RUN RSVP: Saturday 03/01

I will not be at the run this weekend, as several of us our skiing instead. I hope people will still run. Last week there was a big crowd on the roads. Considering I will not be there, I did not want to pick a route. I thought I would leave that to those that will be there. Use the comment section on this post to work out the details.

Run Details:

• Day: Saturday @ TBD
• Where: TBD
• Route: TBD
• Supported: TBD
• Weather: Forecast

You can view lots of route options on our mapmyrun.com page. Feel free to make a recommendation. Also, don't feel you need to start at the Harris Teeter. We have routes that start at Sunset Park, and the YMCA as well.

It is still early to have a good forecast, but Saturday looks to be nice. Morning temps will be in the upper 30's, and the highs are in the low 60s. This might be a great day to do an afternoon run if the group is interested.

2008 Unoffical Chase of Champions

Background: Most of you know that the Chase of Champions was canceled two years ago. Last year we had a great time running an unofficial "race" on the old course, and we are doing the same this year. Thanks to everyone who voted in the poll about the best date. As expected, there was no perfect choice, but there was a clear winner.

The Date: We will run our "race" on Saturday 4/12 at 9:00 a.m. So mark you calendars, and tell a friend.

The Size: Last year we ended up with about 50 total participants (runners and volunteers). This is a pretty comfortable size. After the first quarter mile runners are pretty spread out, and we can easily share the road with the cars. If it gets too much bigger we run into traffic issues. Remember, this is a group run. It is not an official race and not on a closed course.

The Distance: Last year we were split 50/50 between 5k and 10k runners. I would expect the same this year. Runners can chose the distance they prefer to run. Just let me know in advance, so I can assign you the proper number. Here are links to the race course:

• 5k Map
• 10k Map

The Safety Factor: As mentioned above, this will not be a closed course. There will be no traffic control. Cars will not stop for us to cross a road. I will have a waiver for people to sign stating that you acknowledge this. I know this sounds silly, but if 50+ people show up, because they hear a "race" is going on, I need to cover my rear-end. Everyone who reads this blog is experienced in running with traffic, and you should follow the same rules you do every day that you run.

The "Race" Factor: This is a certified course although the certification has expired. Like last year we will find someway to time this (most likely standing at the finish line with my wrist watch) and results will be posted to the blog. That being said. . . pick your own pace. Some of you will want to give it everything you got and try to set a PR. Others will probably use it as a training run and a way to show support to the future of the Chase of Champions. Whatever you decide is fine.

The Awards: I will personally pat you on the back, and everyone else will be in awe of your performance. Seriously. . . this is a no-frills run. If you are looking for awards, this is not the event for you. I will do my best with paper and pen to track the results of everyone who finishes the race, and will gladly recognize the top performers at the finish. After the race I will send something to the Telegram as well.

Shoe Donation: Last year we collected a bunch of old shoes. My plan was to donate these to the Let Me Play Reuse-A-Shoe program the Nike offers. This campaign, is one of Nike’s longest-running environmental and community programs, where worn-out athletic shoes of any brand are collected, processed and recycled into material used in sports surfaces like basketball courts, tennis courts, athletic fields, running tracks and playgrounds for young people around the world. Turns out there are no drop off points in North Carolina, and this means shipping a very large box to Oregon. The end result. . . I still have all of your old stinky shoes in my garage.

I still think this is something worth doing, but I would need to get some help to ship the boxes out. So if people are interested in contributing their shoes, and helping to cover the shipping cost we can do this again in 2008. I already have about 50 pair of shoes to include.

Cost: This run does not have an entry fee, as it is not designed to make a profit. I will however have a few expenses (although small). Last year we had doughnuts, coffee, and water after the run. I would like to do the same this year. We also had a single table set up to pass out fluids during the race. We may be able to do that again as well. So if you can help in anyway let me know.

What comes next:

• Mark you calendars for 4/12 @ 9:00 am
• Tell a friend, but be clear this is a group run, and not an organized race
• Clean up your old shoes
• Tell me if you can help (setting up a water table, timing, putting out course signs, etc.)

Post a comment if you plan to run. I need to know your name and the distance you will run.

Next Shirt Order

I think we have finally gotten close enough to the minimum to place another shirt order. It has been a while since I started the last request, so I wanted to check to see if people are still interested. Below are the names and numbers who requested a shirt:

As a reminder, long sleeve are $18 and everything else is $12. I would ask what color shirt everyone wants, but this turned out to be a big challenge last time, so just wait and be surprised. One thing for certain is that all shirts will be inked the same. Odds are the shirts will be white, but I will see what I can work out, and try to get some different colors.

Hold tight on paying me yet. I first want to wait a few days, and make sure no one is going to change their order, or add to it. Thanks!

National Marathon Interest?

Dave, Frank, and I have kicked around the idea of running the National Half Marathon on March 29th. Frank plans to run the full. I have run this race the last two years, and have really enjoyed it. It is a great way to see Washington DC.

Although the race is growing larger every year, you do not have to fight the crowds of runners like you do in the Marine Corp Marathon. The race starts at RFK, which has ample parking, so you do not need to worry about taking a shuttle or riding the Metro.

If anyone else is interested, let us know. We can carpool and split some hotel rooms. The half is a great training race if you are doing any spring marathons.

RUN RSVP: Saturday 02/23

This weekend may be a smaller crowd, but I hope people still come out to run. If you are planning to run either Crystal Coast, Raleigh Rocks, or the National it would be good to keep up some reasonable miles.

Run Details:

• Day: Saturday @ 7:30 am
• Where: Harris Teeter
• Route: 9 miles or 13 miles
• Supported: Water Fountain early
• Weather: Forecast 47F at 8am and 54F at 10am.

The rain should be gone tomorrow, and the temperatures will be up a good a bit. It actually looks to be great running weather.

I picked a nine and 13 mile route that shares the same roads. They are easy to adjust if you need more or less miles. I am not sure if I can run or not tomorrow. For that reason I am not sure if I can get out other fluids. There is a water fountain by the baseball field in the park off Winstead, but it may be turned off with the cold weather. Your safest bet is to bring your own fluids.

Please post a comment if you plan to run.

Raleigh Rocks Updates

The Raleigh Rocks Half Marathon apprears to be progressing nicely. The have unveiled a new race logo, released the race course, and have anounced several bands that will play on the course.

Here are some links you may find helpful:
Official Web Site
Race Course

I beleive the race already has over 300 runners signed up. The race starts at 8:00 am on April 5th. The entry fee is currently only $40, but will increase to $55 on March 15th, so don't delay if you plan to run.

Frank the Tank!

This picture was too fun not to share. Yes ladies and gentlemen, that is a beer in Frank's hand at mile 26.15. Congrats Frank!
For a complete list of official race photos, go to Brightroom's website and enter your race number. If you don't know it click the results link in the Myrtle Recap post below.

5ks, 8ks, and 10ks. . . OH MY!

Some of us our still "marathoning" as late as June, but most of us are now moving on to shorter distances or even triathlons. The spring is a great time to have fun in shorter events. After months of building up your endurance, racing a 5k or a 10k is a great way to improve your speed.

Here are some shorter events that might interest you. Best of all they are all drivable.

• 02/23 Hearts on Franklin 5k - Chapel Hill - A small 5k that is this weekend in Chapel Hill. If you are ready to race, and have nothing planned. . . Sign up!
• 03/15 Shamrock 8k - Virginia Beach - Part of the Shamrock Marathon weekend. Get a new PR running an 8k (4.97 miles). Just a short drive to the beach. You can also go cheer Steve on in his marathon!
• 3/16 Hard Climb Hill Series - Durham - I can't find much information on this, but it sounds fun. It is put on by the Godiva Track Club. There are three races in Duke Forest. They are a 3, 7, and 10 mile option. Could be a fun event, and only costs five bucks.
• 03/29 Great Human Race - Durham - This race brings out about 500 runners annually. It has been run for 13 years now, so they should know what they are doing.
• 04/05 Cooper River Bridge - Charleston - Not the closest race, but one of the biggest 10ks around. Frank may be running, and Charleston is a great city to visit.
• 04/05 Monument Ave 10k - Richmond - Another big race, and lots of fun. Join 30,000+ runners on Monument Avenue in a six mile party!
• 04/05 Raleigh Rocks 5k - Raleigh - Don't feel like running the Half? Try the 5k instead. This new event could be fun with a "rock-and-roll" type atmosphere.
• 04/05 Tarboro Community 5k - Tarboro - Want to stay close to home and enjoy a small race? Check out this new event just 20 minutes away. Local events are always fun, and present a chance for age group awards. This race could really use runners like us to increase their entries.
• 04/12 Cary Road Race - Cary - This event has a 5k and 10k and has been running for 29 years. They also have a free fun run for kids, so it may be a good option for those of us with kids. About 700 runners do the 5k and 10k combined.
• 04/19 Capital City 10k - Raleigh - I know very little about this race, and their website tells you even less. It could be an interesting race, but it may also be a dud. Being in Raleigh, I still expect it would have a fair number of runners.
• 04/26 Skirt Chaser 5k - Raleigh - This still sounds like a fun race to me. It has an afternoon start which gives it some extra appeal, and it has a fun theme.
• 04/26 Angels Among Us 5k - Durham - This 5k runs through the Duke Campus, and had almost 700 finishers last year. This is for a great cause and also looks to be a family friendly race.

Whatever you decide, get out there and run a race! It does not matter how fast, or where you place. . . just do it. Racing is a great way to set goals and make your running fun. If you plan to run any races in the next few months, post a comment so others will know. You may end up not running alone.

Myrtle Beach Recap

What a great trip to Myrtle Beach. We all worried about the weather, but the winds died down, and we had perfect race temperatures. We all picked up our race packets on Friday at the expo. It was a small expo, but had the standard items. Most importantly they had two beer stands which always makes expos more enjoyable.

Saturday morning was an early wake up call. The race started at 6:30 am while the sky was still dark. We actually had a gentle mist just before the start, but never another drop during the race. This is really a well run race. There were ample bathrooms at the start, countless friendly volunteers, and a reasonably well marked course. The finish line had more beer, so again another plus. Here is how the RMEC performed.

Full Marathon:

• 148th - Derek - 3:24:31*
• 1443th - Frank - 5:21:47
• 905th - Gerry - 4:19:31*
• 665th - Kevin - 4:04:07*
• 186th - Michael - 3:29:00*
• 607th - Scott - 3:59:40*

Half Marathon:

• 1287th - Arthur - 2:08:01*
• 119th - Dave - 1:34:03
• 1286th - Russ - 2:08:03
• 1094th - Steve - 2:05:29*
• 1734th - Tampa - 2:22:48

* indicates PR set

Highlights: Here are some random highlights from the race. Some are RMEC related, others are not.

• Derek was the 13th in his age group, and set a new RMEC record for the marathon!
• Scott broke the four hour barrier on his way to a new PR.
• Kevin and Gerry both ran impressive races in their first marathons.
• A new course record was set at 2:28:33.
• Dave narrowly missed a half PR, and was the 119th person to cross the line.
• Steve set a new PR, and seems poised for a great marathon at the Shamrock.
• An 11 year old from Florida ran a 1:38:38. He also ran it barefoot.
• Russ and Arthur ran together, with Arthur knocking almost five minutes of his half PR. Great team work!
  
• Even a trip to the House of Blues the night before the race couldn't slow down Tampa running another great half!
• Frank finished with a beer in hand, and even toasted the announcer, who said loudly over the PS system, "Here comes Frank Lilley from Littleton. It looks like he has a. . . wait. . . IT IS A BEER! Go Frank!"

For photos from the weekend, click Race Photos link under Quick Links. For complete race results follow this link.

Crystal Coast Half Marathon

A few post ago, some discussion started about the Crystal Coast Half Marathon. I know there are several RMEC people who are planning to run. It sounds like there are even chances to offer up some rooms to spend the night in. This is a pancake flat course and could set up well for a PR. There are currently about 300 runners registered.

The race entry fee goes up $15 tomorrow (02/15), so if you plan to sign up do it today. If a half marathon is not in your plans, they also have a 5k course to consider. Use the comment feature here some we can get a firm headcount on who plans to run.

After Myrtle Beach, we can try to set up our Saturday morning runs for those running this race if there is interest. Those needed to go further know how to add miles if needed.

Myrtle Beach Tips

Brent has run Myrtle Beach in the past. He was scheduled to run this weekend, but a nagging hamstring injury just would not go away. I had asked if he had some tips to share based on his experience in the race. Below is his advice.

• Expo: If the expo is like it has been it isn't much to brag about. Fairly efficient on packet pick-up and shirt distribution. Not an over-abundance of vendors.
• Pasta: There has always been a pasta dinner right there at the hotel at the expo. It has been $20 and tickets were always readily available. It is pretty good. Nothing overly special. A little pricey for what you get, but very convenient and not too crowded. I like this type of dinner because I like to meet other runners and talk to them. Obviously there are a ton of restaurants in Myrtle where you could get pasta.
• Best Tip: The gas station at the start line. I always try to arrive an hour early to any race just to avoid surprises or panic over forgetting something. If you arrive early though to an early race in February, that can mean cold! No worries- there is a gas station convenience store RIGHT AT THE START LINE. They welcome runners. The potty lines get long near start time, but it is warm and friendly. there is parking right there also, and right there means right at the start. So a late trip to the car is easy. This is the most convenient start line situation I have encountered- if you are in the know.
• Mile Markers: The only negative of this race is that it consistently has inaccurate mile markers in the first few miles. They may have addressed this. I wouldn't trust any markers until mile 4, however.
  also there was a bad one around 12-14, I cannot remember which.
• Reviews: marathonguide.com race reviews may be helpful in this regard.

Have a great race guys!

Future of the RMEC - PLEASE REPLY

For almost two years the Rocky Mount Endurance Club (RMEC) has operated as a no frills running club. The main focus had been half a full marathons, but we also expanded to do some triathlon events. During this time, we have always essentially maintained an "independent" status, with no dues, no tax ID, no bank account, and no liability insurance. To be honest it has never really held us back, and has worked well.

I would like to see the RMEC continue to grow, and to help serve the community by hosting "Fun Runs", creating local road races, and building our own Training Teams much like the Sports Backers did in Richmond (although on a much smaller scale). It would be great to build a training team for the First Carolina State Bank Half Marathon in 2008 for example.

To do this means the RMEC takes on more responsibility and more liability. Even if we don't try to do more things, the liability concern still exists. So here is a look at the those two topics:

Liability: Our group is all people who run, but for the most part we also do things together other than running. . . We are friends. The thought of someone ever getting hurt on a group run is terrible, but something I think about often. What would happen in this situation? Who would be at fault? It is very possible a finger or two might point back at the person who planned the run, mapped the route, and put out the fluids?

Responsibility: I really would like to see Rocky Mount get more road races. I would love to see the Chase get relaunched, and would also like to organize an event that runs through Fords Colony. In addition, Frank and I are working with Medoc State Park to create a trail endurance event. To do these things you need insurance, and you need a tax ID. With these two things in place we can start to work on local events.

So, where am I going with this ramble and what comes next. . . The Road Runner Club of America (RRCA) provides the ability for clubs to incorporate under their organization and obtain 501c(3) status. This means you are a tax exempt organization. There is more to it than that, but that is the basic information. With this in place we must create some basic Bylaws that address our Purpose, Affiliation, Membership, and Finances. As a RRCA member organization we have access to:

• Tax Exempt Status
• Liability Insurance
• Equipment Insurance
• Advice and more

If you go back to my big concerns (liability and responsibility) this solves both. First, we get insured, and secondly we get the ability to plan and execute events.

With the RRCA affiliation there would be dues. Insurance is not free after all. The dues are minimal however and would be determined by the group. My hope would be we could save a few bucks to help pay for cups and fluids for our group runs, but I do not want to create a large reserve fund. The Richmond Road Runners for example charges annually $5 for students, $15 for indivuals, and $20 for families.

I now strongly encourage feedback on this topic. Use the comment feature to post your feelings. Do it anonymously if you prefer, but give your feedback. . . Good or bad. There is a fair amount of work to set something like this up, but once done it really opens our group up to do more. Depending on the feedback received here, we will probably have a RMEC meeting and discuss things like dues, bylaws, and officers.

I look forward to all of your comments. Thanks!

Wanna Chase a Skirt?

There is a new race series that is traveling the US, and Raleigh is one of their stops on April 26th. So, what is a SkirtChaser 5k? Simple, it is an energetic and upbeat event that is designed to get women and men racing a 5k. The race however has a twist. . .

The women start the 5k race first. Three minutes later the men start their race, and. . . well. . . chase the skirts. First one to cross the finish line wins $500. The website has a video link that gives you an idea of how it works.

The race starts at 5:00 pm. Why 5:00 pm? Simple, once the race is over, a block party begins, which are much more fun on a Spring evening than in the morning. They have food and drinks as well. There is even a mini fashion show to promote running gear (I assume mainly running skirts) plus the awards.

Bottom line, it looks like a fun event. It is only a 5k, and just a short drive to Raleigh. So ladies. . .is anybody interested in racing. And guys. . . anybody up for chasing some skirts?

RUN RSVP: Saturday 02/09

This weekend is the shortest "long run" we have had for a long time. If you where ever considering joining the group for a run, this is a great day to do it.

I am not sure what everyone's plans call for. I expect it is somewhere between 8-12 miles. I picked a 10 mile route that is easy to shorten if needed, and also easy to add in an extra mile or two. To drop some distance, simply don't go down the roads that dead end. The map indicates two water stops, but I will only have one set up at the train tracks.

Run Details:

• Day: Saturday @ 7:30 am
• Where: Harris Teeter
• Route: 10 miles
• Supported: Yes - One Fluid Stop @ 4.3 and 8.8
• Weather: Forecast 43F at start and 55F at finish.

Looks like a perfect morning for running, so get yourself out of bed and join us! Please post a comment if you are coming, so I can make the right amount of fluids. Thank you.

New NCRACES.com Website

I know several of you are running in the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carololina Half Marathon Series events that Butch is hosting. He recently revamped his website, and I thought you may be interested. Looks like it is missing some information still, but it does have a more up-to-date look and feel now. Don't forget he has two more events coming up:

• 03/08 Crystal Coast Half Marathon - Morehead City
• 04/05 Bank of American Raleigh Rocks Half Marathon

Post a comment if you plan to run either of the races above. The First Carolina State Bank Half Marathon in Rocky Mount is planned for the 2008 final event.

Myrtle Beach Planning

I must admit, I have a hard time trying to take off my "planner" hat after the Richmond Marathon. With the size group we have going to Myrtle (13 runners), I want to have a little organization around the trip, so here goes. . .

Entries: Looks like all races are going to sell out, as the Marathon only has a few spots let, and the half sold out weeks ago. Having most of your entries come a few months before the race usually indicates a smaller percentage of "no-shows", so arrive early and expect a crowd for the start!

Expo: If your travel time is tight, post a comment. There is probably someone who can pick up your race packet for you with a copy of your ID. There is no race day packet pickups. The Expo runs from 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM on Friday. The last expo I went to sponsored by BI-LO had lots of food, and even beer.

Weather: Part of tapering process is spending time obsessing about the weather (something you can't change). The 15-day forecast for Myrtle Beach now includes race day. Right now things look interesting, a low of 50 and a high of 68. They are calling for rain however, but this honestly means nothing two weeks out. 10 days from New York, they were calling for snow, but Ryan and I ran in shorts on a perfect day. One thing to keep in mind is that Myrtle starts early. Half runners will be done by 9:00 am, and full runners by 11:00 am. You will never feel the high temps.

Dinner: In Richmond we organized a group dinner. It actually worked out very well, and we had our own private dinning room, with everything pre-ordered. It was quick and good. I would not mind a group gathering again, but if it is not prearranged, all it will do is make your dinner take too long. If someone is interested in coordinating a dinner I am on board, but I will not have the time, nor do I have the knowledge of the Myrtle Beach area to pull it off.

Here is a list of Italian restaurants in Myrtle Beach. It has local options, Olive Gardens, Carrabbas, and even Fazolis if you want good, cheep, and quick. I have no idea where these are in relation to the race and hotel. There is a Pasta Dinner put on by the race, with a standard pasta menu. There is no information about the cost on their site. It is at the host hotel, and runs from 5:00 to 8:00 which probably means it is a buffet, and you eat when you are ready. It likely will be crowded, but if the price is right it may be a good option.

Shirts and Names: First and foremost. . . wear what makes you comfortable in the race. That being said, use your RMEC shirt if possible. With a group our size we could have lots of family members on the course. They may not know who you are, but they will cheer if they see your RMEC shirt. Secondly, put your name on your shirt if you want to be cheered for. We have a role of bright yellow electrical tape and a black Sharpie that works great.

Car Pooling and Cell Phones: Because most of us are staying at the same hotel, carpooling is probably a good idea. I expect we do not want to leave our families behind without a car. We can figure out the details when we get there. We need a cell phone list, so email me your numbers, if it is not already on our contact list page. I will consolidate the list and send everyone going to Myrtle a copy. Let me know where you are staying and when you are leaving too.

Spectators: I know very little about this race, but using only the map, here is the easiest option for the full marathon. Go to mile four. This is also mile 14.5 and mile 24.3, so you can see runners three times. Keep in mind however there will we 80-100 minutes in-between each time they run by. Anyone know if there is a coffee shop nearby?

House of Blues: All runners and volunteers get access to the post race party on Saturday night. You must be over 18 to attend. Post a comment if you plan to go. If not, you may consider loaning your race number to someone else so they can get free admission.

RUN RSVP: Saturday 02/02

Let the Taper Madness continue. . . After building up your miles, you are probably going nuts now feeling like you are cramming for a test. Repeat after me: "My Training is over. All I have to do now is not get injured."

This week we are going to mix it up. Gerry has offered to host a run from his house. If you have been to Tracy's before for a hill run, you are a stone's throw from Gerry's House. In fact you finish running that hill. We have a big loop planned, and Gerry is going to put a cooler out about half way, so it is very important you RSVP.

Run Details:

• Day: Saturday @ 7:30 am
• Where: Battleboro - Gerry's House
• Route: 12 miles or 8.3 miles
• Supported: Yes - One Fluid Stop
• Weather: Forecast 36F at start and 48F at finish.

This is a 12 mile loop Gerry uses. I made the shorter loop for anyone planning to run less. If you need directions, click on "Notes" when you view the map. These are very simple to run because they are big single loop routes.

If you are running the half in Myrtle, you can still have a good long this weekend, in fact it would be my recommendation. A two week taper is enough for the names I see signed up in the half marathon.

It will warm up during our run, so don't over dress, or plan to drop a layer and pick it up after the run.As always, everyone is welcome. We run anywhere from an 8 minute to an 12 minute pace depending on who shows up, so come join us!