A Post-race Flower Arrangement from my Friend, Hedy

Race Day Richmond!

That's me on race day with 7,000 other half marathoners.  Met the Good Race team at Centenary United Methodist for a pre-race picture and check in.  Then over to Broad Street for the start of the race.

How was it?  I felt great for the first three or four miles.  I thought my pace was even and I didn't get tempted to go too fast.

Bryan Park is where I felt thrown off.  Miles 6 & 7 were here and the pavement was old and broken - not good for Vibrams-wearing runners (of which there were very few).

Through the neighborhoods north of I-64 I could tell that I was wearing down a little.  I was using my arms more to help maintain my pace.  The long stretch down Brook Road felt long, but I was getting confident that I would finish and I was not experiencing much pain from my 8-mile toe.

Miles 12 & 13 were excruciating.  The toe really acted up in the last mile and I had to grind out the ending.  But I did it.  Came in to the finish line at 2 hours 23 minutes - a record I'll try to beat on Dec.3 at the Seaside Half Marathon in Wachapreague.

All in all it has been a wonderful year.  I don't think I'm really a runner, but I have enjoyed the challenge, appreciated the support from friends and colleagues, and I've given myself something to build on in the future.  After the Seaside I think I'll hibernate in the gym, do some boxing, and start up again in earnest in February.  A full marathon seems unlikely.  But who knows?  If I get my toe sorted out and stick to a training plan, I could be back at the RIC next year for the whole enchilada.

Afterwards with my medal.  Yes, they gave a medal to the 4,000th person across the line.

Meeting up with the Good Race team

Check-in day at the Arthur Ashe Center in Richmond.  Got my number with my name, (seen here), then traded it in for a half marathon number.  It's a little overwhelming seeing so many people here, but I feel ready and the weather looks to be perfect.

Rooming with my colleague Tim Tate.  Ate dinner with the rest of the Good Race crew who have been my Facebook companions all year.  A great pasta dinner at the United Methodist Center in Glen Allen.

Then off to bed.

A Final Run on Assateague

To the beach - quiet and wonderful in the autumn.

4.63 miles
53:03

New Strides on the Milton Ames

A final long run before the big race.  Did the Milton Ames with the Holly Grove extension.  Felt particularly good in the last 3 miles.  New running style really making a difference.  I feel strong and ready for Richmond.

9.5 miles
1:24:39

Holly Grove & Home

A very good run.  My pace is picking up.  A new article by Christopher McDougall in the New York Times called "The Once & Future Way to Run" has me adjusting my stride to be more vertical. 

The Once and Future Way to Run

Ran the basic Holly Grove in what must be record time.

5.21 miles
47:17

Homestretch

A pace run to move me back into full training mode. Over to Seaside Rd. in Nassawadox.  Back down Rogers Dr to Holly Grove.  First mile was excruciating.  My left Achilles tendon is very painful.  But I settled in during mile 2 and ignored every shortcut home.  A good run.

7.52 miles
1:16:10