rasmussenmp
Cool Runner |
 posted Mar-12-2007 06:27 PM
   
Lower Potomac River RR
3/11/07 8am
Weather: sunny, 47-55 degrees, 10mph north windRunrWife (Sue) and I drove the 3 hours from our home in Newport News, VA to Piney Point, MD early Saturday. After lunch and checking into our hotel, we hit the package pickup and checked out the course. This race is very small, only 200 marathoners and 30 relay teams, so it’s not chipped timed. The event shirt is a grey short sleeve tech with a nice shade of green printing/logo. The pasta dinner was at a local restaurant called Nicolletti’s, food was good and the atmosphere ok and the waiting line was out the door. We meet up with DiveChief (Dave) and chatted awhile over a beer. We were really sorry to hear the Arf was hurt and couldn’t make the trip. We really enjoyed meeting Dave and chatting it up. Saturday night was “spring ahead” daylight savings time so one less hour sleep. Normally this wouldn’t be a problem as most night’s before a race I don’t sleep much anyway. But, as you can guess, I did sleep well. The goal of this run was to be conservative keeping my average HR in the low to mid 150’s and see how it goes. Time wise I was hoping for 3:30. Looking ahead I am thinking of running the Shamrock Marathon 3/18 and Ocean Dive Marathon on 3/25 and didn’t want to come away sore or hurting. Fashion report (not): NB 767’s, NB socks, black spandex shorts, white with black and yellow singlet (“Running ETC”), white cap (26.2 miles and still smiling), Black knit gloves The Race… It starts and finishes at the Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship, the first 9 plus miles are two out and backs on St Georges Island (Piney Point Rd and Thomas Rd) and 9-12.4 miles is an out and back on Lighthouse Rd. Very flat except for a small bridge, mostly narrow roads with little to no traffic. You do get to see the leaders on each out and back though. Dave and I ran the first mile together, then he told me to go ahead. I continued to chat it up with whomever was near by. But, after mile 12 everyone was well spaced apart. Just before turning onto Lighthouse road I saw Sue and quickly give her my gloves, my second t-shirt and a kiss.. I was running easy and felt great. I took a gel at mile 6 and 13.
Mile splits 1-13: (8:11,7:59,7:57,7:53,7:50,7:47,7:52,7:50,7:50,7:49,7:31,7:32,7:36)
½ marathon: 1:42:33
Ave HR 154
I was starting to reel runners in and pass them and after mile 12 no one passed me, except for a relay runner about mile 15. After Lighthouse Rd you turn left onto HY 249 a busy roadway but with 12 foot wide shoulders as you run into the traffic flow. Passing the relay exchange point at 14.4 miles everyone was cheering. I must say this isn’t a race for someone who needs crowds. I loved it though. Mile 16 starts the “hilly section”. Actually it a few rolling hills with a net rise of 110 feet up to the final turn around point. Somewhere before mile 17 nature called and a tree needed watering. Good thing it is a rural area. I was able to keep pace with my HR only rising a few beats. After hitting the turn around point just before mile 19, I decided to crank it up some. I took a gel at mile 20. In the last 10K I passed about 12 runners. Some it felt like I flew by them. Ah, what a feeling. Not just surviving the last couple of miles.
Miles 14-26.2 (7:41,7:34,7:44,8:03,7:40,7:31,7:31,7:27,7:27,7:21,7:21,7:26,7:13,1:34)
½ Marathon: 1:39:01
Unofficial time: 3:21:34
And a very surprising and unexpected PR by 30 seconds. Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship served a sumptuous post-race “HOT” buffet luncheon, including roast pork, pasta, a rice dish, salads, fruits, two kinds soups, pasta salad, and several different kinds of desserts. But if you’re not into fine cuisine, or if you’re still hungry, there was a winnie roast at Camp Merryelande on the beach between 1:00 and 3:00 p.m. You could swap war stories around an open fire, “ice” your legs in the cold river, and enjoy the view across the river of Virginia. An excellent marathon course, unsurpassed post race party, all in all a well executed race by the organizers.
Get your applications in early.. A must run marathon.
Edited to add:
Official time: 3:21:34
Overall: 19 of 177
Age group (40-49): 10 of 38
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Good running!!!
Mike's Profile
[This message has been edited by rasmussenmp (edited Mar-15-2007).]
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rosecoloredglasses
Cool Runner |
posted Mar-12-2007 07:09 PM
Congratulations Mike! What a nice report! This brought back the fond memories I hold. The r.s. and I ran the very first Lower Potomac River Marathon in 2005. (Although, I don't know HOW you made it there in just 3 hours...we live 20 minutes closer than you...????)I loved this course. The first half is breathtaking. The second half is where you work a bit, little scenery and no room for a cheering section, but I loved it, too. My two favorite marathons were this one and Mystic Places in Niantic, CT.
Mike, have you run Mystic Places yet? I think you'll know what I mean if you have. Anyway, did my friend, John, win again? He won in 2005 and 2006. Did you win a prize?
You are in a tough age group, especially with 10 year age groups. We'll miss you rassle dassle Mike and runrwife, Sue!
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rasmussenmp
Cool Runner |
posted Mar-13-2007 07:30 PM
Thanks everyone.Winejunky - Portland could very well be in my future. RCG - Barb, yes John won in a course record of 2:33. He is also doing the Shamrock Marathon this weekend. 3 hours is about right for a 150 mile drive. Nope no age group award, I needed to be under 3:10. Those guys were quick. JTV - yes, RunrWife and I will be at Ocean Drive on 3/25. I'm doing the full and RunrWife is doing to 10 miler. We need to meet. What are you pacing plans if you run the full? jdmom3 - its a wonderful small marathon and a fast course. Though, its not one if you don't like to run alone. First lady was about 3:24. piejones - my wife tells me I run so I can eat.. So very true. Sans Souci - yes I was very relaxed during and after the race. Running is my destresser. In the last 30 days, we have bought a new house (its being built), attended our sons wedding, sold our old house, in the process of moving cross country. Guess running really helps. ------------------
Good running!!!
Mike's Profile
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you ran smart splits, stayed hydrated and used gels, and ran hard at the end... all perfect for a pr... congrats!
