted, although the body is tiring. I am starting to slow, but not dramatically. I'd like to walk, but we look at sights ahead, telephone pole or corner, and commit to running that far. I did a horrible job of concentrating on form, with all of the out and back folks to wave to and run with, now it is too late to think about anything but persevering onward.
Mile 24.5 - Small patch of shade and without any conscious decision I find myself walking. This lasts about two seconds and I break into a shuffle, then get back on pace. Odd moment. I am pleased with how this is going, my best Skagit race as far a even pacing.
Mile 25 - Susan gets ahead and I am fine with that, but she is staying 30-40 feet in front of me. Every few minutes I yell to her to keep running. That is the thing about the marathon. The idea that we are competing with each other never entered my mind. I am happy for her that she is having a good run and she is encouraging me to keep going.
Mile 25.5 - I can tell that the end is near and I have a little kick left. I pass Susan and a couple of others. At the last aid station I dumped three cups of water on my head and now I feel that my shoes are soaked. I also had water roll down my back and front so I am pretty much drenched all over between sweat and water.
Mile 26.2 - The friendly volunteer most excellently removes my tag and I walk off to shower and recover while watching others finish. Pleased with my time (one second slower than two years ago, but two minutes faster than last year) and a much more enjoyable final hour than previously here. Not my favorite race, but I hope to do it again.

3:56:21
76th of 225
Race #174, Marathon #37, Marathon or Ultra #38
****

9/6/09 Michelles Grande-Ass Marathon

The Portland Marathon makes a big deal about all the turns on their course and puts the full directions on the T-shirts. That race has nothing on this one:

1) Start in front of Meridian Place Shopping Center Starbucks. Run North to 43rd Ave SE
2) Turn Right on 43rd Ave SE to four way stop at 5th St SE
3) Turn Left on 5th St SE. Continue North. @31st Ave SE road will veer right and eventually turn into 7th St SE. Continue to 23rd Ave. SE.
4) Turn Right on 23rd Ave. SE crossing at the intersection when it is safe. Run East to 17th St. SE
5) Turn Left to 17th St. SE. and run to 19th Ave. SE
6) Turn Right on 19th Ave. SE and run East to 21st St. SE
7) Turn Left on 21st St. SE and get ready to run down a very steep hill into the Puyallup valley. This road is closed to cars so you will need to go around two yellow gates at the top of this hill. Run to end of 21st St. SE to East Pioneer, which is a busy thoroughfare.
8) Turn Right on East Pioneer and run to 134th Ave. E.
9) Turn Left on 134th Ave. E (Pioneer way will curve to the right at 134th).
10) Run along farming road to the end of 134th Ave E at which point you will come to a dead end. Run around the yellow gate and down under the overpass. Trail will be very sandy under the overpass.
11) Turn left when you get to other side of overpass and run up the small hill towards the restaurant.
12) Turn 180 degrees and head up Main Ave (The road you just crossed under)
13) Main Ave. turns to Traffic Ave. Stay on it to Maple St.
14) Turn Right on Maple St. and run to Bonney Ave.
15) Turn Left on Bonney Ave. to Main St.
16) Turn Right on Main St. and run to Valley Ave E. Cross to STARBUCKS!
17) Turn Right on Valley Ave. E and run to Elm St.
18) Turn Right on Elm St.
19) Elm St. curves left and turns into E Valley Hwy E.
20) Run short distance on E. Valley Hwy E. to Puyallup St. E.
21) Turn Left on Puyallup St. E., cross tracks and run to Tacoma Ave.
22) Turn Right on Tacoma Ave. Road curves to left. Run over bridge crossing river.
23) After crossing river run to trail entrance on left just before 142nd Ave E
24) Run on paved trail that follows along the river until it comes up to 142nd Ave. E.
25) Turn Left on 142nd Ave. E. and cross river to Fryar Ave.
26) Turn Right on Fryar Ave. and run to West Main St.
27) Turn Right on West Main St., West Main St. curves left and turns into Hunt Ave.
28) Turn left onto Hunt Ave. (West Main becomes Hunt Ave at turn) run to State St.
29) Turn Right on State St. and run under large overpass. Run to trail on right.
30) Turn Right on paved trail and loop around the beautiful Sumner sewage treatment plant.
31) Trail will take you back to E. Main St.
32) Turn Right on E. Main St. and cross river.
33) Turn Right doing a 180-degree turn back down to the trail after crossing bridge.
34) Turn Left on Trail and run along river for about 2 miles. Run under Hwy 512 overpass to 2nd Ave. NE
35) Turn Right on 2nd Ave. NE and run to 5th St. NE.
36) Turn Right on 5th St. NE and run to trailhead on left. Trail is just past 8th Ave. NE and just before the bridge that crosses the river. If you cross the river you are off course.
37) Stay on trail along the river heading west. Run under the overpass for N Meridian and watch for arrows on trail (about 100 yards) indicating a left turn into the back parking lot of Fred Meyers.
38) Follow the arrows painted on the parking lot around Fred Meyers to the River Road Starbucks Aid Station.
39) Go East on River Road from Starbucks to N. Meridian.
40) Turn Left on N. Meridian and run across bridge passing over Puyallup River.
41) Turn Left on N Levee Rd. just after crossing the Puyallup River. Levee Rd. has no shoulder so use caution on this road. Use sidewalk when available. Run about 2 miles to 70th Ave East.
42) Turn Right on 70th Ave. East and run one mile to Valley Ave. E.

43) Turn Left on Valley Ave. E., this road winds gently about a mile and then turns right and becomes 54th Ave E.

44) Turn Right on 54th Ave. E. and run over I-5 being careful in the busy intersections. Run to Pacific Hwy E.

45) Turn Left on Pacific Hwy E. and run about 1 mile to Fife Starbucks Aid Station on left

46) Leave Fife Starbucks on Pacific Hwy E. heading West and run to bridge crossing Puyallup River. Pacific Hwy E. changes to Ells St. over bridge and then to Puyallup Ave. as you cross E. Portland Ave., Run one block past E. Portland Ave. to E. L St.

47) Turn Left on E. L St. (East L Street) and run up the hill to E. 29th St.

48) Turn Right on E 29th St. (more up hill). E29th St. veers left and becomes Upper Park St., run skirting edge of McKinley Park follow arrows to McKinley Way.

49) Turn Right down McKinley Way (becomes E. D St.) past Tacoma Dome on your right to East Dock St. Careful crossing the intersections on this stretch. Run to E. Dock Street.

50) Turn Left on E Dock Street (near Mile 23), run under overpass for Hwy 509 follow arrows leading to sidewalks / stairs through Museum of Glass. Run over Museum of Glass Bridge crossing Hwy 705 follow arrows to Pacific Ave. Cross Pacific Ave.

51) Turn Right after crossing Pacific Ave. and go to Downtown Tacoma Starbucks Aid Station.

52) Continue North on Pacific to just past S17th St. where you will cross Pacific Ave. Watch for light rail cars before crossing / use crosswalks then run down Hood Ave. on right beside the Tacoma Art Museum. Follow arrows on Hood Ave. across small bridge and down to Dock St.

53) Turn Right on Dock St. and run just under a mile to the end of Dock Street. Dock St. curves to the left becoming S4th St. up a short hill to S Schuster Pkwy. Use crosswalk to cross S Schuster Pkwy and run over to sidewalk.

54) Turn Right and run on sidewalk along S Schuster Pkwy. Run about a mile till you see an overpass and stay left on sidewalk. You do NOT want to go over the overpass. The road on left is N 30th St. Run up the sidewalk along N 30th St. to the top of the hill and you will see the FINISH @ Old Town Tacoma Starbucks!

If anyone read all that they would have found that we start and end at a Starbucks and have four Starbucks aid stations/checkpoints along the way. That is where the Grande part comes in. The race is in the "fat ass" style which refers to no frills and low cost events put on as much for fun as competition. Michelle is Michelle Barnes a "coffee drinker with a running habit". Her husband Eric is the race director, course marshal, van driver and everything else. A couple of dedicated volunteers to help along the way and we have the makings of a nice little marathon.

Arrive at 5:30 for the 6AM start. I know about half of the participants and the other half are also friendly Marathon Maniacs. Its early but that will allow us to beat a lot of traffic. Much of this race will be on busy roads, open to traffic. Just before the start, RD Eric gives a briefing and I learn that he will transport drop bags to the finish. I wish I had known, I am sure that it is going to rain and to have a towel and dry shirt at the finish would be really nice. It is two minutes to the start, but I have time; I dash into the parking lot and grab some gear out of my trunk. Toss the bag with the others and get to the start line about three seconds before he says to go.
Mile 0.5 – It is still dark. I can see that no one is really taking the lead and we are all bunched up and owning the roads. I think it will be fun to take the lead for a second so I zoom up and take the front spot. Just for a moment, then it is back to the middle of the pack. Not raining so I take my jacket off and it starts to sprinkle right away. Jacket goes back on.
Mile 2 – Settling into a nice easy pace. I am surprised when I look at my watch and see how slow we are going, about a 10 minute mile. It feels faster than that and I have no urge to go any faster. We come to a very steep and long downhill. M761 remembers having to run up this hill, while on the High School team, until legs were quivering. It is a tremendous hill and I am glad that we are going down. My toenail that was bruised last week seems fine, but the top of my other foot, which mysteriously started hurting midweek, does not like the downhill.
Mile 3 – Nice farmland, more rural than I expected and what I know is coming. Running with M1040, M971, M761 and M678
Mile 5 – A little confusion as some runners ahead of us are telling us to go a different way, but they are not doing so themselves. Eventually I realize that they are from the early start group for slower runners. These folks started at 4:30AM and were completing a five mile loop that I was just starting. Sure enough the course markers indicate the way we should go and we were saved from making a wrong turn.
Mile 6.6 – Starbucks aid station. Water at a table outside the store. Water added to my fuel belt dilutes the Gatorade. We stop for a few minutes. I really want to stay with my little pack and do not feel rushed at all. I am a little surprised to see that the average pace has risen to 10:45/mile by the time we get back running.
Mile 7.5 – One runner is way ahead and as I keep her in my sights, M761 points out that we are supposed to turn here. That runner would come back and catch up to us eventually. I am consulting the directions (in a ziplock bag) often and we all are looking for course markers. Generally they are very well placed with just the occasional slow down or stop for a quick group decision on where to go. This feels like a Club Oly long run, or maybe a very low key version of the Amazing Race.
Mile 10 – Nice long section on a paved trail along the Puyallup River. So many people fishing for salmon. I remember my days as an avid fisherman. It was quite the hobby some years ago, but as the running picked up I found I only have time for one hobby. Fishing also became a little boring, the whole “been there, done that” feeling. I wondered if I would get bored with marathoning, but each race is so different and I never quite know what is going to happen on race day. I see some kids carrying limits of fish and I realize that I am much happier to be running here now.
Mile 13.4 – River Road Starbucks. M761 is still getting back in shape and will drop out here. My little pack is down to two out of the aid station. I still would like to stay with someone, to help navigate. Keep the pace at a very easy 10:40.
Mile 15 – No shoulder on this busy road. Look back once in a while to make sure I am not getting too far ahead of M678.
Mile 16 – Green mile marker gives confidence that I am still on the right road. See someone land a fish. Amazed at how many people are fishing this reach of the river.
Mile 18.5 – More confident of the course as I go up over I-5 (river of traffic) and turn left on Pacific Ave in Fife. There is the Poodle Dog Restaurant with its gigantic sign that reads “Good Food”. Starbucks will be somewhere here but I don’t know which side of the road. There is MacDonalds, Wendy’s, Taco Bell, KFC, Taco Time. I will never eat at any of those places, not with the Poodle Dog so close by. Again it is significant to race where I sometimes drive. I will never drive this way again and not think of this moment. Finally I see Starbucks.
Mile 19.1 – M678 catches up and I explain that I would like to take the last miles at a faster pace. He figured that so off I go.
Mile 20 – Set the lap function on the watch and go off at 8:40/mile. Minor adjustments to stride to keep top of foot from hurting, but energy level is great. Zip along Pac Ave into looming dark clouds ahead.
Mile 21.5 – Turn onto East L street. At once the rain starts and it is heavy. Thankful for my jacket with hood. Also the road is a major hill. Long and steep. I would not be able to run a nine minute mile here on fresh legs. I feel fine and I can not be discouraged that I am not able to maintain a quicker pace. Right turn on 29th and the hill continues even steeper. And the rain is heavier, really dumping now. The hill is so steep that I find myself pushing on my thigh as I climb up. The skin is cold from the rain, but the leg is very warm inside, weird sensation. OK, top of the hill and around Mckinley Park.
Mile 22.5 – For the first time in about three hours I see another runner up ahead. Slowly catch up to him and we run past the Tacoma Dome and through the Glass Museum grounds together. Up the steps at the Glass Museum. Steps are short and I try to take them two at a time, but that is not happening.
Mile 23.7 – UW Tacoma Starbucks. Quick stop here, passing some of the early starters, then move on feeling strong. Pass two more runners and can see four more up ahead. Nice to have some company.
Mile 25 – Still dumping rain. Hours ago I was dodging puddles to stay on the dry ground. Now it does not matter, I am soaked. Shoes are heavy and slogging. I do avoid the cars splashing by on Schuster Parkway.

Mile 26 - Uphill. Starting to tire. Drenching rain continues. Running with M932 and M11. Not going to be able to pass them. Don't have much urge to do so any way, I am happy to just try to keep up. Wish this was 26.2 not 26.6. Almost there anyway.

Mile 26.5 - Up into Old Town. The finish should be right ahead. The two ahead of me are gaining somewhat, wish I knew exactly how far to go. They cross an intersection and as I get there I see a car approaching. With the heavy rain and having been running for so long, I play it safe and stop. The car stops ahead of the stop sign, totally blocking my crosswalk. Again I take the safer option to wait a bit, then go out behind the car as it pulls forward. Now I can see that it is less than a block to the end so I jog it in.

So happy to have a dry towel and shirt. Recovery goes well as I did not have much of an all out effort today. Grande Carmel Macchiato really hits the spot as we wait for enough runners to make a van load and get a ride back to the start. I had a fun time and a good run. My finish time is horrible for a road marathon, but I did run the last 7.5 miles much faster than the first 19. I think this was a good strategy for the middle marathon of three weeks in a row. We shall find out next week, when I try to get back under four hours.

4:37:31

12th place of 38 finishers

Race # 173, Marathon or ultra#37

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