Liwiro la Malawi 5k

I won this local 5k two years ago and decided to give it another go.  W had a previous engagement, so what else would I do with a free Saturday morning?  The field looked tougher as it was up from 58 in 2015 to 95 in 2017.

The race starts at the square in downtown Mansfield, runs up (I do mean up) Park Avenue, before circling back on a lollipop out and back.  The first part of the race is killer but the second part has a nice long downhill.  My previous 5k in Savannah went very well and I was looking for a sub-21:00 effort here.  On to my brief report:

We started from the square and I felt loose right away.  I was with a group of four runners as we made our way up the hill on Park Avenue.  This is the toughest section and I took it very easy.  At least it felt easy as my first mile clocked in at a surprising 6:47.  A younger runner passed me and took the lead.  I tried my usual thing where I close in and stay with someone and watch them panic and take over the lead.  This happened a few times but I couldn't shake him.  We turned off of Park Avenue for another slight uphill before turning back again for the downhill section.  I passed him at around the two mile mark, but only held the lead for a quarter mile or so.  The second mile clocked in at a surprising 6:57.  That's much faster than my normal time in the middle of any 5k.

We continued downhill back to Park Avenue for the finish.  I had to kick it in some as the third runner was not far away.  The eventual winner was just slightly ahead of me, but it was enough for me to settle for second place.  I kicked it in for an amazing 6:13 final mile and finished in 20:48, good enough for second place and another solid 5k time!  I missed winning this one by only six seconds but I'm happy with this time.  I had a good time at Savanah, but that was on a slightly short and very flat course.  This one was much tougher.  I also received a great looking trophy for my efforts.

The next race is my favorite one of the year.  It will be my sixth time running it and W and I plan on spending a day in Yellow Springs after it's over.  The weather looks to be gorgeous with temps in the low-mid 50s.

Next race: Ohio River Road Runners Club Half Marathon- Xenia, OH

Kilt & Kolor Run 5k

W and I made a long weekend trip to Savannah last week.  It was a beautiful time and I got some great running in at Forsyth Park.  The weather was also perfect with temperatures in the mid-60s to low-70s.  I looked for a half marathon and didn't see anything I wanted to drive to.  This little 5k on nearby Hutchinson Island fit the bill just fine.  It is nice to do something low-key in an unfamiliar city.

I know, I don't do color runs (or similarly gimmicky races).  Thankfully this one offered a clean, timed 5k at 8:00am prior to the color (or kolor) run at 9:00am.  This worked out well as I was able to just run the race and head back well before the main event started.

W and I were both a bit under the weather prior to this trip.  I told her to sit this one out so we could enjoy the rest of the day.  I got up on race morning and laid back down, debating whether to run or not.  In the end, to no one's surprise, I decided to give it a shot.  The venue was only about 15 minutes away from where we were staying and I figured I could gut out a 5k.  My expectations were low and I was really just looking for a decent run.

The course was nothing to write home about.  I was expecting that going in, but it could have been any 5k back home.  We started out with an odd portion on grass for about two hundred yards or so.  Then we made our way around the parking area and out to the main road.  I started out in the top ten and focused on picking off one runner at a time.  The course had a few minor hills and weaved in and out some.  My first mile clocked in at 6:57 which was much faster than expected.  I picked off several runners and found myself in fourth place where I would stay for the remainder.

Overall, I felt really good up to the turnaround.  This was an out and back course so we knew what to expect in the second half.  I slowed down some to 7:07 for the second mile, but I was still firmly entrenched into the fourth spot.  The runner in front was ahead by 100 meters and the one behind me was about the same.  This wasn't the most competitive race as more people were here for the color run.  I slowed down briefly during mile three and then sped back up for the final run through the parking lot and the grassy area.  I was pretty shocked to find I had run a 20:59 which was good enough for 4/72 overall and 1/3 in my age group.  Not a bad effort, though I had the course measuring at 3.04 miles.  Still, I'm pretty happy with this time.

My next effort will be back in Mansfield at a race I won two years ago.  I'm expecting it to be tougher this time around as my training has been inconsistent over the past few weeks.

Next race: Liwiro la Malawi 5k- Mansfield, OH

Super Bull Run 12.5K

Well, this was different.  Very different.  It's been several years since I have entered a true trail race.  I got the itch and found this new race in nearby Wooster.  The course sounded very challenging and March is usually a quiet month on my race calendar.  I signed up for this one without taking a good hard look at the course description.  It wasn't until about two weeks prior to the race when I found out there are 8-10 stream crossings.  That would be great in mid-summer but we're talking Ohio in early March.  Naturally it was a bit below thirty degrees at the start.  There was also a 25k and 50k attached to this event.  I can't imagine what those folks went through!

I was actually a bit nervous for this as there are not many trails in this area.  I figured it would be like riding a bike, but I forgot how much concentration it takes to run technical trails.  You can't just zone out like in most road races.  Rocks, roots, and streams are ready to take you out of your comfort zone.  With that in mind, this was more about having fun than racing.  What a novel concept!  I sort of kept splits for the race, but the constant changing terrain made them meaningless.  I'll just post some thoughts on this race.

Miles 1-4: The race started off well as we started in a field and made our way to the dirt trail.  It hadn't rained in a while, so the trails were in excellent shape.  I really felt out of my groove and started near the back of the pack before passing a few people who were running about an 11:00 pace.  We hit a few simple downhills/uphills which us acclimated to the terrain.  Going downhill felt different compared to road races, as you have to do that thing where you put your arms out to the sides to keep your balance.

We hit the first stream crossing in just under one and a half miles.  Good grief, was it ever cold!  It certainly woke me up!  I was worried that the water would make the entire race freezing cold.  My feet actually warmed right up after a half mile or so after the crossing.  We continued up a wicked hill around two miles and everyone was reduced to walking.  I vaguely remember writing about the comradarie at these trail races in the past.  It was on full display here as runners chatted, laughed and cursed at this trail.  This was up there with the Horseshoe Hill 20k I did a few years ago as far as difficulty goes.

The second stream crossing came after some nice downhill and simple trail running.  It was difficult as you had to jump in off the rocks.  One runner in front of me almost went in face first and thankfully recovered.  The worst part was when you got out of the water.  There was water from the faster runners on the rocks and ground after getting out of the crossing, which had frozen.  That was the most dangerous part of this race.  But being a sick person, it was still kind of fun.

Miles 5-7.7:  Mile 5 started out just fine as we made our way around a large field.  We all were able to make up some lost time during this section.  Then we made our way back to the woods and another decent downhill.  Then all heck broke loose.  I'm talking six stream crossings, most about halfway up my calves, in a one mile stretch.  This took whatever spirit I had left.  The first two were somewhat fun.  Then it got progressively worse as my feet just could not warm back up and the water kept going into my shoes.  This was a really rough stretch.  It took the air out of me every time we hit one of these streams.

But that's not all!  After the stream crossings of doom, we had a fun mega-uphill waiting for us.  It felt like we were going at a ninety degree angle up this thing.  And it was so close to the finish!  The race organizers really did a great job fitting in such different terrain with lots of difficulty into a 7.7 mile race.

I finished with a respectable time of 1:24:14 and 15/52 overall.  Not a bad day considering my lack of trail running.

I would HIGHLY recommend this race, but do know what you are getting yourself into.  It's very tough, but you get to run with a great group of people.  Very well done!

W will be joining me at my next one.  We've decided to head south for a few days and I will be doing my second race in Georgia.

Next race: Kilt & Kolor Run 5k- Savannah, GA

ONU Polar Bear Indoor Half Marathon

I decided to kick off my running year the same way as last year.  This indoor race is an interesting experience.  I actually enjoyed it even more than last year as I took a minute off my time!  Yes, it sounds boring to run 105 laps on an indoor college track.  But it really isn't!

W and I stayed at the Inn at Ohio Northern and enjoyed it just as much as last year.  It's a gorgeous inn and it has an excellent restaurant.  There aren't many options in the tiny town of Ada so it's nice to have what you need in one place.

W felt a little under the weather but she fought through it and came to the race on Saturday morning.  The ONU track/cross country teams were again ready to count each runner's laps.  My lap counter did a great job of shouting out ever half mile split to me.  He worked hard to make the race enjoyable, and I greatly appreciated it!

Obviously there is not much to say about the course.  I've now seen it 210 times in two years.  I did adjust to it quicker this year but paid for it later on.  My quads were KILLING ME for the two days following the race.  So many laps on a short track brings about different aches and pains than normal running.  I did start much faster than last year and kept up with the eventual winner.  The race was much more competitive as four of us finished within two minutes of each other.  That fast start came back to bite me some, but I felt pretty comfortable throughout much of the race.  That's surprising considering it had been two months since my last race.

Here are my splits:

Mile 1- 7:20     Mile 2- 7:28     Mile 3- 7:45     Mile 4- 7:43     Mile 5- 7:42     Mile 6- 7:44     Mile 7- 7:53     Mile 8- 7:29     Mile 9- 7:36     Mile 10- 7:43     Mile 11- 7:41     Mile 12- 8:14     Mile 13- 7:32

Final Time- 1:41:06

I took over a minute off last year's time.  That surprises me since I had the long layoff and was pretty inconsistent with my training.  I finished 3/19 overall.  The half marathoners actually outnumbered the full marathoners this year.  I found that interesting, as last year was quite a different story.

I'm in another lull between races.  February was slim pickings and there was nothing that jumped out at me.  I'm going to run a trail race next, which I haven't done in several years.

Next race: Super Bull Trail Championship 12.5K- Wooster, OH

Thoughts on 2016 Running Year

I posted another solid running year.  W and I were very busy planning a wedding and honeymoon, plus we recently purchased a house.  We have more things on the horizon, so I think there will probably be fewer races in 2017.

Although it was a busy year, I still had many highlights.  I PR'd once again at the Ohio River Road Runners Half Marathon in April, ran a solid 20:00 5k in November, hit my 60th half marathon, and had fun traveling to races with W.

2016 Race Totals

5k- 7
10k- 1
Half Marathon- 9
25k (plus a bit extra to make it 16.2 miles)- 1
Grand total of 162 miles in races

Favorite Races

• ONU Polar Bear Indoor Half Marathon- Who would think 105 laps on an indoor track would be so much fun?  The organization and enthusiasm from the school's athletes made this one a must-do.
• Alamo Half Marathon- This was well worth the trip as San Antonio is a gorgeous city in which to run.  I had a solid outing and enjoyed all the historic sites and parks.  
• Ohio River Road Runners Club Half Marathon- Yes, this is on my list every year.  $25 and a great race experience make it my favorite race.  I'll be running it for the sixth time in 2017.
• Flying Pig- I have a blast doing the 5k with W on Saturday and turn around to do the half marathon on Sunday.  I somehow ran a sub-1:40 in the half this year.  The food and atmosphere after the race makes this one of my favorites.
• Medina Half Marathon- The heat and humidity was an issue this year, but I still had a fun time at this race.  W and I both love the farmer's market in the square after the race.
• Mid Ohio 13er- Spectacular organization plus the fact that it's in our backyard make this one well worth it.  I ran a great race and was so encouraged by the great people volunteering.  I will definitely run it again in 2017.
• Wooster Brick Run 25k- I got turned around a few times, but I really loved this cheap ($10) low-key race.  The organizers, Vertical Runner, did a great job in this one.

Let's look at my 2016 goals and which ones I hit.

2016 Goals

• Set a new half marathon PR.  My current PR is 1:36:24.  With that in mind...

          I did hit a new PR of 1:35:26 at the ORRRC Half.

• Break 1:35 in the half marathon.

          Not quite there yet.

• Set a new 5k PR.  My current best is 19:42.  This one may be a bit too unrealistic, but I think I can do it on the right course in the right conditions.

          I did run one 5k at 20:00.  I'm thinking 2017 is going to have more focus on the 5k, so this goal is certainly possible.

• Run 7-8 half marathons.  We have a wedding to plan but I think this is still realistic.

          Somehow I got in 9 half marathons this year.  

• Run a trail half marathon if my schedule allows.

          I would still love to do this some day, but there are very few trails in my neck of the woods.

• I would love for FW to set a new 5k PR.  She made some excellent strides this year.  She'll be good if the plantar doesn't keep coming back.

          FW (now W) had a tough 2016 and couldn't keep the same pace as in 2015.  She's determined to come back and train consistently in 2017.

• Find a 5 miler (or above) for FW.  She came very close by running the Shawshank Hustle 7k and that was in miserable conditions.

          This one will probably have to wait another year or so.

2016 Goals

• Set another new half marathon PR.  I am signed up for the ORRRC Half again.  I've PR'd three times at that race and I know the course like the back of my hand.
• Break 1:35 in the half marathon.
• Set a new 5k PR.  Let's try this one again.
• Run 6-7 half marathons and start to focus more on local 5ks.
• Find a trail 5k in the area.
• A new 5k PR for W.

I start my 2017 schedule at the end of January with a fun race at which I finished in second this year.

Next race: ONU Indoor Half Marathon- Ada, OH

Amish Country Half Marathon- Half Marathon #60

My final 2016 race, the Amish Country Half Marathon, was just a few days after Thanksgiving.  I wanted to get one more half marathon so I could hit another milestone.  This counted as my 60th half marathon.  I'm still hitting milestones like this every year.

The race took place in Berlin, OH, a quaint Amish community in nearby Holmes County.  Much of the area is commercialized as tourism is the top industry.  But the Amish in the nearby rural areas were extremely friendly to the runners.  It was a different experience than any other half I've ran.  W sat this one out as I had to leave for the race around 6:00.  I made it in plenty of time to get to the nearby high school for packet pickup.  The shirt is very nice, but I was perplexed by the fake beard and straw hat runners received.  I know the race is Amish themed but that's a bit much.

It was pretty cold out so I kept my running jacket and pants on for this one.  It looked like it was going to rain, but thankfully we never got wet in this one.  On to my brief report:

Miles 1-5:  We started with a quick lap around the school track and headed south on a small country road.  I felt pretty good but knew this race included a lot of hills during the middle portion.  I settled in to a comfortable pace and just enjoyed the beautiful scenery.  Many Amish were out to say hello to the runners which was a nice touch.  We did hit a few hills during this first portion.  They weren't anything major, but they were just enough to slowly wear out the legs.    Here are my splits: 1 (7:10), 2 (7:55), 3 (7:56), 4 (7:13), 5 (8:22).  My race would remain inconsistent due to the hills.  The goal I kept in mind was to gather as many sub-8:00 miles as possible.

Miles 6-10:  We continued east on another small country road to continue the loop course.  The hills were getting more intense and we hit the biggest of them around mile 7.  You can tell that I slowed down quite a bit here, but gained ground on the downhill.  I was shocked that these five miles were all under 8:00 miles.  My legs were feeling the race.  Plus, I forgot to mention that the smell of horse manure (remember, there were buggies and farms all around us) was strong.  I'm not used to that smell during a race.  Still, I was enjoying the scenery, especially on the hilly portions.  I slowed down again around miles 9 and 10 even though this was the flattest part of the course.  Here are my splits: 6 (7:18), 7 (7:50), 8 (7:11), 9 (7:43), 10 (7:40).

Miles 11-13.1: We finished the loop on a gradual hill leading back to the school.  While it was gradual, it seemed to go on forever!  My legs were completely shot and I really wanted to finish the race.  We headed back to the school for a quick loop on the track to the finish.  Here are the final splits: 11 (8:00), 12 (9:17), 13 (7:35).  My final time was 1:43:01, good enough for 31/227 overall and the dreaded 4th place in my age group.  This time I was only off by a minute or so, which just drive me nuts.  Still, getting my 60th half marathon is quite an accomplishment.

I'll be back with my final thoughts on my 2016 running year.

Next race: ONU Indoor Half Marathon- Ada, OH

Hot Chocolate 5k

I'm only about a month behind on the blog.  W and I have been extremely busy the past few months and it's becoming difficult to keep up to date with this thing.  We did have the opportunity to go to Columbus for this 5k the week before Thanksgiving.

The expo at the Columbus Convention Center was fun.  We both like getting in and out of these things and this one was pretty quick.  It's much smaller than the Columbus Marathon expo, but there were plenty of free samples (chocolate!) and some running stores represented.  Plus you can take pictures next to the giant inflatable mug of hot chocolate!

Good times.  We were able to relax the rest of the evening prior to the race.  Dinner was amazing at the Mellow Mushroom Pizza in nearby Dublin.  Just look at the options and tell me you don't want to go there.

Ohio was really mild this Fall but that changed at this race.  It was cold and windy the entire time.  And we had to get to the race start very early as this had well over 10,000 people in it.  So W and I stood around trying to get warm for about 45 minutes prior to starting.  We were reduced to shells of our former selves.

W has had a rough time training this year, so we went into this one with no real goals other than to have fun.  The race started at McFerson Common Park (across the river from COSI) and ran in a circular route in the downtown area. She started out with a little bit of light jogging which certainly surprised me.  I could tell she was having fun and was somehow staying warmer than I was.  I don't have splits for this one but she stayed pretty consistent.

The portion running straight north on High St. was probably the easiest going part as the wind was mostly blocked by the buildings.  W was still sprinkling in some jogging at various points.  She was very surprised by her effort.  If we can get her training consistent, she can certainly get back to where she was in 2015.

The last part of the race was where the wind hit us as there were few buildings.  We did jog the last bit and finished together in 55:04.  I think W's goal was to break an hour and she easily did so in less than ideal conditions.  The plastic finisher's mug included hot chocolate (duh) and other goodies.  It was ok, but W and I were underwhelmed.  More importantly, I was very proud of W for gutting it out and completing another 5k this year.

My last race of the year was a special one as it marked my 60th half marathon.

Next race: Amish Country Half Marathon- Berlin, OH