Train Kept a Rollin' or Did It? Tobacco Road Marathon

There are a lot of choices for marathons in March.  It took me awhile to decide which marathon to run. Generally, I use the early year marathons as supported long runs to help me have better marathons later in Spring. The Tobacco Road marathon could be considered my "home" marathon. It's held on the American Tobacco Trail (ATT), a Rails-to-Trails project that now consists of over 22 miles of pavement and crushed gravel trail from downtown Durham to Apex spanning Durham, Wake and Chatham counties. Frankly, it is a wonderful resource for runners, walkers, bikers, dogs and even equestrian. When we moved to the area in 2012, the section from Scott King Road to Southpoint Crossing had not yet been completed which included a proposed bridge over I40. Later in 2013, the entire trail had been completed and made for one of the best running and biking areas in the Triangle. In the summer, it is shaded providing coverage from the brutal sun and in the winter it is open enough to feel the warm sunshine. The greenway systems in the Triangle are the best I have ever seen and many races are held on them; RACE13.1 Raleigh, RACE13.1 Durham, City of Oaks Marathon to name a few along with the Tobacco Road Marathon.

We live just 2 miles from the Scott King Road portion of the ATT which is basically in the middle of the trail.  Thus, I run on some portion of the trail nearly every weekend. That was the consideration.  Did I want to run a marathon on the trail that I run on nearly every weekend? I know the trail and I also know how monotonous it can be in the sections where the marathon is run. Don't get me wrong, it is truly a beautiful trail through a tunnel of tall North Carolina pines but it can be quite monotonous and deceivingly difficult. Flat and fast is how the website describes the course. Compared to the other local marathons like Umstead, City of Oaks, Rock n Roll, I guess one could describe it this way. However, it is not Wrightsville Beach Marathon flat but it is not hilly either. So, what is it? There are long stretches of inclines that appear to just keep going on and on and on. Conversely, since the marathon has two turn-around points at mile 8 and 19, you'll be running down the same long inclines to balance the elevation changes. If it isn't the long inclines it might be the long straight stretches that get monotonous.

The event is one of the best organized I have seen. When there was a threat of rain, they put up big circus tents for the runners to take shelter in both before and after the marathon. There appeared to be plenty of port-a-potties, decent food, great volunteers, good aid stations and some unofficial beer and moonshine stations. Packet pick-up was easy at the small expo. There is limited parking at the marathon site so they sell passes for you to park right next to runner's village, otherwise it is a 15 minute bus trip from NetApp parking area.  I had Cindy drop me off at the runner drop zone.  She then came back to the finish around the time I was to finish and was easily able to find parking at the runner's village.

Cindy and the dogs met me at mile 8.7 which is the turn-around at Scott king Road for the first out and back. It was also an aid station supported by volunteers of our Parkwood Muslim community. It was great to see them sponsoring an aid station and they did it with diligence and enthusiasm. I didn't fair well in the marathon. It was warm and humid for mid-March. I knew by mile 8 drenched in sweat that the humidity was going to be an issue.  Of course, my last few marathons have not been pleasant and this one was no exception finishing in 5:27.  To me, it is hard to fathom the times from my last 3 marathons but it is what it is and I have still finished in the time allotted. So the train on the tobacco trail stalled but I finally pulled it into the station with Cindy's hand in mind as we both crossed the finish line together.

Would I run this again? Likely not as a marathon but maybe as a half. The only reason I wouldn't is because of running on the trail nearly every weekend. However, I would highly recommend it for other runners.

Enjoy the pictures.

Pre-race meal with Maniacs Kevin, Kathy and Diane

USA Baseball

Sporting Sandstone - new InknBurn

At the start

Waggin' Wild

Casey got his introduction to competitive running in the Waggin' Wild 5K on March 5. Gabby got her introduction to crowds, dogs and humans alike. Both did great! I have run miles with Casey before including a few 3 milers.  Although he has a little greyhound in him, he isn't the fastest paced runner. Of course he is a big dog, big enough that he won an award at the Waggin' Wild for largest dog.  He's lean and tall but because he is mostly Great Pyrenees, he is a solid, strong dog - a gentle giant with a laid back demeanor, as they are known.  However, being Pyrenees, he is a protector of the perimeter. When he is home, any approach to the house is welcomed by deep, loud "my house" kind of barking. Gabby, a spaniel mix, has an opposite personality, happy-go-lucky, "I'll lay in anyone's lap" kind of dog.

When Casey and I run alone, I need to coax him and sometimes even pull him. I wasn't sure how he (or I) would react in a competitive race which included dogs.When we lined up for the start and as Cindy and Gabby watched, he seemed a bit shy, or like all of us in races, having some nervous energy. So, the horn sounds and off we go.  To my surprise, he really wants to run and he runs with a perfect four-legged gait. The first mile felt really fast compared to our training runs, maybe around a 9 minute mile (I forgot to start my watch.) At one point I had to say, "hey boy, slow down, you are going too fast!" I used a 2 foot leash which kept him by my side and out of other runners' way, particularity on the two down and back's.

The first mile included a climb up a hill and then back close to the start where Cindy and Gabby were waiting to see their favorite fellows and for us to see our favorite gals.  Casey noticed "momma" right away and as we ran past started to turn around and look.  Casey always likes to look for momma, even when she is not there. Finishing up mile 1, he slowed to a normal pace as we traversed a lake over a wooden bridge.  Like all of us who start out too fast, Casey seemed to be feeling the effort. We get to the turn-around at mile 2 and I showed him the water bowel to see if a drink was in order. He wasn't interested so we continued our merry way. For the last mile, I did have to gently pull him a bit, in an easy coaxing kind of way, always saying, "who's a good boy, who's a good boy?" He looked at me like, "I am Dad, I am!" By this point we had actually passed a decent number of runners, those with and without dogs. At the finish line awaited Cindy and Gabby cheering us on as we made the last strides uphill to cross the chip-timed 5K finish line.  "Yes!", just under 30 minutes at 29:48 which is 6 minutes better than our practice times. It was a fine run for Casey in his first competitive 5K.  After crossing the finish line, a lady came up and asked me his name as he was going to get the award for largest dog. I've run hundreds and hundreds of races with one third place age-group award and he wins an award the first time out.  Gabby was just loving the people always thinking that they were there to pet and play with her. She would just cuddle up in the laps of strangers and make herself at home.

Of all the events I have run, including marathons in all 50 states, these types of moments stand out as the best, just like when I ran with Bree two years ago in Cincinnati at the diaper dash. Those 25 yards and this 5K are moments to be cherished.  There are many other moments like these that stand out more than my own achievements.

Loving Pet Inn Adoptions was the recipient and sponsor of the event. The Waggin' Wild Facebook page is here and Cindy (in red) is seen on the banner walking on the course with Gabby. There are also a lot of pictures here from one of their volunteer professional photographers. I've included some of our own pictures below. Particularly enjoy the last one.

Going on an adventure

Casey's first packet pickup

Gabby getting attention

Cindy and the pups milling around

Casey focused for his run

Gabby reading signs

I wanna go

The winner of human and dog

Here we come, "where's Momma?"

Will you pet me?

Casey receiving largest dog award and looking at me for approval

A man and his dog

Family shot

Gabby Noelle

I like everybody!

The boy is proud to be largest dog!

Momma and her kids!

Maybe Casey didn't like his results or maybe it was running 3.1 miles he didn't like

No Substitute

I have to admit, over the last few years, although I have been running consistently, I have not kept a good training regimen.  I suspect this is why my times have fallen off.  There is no substitute for putting in the hard work and true training.  Of course, once you get beyond 50 and now 55, just getting out the door for a 5, 10, 15 miler can be hard work.  Speed work?  What is that?  I tend to run hills to help with "speed", in relative terms of course.  It's a bit ironic that I was a champion sprinter 38 years ago but have never been more of a mid-packer in distance running. It's the mid-packers, and I am talking about 90-95% of runners out there, who make the sport thrive.  As much as I like seeing the fast, elite runners, truly the ones who are putting in the hardest work, if running was only for them, there would be about 20 runners in every race.

Just in the last 4 weeks, I have seen where doing a little extra makes a difference.  From my previous blog I mentioned that I was going to physical therapy for my knees and lower back.  Truly, it has been more like a personal trainer.  Lauren, the PT, has had me working on strength and stretching exercises every week - hamstrings, quads, lower back, core, etc.  I am trying to loosen up some very tight hamstrings as well.  It's funny how your entire body is connected.  What she has taught me is that it is not all about running but about exercises to help me run better.  I have also not touched any weights. God knows I have plenty of weight to use on my own to create a running specific workout.

I was anxious to run the RACE 13.1 Wilmington half-marathon this past weekend as a bit of a test to see how PT was going.  My last 3 half-marathons were over 2 hours where my previous 23 out of 25 half's had been under 2 hours. The marathons I have run over the last few years have not been that great either. I have not run under 4 hours since 2010 in Fargo  after I had turned 50. There comes a point, with age, where you know you will not see the times that you once ran. For the marathon, I really haven't been close to running under 4 hours so I just accepted that I would never see a sub-4 again.  Since my last 3 half-marathons were over 2 hours, I was starting to feel the same about the half.  Would I ever run a sub-2 hour again or like the marathon, it is a thing of the past?

Wilmington was the perfect storm for me.  It was a perfect morning weather wise, a flat course, I felt good about running and was anxious to see how PT had helped me.  I started out a bit fast running around 8:48 but settled in with the 2 hour pace group after a mile or so.  I figured that I would run with them as long as I good and give myself a chance at a sub-2. They were also a bit fast so the pacer reeled it in about half-way to get back on pace. I actually felt like my breathing was a normal, sitting at my desk, breathing for the first 11 miles, just a nice comfortable effort.  My knees still ached some so it more about managing them with good mechanics than my aerobics.  I stayed with the pace group until mile 11.  Then I decided to make a move and go for it, to make those last 2 miles strong 8:45 miles. There comes a point where mentally you need to drive your body because your body just wants to stop. I ran a solid 2 miles and finished in a gun time of 1:59:36 and a chip time of 1:59:54 and age-graded time of 1:41:55. It truly was a perfect run, one that I have not experienced for quite some time.

I am a believer and should have been all along that there is no substitute for hard work, even as we age. I now have 4 marathons coming up over the next 4 months. There is still hard work to do, lets see if it translates to the marathon.

Overall, it was a great weekend with Cindy, Gabby and Casey.  It was Gabby and Casey's (dogs) first time in a hotel and they faired quite well.  We also got to walk the beach in Wrightsville, run in the freezing water, sit on the beach and watch the other dogs and people enjoying the warm winter days.  We also walked a little of the cross-city trail which was part of the course. Certainly, a fine weekend for all of us.

The Good News

As Christians, we all know the good news; the four gospels of Mark, John, Matthew, and Luke and the rest of the new testament, the coming of the Kingdom of God, Jesus' death on the cross and the resurrection to restore people's relationship with God. The Old Testament foretells what was and is going to happen. Jesus and our salvation therein is the good news. There are 44 mentions of good news in the bible (NIV). 

Light in a messenger’s eyes brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones. Proverbs 15:30

We all love good news. I also believe that the bible is the handbook for life and that anything we can understand or gleam from the bible to apply to our own lives should so be done. That has not always been the case for me and I have asked God and the Lord Jesus for forgiveness of my sins.  I also believe in the purity of the bible, the doctrine as written and the significance of such.  Applying the Word is what brings us into alignment with God through Jesus.

So, as this blog is about running, I shall tell you my good news and the gift God has given me. I have been humbled by His grace on my mind and body. Over the last 15-20 years, I have run nearly 25,000 miles give or take a few thousand, in essence, the circumference of the Earth, hundreds of organized races, nearly 100 marathons & beyond and through it all have stayed healthy (maybe because of it.)  Since September and the challenges of Kaua'i, I have been experiencing pain and fatigue in both knees along with some hip pain.  I have felt downright dogged.  I have kept running my weekly miles, another marathon and two half-marathons but they have all been struggles.

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

 I finally decided to have my knees and hip checked by a Doctor who focuses on non-surgical treatments for joint issues and who has traveled with the Duke University football and basketball teams as one of their Doctor's.  It takes a lot for me to see a Doctor but at the very least he could tell me if any damage has been done from all the running over the years.  In my entire life, besides the dentist, I think I have only had x-rays taken once and that turned out to be a problem with new running shoes.  I have always been a very active person, played football and ran track in high school and still never had an x-ray.  We also know the naysayers of running that we will destroy our knees and bodies by the impact. Obviously, sometimes this happens so I guess it was time to determine if it happened to me.

The good news is... The Doctor said that he saw no signs of wear and tear on my knees or hip, no fluid, nothing floating, maybe a little arthritis under one kneecap but nothing of concern. Likely, it is overuse and runners knee with some inflammation around the kneecap and maybe a little tracking issue.  I was relieved.  It put a big smile on my face and I said, that is good news! I can deal with basic running issues and overuse.  I believe underuse causes more problems than overuse.  So, I have started a little physical therapy to learn some proper stretching techniques and some ways to help build core muscles and strength around the hips and knees.

Overuse? Hah! I laugh in the face of overuse, in a humble way of course as I know that God is in control and He will determine my path.

This is what the Lord says— he who made a way through the sea, a path through the mighty waters, “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. Isaiah 43:16, 18-19

 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11 

I know many folks will feel it is trivial to apply such powerful verses in the context of running. Running is me and without it, life and I would not be the same. Wherever I find my strength it is important that I do. Truly, that is what the bible is for, to find our strength in today's life and eternal life. On every run I talk with God, first thanking him, then praying for others and our world, and then a little chit-chatting.

This week, I also had a very humbling experience volunteering at the Shepherd's Table Soup Kitchen in Raleigh helping prepare and serve lunch to over 250 homeless, working poor and frankly anyone who needed a hot meal. As a work group from the company I work for, we volunteered our time and the company was gracious to give us that time off.  There is a running quote that says " If you want to run, run a mile, if you want to experience a different life, run a marathon." Emil Zopatek.  I now believe the same can be said for volunteering. "If you want to donate, donate, but if you want to experience a different life, volunteer."  Although I have donated to many charities throughout the years, this was my first volunteering experience. It humbled me and those receiving were very gracious and thankful.

Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. James 4:10 

if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully. Romans 12:8

It's the good news that we all want to hear, but even when we don't (because it will happen), the bible is still our source for the true good news.

2015 - The Pinnacle

The year 2015 was not without sadness and challenges but it was also ripe with the accomplishment of a long-time goal started over two decades ago.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; Proverbs 3:5
The one thing that stands out above all else in 2015 was the death of my nephew Todd Curtis Doub on April 5, 2015 at age 49.  It is with a heavy heart that I even write that sentence - a heavy heart for his wife Sharon, Mother and my sister Susie, Father Gary and siblings Shawn and Traci. Todd died from a brain aneurism while, ironically, running with his family. I truly did not know how much this man meant to his friends, church, family and community until his celebration of life which lasted nearly three hours. I suspect God needed him more in heaven to do His will.

We cannot understand why something like this happens to a man of this character who was so young and vibrant.  As Proverbs 3:5 states above, it is not of our own understanding, trust in the Lord.  Faith, trust, and love helps us get through moments like these.  I will see you someday again Todd as my life has been given to God and the Lord, our savior.  We will run more miles in heaven than we could ever here on Earth.

Todd Curtis Doub

Entering 2015, I had two more states to run marathons in to complete my 50 state quest - Montana and Hawaii.  My first marathon was the NYC marathon in 1994 but my second was Baltimore in 2001 so really, I completed the 50 state quest in 14 years.  I have other blog posts related to these the Montana and Hawaii  marathons along with the other marathons ran in 2015 so I won't repeat myself here.  Certainly, completing this quest in Hawaii was the highlight of the year but it did not come easy and without its own challenges, specifically during the marathon.  I barely made it to the finish.  However, I think this was the way it was supposed to be, to have the toughest test be the final test to have to put it all on the line both mentally and physically.  Unfortunately Cindy, with all her worry and patience, had to endure this with me.  She waited the entire 7 hours not knowing where I was or if something had happened. That shows her trust, faith and love for me.  The marathon was tough but the our vacation was phenomenal. Kaua'i is such a lovely island.  You can read about the entire adventure by clicking here.

Before Kauai Marathon

The other state needed was Montana and Missoula is the marathon to run in Montana.  Missoula is a small funky little college town and fun place to visit.  Being close to Glacier National Park allowed us to turn this marathon into a full-blown vacation.  The scenery on the marathon course itself was not great but the overall  event was well done.  Cindy and I ran the 5K the day prior to the marathon and she did fantastic breaking 40 minutes.  In the marathon, I decided to run with the 4:30 pace group lead by Rachel Toor, professor, writer and runner.  We had nice conversations throughout  and she really kept the pace group motivated.  I finished not far behind in 4:30 and some change.  Truly, the highlight of this trip was watching a Grizzly female and her cubs from afar in Glacier National Park.  You can read about Missoula here.

Mama Grizzly and her cubs

I started the year with 3 consecutive months (February - March) of marathons.  A few years ago the Myrtle beach marathon was cancelled the night before the event due to a small amount of snow.  All the runners were already there and at 10:45 PM it was cancelled.  This was my only DNS for a marathon.  I decided that we would make a Valentine's weekend out of it and stay at a beach hotel, have a nice dinner, take in a Legends show and run the marathon.  I had battled some soreness in my hamstring in January so I needed to take it easy.  Ironically, it was my best time of 2015.  I'm not sure what that says about the rest of the year.  You can read about Myrtle Beach here.

Since I was completing the 50 states this year, I decided to make it all 50 states and DC.  There is only one marathon run entirely in Washington DC and unfortunately it is a Rock n Roll event. I'm not a big fan of Competitor's events primarily based on the horrid logistics of start/finish areas.  Not all events are like this but in Washington the starting line and finish area were far enough away requiring your "fans", i.e. Cindy in this case, to take the metro to be at the finish line.  It is similar in New Orleans and others of their events as well. Anyway, that aside, I woke up on marathon morning to a cold rain and the forecast for the marathon was to be the same.  I truly didn't want to run but I am not a fair weather runner and have always said, you get what you get on marathon morning and that is why you train in all weather. Dressed appropriately, it wasn't such a bad jaunt around Washington.  However, the highlight was seeing a show at Ford's theater (yes, the same one) and doing a CSI crime investigation workshop at the Crime museum. We visited the Lincoln memorial and the White House, which I had never seen from the front gates.  It is much smaller than Versailles. Here is the link for more detail about this marathon weekend.

Ford's Theatre and where Lincoln was shot

As I mentioned previously, my nephew had died on April 5.  His celebration of life was April 10.  I was already scheduled to run the Rock n Roll Raleigh marathon on April 12, which ironically, is the anniversary of my father's death in 1981, 34 years ago, quite unbelievable. During the same week a high school friend had passed from a heart attack, the second friend in the last 4 years who had died of a heart attack. I dedicated this marathon to these people who where had passed at such a young age. My Dad was 60, Todd 49, Rich 50 and Barry, 53. In many marathons people put their name on their shirts so that words of encouragement can be called out to them.  I decided to run as Todd, to honor him and be with him throughout.  On my bib I also put the names Dad, Rich and Barry to honor them.  I wore Todd's memorial card on the back of my shirt.  It was surreal as people called out his name as I ran. You can read about the whole experience here.

Finishing Raleigh

I decided to do a few other distances in 2015 as well.  I ran 4 half-marathons, an 8K and a 10 miler.  The 8K and 10 miler are premiere triangle area races.  The 8K was Running with the Bulls in downtown Durham and the 10 miler was the Tar Hill 10 miler run from the campus of UNC throughout Chapel Hill.  Both races are well done.  I felt really good in both and loved racing distances other than the marathon and half-marathon. The half-marathons were local, three of which are from the RACE 13.1 series; Raleigh Spring, Raleigh Fall and Durham.  The other half-marathon was the inaugural Not So Normal Half in Carrboro which was a very odd course and supposedly short.

Certainly not normal

The remaining two marathons completed were staples; Cincinnati Flying Pig and Baltimore. This was my second Flying Pig and I must say, this event is a good time for the entire family.  This year we ran with the all three grandchildren; Bree, Jaxon and Korrey. I ran with Bree again and Becky and Cindy went with Jaxon and Korrey for their 15 yard introduction to racing and running. I had Bree run farther this and she did great! You can read about the Flying Pig here.

Bree

Korrey

Jaxon

It was my 15th consecutive year running the Baltimore Marathon and CSE treated the 29 of us well.  I had a bit of a rough day running with my slowest time but it never dampens my spirit of being in Baltimore. I did a nice write-up that CSE posted after the marathon.

Baltimore mile 13

As for racing (and although I use that term loosely since I am only racing myself), I ran 6 marathons, 4 half-marathons, an 8K and 1 10 miler. This was one of my more active running years.

Cindy participated in the Fleet Feet running program and completed a 4 miler in Carrboro.  I was so proud of her when she finished because it was a hot day and I know she was struggling but she never gives up, just like she didn't give up when she did the 5K in Missoula and ran sub-40 minutes.  Her next 5K is in Knoxville, TN April 2 and then Flying Pig 5K with Becky.

Cindy's finish in Missoula

Cindy running NOBO 4 miler

As for the rest of the year, we seem to have mimicked 2014.  We got yet another dog, Gabby Noelle, on Christmas eve.  She is a nice addition to the family and Casey seems to have perked up a bit by having a friend.  Gabby has much more energy at the moment and Casey is so laid back. The size difference is substantial but he seems to be treating her well and welcomed her from day one.

We visited Calvin and Jenn in Asheville during their country-wide trip, Becky and the family in Cincinnati including a baby-sitting weekend, went to Wrightsville Beach for Cindy's birthday, with heavy hearts had the Shilling family reunion at Todd and Sharon's house, Shilling Christmas dinner at Susie's, Thanksgiving in Asheville, welcomed Shawn and family to our house, and welcomed two great, great nieces to our family from Taylor and Justine.

In 2014, Cindy and I visited Paris for her work.  In 2015, we visited London as we both had to go to Nottingham for work.  It was a quick trip to London but we packed a lot of sightseeing into a weekend before heading up to the midlands.  I must say, it is nicer traveling to the UK with her than alone.

Big Ben

So, for the usual stats:

• Ran 229 of 365 days (80 days less than 2014)
• Ran 1,421 miles (247 miles less than 2014)
• Avg. per running day: 6.2 miles (1.1 miles more per running day than 2014)
• Avg. over 365 days: 3.9 miles (.6 miles less per day over 365 days than 2014)
• Number of marathons: 6 (2 less than 2014)
• Avg. marathon finish time: 4:57:24 (Cincinnati best 4:25.34 and Kauai worst 7:04:24) This is 33 minutes worse than 2014 although the outlier of Kauai skewed this (see post above.) Without Kauai, average time was 4:36:14 (12 minutes slower than 2014)
• Avg. age-graded time: 4:20 (3:52:35 best) (4:02 without Kauai)
• Number of states: 5 + DC
• Number of new states: 2
• Total number of states: 50
• Total marathons: 89
• Total marathons/ultras: 97
• Number of races at other distances: 6 ( 4 half-marathons 2:01:45 age-graded 1:45:45); 8K and 10 miler
• Number of blog entries: 15 (119 less than 2014) I really want to write more in 2016!
• Number of meals donated to Durham Rescue Mission: 1,073
• Ran over 100 miles in all months but one in 2015 85-147 miles
• Avg. 118 miles per month (21 miles less per month than 2014)
• Avg. 27 miles per week (5 less per week than 2014)

I've kept this focused primarily on running but the year was adventuresome in so many ways.  As always, I thank God who has afforded me

the health and means to do the things I have done and who has also put Cindy into my life.  Without her support and our relationship, these moments would have been hollow.

I also know 2016 is going to be a challenging year for running but I still vow to do the best I can at the age I am. I still believe that it is better to wear out than fade away. I am convinced that we wear out faster when doing nothing than by being overly active. So, get out there, be active and I'll see you on the road or trail.