Mini Race Recap: Hartford 1/4 Marathon

Posted on April 6, 2013 by DrRachelRuns

The Greater Hartford Quarter Marathon, hosted by the Hartford Track Club and benefitting Blazeman Foundation for ALS, was a great race. With wonderful weather, a big group of friends, and a beautiful course, it was just about perfect.

The race course is a two-loop course run around the paved trails in the MDC Reservoir in West Hartford. It’s a gorgeous course. The first couple (and middle couple since it’s a loop) miles have a number of what we New Englanders call “rollers”, gradual hills that make for a smooth up and down experience.

About 2 (and 4.5) miles into the race, the course comes around a bend, giving runners a picturesque view of the runners ahead as they pass beyond a lake and around a curve. It was gorgeous. The sun was shining on the water and the birds were chirping. Beautiful! The course was extremely well marked, with accurate mile signs and sand markings noting the course direction. It would be difficult to go the wrong way given that the course is a well-planned loop on paved trails. A runner would have to work hard to get lost in this one. The wooded views were magnificent and the lakes, ponds, and reservoir areas were the picture of New England beauty.

To check out the pictures from the event, head on over to the event’s Facebook page.

Details for Rachel’s outfit, above: Lululemon Pace Crops in black/frond, Lululemon Rise and Shine Pullover in frond, Lululemon Speed Demon Run Hat (best hat ever, by the way – it has a short, curvy brim that keeps sun out of your eyes from the side!), and Brooks Pure Flow shoes

Race Recap: Monson Memorial Classic

Posted on November 11, 2012 by DrRachelRuns

On November 11, 2012, several members of my running club and I ran in the Monson Memorial Classic. The Monson Memorial Classic features three events – a half marathon, a 5k run, and a 2 mile walk. Monson Mass. was devastated by a huge tornado a few years ago and since then it’s become a popular running spot thanks to several benefit races. The Memorial Classic benefits a number of cancer awareness causes.

This wasn’t my first time running Monson, but several teammates were there for the first time. It was great fun to run the races as a team. Six members of our crew ran the half marathon and five members of our crew (plus one junior member) ran the 5k. I ran the half marathon last year, and decided this was the year to try the 5k. This review will focus on the 5k, but I’ve included some tidbits about the half marathon since I ran that last year and had some spies who could report on this year’s event.

The race begins and ends near the town hall, a lovely historic building. Race day was warm, about 60 degrees, and partly cloudy. The race got off to a rocky start. Packet pick up began just an hour before the race, and race day registration was available. A combination of a late start, plus no discernible organization to the check in/packet pick up area led to really long, disorganized lines.

After waiting about 10 minutes in line, someone came out and began trying to convince 5k runners to go inside. We went inside and found more people. I would say that there were lines, but it was really more a gathering of people standing in an area. No one seemed to know what was going on. We persevered and got packets. There was nice race swag. Everyone got a long sleeve technical t-shirt and a water bottle. Half marathoners got a pint glass with the race logo. In a somewhat odd move, the race organizers passed out finishers’ medals for the half marathon at race check in. I thought it was very strange (and anti-climactic) to get the finishers’ medal at the same time as the race number. It wouldn’t have taken much extra work to pass the medals out at the finish line and I’m sorry that the race organizers didn’t do this. The large crowds at check in were encouraging. I like seeing lots of runners come out for charity races, particularly challenging ones. I really had the sense that the organizers were surprised by the number of registrants.

Due to the chaos of packet pick up, the race started about 20 minutes late. At start time, a bagpiping duo led runners to the half marathon start in the middle of route 32. Traffic was temporarily suspended. The half marathon got started and the remaining runners voyaged to the nearby start of the 5k run and 2 mile walk. Several minutes later, traffic was held and the 5k began.

The 5k course starts on Route 32, the main roadway in the area, and proceeds about 1 mile up Route 32. Then, the race turned right on Route 32, and took another right onto a back road. It was a relief to be on the back road. Traffic was not stopped, there were no cones, and there were no race marshals or volunteers, so traffic was zipping by the runners. Given that Route 32 is a main road, there were a lot of cars. The back roads were lovely, slightly hilly, and scenic. One of the roads was in the path of the tornado that devastated the town a couple years ago, and it was nice to see the rebuilding in progress.

At mile 2, there was what I assume was meant to be a water stop. It was a folding table with several cups of water on it. It was totally unattended and on the opposite side of the road from the race. I wish the race organizers had secured a volunteer to hand out the water, or at least put the table on the right side of the road so runners actually passed it. By the time I realize that it was actually a water stop, I was past it. But, for a 5k, water isn’t essential for me so I didn’t mind.

Unfortunately, the 5k race course is not well marked, nor are there volunteers on course. There are no marshals, and very few signs. The signs that do exist are small pink papers attached to the odd pole. I counted just 4 signs. The course was overall very poorly identified and marked. Two members of my team got lost on the course, adding on a quarter of a mile. There were no marshals to direct them and they were lucky to have found their way back to the course. The making of the course could really be improved and marshals to help ensure the safety of runners and help with directions would have been helpful.

At the finish, there was professional timing and a small crowd. Runners were treated to a wonderful buffet post-race.

The food is really a highlight of this race. The Women’s Auxillary creates an amazing spread of all home cooked food. There were several gluten free and vegetarian options, and, what can only be described as the best minestrone soup ever. Ever. I got the recipe from the nice woman who makes it (that’s her in the blue shirt on the right). It’s that good. They also have a huge selection of drinks, both hot and cold, bagels and donuts, ice cream, apples, and the best non-pasteurized apple cider ever. Seriously. The food is amazing. It’s worth running just to get the cider. Despite the number of runners exceeding what was anticipated, there was plenty of food and portions were large. Complimentary post-race sports massage was available and a blue grass/folk band entertained everyone in the town hall.

Overall, Monson is a decent little race. The RD could make some small, simple improvements that would dramatically improve the overall quality of the race. But, the race experience is saved by the great food, nice amenities, and good race environment.

A few notes on the half marathon – my spies reported that the course was the same as last year, VERY hilly, scenic, and shaded. The first 8 miles are uphill and the race has a somewhat unpleasant finish. The last 3.5 miles are run on Route 32 and there is no effort to control traffic. The shoulder is very, very slim and non-existant in some areas. Runners who are up to the challenge of the hills should use caution in the final miles as cars are definitely present. Despite this, I like the half marathon course. It goes through some lovely countryside. And, what runner doesn’t like a challenge? My spies also reported that there were water stops every mile and a half or so (though some were unattended) and had nice, full cups of water. Chip timing was a huge improvement to the half marathon this year, and made times reliable. Overall, everyone who ran the half marathon reported that they had a good experience. And everyone enjoyed the post-race massage.

Connecticut Race Report: November 2012

Posted on November 8, 2012 by DrRachelRuns

It’s November in Connecticut and, as if we didn’t notice the colder temperatures and blustery weather, we got a Nor’easter last night that dumped inches of snow on the area. Yuck!

November is also the end of the busy fall racing season in Connecticut. Races will be few and far between until spring, but there are some options for the hardy few who want to get out there and race.

Monson Memorial Classic, Monson, MA, Sunday, November 11, 2012 – The Monson Memorial Classic features three events: a half marathon, a 5k, and a 2 mile fun walk. The half starts at noon, the 5k at 12:15 and the fun walk immediately after the 5k. The Monson Memorial Classic road race was started in 1996, shortly after the deaths of Kelly Waldron and Kathy Waldron Perry. These sisters died eight months apart from different types of cancer. This race is in their memory, and proceeds to Griffin’s Friends and Melanoma Education Foundation. I’ve run Monson before and it’s a fun, challenging race. Both the 5k and the half marathon have largely uphill courses. The first 7-8 miles of the half marathon have an overall uphill profile. But, the course is lovely, run on back roads and country lanes. Be forewarned that traffic is not blocked from the race course, including the final two miles of the half marathon and the finish line on Route 32. There will be cars on 32, and caution is merited. This year, there will be chip timing, free massage after the race, and prize money for individuals and teams. As an added bonus, this race has wonderful, home cooked food post-race. I thought the apple cider and chili were fantastic! I enjoy this race and recommend it if you’re looking for a challenge. Fees are $55 for the half marathon and $35 for the 5k. For reference, here’s the elevation profile for the half marathon.

Freedom Run, Hartford, CT, Sunday November 11, 2012 at 10:00 am – This popular 5k is a production of HYPE (a great organization) and the MetroHartford Alliance. It’s a measured 5k course that’s run on well maintained park trails. The course starts in front of The Riverfront Boathouse and runs north through the Riverside Park trail system. The course is a loop and ends back at the Boathouse. This event is run to honor the men and women who serve our country. Registration is $25 in advance, $30 race day. There is a discount for students and children. There will be professional timing and runners will get a t-shirt.

8k Cross Country Challenge, West Hartford, CT, Saturday November 17, 2012 at 10:00 am – Sponsored by the Hartford Track Club, this trail race features a rolling course with gravel, trails, fields, and minor asphalt. It’s a unique distance, perfect for a PR. The race is also a bargain at $10 in advance and $15 race day. There will be few amenities, but expect a well organized event.

Finally, no race report would be complete without mention of the Manchester Road Race. This great race needs almost no introduction. It’s on Thanksgiving Day, in downtown Manchester, and is a wonderful, spirited race. Learn more about the race and its storied history on their website.

Race Recap: Cape Cod Marathon Half (Updated)

Posted on October 29, 2012 by DrRachelRuns

On October 27, 2012, my running friend, her half brother, and I ran the Novo Nordisk Cape Cod Marathon Half. No, I didn’t type that wrong. The race is really called the Marathon Half. The Cape Cod Marathon is in its 35th year and is a Falmouth, MA fall tradition. This year was only the second year for the half marathon option, and the race is named after its big brother. Thus, a marathon half. Race weekend events include the half marathon, marathon, marathon relay, and the Clam Chowdah Challenge (the half and full marathons on back to back days). When my running friend suggested the race, I was intrigued. It’s advertised as a mostly flat, scenic course, and the race winds through Falmouth and along Vineyard Sound. I hadn’t been to Cape Cod, so I signed up.

The registration process for this race was a bit strange. I completed my application, mailed it in, and assumed I was all set. A week or so later, I got an email that said that the race had filled and I was on the waiting list:

We received your half marathon registration form on 9/4/2012; however, as you may or may not know, the race filled on Saturday, August 11. At this point, you have been placed on a waiting list, on which you are # 42. … Last year we had more than 100 runners withdraw and we have reserved some spaces for sponsors which may become available in September.

I found this very strange. The website still listed spots open in the half marathon, but, sadly, I was wait listed. And, more than 100 people withdrew and were replaced – even more strange. My friend and I decided to wait it out. Sure enough, a few weeks later I got the email that I was selected for the race. Yay!

The night before the race, our little group headed to Cape Cod. We decided the best course of action was to pick up our packets the night before.

We arrived at the packet pick up location, “race headquarters”, to a group of runners milling around outside. Doors were opened promptly at 5pm and we all filed inside the school. Packet pick up was very well organized and completely efficient. We received instructions to come back the next morning for the race – there would be parking at the school.

On race morning, the weather was ideal. It was about 50 degrees, partly sunny, and breezy. Perfect running weather! We suited up and headed to the school to park. Parking was well organized and efficient. A number of volunteers were on hand to guide runners and organize the parking. The school was open and available for warm ups, bathrooms, and pre-race waiting. I was delighted to have a real bathroom to use before the race. The small luxuries of a real stall and soap and running water cannot be underestimated.

From the school, we headed across the playing fields and through an alley. We emerged on Main Street, directly across from the Town Hall Square and lined up. The start was organized chaos. It was a free for all start, no fancy corrals or pace groups here, but everyone seemed to have a good sense of where to line up and what to do.

The course was amazing! It is probably one of the more beautiful and scenic courses I’ve run. I didn’t take pictures along the route (I hadn’t been feeling well and didn’t want to add another complication), but you can see some amazing views from the race organizers here.

The first miles wind through neighborhoods and head out to the coast. Miles 2-3.5 or so are run along Vineyard Sound, on surface streets and past mansions, beach homes, historic camps, and marinas. At approximately mile 4, the course turns and moves onto the Shining Sea Bikeway. The paved bikeway is literally ocean front. There’s the bikeway, some beach scrub trees and bushes, and the sound. The views were amazing and the ocean area was humid and salty. The course continues on the bikeway until approximately mile 6 when it rejoins surface streets and begins the climb up to Nobska Lighthouse. The course is flat in the early miles, but at about 6.5 miles, it begins to climb and continues to feature rolling hills for the remainder of the course. The course turns near Falmouth Harbor (gorgeous views!) and then winds back along Surf Drive and towards town. The “in town” parts of the course are pure New England – a combination of Cape Cod style homes, little beach camps, and mansions, all with a seaside feel. Many miles of the course are directly seaside and the views are truly picturesque.

It is a well-designed course and was well marked on race day. Though the roads were open to traffic, there were helpful volunteers on each corner and the course markings were very clear. Mileage was posted and was accurate.

Despite my appreciation for the beauty and simplicity of the course, I was dissatisfied by one aspect of the race course. The water/fuel stations were not optimally placed and did not seem to be “approximately every 2.5 miles”, as advertised. The first water stop was about 2.5-3 miles in, then the second was at mile 4. There were no water stops on the bike trail. There was a water stop at about mile 7, then one at 9 and another at 10. It was warmer than I expected and I probably wasn’t properly hydrated, so more predictable water stops would have helped me. I didn’t drink enough at the stops at miles 3 and 4 to last through the bike course drought. In the future, I would plan to bring my own water.

The finish line was on Main Street, near the start line. The chute was well organized and festive. Announcers made sure runners were acknowledged and volunteers handed out the super fun medals.

At the finish line area, there were apples and cups for water. The full lunch spread – vegetable soup, rolls, salad, Ocean Spray Cranberry juice, and, inexplicably, clam chowder, was available at the school. There was plenty of food and it tasted delicious. My soup was super hot and handed to me by a smiling volunteer. I still can’t fathom someone eating clam chowder after running a race in warm weather, but some people at it and rumor had it that it was tasty.

Overall, I loved the Cape Cod Marathon Half. It was well organized, well-run, and had an absolutely beautiful course. I would definitely do it again – and recommend it to others.

Rachel and Running friend, post-race

Results can be found here.

Details for Rachel’s outfit, above: Lululemon Run: Swiftly top (it’s an older one, patterned with flowers, in flash), Lululemon capris, really old, I’m not even certain the name, but fit like the new Run: Track Time capris.

Update:

Someone (rightly) pointed out that I didn’t include the elevation chart as I usually do. Sorry about that. Here it is:

And, pictures from the race can be found here and are searchable by bib number.

Run@Work Day at UConn

Posted on September 24, 2012 by DrRachelRuns

Friday, September 21st was the RRCA National Run@Work Day. Run@Work Day encourages adults to get 30 minutes of exercise before, during, or after work. The seventh annual event called on individuals, groups, companies, and schools to schedule 30 minutes of physical activity as a part of the work day.

At UConn, we have an HR-sponsored program called Just Move. This program rewards employees for engaging in physical activity. The prizes are pretty fun – an assortment of UConn apparel and gifts – and individuals are encouraged to be active through the program. I offered to team up with the folks at Just Move to offer a UConn Run@Work Day event. HR and Just Move had never offered a running event, so this would be a first. We planned an 8am run around Horsebarn Hill Road (a popular local running circuit). I agreed to lead the run and HR offered to supply bagels. The team at the faculty/staff gym, Hawley Armory, offered to provide their shower facilities. We planned the event, shared the event advertising, and kept our fingers crossed.

On the big day, a few folks showed up ready to exercise.

Four ladies were ready to participate in the 3.75 mile run led by me and my running friend. Three other ladies were prepared to walk the 2 mile loop I had planned. Yay! We had runners. The nice people at Just Move had even make up cute little bibs for the occasion.

It was a gorgeous day for a run/walk – 55 degrees, partly sunny, and breezy. The running group was treated to gorgeous views of campus and the surrounding area.

The trees have just started to turn, so the view was quite lovely. We went on a loop around the on-campus agricultural area, past the cows and horse barns, up the hill, and then around to the center of campus. It was a nice run. The best part of the run was meeting the participants. Most were new to running and were joining a running group for the first time. One participant ran more than three miles for the first time ever, another conquered the big hill on campus, and everyone had a great run. That’s the best part of organizing running events and coaching – helping others to enjoy running as much as I do.

Lake Winnipesaukee Relay – Legs 5-8

Posted on September 15, 2012 by DrRachelRuns

In this continuation of the Mansfield Trail Runners’ recap of the Fred Brown Lake Winniepsaukee Relay, my teammates will cover legs 5-8.

Leg 5 – Sarah

Wow! The Winni relay exceeding all of my expectations- I had a blast getting a chance to bond with fellow Mansfield runners and was impressed with the scenery of New Hampshire. Oh, and the run kicked my tail

Many thanks to Warren for sharing this unique race with us and to Rachel for organizing so many logistics.

I ran leg #5–10.6 miles from a ski area to Morgan Farm. I waited with team members at the ski area for Alicia to arrive. Around 1:30, I lined up very seriously in the exchange zone and was stoked to see Alicia finishing strong. I grabbed the baton and took off, but then my visor flew off!! So I actually had to turn around and grab my visor. Geez, I’m a klutz! That inspired me to take off a bit quickly. After a few minutes, I passed a dude wearing a purple singlet. It was hot and the sun was glaring down on me. The course was on the side of a somewhat busy road. I was sweating a lot and had to deal with the extremely slick baton. I felt like I was running pretty strong and powered up a couple short hills. My first two miles were under 9 minute pace.

It was getting hotter, and I drank water at every opportunity. At a couple spots, folks were stopped on the side of the road, handing out water, and their cheering really helped out. I could see a couple runners ahead of me, and I was glad that I wasn’t lost

By mile 4, I could tell that I was expending a lot of energy. The course was scenic- going by farms with traditional New England stone walls.

At mile 5, I took a gel. I was a mess during this race! I was running in a sports bra and shorts and was still boiling. I guess that’s what happens when you race in the middle of the afternoon! I started dumping water on my head to cool myself down. I did NOT want to overheat. I pretended that I was doing an Ironman- where they end up running a marathon in hot, brutal conditions. There were some extended downhills, and I knew they’d shred my quads but I also wanted to make up some time. I tried to let myself float down those hills.

At mile 7, I had to bribe myself to get to mile 8. I checked my garmin a ton, hoping that the miles would click along. Fortunately, there were a few shaded sections of the course and some clouds rolled in. I passed a couple people and crossed my fingers that I could stay ahead of them. I sang a few Lady Gaga songs in my head. I reminded myself that my comrades from Connecticut were waiting for me and that really, really motivated me to keep running. It made a huuuuge difference to be running as part of a team.

By mile 9, I knew that I’d make it to the finish. I wanted to finish strong. My leg ended with a downhill, and I forced my jello legs to move to the exchange zone. I was elated to hand off to Stacey. I couldn’t believe that I survived this race. Apparently, Lake Winnipesaukee means the”smile of the Great Spirit.” I think someone was smiling that we had the moxy, the fierceness, and the sense of humor to run all the way around this fine lake.

Leg 6 – Stacey

My leg was #6 which was 6.4 miles that was relatively flat (some minor inclines). It was on a course that started out on a country like road (at the farm) but ended in a stretch of highway that had lots of traffic and not a whole lot to look at. I was very fortunate to run at a time when the sky was getting cloudy as it would have been a lot harder if the sun was beating down on me- it was just plain humid!! (I feel sorry for the others before me that had to run in the hot sun). It started to sprinkle but did not rain during my leg. I also got a chance to ride around the entire course and I thought that my leg was a great match for me. (running any distance in heat is challenging). It is really a perfect match for someone who only runs short to moderate distances at a time and who does not like downhills. I did find the baton hard to hold as it felt slimy, so I ended up lacing it between my fingers.

Leg 7 – Jack

Well….actually it was about my leg at least partly. An occasional chronic Achilles issue did bother me, but did not stop me. What a fun weekend. I wanted to get this written down before I forgot the significant stuff. My leg was #7 and 8.5 miles which I rounded up to 9 in my log book

First a couple observations about the relay from my perspective…. I’ve run for 30 years but never an event like this. A race that I did not know really when I would be running (sometime between 1 and 4PM) or the conditions….or even the terrain. I did have the benefit of driving around and seeing my teammates legs and figured it would be something like theirs. Maybe a two mile hill up Gunstock like Laura….or maybe a 90 degree slog like Rachel., even a rolling changeable 11 miles like Sarah. We had gotten in late and missed Rachels elaborate spread sheet of expected times, conditions and contingencies. But I found it odd that although we were at Winnepesaukee……we barely ever had sight of the lake. A glimpse here and there, but mostly the race takes place on busy two lane highways with fairly wide shoulders and busy traffic….my leg was no different…except for the weather.

So….my lovely wife ran leg 6 and handed me the baton at a school for my own little race at about 4:00PM. It was sort of over already in the sense that we had no hope of making the 5:00 cutoff for the last leg and I knew Warren would be running before I could hand him the baton (race rules). At this point the baton has been with 6 other people and was fairly slimy and not fun to hold…..I decided it was most comfortable to shove it down the back of my shorts where my butt crack would hold it secure……believe me it was better than the other places it had been earlier in the day. We may have to invest in the baton holster next time. The first few miles were an uncomfortable and increasingly painful slog along another two lane highway. I had no idea where we were competitively since other teams had finished hours before….and a few people passed me right away….but I settled into an even…if slow pace to try to accommodate my leg pain. But around mile 4 I got lucky. A light rain quickly turned into a torrential downpour. It changed everything for me. Its odd…..I just love running in the rain…and this was more than that. Eventually it was a driving downpour and the road runoff was just little rivers that were fun to splash through and lubricated my gait, my body and my attitude. Ahhhh….after the whole day stuck in the car, cheering and waiting, this was my turn. Although the race itself was long over, I did manage to pass Lori from Silk City Striders and splash my way to the transition. Of course there was no one there by then….but the timer guy got out of his truck with his umbrella and told me I was done.

So…lessons learned. After many years of running, its nice to find so many things I can still work on and try to improve. How to eat and hydrate before an anticipated and indefinite start time. How to be competitive with a coed, mixed open/masters/senior team. And how to have fun and enjoy whatever the race day and the weather can deliver.

Leg 8 – Warren

My leg started at 5 when all the last leg runners teams that had not reached that point had to leave together. It had the feeling of a race within a race. It started on a steep downhill so I positioned myself near the front to take advantage of my downhill “prowless” At the last minute I shucked my beloved MTR shirt because of the impending rain and warm temperature (about 80 degrees). I got off to a good start and actually led the group down the first hill.I will summarize the rest of the leg under “ugly”, “bad” and “good” categories. THE UGLY: This had to be me plodding up the three long steep hills. The first was one and one half miles long with nearly 350′ of vertical rise. The other two were “only” 1/2 miles long but just as steep as hill #1. THE BAD There was a torrential downpour for most of the leg. It was like running in a river. And there was a constant stream of cars going by the whole leg. THE GOOD For each uphill there was an equal and opposite downhill where I was able to pass the runners who passed me on the uphills. I was actually able to have a finishing kick on the last up hill to the finish. In spite of the uphill trudging I was able to average 9.5 min/mile average! Finally the enthusiastic greeting I got from Laura, Rachel and Marc at the finish.

All in all I felt the weekend was a great success!! It was a pleasure to bring back some old running memories and to share the Winnipesaukee Experience with my MTR buddies. I agree we need to go on more road trips.

Lake Winnipesaukee Relay – Legs 1-4

Posted on September 14, 2012 by DrRachelRuns

This month, my team from the Mansfield Trail Runners and I ran the Fred Brown Lake Winnipesaukee Relay. It was a wonderful race and we had a great time. In our prep for the race, we noticed that there wasn’t much information online about the legs and the race itself. As a public service to the running community, I asked each of our runners to write a short recap of their experience of their legs. In this first part, we’ll cover Legs 1-3 (a recap of Leg 4 is on the way). You’ll see a theme – my team didn’t do much research and had a great time. Sounds like runners to me.

Leg 1 – Laura

I did not do any research prior to the relay and only knew that I was running the first leg and that it was 10.7 miles. The leg started with a long downhill which I took pretty fast because I’m better at downhills than uphills and I figured this was a good opportunity to put some time in the bank. My quads did not thank me later . Next, as best I can recall, came rolling hills. The temperature was not very hot but it was muggy and I rapidly began to overheat. I determined that I must lose the shirt and stopped at the first aide station, unpinned my number, moved it to my shorts and took off the shirt. Now I was cooler, but carrying the shirt in addition to the baton. Within a mile I found some kind strangers who would be at the finish and were willing to take the shirt off my hands. Thank you kind strangers! There was more help from kind strangers in the hydration department over the course of the leg. The two water stops available were not enough and I failed to carry water with me so I was grateful. If I do this leg again I will bring a hand bottle. Towards the middle of the leg I fell in with a small pack and we worked together for several miles. This pack provided me with valuable intel on how far we had gone, how far we had to go and what I was in for. I learned that the last 3 miles was mostly uphill! I really had not planned or conserved for this hill, but managed to schlog up it anyway, as one always inevitably does in these situations. Things got very uncomfortable towards the end of the leg, kind of like the way the last few miles of a marathon feels, probably because I have not been running much and am not in good running shape. Boy was I happy to see my team at the transition area when it finally appeared! Well that’s my report. My advice: Prepare for lots of downhill, lots of uphill, bring extra water and take off your shirt while you still can!

Leg 2 – Marc

I didn’t do any homework on the legs and simply asked for the longest, as I enjoy long distance runs. Consequently, I was assigned leg two–and didn’t really know much about it other than it was purported to be mostly downhill.

It started with a long, gradual climb. Just about the time I had my fill of climbing, the downhill began–and the leg lived up to its reputation: significant downhill. In fact, this leg is not for a person with knee issues or someone who doesn’t like to run downhill. I found myself widening my stride and picking up a great deal of speed. This probably contributed to me running faster than I should have in the first half of my leg. I became concerned about positive splits once the course transitioned into rolling hills.

This leg does go onto secondary roads and along the water for a distance, which is quaint and pleasurable to view; however, if you’re anything like me, you don’t really do much sight-seeing while racing.

By the time I reached the second water station, there was a little more than 4 miles remaining and I was definitely feeling the effects of the first third of the course. The last mile or so flattens out and–if you have any reserves–you can step it up and come in strong for a finish. Overall, the leg was enjoyable and probably one that you want to assign to the fastest runner in your group.

Leg 3 – Rachel (Me!)

One of my teammates had quite possibly the best description of leg three – it was a survival exercise. When my leg started, it was just starting to get sunny. It was about 85 degrees and humid. My leg began with Bay Hill Road, billed at the steepest hill on a “hilly course”. They weren’t kidding. There’s a big warning sign at the bottom of Bay Hill notifying unsuspecting motorists (and runners) that the hill has a 20% grade. It lasts for just over a half mile. At 20% grade. Everyone had been warning me about Bay Hill and I heard several reports that it “evened out” after Bay Hill. So, motivated by the idea that if I could get over this one big hill quickly that I could have a nice, flat run, I ran up Bay Hill. And turned the corner to find a second, huge hill. This one a mere 12% grade over a half mile. I was just over a mile in and had climbed over 500 feet. The sun was shining, it was about 90 degrees and humid, and I was so, so hot. I had water with me, but it wasn’t enough. I refilled my bottle at the first water stop.

I came across a friend of a friend at mile 3. I didn’t know him. I shoved a pile of sweaty clothes at him, took off my shirt, shoved my number in my shorts, and went on my way. I was sure that the stories of the crazy, shirtless lady would be circulating the exchange by the time I made it. By the fourth hill I couldn’t take it anymore. I had to walk. I was hot, miserable, and exhausted and I had 4 miles to go. The hills kept coming. There really was no break and, given that I was running on Route 28, there was also no shade. There wasn’t so much as a tall weed to give me any relief from the sun. Heat ripples were coming off the pavement. I walked up a few hills because I was so hot that I was dizzy. A few people passed me and I saw them fade into the distance. My team appeared like a mirage around mile 4. Some nice strangers gave me water at some point. It was cold and I drank it immediately. Time passed slowly. By mile 6 I was demoralized. I had been walking some, knew I was going to go over my projected time, and there was no end in sight. I forged on, knowing my team was counting on me. Later, our hosts would tell me they don’t even like to drive on Route 28.

At mile 7.5 the course turns and heads into the city. I was so grateful to be off route 28. Exhausted, I continued to the exchange at a school. When I finished, the only thing I could say to my teammate was “take off your shirt while you still can”. Marc asked me if I was ok. I was pretty sure I wasn’t. I was dangerously hot, despite walking and coming in nearly 10 minutes over my projected time (a minute per mile slower than I had hoped). The moral of the story – give Leg 3 to your teammate who can best tolerate heat and hills, or who is slightly sadistic. It wasn’t the leg for me, a terrible hot weather runner and not really a lover of so many hills. It was punishing and I won’t be rushing to repeat it. Next year I’ll try a different leg and our sadistic friend, Jack, will take mine. I won’t be sad to say goodbye to Leg 3.

Hood to Coast – A Recap, Part 2

Posted on August 28, 2012 by DrRachelRuns

Read on for the second installment in my Hood to Coast Recap. Part 1 is here.

Saturday, 2am

It’s nearly time for me to run. Two faithful (and awake) runners get out of the van in the cold to wait at the exchange with me. I’m so grateful for the fleece Delta blanket a teammate has stolen from the plane. Everyone tells me to hurry. The sooner I am done running the sooner we can get to the next exchange, and designated sleeping point. Leg 18 doesn’t have van support – the vans go a different way to the exchange – so I bring my water bottle. My leg starts out in an area dominated by mini-mall and gas station sprawl. It’s completely dark and oncoming cars have their brights on. I am blinded by the changes in light and grateful when I turn into a neighborhood. The neighborhood gradually deteriorates. Someone on the corner offers me “something to help with the pain”. Yikes. I run faster. A few people pass me, but they’re moving so fast that their lights fade quickly in the darkness. I curse my headlamp. It is not bright enough. I can’t see anything and the road is a bumpy mess of potholes and patches. The course winds through the neighborhood and into farm country. I see the glimmering eyes of animals in the woods staring at me. Creepy! I run on, uphill. The hill changes to gravel, but keeps going up. Finally, after what seems like an eternity, I hear cheering and see the distant glow of the exchange. It’s like a mirage. I sprint to the exchange. I am so, so glad that creepy run is over. The teammates who have met me usher me across the field and into the van. We are all eager to get to the sleeping spot. On the way one teammate is so tired she curls up in the footwell of the back seat, trying to get comfortable. I am too awake to sleep. I’m starving, but too tired to eat.

Saturday, 3am

We arrive at the major exchange. I don’t know what I was expecting, but it wasn’t this. Hundreds of vans are parked in every available spot in a giant, grassy field. Thousands of runners, bundled up in blankets, coats, and hats mill around. The line for the Honey Bucket porta potties is at least a hundred people long. I have to pee but am horrified by the state of the porta potties and the idea of having to use one in the dark. We pull into a spot and have to stop sharply to avoid running over the people who are inexplicably sleeping in sleeping bags in the middle of the field. There are tents and sleeping bags everywhere. It’s what I imagine a runners-only refugee camp looks like. We all try to sleep.

Saturday, 5am

I can’t sleep. I haven’t slept at all. My neck hurts and I’m cold. One van-mate is awake. We give up on sleeping and head outside to check out the area. It’s early morning and we see that about half of the vans have moved on in the night. It’s foggy and cold. We use the porta potty and wait in line for coffee for our van. Back at the van, we all brush our teeth and eat breakfast. I feel cleaner with brushed teeth. I know that this is crazy – I haven’t showered and have been in a van overnight, but I feel better. At least I changed my clothes and used a baby wipe to clean up. I’m sure to a stranger we are disgusting, but I feel practically fresh.

We are all surprisingly upbeat considering the lack of sleep, lack of food, and sweatiness. Despite our state of exhaustion, we rally and get out of the van to cheer on the van 2 runner coming in. Cheers and high fives. Seeing our team is wonderful and we’re all awake and happy. The sun starts to come up and burn off the fog and we’re energized.

Saturday, morning

Everyone is running their last legs and the pain of the previous two is the topic of conversation. No one can move. Our van smells like a medicine cabinet exploded. We have muscle rub, Tiger Balm, and Biofreeze. We apply all of it. We use the Stick. We take advil. The overwhelming minty smell is probably a good thing. I don’t want to know how bad our van smells without it. We make an effort to clean out the van at the next exchange. It’s a lost cause. We’re gross, the van is covered in dust, and our stuff is everywhere. No one cares.

Saturday, noon? I don’t know – I’ve lost track of time

It’s rapidly approaching time for my last leg and we are stuck in a traffic jam at the bottom of the biggest hill I’ve ever seen. I’m glad I didn’t have to run over that hill. Another runner and I leap out of the van to run to the exchange. A volunteer yells at us.

Everyone is cranky. I wish I had eaten something other than another banana and more Fig Newtons. Finally, it’s time for my last leg. It’s billed as “mostly downhill”. Good joke, Hood to Coast staff. As I climb up yet another hill, I curse the course designer. My legs feel like sticks. I’m sure I look like Frankenstein running. But I run on, and suddenly, I’m overtaken by feelings of great joy. The Pacific Northwest is beautiful! I’m running outside, along a gorgeous trail, and I have friends waiting for me in a few miles. This is great! Euphoria lasts approximately one mile.

We are done and head directly to the bar. We have a drink. Everyone is tired and cranky. I don’t want a burger, and another teammate wants a salad, so we move on. I change clothes in a port potty. I’m getting quite adept at maneuvering in porta potties. Some time later, we arrive in Seaside. We’re all happy and already feeling nostalgic. We head for the ocean and dip our feet in. No one is brave enough to go in.

And, before we know it, it’s over. The announcer is calling our team to meet our last runner and we run over the finish line together. We pass out medals, we take pictures. And, suddenly, it’s over. There are hugs and high fives and stories of battles with hill and exhaustion. We are happy. We are a team. And I realize that it’s the best thing I’ve ever done as a runner.

Hood to Coast – A Recap, Part 1

Posted on August 27, 2012 by DrRachelRuns

This weekend I had the incredible joy of running in the Hood to Coast relay in Oregon. It was truly an amazing experience and I struggle to really capture its awesomeness in this recap, but I’ll try. The strange thing about Hood to Coast is that it is a bit of a time warp, or an alternate dimension, where it’s difficult to keep track of time and everything blurs together. I have bits and pieces of memories, but some stories seem out of order and whole chunks of time have been lost to sleeplessness and exhaustion. I’ll try to piece together a recap that makes sense…

Thursday

The team is finally together having arrived on various flights. We meet up at the team’s main hotel to go grocery shopping, sight seeing, and touring.

First, we headed to the store. What an adventure. You’d think it would be easy to shop for a day and a half in a van. Turns out 12 runners eat 12 different things before runs. What makes one person sick is the best food ever to another. We end up with cookies, pudding, Fig Newtons, Cheerios, apples (two kinds), bananas (5 pounds), and tangerines. We are sure it’s too much food. Next, we decided visit Multnomah Falls, a gorgeous waterfall.

It seemed like a good idea to walk the one mile to the top. Turns out that one mile is straight up. Half of the team pushes onward, thighs burning. We make it to the top, realize it isn’t that exciting, and was probably a bad idea, and head back down. We all pile into the van and drive to the Pearl District for some shopping. Fun!

Friday, morning

We have a great start time – 11:15am, so we can sleep in and leave at 9am. I’m sure this is the last sleep any of us will get, but I’m wide awake at 6am. The team starts the trek up the mountain and we’re all instantly fired up when we start to see runners coming down the mountain. We’re listening to music, talking, taking pictures. We pass the Safeway in Sandy and I realize that’s where my first leg will end. It sure doesn’t seem as flat as the elevation chart in the booklet. We keep climbing. Our first and second runners start worrying. Their legs are really straight down. Another teammate who has run HTC before warns – you can’t stop even if you want to. Yikes.

We make it to the timberline, the location of the start. We take lots of pictures and get into place. Our first runner starts her quad-shredding free fall down the mountain. The first few legs are exhilarating. We’re all so excited to be running that we chat non-stop between legs. When we pass our runner we all lean out the van windows screaming and cheering. Everyone gets out of the van and waits to cheer our runner in to the exchange. We get the first inkling that the legs may be harder than we anticipated. Everyone’s legs are shot.

Friday, noon-ish

I’m hungry. I realize that my plan to eat a huge breakfast and store food like a hibernating animal has failed. I eat some Cheerios, Fig Newtons, and a banana. The runner before me sets off on his “very hard” rated run. We drive down along the same route. I think very hard is an understatement.

Friday, afternoon

Time for me to run and finish the first set of legs for Van 1. I’m runner 6. I have to run along “rolling hills” and into the town of Sandy for a van exchange at the Safeway. It’s 86 degrees and sunny. There is no shade anywhere on my route and the heat waves coming of the blacktop are visible. A fire company hands out water and a gas station owner sprays me with a hose. I think he’s an angel. The hills, marked as “hard”, seem gigantic. It’s punishing, but I race down the mountain, knowing my team is waiting for me. I can hear the cheering from at least a quarter of a mile away. At the exchange, vans are everywhere, people are milling around, some cheering, some shopping, some resting. It’s total chaos and it’s amazing. I feel such a camaraderie with the other runners and it’s great to see my teammates in Van 2.

Van 1 decides to head to the hotel in Portland to eat and shower.

Friday, 6pm

Van 1 arrives at the hotel after sitting in traffic for some time. We are delighted to make it to happy hour in the hotel bar. Everyone eats real, hot food. It’s delicious. We all take showers and have an hour or so to rest. I can’t sleep. I write a blog post and send some texts instead. I’m sure this is a bad idea. Sleep would have been better, but I’m too excited and on an endorphin rush.

Friday, 9pm

We arrive at the second major van exchange, and park in a dirt lot. We walk to the exchange point, a park in the middle of the city near the water. It’s pitch black, but we somehow manage to locate our team and, together, we wait in the dark. We share stories of our legs and talk about the scenery. It’s beautiful. The weather is perfect.

Our first runner sets off on Leg 13. It’s kind of creepy. She runs over a bridge and along some railroad tracks. I’m secretly glad this isn’t my leg. The next two legs seem worse. It’s like psycho killer territory – old industrial areas, train tracks, and scary warehouses on the edge of Portland. Everyone in the van worries about how mentally hard these legs will be for the runners. We begin to move out of Portland and to an area that seemed like a road to nowhere. It’s dark, uphill, and boring. Leg 15 seems so miserable that we wait in the van at the halfway point to cheer for our runner. We make it to the next exchange, an abandoned weigh station. It’s late, dark, and everyone is tired. Everyone isn’t getting out of the van at every stop anymore. I eat more Fig Newtons. I think a midnight snack will help. Word of the tire store fire and associated lengthening of leg 17 is spreading. Our leg 17 runner takes the news of the mile addition with grace. He’s not ruffled. We are all tired, but we press on. It’s still fun, but maybe not as energetic as before.

To be continued…

Race Recap: Rubber Chicken 5k

Posted on August 17, 2012 by DrRachelRuns

On Thursday, August 16, 2012, I ran in the second annual Oddfellows Rubber Chicken Run 5k. This unique event features a cross country 5k, walk, and children’s race. Proceeds from the race benefit the Oddfellows Playhouse, a community theatre project that provides educational and social theatre programming for young people. The 5k race featured a team division, which some friends and I entered. In the team division, teams of five people averaged their times for one group time. The walk was non-competitive and open to all.

Check in was well managed. I waited only a minute or two to get my number, a pretty cool technical t-shirt (with gender-specific sizes!), and a bag. With such a small entry fee, I was surprised at the high quality of the race goodies. The shirt is really pretty fun – one I will wear with pride.

It was approximately 84 degrees and humid for the 6:30pm race start. The race course was unusual. It was a bit of a loop course, but the loops shared a central alley. Perhaps it is more aptly described as a concentric circle course, with one loop run in one direction and the second loop run in the opposite direction. The course was a true cross country course, complete with grassy fields, dirt paths, crushed stone paths, and single track with roots, rocks, and hills. Overall, the hills were mostly rolling and gradual, save for one uphill on single track fringed by poison ivy (so no passing, much to my dismay).

Helpful volunteers were on hand to point the way at tricky intersections and there were two water stops staffed with cheering volunteers. The course was easy to follow, with a helpful white spray painted track. In fact, parts of the course had a continuous spray painted line with arrows, so it would have been quite difficult to get lost. I have run lots of trail races and I must say that this on was possibly the best marked of all.

There was professional timing provided by Start Liner Race Services and a festive finish line. After the race there was great pizza, breadsticks (individually packaged!), and the best cookies EVER. Seriously. I loved the cookies.

Age group winners were announced and received rubber chickens as prizes. In the team category, the top three teams were announced. Winning teams got one rubber chicken, and five certificates for two tickets to a Oddfellows production. I’m proud to say my team, Team Rooster, won third in the coed division and two of our team members placed in their age groups.

Overall, I loved the Rubber Chicken Race. It was highly organized, well managed, fun, and fast. Times were good overall even with the heat and the course was enjoyable to run. I would highly recommend it!