Bourbon Chase 2010

 

 

Dave, Tom, Carole, Shawna, Jen, Me

This past weekend I took part in the Bourbon Chase 200 mile relay which runs from Clermont, Kentucky to Lexington, Kentucky along the Bourbon Trail. I will say that the best part of this event was running it with a great group of friends.

This all started a couple of months ago when we were having our pre race meeting for the Red Eye Relay. We found out that there was a spot open that we could take, we just had to have the entry money right then. We made it happen. Next thing you know, it’s 3 months later and your running 200 miles across Kentucky!

The day started off pretty early for everyone, I think. At least it did for me. We had planned on meeting at the Y at 9. So I was out of bed around 6:30 am in order to make sure that the kids were up and ready to head out the door for school. After that it was time to double check and make sure that I had everything that I needed. I was planning on heading to Panera Bread to pick up a dozen bagels for us to munch on as we ran. So I was not too surprised when I got a text from Jen requesting a Pumpkin Spice latte. It was like she was reading my mind! After having breakfast with Autumn we made our way to the Y to meet everyone.

When I pulled into the parking lot I didn’t see anyone else. So I started second guessing myself and thinking maybe I had misunderstood where we were meeting. I had already made the mistake of thinking that we were meeting at 8:30 instead of 9. Luckily I asked Shawna and she told me the correct time, only after asking if I was drunk during our meeting. I was only there a few minutes before everyone else showed up. Then it was up to Brad, Shawna’s husband and driver extraordinaire, to figure out the jigsaw puzzle he had to put together in order to get all of our gear into the back of the Suburban. So we stood around and watched as he made it happen. Next thing you know, we were on our way.

Not sure exactly how long it really took to get there, but it seemed pretty quick to me. We made a quick pit stop for gas and fuel for Brad before heading to the Jim Beam distillery in Clermont. Once we were there it was time to check in. We had a little under an hour until our start time. Suddenly you would think that we had never done this before. I headed to the check in with no id, so as I ran back to the car to get it I handed Dave my waiver. When I got back, Shawna said that I was checked in and that she was my emergency contact because she couldn’t find my waiver. I thought I had actually given it to her. It wasn’t until Dave turned in his that we realized what I had done. Then it was on to the start, at which point we realized my number was in the car! Again, are we new at this? Shawna took off for the car for me.

I finally had my number when I realized that I had left my water bottle sitting on my kitchen counter. Not sure where my head was when getting ready for this one. The only good thing is that for whatever reason I don’t usually drink a lot when I run. Not sure why, but I don’t. My first leg was only 7 miles, so I knew I would be fine.

Before I knew it we were off! The first leg ran along a very nice trail for almost 3 miles. It was pretty awesome. I could get down with running on those type of trails, but the ones that involve climbing mud banks and crossing streams don’t appeal to me at all. I managed to finish my first leg in a little under an hour. Then it was up to everyone else to get there legs done, which they did in awesome fashion!

Me at the start.

The rotation went me, Dave, Carole, Tom, Shawna, and Jen. This went on for the rest of the night and into the next day.

As we arrived at the half way point we got a bit of a surprise. Jen was coming in to hand off to me. As she approached the hand off and called out our team number they told us that we had to stop because we had a 2 hour hold. When we asked why, they told us that we were running 43 seconds faster than the times that we had submitted when we signed up. Now mind you, these times were submitted almost 3 months ago. Don’t they think that just maybe we might be a little bit faster? Or that because the weather was great we were running great? Brad immediately called Shawna and told her that her and Tom needed to head over there. Before I knew it Shawna and Tom were by my side. They then began to argue our case. Tom said that he was not waiting 2 hours. He said that we were either running and getting DQ’d or going home. So we headed back to the van to see what everyone wanted to do. We decided to run it and let them DQ us if they wanted. Tom and I headed back to the hand off and when Tom told them that we were going anyway they said that it was fixed and we were good to go. They said that they would add our time back. If they did or not, I’m not sure. I do know that at that point we were less than 2 minutes behind the leading men’s ultra team. It was definitely a momentum killer.

At that point everyone only had 3 legs left. I ran my 4th leg with a lady from Cincinnati. It was kind of nice to have someone to talk to over the next 5 miles. It kept me from running too fast. I ended up averaging about 8:45’s for this leg, which was good. Before we knew it the sun was coming up and we were coming in to the home stretch.

I think that everyone was just about wiped out before starting there final leg, but everyone dug deep and pulled it out. We ended up finishing 200 miles in 29:48:07. I think we kicked major ass!!

Me coming in on my final leg. I was ready to be done!

Next on my agenda is the Indianapolis Monumental Marathon. This will be my first. The awesome thing is that everyone from the relay, with the exception of Brad, will be running it with me. How awesome is that. I can’t wait. I am sure there will be more relays in my future, because they kick ass and we have an awesome team.

Congrats to our team, wearejustdoing9:40s! Can’t wait until next time.

The Farthest I've Ever Gone

This past week was kind of weird. It was one of those weeks that I just didn't have the motivation to run. Maybe that was due to the fact that most of my runs would have to be done on my own. Not sure. But for what ever reason, I only managed to put in 3 runs this week. 

It started off pretty good with an afternoon run on Monday. Nothing crazy or particularly memorable about his run except good company and a pretty decent pace. After that I seemed to get lazy. I knew that I should run, I just didn't. It happens. Tuesday and Wednesday came and went without me lacing up the running shoes one time. Thursdays I always head into work on second shift, so I use it as a rest day. Not that I needed it to be at this point.

Friday morning came and I was back on the streets. I met Shawna and Dave for an early morning run. It was another good run. As we ran we discussed what we were planning on doing Saturday morning. I wanted to run 20. Of course Shawna, the overachiever, was wanting to do 24. Dave, who is now the newest member of the Bourbon Chase team, was down for whatever.

Saturday morning came with a 4:30 alarm. I managed to drag my ass out of bed and get ready so that I could meet everyone at the Y at 5. I was the first to show up, but was soon joined by Dave and Shawna. Before I knew it we were on our way. As we started out Shawna reminded me again that we were doing 24! There was a chance that another runner, who no one really wanted to join us, would be showing up around 6. So we came up with a scheme to stay out a little longer on our first loop to try and miss them. Our first loop was just under 8 miles. Unfortunately, as we were making our way to the cars to refill water bottles and GU, we saw the runner in the parking lot. Oh well. We quickly came up with a plan to head out on a route that would add about 12 miles to our run. I was happy with this.

As we headed out Shawna came up with the plan to add miles to the route by heading across the bridge into Kentucky. I think that is where she got me, I love running across the bridge. I have only done it a couple of times, but it is a very cool experience. On a good note, we were able to let the other runner leave us by slowing down. Before I knew it we were crossing the bridge. 

Once across the bridge we made our way along a few streets near the river. We took a few walk breaks, which were very welcome at the time. Then it was back on the bridge for the return home. Dave was beginning to slow down and have to walk more. This was completely understandable. He has made a huge leap in mileage over the past couple of weeks. As we approached the 19 mile mark, I mentioned that I would be entering virgin territory. Once the Garmin alerted me to 19 miles I began to say, with every step, "This is the farthest I have run." I don't think it took too long for that to get old, but it was fun while it lasted. 

As we were making our way into what I thought was the home stretch Shawna tells me that we are making a turn. Dammit! I could see where I wanted to go! So we made the turn, which ended up adding almost a half mile to the run. I did have to stop and walk for a few minutes along the way. But in the end I ended up running 23.4 miles, and  that is the farthest I have ever gone. I was very glad when we were done, but I am glad that Shawna pushed me to go the distance. I think I have an idea how I will feel after my first marathon, which is now just 4 weeks away!

So, that is my tale of the farthest I have ever gone. It is still hard for me to believe that I ran that distance.

Later

Marathon Training: Week 11

Well, week 11 is in the bag. I can't hardly believe that I am only 5 weeks away from my first marathon. I will say that I am starting to get a bit nervous about it. Everyone that I run with keeps assuring me that I can do it, but it is still 26.2 miles!

As for this past week I had some very good runs. So let's recap, shall we?

Monday


I headed out with Shawna for an afternoon run. For what ever reason I felt like pushing the pace, so we ended up running 8:12 per mile for 5 miles. I was very happy with this. I feel like when I run with her I can push the pace without the fear of it being too much for her. That's one good thing about running with people who are faster than you.

Tuesday


When I woke up I knew that I had 7 miles in store for me. I had told Shawna that I had planned on running if she wanted to join. Unfortunately she could not. So I decided to head out alone, which I hate. As I was getting suited up I grabbed my Garmin only to realize that it only had one bar of battery remaining. I was optimistic and thought that it might hold out for the run. Man was I wrong! It only lasted for about a half mile. Luckily I had looked at the clock just before heading out the door. I ended up running 7.2 miles in 58 minutes, which was a n 8:07 pace. Woo Hoo!

Wednesday


This was hill day. I met Shawna and Tom at my favorite running store for this one. We headed out towards Moser Knob at a pretty descent pace. As we reached the hill I decided to push and see what I could do. I ended up hitting the top of the hill first, which was a first for me. I will say that I welcomed the brief break while waiting for everyone else to finish the hill. We then tacked on a mile or so to make it 4 miles before the turnaround. Then it was back to the store. With about a mile to go Shawna started to push the pace. I decided to see if I could keep up. It wasn't easy, but I did it. Our last mile was a 7:46! She constantly amazes me with her endurance and ability to push no matter how many miles she has already put in.

Friday


Long run day. I started off my day with Shawna, Jen, and Dave. Jen was heading out of town for the weekend and wanted to get in a long run, so we ended up doing 10 miles. Everyone kicked ass! Dave ended up heading in after 8 so he could get to work on time. Shawna, Jen and I finished off our run by heading through my neighborhood.

Later that evening Shawna and I headed out for an evening run once I got home from work. We ended up putting in an awesome 14 miler. I will say that the highlight of the run was when I scared the shit out of her near a cemetery. As we were walking up the hill near the cemetery she said that she was seeing a red light in it. So as she was walking and looking into the cemetery I grabbed her shoulder. She jumped pretty damn good before punching me. I deserved it, but it was well worth it.

So that is how my week went. Today was filled with my daughters Cross Country and my sons Band Competition. I am glad they are involved in these things, but I am also glad that I am done for the day.

Monday starts week 12. I will keep you posted.

Later