Montana Grizzlies - The Missoula Marathon

I now understand why the University of Montana is nicknamed the Grizzlies.  More on that later. Our trip to Montana was certainly special.  These marathon adventure weekends have become more special with each one.  In the last year we (Cindy and I) have been to Alaska running through the Copper River Delta near Cordova, Jackson Hole, Wyoming, a death march in White Sands, New Mexico and running wild in Missoula Montana.  Marathons have now taken me to 49 states (although I have been in all 50 states) and given me 49 distinct experiences.  Missoula was no different.

Upon arrival we always enjoy a nice refreshing lunch with local beverages.  We visited Tamarack Brewing Company on Front street.  Their original location is in Lakeside on Flathead Lake.  They had a nice selection of food including rock fish tacos (my choice) and buffalo chicken sandwich (Cindy's choice) but a better selection of beer.  I had the Yard Sale Amber and Cindy had a Sip and go Naked Apricot Ale.  After lunch we went to see the  Carousel for Missoula, just behind Tamarack near the Clark Fork River.  After watching the surf boarders on the Clark Fork, we drove around Missoula for a bit, getting up onto one of the mountains that overlooked the town and then down by the University.  It's a nice town and very dog friendly.

Tamarack's Menu

Clark Fork Surf Area

M on the mountain for University of Montana

The busiest place in town appeared to be the Big Dipper, an ice cream joint that served up some seriously good diary products including my favorite, Huckleberry ice cream.  The last time we had Huckleberry ice cream was in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho.  Huckleberries grow native out west.  I devoured two giant scoops.

Both of us registered for the 5K so we picked up our bibs and shirts at the Beer Run.  Marathon weekend is filled with many events from he Beer Run on Friday night to the 5K and kids' marathon on Saturday, culminating in the half-marathon and marathon on Sunday.  Cindy had been training the last 8-9 weeks with Fleet Feet's No Boundaries program for a 4 miler which she ran in North Carolina the week before but the Missoula 5K was really her goal race.

Our 5K Bibs

Upon awakening on Saturday, rain was starting to fall.  We couldn't complain because 1) it was a great relief from the scorching, humid North Carolina summer and 2) Montana needed the rain after having months of little to no rainfall.  The Holiday Inn downtown is a block away from the start/finish line of the 5K and the finish line of the half and full marathons.  A pet peeve of mine in marathons is poor logistics (which requires a completely separate post) but Missoula, being a small town and accepting of all that comes with staging a marathon was, logistically, well done.

Ready to go!

We started the 5K in light rain and finished in a steady rain.  Cindy ran well and met her goal time of sub-40 minutes in 39:10.  She ran the first mile a bit faster than goal pace but don't we all.  She crossed the finish line and received a nice, big horseshoe shaped medal.  She placed well overall at 604 out of 1020.  Of course, she does have bionic hips!

Joy at the start

Joy in the middle

Crossing the Clark Fork

Finish line in sight

Joy at the finish

Rest at the finish

After a walk through the fabulous Missoula farmer's market and picking up a bag of huckleberries, we decided to go to the National Bison Range.  Driving the range was a real treat.  It's a long (19 miles) winding gravel road which takes about 2 hours to drive.  We did get to see our share of Bison, Mule Deer, Whitetail Deer, Elk and Antelope.  At one point we were stopped on the road by a herd of Bison which allowed for some up-close and personal pictures.

On the way to the Bison Range - Jocko River

White Tail

Elk

Mule Deer

Antelope

Bison in the road

White Tail

Elk

Hidden Male Elk

We were back to town for our dinner at Caffe Dolce, a very nice Italian restaurant with superb wine and beer offerings and localized dishes made from fresh ingredients. It made for a nice pre-marathon dinner.

The Missoula Marathon starts early at 6 AM.  With having to take buses to the start, it made for an early wake-up call at 3 AM.  Of course, I was awake just before 3 and was up before the alarm.  I thought, "what a crazy thing to do, pay nearly $100 to run 26.2 miles after waking up at 3 in the morning." But, this is what I love.  The Holiday Inn was nearly a mile from the bus pick-up area at the University of Montana.  Race organizers had the walkways lit with glow sticks so finding my way to the bus was an easy warm-up for the marathon. The buses ran continuously and I was on the 4th bus.  I sat with a guy who had run the marathon previously and we chatted more about the area than running.  He lived in Stevensville.

The start line was in the sleepy little town of Frenchtown.  There were plenty of portable toilets (Sweet Pea) and plenty of room to meander around.  The baggage trucks (UPS) were right in the area as well for drop bags.  I didn't bother since it was warm and the finish line was right near the hotel.  I did get into the Marathon Maniacs' picture in front of the starting line. One funny thing I heard was that having a group maniac picture taken at the start will be the fastest you will see a maniac run in order to get into the picture.  I lined up near the 4:30 pace group and at 6 AM on the dot, a cannon went off that I'm sure woke everyone in Frenchtown.  Most of the marathoners nearly jumped out of their shoes, including me!

It was a comfortable morning, particularly after running for weeks in high temperatures and humidity.  Locals said that it was the coolest Missoula Marathon in years, maybe in the 9 year history.  It was a welcomed 60 degrees and overcast but slightly more humid than one would think. Nevertheless, it was a good morning.

Most of my times this year have been between 4:24 and 4:34 so I decided to pace with the 4:30 group led by Rachel Toor and Lisa Weinreich.  Over the years, I have enjoyed Rachel's articles in running magazines and read Personal Record, one of her four books.  She has a wonderful, creative writing style and fittingly is a professor of Creative Writing at Eastern Washington University, Inland Northwest Center for Writers MFA Program.  I've been Facebook friends with her for years and although she has never known me, I knew her by her writing and of course, her dog Helen.  Helen provides some of the most glorifying pictures on Facebook.  Rachel also lived in Durham for nearly 14 years and was an editor at Duke University Press.

I don't run with pace groups a lot but have had success with really good pacers yet not all are good.  One of the best things about running with a pace group from a race perspective is that the pace prohibits you from going out too fast, a constant issue with me, even after 87 marathons, I still seem to go out 20-30 seconds per mile too fast.  You'd think that I would have learned by now.  Another good thing is conversation.  The miles pass by quickly when engrossed in conversation.  I'm certainly not one to "engross" myself in conversation with another runner but it does help pass the time.  So, Rachel and I "met" somewhere between mile 1 and 2.  Rachel and Lisa are accomplished runners and they knew how to help guide the group, got to know us, and offered tips at certain points in the race, particularly on "the hill."  Marathons, to me, are all about fundamentals.  Just like in my football days, training started every year with the fundamentals, blocking, tackling, technique.  Rachel re-enforced the fundamentals of relaxation, hill climbing and descent, and pace along with many other things.  However, there was one thing she told us early in the marathon, which I did not heed, and wish I did and that was to stay with her and Lisa through at least 22 miles.  I didn't.  I left the group at about 16 miles or so, feeling good and thinking I could be well under 4:30.  Rachel and Lisa caught me around mile 24 and as much as I wanted to run and finish with them, I cramped and had to drop back a bit. I still finished in 4:30:13 just 16 seconds after they finished.  Rachel and I were able to chat a little about everything and I thank her and Lisa for pacing the group.  For awhile, we ran with a lady who was running to bring attention to soldiers with PTSD, that 22 vets commit suicide each day.  Rachel told her own story of a vet in one of her classes.  Without rehashing the story, the bottom line was that we runners are doing this for fun.  Whatever pain and struggle we go through for 26.2 miles is not even in the realm of comparison to what soldiers go through in war and when returning from war.  It's something to keep in perspective.

The course is relatively benign with one decent hill halfway.  As a matter of fact, I could have used a few more rolling hills.  In Montana, as Rachel said, there are prettier places to run.  The first 9 miles is straight, no turns and not much to see except open areas with distant mountains.  Once you turn to head toward the mountain, crossing over the Clark Fork River on a one-lane bridge, it feels a little more Montana-like.  Ironically, the hill from miles 12-15 is on Big Flat Rd.  Its really not that tough of a hill but still requires good fundamentals.  After mile 18, you are into Missoula with more houses and more people. The finish on Higgins Street Bridge was lined with spectators with a nice downhill to the finish line.

Cindy, as always, was waiting at the finish line.  It always puts a big smile on my face when I see her and can run over and give her a "finish line" kiss.  She is definitely my crew chief and loves being part of the marathon and running scene.  Truly, these events are joyous occasions for everyone, smiles everywhere, proud and humble moments in one, spectators, volunteers and runners alike all finding joy in the day.

Heading down Higgins St. Bridge to the finish, looking for Cynthia Anne

Time for food

Rachel and me after finishing

Only runners can stand here

The day was yet to be done.  After cleaning up and eating some fine burgers at the Missoula Club (that is all the food they sell) we decided to go to Seeley Lake for a 5.4 mile hike to Morrell Falls.  We have done some pretty serious hikes both before (not recommended) and after (recommended) a marathon.  A hike breaks up the lactic acid built up in the legs and helps recovery.  The hardest we have done after a marathon was in Utah, hiking to the wind cave climbing 1000 vertical feet on a 90 degree day. The Morrell Falls hike was not nearly as difficult but it was moderately long for us.  We have this thing about once we start, we won't turn around until we get to our destination.  Usually, the destinations are beautiful.  Morrell Falls was no exception.

Burgers and beer, what else could you ask for?

Wild Huckleberries

Forrest Hike to Morrell Falls

Lake on the way to Morrell Falls

Morell Falls

It was an amazing day,starting at 3 AM and 31 miles later feeling the exhaustion of mind and body and a bed ready to lay our weary selves to rest.

This was the first leg of vacation., On Monday we traveled to Glacier National Park for more adventure, including seeing Grizzly Bears, which deserves another blog post.

50 Shades of Red, White and Blue

Almost there, all downhill from here, in the home stretch! Countless times have I heard these phrases in marathons - sometimes true and sometimes not. I saw one sign this year in Cincinnati at the start of the flying pig marathon that read "You're not almost there!" How true as I still had over 26 miles to run.
 
But here I am, truly in the home stretch, really almost there although maybe not all downhill from here.  Sixty-three days from now I will complete what has been a 15 year journey running a marathon in all 50 states.  On July 12, I will run Missoula, MT, state 49 and on September 6 Kauai, Hawaii completing state 50.  Ironically, the 50th star, for Hawaii, was added to the U.S. flag the year I was born although Hawaii was granted statehood in 1959.  Tomorrow, July 4, 2015, it will be the 55th anniversary of the 50 state flag.  Here is a an interesting read related to the 49th and 50th star design lead by the U.S. Army Quartermaster Corps from Fort Lee, VA


Quartermaster General MG Andrew T. McNamara and President Eisenhower
examine new 49 star flag

The 49th star was added for Alaska, which was state number 48 for me - Cordova, what an experience.  Montana was granted statehood as the 41st state in 1889.  There were 3 more states (Dakotas and Washington) added over a period of 6 days so there was not time to produce official flags after each state was added.  However, it appears that for celebration reasons in Montana, approximately 20 flags were produced displaying 41 stars.  Here is a picture.
 

41 Star Flag

With all the talk about the confederate flag these days, there is truly one flag we, as Americans, should be honoring and it is the 50 state American flag.  I have lived in 4 states - Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and North Carolina - all in the 13 original colonies, representing the 13 stripes on our flag.  Our freedom, on our 239th anniversary tomorrow, has allowed me to run in this great country of ours, travel freely and speak plainly.  Just as running in each state has had its own experience so too does each state's history and flag.  As much as we would like to change history, we can't, but we can affect the future.  So, I salute our 50 shades of red, white and blue, our only flag that flies over these great United States.
 

 

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

Over the next two months, I hope to write more about my journey, the places I've run, the states towns and cities I've visited, people I've met, experiences along the way, the changes in life over 15 years, and where I hope to go next with running.  Running has been the one constant in my life, been there when I needed it, challenged and humbled me, but not without regrets as it has given me more than I have given it.  More to come...

All Star - Cincinnati Flying Pig

So much to do, so much to see
So what's wrong with running the back streets?
You'll never know if you don't go
You'll never shine if you don't glow

Hey, now, you're an All Star get your game on, go run

Hey, now, you're a Rock Star get the show on, go run 
And all that glitters is gold
Only shooting stars break the mold

Smash Mouth

Ironically, Smash Mouth was the headliner for the Raleigh Rock n Roll Marathon a few weeks earlier.  Of course, the headliners appear mostly for the half-marathoners since these Competitor events are staged for half-marathoners and marathoners are a second act.  By the time I get to the finish line, the clean-up act is on stage.  I'm not discounting half-marathoners as I love the distance but Competitor group could somehow plan it differently. Yes, maybe I should just run a little faster! However, the song goes directly with the theme of the Cincinnati Flying Pig marathon this year - All Star - since Major League Baseball's All Star game is being played there this year.

It was another fine weekend in Cincinnati with Bree, Jaxon, Korey and me running races.  Some year, ALL of us are going to run one of the myriad of races - 5K, 10K, Piglets, half marathon, full marathon, flying fur.  This was Bree's second Piglet's run receiving her second medal.  Jaxon and Korey were both All Star's too with Korey being the All Star of his group running away from all the other kids.  Jaxon had a bad patch in the middle of the run but pulled himself up and finished strong.  Bree was her swift self running to the finish and beyond.  She's competitive and wants to run farther and faster than the other kids.

At some point in our running life, our goal as runners is to be a Bree or Korey - to run faster and farther - outpace the competition.  Its this way in life too.  Korey has been an underdog since birth but on this day he was a real runner, even if his motivation was to get away from the other kids.  As runners, we all use different motivating factors.  But the real lesson in running and life is evidenced by Jaxon.  Sometimes you just don't want to do something, sometimes you hit a bad patch and fall down, sometimes you don't want to go for a run and sometimes you just need a little help from a friend.  How many times have we been there?

Korey ran with Grandma as they streaked the 25 yards from start to finish being awarded his first running medal at age 21 months.  Although I had received many ribbons for my running in high school track - 100, 200 meters and relays - my first real medal is from the 1994 NYC Marathon at age 34.  I didn't even know running was a sport until I got to high school let alone organized community races.  Jaxon blazed new territory with his Mom, Becky. Although, he had mid-race challenges, with a little help, he picked himself up and ran through to the finish earning his medal.  We all go through bad patches in runs, particularly marathons.  It is important to recognize it, persevere, lean on faith and friends,  know it will pass, and finish the race that God has put before us. Hmmm, sounds a bit like life?  Bree ran with me for the second year in a row.  I figured I would be 70 when she is old enough to run the marathon, 64 to run the half and 62 to run the 10K and any age to run the 5K.  It would be great to continue this tradition as Bree, Korey and Jaxon bloom as runners.  Bree was tired at the start (as was I) standing in the hot sun waiting to run.  But when it was time, she did her best like the All Star she is.  So many times, we feel tired at the start (of anything really) and then become energized as we do it.  It is the same for running.  Of course, a race would not be complete without fans cheering us on - Dad Charlie and Granddad Kevin were there cheering every step!

For me, the Flying Pig Marathon went well, not as good time-wise as last year but still a decent run in 4:25.  It is a true party in Cincinnati throughout the course with few exceptions.  Tailgating on front lawns, impromptu beer stops (yes, I had some at mile 14), jammed streets with fans downtown, cheer and charity groups and more music than the Rock n Roll events.  Its also a weekend party with many organized events - even the dogs get involved!

So, I will run it until I can't and hope to do some of the other races with the family but ultimately would love to run the marathon with Bree, Jaxon or Korey!

Farther and Faster

 

With a little time to rest at the end

 

Twin All Stars - bibs can be used as real bibs!

On your Mark, Set, Go!

Jaxon hitting his bad patch and Korey striving forward!

 

All done!

 

 

Flying Fur participant

 

Admiring her achievement

 

Always have to encourage other runners - 5K

 
 

Its been a long day!

 

In the Moment - In a Moment

I remember when I first thought of calling this blog In The Moment Running.  I was on a trail at Manasquan reservoir in NJ.  The serenity of trails at Manasqan, around a beautiful body of water and through an abundance of lush trees, was the epitome of relaxation while running.  The bridle trail twisted and turned around the 5 mile perimeter of the reservoir but was mostly smooth and non-technical.  However, one day, I found some side trails - single path trails that had some roots and stumps.  In trail terms still not very technical but if you didn't stay focused, in the moment, if you will, you could certainly fall or sprain an ankle.  I thought about how different trail running was to road running.  I then wrote a blog post about it and started this blog.

On April 4, 2015, it happened In a Moment.  My nephew Todd Doub was out running with his family at a track in Martinsburg, WV.  His son's track season was starting and in support of his son thought it would be a good idea for the family (Sharon, Skylar and Cameron) to enjoy an outing at the track.  While running, Todd had, what is believed to have been, a brain aneurysm, collapsed and later died on Easter Sunday April 5.  In a Moment he was gone. In one second, he was enjoying time with his family and in the very next, he was gone, never to regain consciousness in this earthly world. I was in Asheville enjoying time with Cindy's son and his wife when I got the texts and call.  It was hard to process because I could not fathom that a healthy 49 year-old with a beautiful family and bright future, my sister's son, my nephew, a family member, a person rich in friends and God had left this world.

The ensuing Celebration of Life was one of the most heartfelt that I had ever experienced, a life truly lived and loved, not without challenges and trials, but an examined life in servitude to others.  Our last long conversation was based on an examination of his priorities.  Too often, we plod through life never examining a single thing about our own lives.  Socrates said, "The unexamined life is not worth living".  It is a bold, unequivocal statement.    Socrates' method of self-examination included an essential element that became known as "Socratic" dialogue. Dialoguing with a close friend, a spouse, a skilled psychotherapist or spiritual adviser helps reveal those blind spots we cannot see by ourselves. Santayana observed, "He who does not remember the past is condemned to repeat it."  Todd called me when examining his life, certainly a life worth living, as he was trying to balance the priorities of life; God, family, friends and career.  I can't convey in this short post how celebrated his life was during this day, but in 3 hours, he lived again and will continue to touch others' lives whether they realize it or not.  In his faith he is now seated with the Lord Jesus looking down upon us helping us examine our lives.

I celebrated Todd's life while running a marathon.  I was already registered for the Raleigh Rock n Roll marathon taking place just two days after his Celebration of Life.  In the many marathons I have run, I often saw tributes and memorials pinned to the shirts of runners.  Todd's memorial verse is one that I have had on my desktop for years.

but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31 NIV

So, I pinned his memorial on the back of my shirt and in big letters wrote his name, TODD, on the front with his date of passing underneath and over my bib.  

I wondered when I would hear his name called out for the very first time.  It was about 7-8 miles into the marathon on the first difficult hill (there were many) that I heard "go Todd!"  It was surreal because just when I needed a boost to get up that hill, it seemed like he was there.  I could just hear him, "get your butt up that hill!"  His name was called out another 5 times just on that hill alone.  The course highlights Raleigh, running through downtown, nice residential neighborhoods, Hillsborough street past the NC State Bell Tower, Meredith College, NC State campus, Johnson lake and the green way trails.  As the miles rolled by, I started hearing his name more.  Of course, encouragement is always welcomed in the later miles of a marathon.  One woman must have seen the date under his name, she called out, "Way to run for Todd!"   The final stretch to the finish was a lot of "Yay Todd's and high fives. 

There is a lot of time to think while running a marathon but in this marathon my thoughts were focused on those that had been lost early in life, Todd particularly, but is was also 35 years to the day of the marathon since losing my Dad at the age of 60 to cancer; a good high school friend at age 50; another high school friend just earlier in the same week Todd passed at age 53. Both friends from heart attacks.

Some people think that running is about extending life but in reality it is about living life up to that very moment, where, in a moment, you are gone.  Todd lived his life up to that very moment.  He examined, he adjusted, he lived and now he continues to live in us by the example he set.  Nobody is perfect but we can all learn from others who have examined their lives as we examine ours.

Truly, rest in peace all of those who we have lost and will see again.

25 Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; 26 and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?" John 11:25-26

All glory and honor is Yours