Waiting for the express
Monday, May 03, 2010
Broad Street Run
Some day I will wake on the first Sunday in May and it will be sunny, cool, and dry but not this year. Last Sunday I did a Tri and it was wet and cold, this Sunday hot, humid, hazy.
I no longer run distances, but I do run Broad Street. (I haven't updated this blog for a long time and perhaps I will explain in a future post). I have not run ten miles since last year so I lined up with some trepidation and felt somewhat like a poser. I do Broad Street for sentimental reasons. It was my first long distances race and I still remember the excitement of running with thousands of runners. Coming up to the first water stop and hearing a crunching sound and realizing it was runners crunching plastic cups (I noted that all the cups yesterday were paper but there was one water station where you had to run carefully to avoid slipping on a carpet of cups and there was that satisfying crunch.)
Generally speaking I thought the race organizers did a great job managing such a huge crowd. I usually park in Roosevelt Park (the race use to end in Roosevelt Park - the Navy Yard makes a much better finish) close to the Subway stop but about a mile and half from the finish. I got an express subway and a seat. Even though it was an early train it was packed and when we got to Broad and Olney there were already thousands of runners. I walked to the football field and promptly used a porta potty since I knew that later the lines would be impossible. Much to my surprise it was pristine and the toilet paper was still wrapped – don’t think I ever encountered that before.
They changed the baggage checked this year. Rather then based on your bib number it was a first come first serve system; each runner received a band that id’d their bus and bag. I think the idea was that instead of waiting for all the runners to check their bag, each bus could leave as packed. I didn’t think the wait was onerous and it was very easy to retrieve my bag at the end.
I must give a shout out to volunteers – whether it is a small event like last week’s triathlon ord huge like yesterday these events wouldn’t happen without volunteers. I found the bus kids, the water givers, the food tent people full of spirit. Kudos to whoever organizes this effort. (Last week volunteers stood for hours in a cold, drizzly rain and still cheered us on when us back of pack got to them).
It took me 13 minutes to get to the start line – the longest ever but once we started running I didn’t found it too difficult to get into a rhythm and found I didn’t need to dodge or weave too much.
A little about the course: Broad Street is one of the longer straight streets (interrupted only by City Hall) in the country. It is very urban with very few residences (until South Philadelphia). You past Philly’s industrial past especially at Broad and Leigh. You past Temple Hospital and Temple University. There is the sad relic of the Divine Lorraine Hotel, the Inquier building, City Hall (one time the largest government building in the world), and then in succession the Union League, Academy of Music and the Kimel Center. By Broad and Oregon I am ready to finish but there’s still a couple of miles. It is always a shock to get to Broad and Pattison and realize there still a mile to go.
By habit I have always run the in southbound lane but I heard a runner point out the northbound lane was somewhat shaded and immediately changed over. It added some steps but was worthwhile. Contrary to my expectations I never had a problem getting water and, although it probably costs me a couple of minutes, I made sure I stopped at each station (normally I skip stations) and actually drink the water. I took one power bar gel right after City Hall and a Succeed Tablet at mile seven. No cramping and while slow I finished feeling strong.
I wish my time hadn’t slipped over 1:40 but given conditions felt satisfied. (Not for the first time I was struck by how young everyone around me seemed. Sigh!).
Usually I avoid water sprays from hydrants because I fear wet shoes means blisters but after mile five I did every hydrant and it felt good.
Note to future racers as you near the Navy Yard there is a downhill. Use it. It will be the last time you can really race for speed. Once you enter the Navy Yard the course narrows and the crowded conditions make a spurt for the finish line difficult.
The “chip” is now in the race bib so no stopping at the finish. Some crowding and a slow slog thru the refreshment area and then out into the amazingly crowded Parade Grounds.
Didn’t run into people I expected to see. Ran into people I didn’t expect to see. Did see Neil Weygandt and got to congratulate him on another Boston finish (42???? quite a record). Then the long, slow walk back to car.
Glad I did it. Unlike someI quite enjoyed the crowds. Yes it is much too crowded. Yes there is a lot of hurry up and wait. Yes there are people who really shouldn’t be running a 5K let alone ten miles. But there is a great spirit to this race and tremendous energy of human spirit. I hope I can do it again next year.
P.S. It turns out that cross training does aerobically prepare you. You won't be fast but you will finish with energy left. I was skeptical that the elliptical training was really preparing me aerobically but so far this season I have a second in my age group in a 5K (obviously being in the 60+ age group helps), a first in my tri age group (ok there were only two competitors in that age group), and a Broad Street finish that the results say I'm in the 55 percentile. And my hip doesn't hurt. Yes I am well satisfied.
\
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Wetsuits
This morning I swam for the first time using a wetsuit. I thought it would be a good idea to get use to the feel of the suit before I used it in the triathlon. I had read that a suit gives increased buoyancy but I was pleasantly surprised by how much easier it seemed to make swimming. My fifty yard laps were on average about 10 seconds faster. This greatly increased my confidence in taking on open water.
But that is not the point of this post. Last Sunday I watched this report on CBS’ Sunday Morning on the new swimsuits that are causing world records to crash.
Now I suppose this is analogous to when pole vaulters made the switch to fiberglass, but it seems to me that this changes the whole nature of the sport. You could get new world records by making the pool 10 centimeters shorter. Shouldn’t a line be drawn separating the records before these suits and after and not pretend that human performance changed.
Chad Brooks
This morning I swam for the first time using a wetsuit. I thought it would be a good idea to get use to the feel of the suit before I used it in the triathlon. I had read that a suit gives increased buoyancy but I was pleasantly surprised by how much easier it seemed to make swimming. My fifty yard laps were on average about 10 seconds faster. This greatly increased my confidence in taking on open water.
But that is not the point of this post. Last Sunday I watched this report on CBS’ Sunday Morning on the new swimsuits that are causing world records to crash.
Now I suppose this is analogous to when pole vaulters made the switch to fiberglass, but it seems to me that this changes the whole nature of the sport. You could get new world records by making the pool 10 centimeters shorter. Shouldn’t a line be drawn separating the records before these suits and after and not pretend that human performance changed.
Chad Brooks
Monday, May 05, 2008
Broad Street 2008
Well I dipped deep into Dr. McShane’s bank yesterday. Ten miles is the longest I have run since last year’s Broad Street. Many of you know my story but for new readers: I had a busy race season last year. After two half marathons I began to feel pain in my gut. I thought it was a muscle pull of some kind but it turned out to be arthritis in my hip due to a bone spur on my femur that had destroyed cartilage in the hip socket. (One question I have is why a hip problem manifests itself as gut pain.)
One medical opinion was that I should never run again. The analogy was to a bank account where you can make withdrawals but not deposits.
So for several months I didn’t run at all. I turned all my attention to biking, swimming and strength training. But I never stopped missing the run and when several weeks back I began running I decided to do Broad Street.
This has become a very big race. 19,112 finishers. A cool cloudy morning but the overnight rain has ended and the race will be dry. It is amazing to stand on Broad at Sommerville and see the sea of humanity stretched out before you. No wave start (although there were hints that next year they may go to that system) it is strictly an honor system. I had never started so far back and it took six minutes to get to the start.
But it was a good decision. I wasn’t tempted to go out too fast and settled into a comfortable pace. The first mile is a little bumpy as you pass runners who mis-seeded themselves. After that I had pretty clear running in a crowd going pretty much my pace. I was hitting each mile very close to nine minutes and the miles seemed to be flying by. I was minded of Big Brown’s jockey who said he held his horse back for the first part of the race so that he would be strong in the stretch. For once I had the discipline to race within my ability so that the race felt comfortable. I didn’t take water at every stop which I think helped my pacing – I did make the mistake of taking Gatorade at one point. Now I have had good luck with Endurance which is what they had on the course but this time it didn’t settle well. When we got near the Academy of Music Gov. Rendell was in his usual spot and for the very first time I went out of my way to give him a high five. What the heck if he is dedicated enough to be out here every year I may as well recognize him. Circus Soleil is in Town with a production and their bright blue and yellow circus tent attracted my attention at Broad and Carpenter. At this point (seven miles) I was quite confident I was going to finish in ninety minutes. Mile eight has always been a tough one for me. And I flagged a bit. But when I got to nine at Pattison I tried picking up the pace. For the first time in the race a lot of people were passing me but I was still passing people. Right before the entrance to the Navy Yard you get a nice downhill and I could pick it up but after entering the Navy Yard I felt pretty done in (remember this is the farthest I had run in a year). A pretty young thing ran up beside. I don’t know why she picked on me but she began to encourage me – you’re close now, let’s go, you can do it. I began to accelerate to the finish and even though by this time the Gatorade was in full rebellion I managed a strong finish. My watch said 1:30:19 (and the chip time would turn out to be 1:30:18). I wanted to thank my cheerleader but never did see her in the crush of finishers but maybe she was a figment of my imagination or a guardian angel. The sun had peeked out just as we got to mile 9 and the sun felt good as we exited the refreshment area and headed for the gear buses. As I trekked the mile and half back to my car I marveled that runners were still coming in. The walk back was pleasant as I chatted with fellow runners about the day. Had a great parking spot in FDR Park and was quickly on my way without any parking lot hassle.
“Fellow runners”. I guess that why I am addicted. There is just something about the immersion into a big race. It begins with the ritual of the Expo. Giving guidance to the newbies and seeing old friends. Like any Gnostic movement – you feel you’re in on some secret the rest of humanity doesn’t know. The feeling grows as you assemble on Broad anxious to begin the journey and continues as you survey the runners closing rituals standing on the Marine Parade Grounds. As the fans pour in for the Phillies game probably pissed off at all the traffic hassles, you have this sense of accomplishment but more a sense of community. All these strangers were engaged in doing something difficult and you were part of it. If you have never done a big race try it – I think you will find it’s worth the hassles. I’m glad I made a withdrawal.
Well I dipped deep into Dr. McShane’s bank yesterday. Ten miles is the longest I have run since last year’s Broad Street. Many of you know my story but for new readers: I had a busy race season last year. After two half marathons I began to feel pain in my gut. I thought it was a muscle pull of some kind but it turned out to be arthritis in my hip due to a bone spur on my femur that had destroyed cartilage in the hip socket. (One question I have is why a hip problem manifests itself as gut pain.)
One medical opinion was that I should never run again. The analogy was to a bank account where you can make withdrawals but not deposits.
So for several months I didn’t run at all. I turned all my attention to biking, swimming and strength training. But I never stopped missing the run and when several weeks back I began running I decided to do Broad Street.
This has become a very big race. 19,112 finishers. A cool cloudy morning but the overnight rain has ended and the race will be dry. It is amazing to stand on Broad at Sommerville and see the sea of humanity stretched out before you. No wave start (although there were hints that next year they may go to that system) it is strictly an honor system. I had never started so far back and it took six minutes to get to the start.
But it was a good decision. I wasn’t tempted to go out too fast and settled into a comfortable pace. The first mile is a little bumpy as you pass runners who mis-seeded themselves. After that I had pretty clear running in a crowd going pretty much my pace. I was hitting each mile very close to nine minutes and the miles seemed to be flying by. I was minded of Big Brown’s jockey who said he held his horse back for the first part of the race so that he would be strong in the stretch. For once I had the discipline to race within my ability so that the race felt comfortable. I didn’t take water at every stop which I think helped my pacing – I did make the mistake of taking Gatorade at one point. Now I have had good luck with Endurance which is what they had on the course but this time it didn’t settle well. When we got near the Academy of Music Gov. Rendell was in his usual spot and for the very first time I went out of my way to give him a high five. What the heck if he is dedicated enough to be out here every year I may as well recognize him. Circus Soleil is in Town with a production and their bright blue and yellow circus tent attracted my attention at Broad and Carpenter. At this point (seven miles) I was quite confident I was going to finish in ninety minutes. Mile eight has always been a tough one for me. And I flagged a bit. But when I got to nine at Pattison I tried picking up the pace. For the first time in the race a lot of people were passing me but I was still passing people. Right before the entrance to the Navy Yard you get a nice downhill and I could pick it up but after entering the Navy Yard I felt pretty done in (remember this is the farthest I had run in a year). A pretty young thing ran up beside. I don’t know why she picked on me but she began to encourage me – you’re close now, let’s go, you can do it. I began to accelerate to the finish and even though by this time the Gatorade was in full rebellion I managed a strong finish. My watch said 1:30:19 (and the chip time would turn out to be 1:30:18). I wanted to thank my cheerleader but never did see her in the crush of finishers but maybe she was a figment of my imagination or a guardian angel. The sun had peeked out just as we got to mile 9 and the sun felt good as we exited the refreshment area and headed for the gear buses. As I trekked the mile and half back to my car I marveled that runners were still coming in. The walk back was pleasant as I chatted with fellow runners about the day. Had a great parking spot in FDR Park and was quickly on my way without any parking lot hassle.
“Fellow runners”. I guess that why I am addicted. There is just something about the immersion into a big race. It begins with the ritual of the Expo. Giving guidance to the newbies and seeing old friends. Like any Gnostic movement – you feel you’re in on some secret the rest of humanity doesn’t know. The feeling grows as you assemble on Broad anxious to begin the journey and continues as you survey the runners closing rituals standing on the Marine Parade Grounds. As the fans pour in for the Phillies game probably pissed off at all the traffic hassles, you have this sense of accomplishment but more a sense of community. All these strangers were engaged in doing something difficult and you were part of it. If you have never done a big race try it – I think you will find it’s worth the hassles. I’m glad I made a withdrawal.
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Back to the Future
I ran ten miles today. It seems remarkable. I really thought that part of my life was over. I am realistic. I know I am withdrawing from the "hip" bank but ...
A few weeks ago I got involved with a new 5K to be run in Haverford. The course is really just a modification of the Haverford Township Day course. I used my Garmin to set the course and get it as close to 5K as possible. The course was designed to end on the High School track and it was fun figuring out the course which began in front of the middle school building.
Last Saturday I ran the course twice and realized I felt pretty good so today I decided to go for the ten miles.
Next week is Broad Street. I had signed up for the run a couple of months ago with no firm idea if I would be able to do the course.
I ran out today under a cool, cloudy sky. The course is my old favorite of running out thru Merion Golf Manor, to the golf course and over to Haverford College and doing the nature trail loop. I was slow but steady. With each step I gain confidence that I could easily do the distance. Hip feels good.
I have been preparing to run a triathlon in June by swimming and biking in the gym. My runs have been on the weekend and until last Saturday were never longer then four miles.
Friday I tried a mini-tri in the gym. I swam for 30 minutes, then biked for 30 minutes, then ran for 10 minutes on the treadmill.
So here we go. A year has gone by but I feel I will run. Carefully. But I will run.
I ran ten miles today. It seems remarkable. I really thought that part of my life was over. I am realistic. I know I am withdrawing from the "hip" bank but ...
A few weeks ago I got involved with a new 5K to be run in Haverford. The course is really just a modification of the Haverford Township Day course. I used my Garmin to set the course and get it as close to 5K as possible. The course was designed to end on the High School track and it was fun figuring out the course which began in front of the middle school building.
Last Saturday I ran the course twice and realized I felt pretty good so today I decided to go for the ten miles.
Next week is Broad Street. I had signed up for the run a couple of months ago with no firm idea if I would be able to do the course.
I ran out today under a cool, cloudy sky. The course is my old favorite of running out thru Merion Golf Manor, to the golf course and over to Haverford College and doing the nature trail loop. I was slow but steady. With each step I gain confidence that I could easily do the distance. Hip feels good.
I have been preparing to run a triathlon in June by swimming and biking in the gym. My runs have been on the weekend and until last Saturday were never longer then four miles.
Friday I tried a mini-tri in the gym. I swam for 30 minutes, then biked for 30 minutes, then ran for 10 minutes on the treadmill.
So here we go. A year has gone by but I feel I will run. Carefully. But I will run.
Monday, June 04, 2007
Arthritis
I never did a Broad Street Run report. I haven't reported on that race because it was the beginning of an odyssey I would rather have not taken.
Not long after I ran the Washington Marathon Half I experienced pain in the groin area. At first I presumed I had just over did it with two half marathons two weeks apart. I cut back - way back - on running and even skipped a couple of races that I love. (I did work both races and found being on the other side interesting and fun even if less satisfying than running.)
However, I was determined not to miss Broad Street. So on that first Sunday in May I lined up as I have done for ten years. The first five miles were great and despite my lay off I was able to do consistent 8 minute miles. Then the wheels fell off. I got slower and slower even though aerobically I felt pretty good.
I had already alerted my primary physician that if the pain persisted after Broad Street I would ask for an orthopedic referral. I recently went on cholesterol medication and was not doing well on that and needed to see him anyway.
So two weeks ago I saw an orthopedic surgeon. Even then I really believed I had nothing more that a muscle pull and in the end would just feel silly wasting the Doc's time. I liked Dr. Smith very much (and he saw me on schedule and he took his time). He poked and prodded. And then ordered x-rays. Because my medical plan didn't allow his office to do the x-rays (I know it probably has something to do with preventing fraud or abuse but what waste of my time) I had to go to a second site and then schedule an appointment two weeks out. Meanwhile, he put me on Naproxin and the pain subsided but didn't go away. I biked, swam, walked, kayaked (for the first time) but I didn't run.
On Friday afternoon I had my appointment. I brought x-rays with me but obviously Dr. Smith already had the radiologists report. He slapped the x-rays up and without much fanfare blandly stated you have severe arthritis in your right hip and the beginnings in you left hip.
And that was it. Just like that my world was turned upside down. No treatment, no physical therapy, no hope. Eventually, a hip replacement. Will running make it worse? Yes. Will not running make it better? No. It's progressive and it is going to get worse no matter what I do. So run but don't over do it and don't do marathons.
He did recommend I try a cortisone injection which has to be done by a different Doc in a different office because it must be done by Ultrasound. Since I have an irrational phobia about needles I am not looking forward to the procedure. (Despite every effort on my part I frequently pass out when blood it taken. Very annoying but completely beyond control by the higher functioning part of the brain).
I am currently whipsawing thru all the stages of grief except acceptance. I am very much trying to put it into perspective: it's not like being diagnosis with cancer. It is an inconvenience not a tragedy, etc, etc. And yet I am very angry, and guilty (did I bring it on by doing too much), and most of all very, very sad.
If only...if only I could have had another year. Just this year, my sixtieth, I would have been satisfied. Instead I feel cheated.
My wife says I can buy a kayak after all it's not anymore expensive that ten pair of shoes. And I do love to bike . but still to never run the trails, or up the beach, or go to a new city and run its streets.
I am not and have never been a competitive athlete but I think I know how a professional feels when he has a career ending injury or just gets too old for the game. It is not the fame or fortune but giving up the game itself.
Sigh. (Can you tell I am feeling sorry for myself?)
Chad Brooks
I never did a Broad Street Run report. I haven't reported on that race because it was the beginning of an odyssey I would rather have not taken.
Not long after I ran the Washington Marathon Half I experienced pain in the groin area. At first I presumed I had just over did it with two half marathons two weeks apart. I cut back - way back - on running and even skipped a couple of races that I love. (I did work both races and found being on the other side interesting and fun even if less satisfying than running.)
However, I was determined not to miss Broad Street. So on that first Sunday in May I lined up as I have done for ten years. The first five miles were great and despite my lay off I was able to do consistent 8 minute miles. Then the wheels fell off. I got slower and slower even though aerobically I felt pretty good.
I had already alerted my primary physician that if the pain persisted after Broad Street I would ask for an orthopedic referral. I recently went on cholesterol medication and was not doing well on that and needed to see him anyway.
So two weeks ago I saw an orthopedic surgeon. Even then I really believed I had nothing more that a muscle pull and in the end would just feel silly wasting the Doc's time. I liked Dr. Smith very much (and he saw me on schedule and he took his time). He poked and prodded. And then ordered x-rays. Because my medical plan didn't allow his office to do the x-rays (I know it probably has something to do with preventing fraud or abuse but what waste of my time) I had to go to a second site and then schedule an appointment two weeks out. Meanwhile, he put me on Naproxin and the pain subsided but didn't go away. I biked, swam, walked, kayaked (for the first time) but I didn't run.
On Friday afternoon I had my appointment. I brought x-rays with me but obviously Dr. Smith already had the radiologists report. He slapped the x-rays up and without much fanfare blandly stated you have severe arthritis in your right hip and the beginnings in you left hip.
And that was it. Just like that my world was turned upside down. No treatment, no physical therapy, no hope. Eventually, a hip replacement. Will running make it worse? Yes. Will not running make it better? No. It's progressive and it is going to get worse no matter what I do. So run but don't over do it and don't do marathons.
He did recommend I try a cortisone injection which has to be done by a different Doc in a different office because it must be done by Ultrasound. Since I have an irrational phobia about needles I am not looking forward to the procedure. (Despite every effort on my part I frequently pass out when blood it taken. Very annoying but completely beyond control by the higher functioning part of the brain).
I am currently whipsawing thru all the stages of grief except acceptance. I am very much trying to put it into perspective: it's not like being diagnosis with cancer. It is an inconvenience not a tragedy, etc, etc. And yet I am very angry, and guilty (did I bring it on by doing too much), and most of all very, very sad.
If only...if only I could have had another year. Just this year, my sixtieth, I would have been satisfied. Instead I feel cheated.
My wife says I can buy a kayak after all it's not anymore expensive that ten pair of shoes. And I do love to bike . but still to never run the trails, or up the beach, or go to a new city and run its streets.
I am not and have never been a competitive athlete but I think I know how a professional feels when he has a career ending injury or just gets too old for the game. It is not the fame or fortune but giving up the game itself.
Sigh. (Can you tell I am feeling sorry for myself?)
Chad Brooks
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
WIREFLY NATIONAL MARATHON
Since that original email there have been some interesting developments.
A fellow member of the Dead Runners Society also ran the Half Marathon. She had a blog entry relating her experience with the race and here's an excerpt in which she captures her views of the positives and negatives (most of which I agree with) - my commentary is in italics:
Positives:
Challenging course without being a killer. Huge downhill by the Capitol at mile 2; rolling hills from miles 8 through 12 -- but all runnable, nothing too brutal.
I worried about paying back that downhill but there was no comparable uphill - whew!!
Excellent course layout through interesting neighborhoods and through the Mall
I thought it was a little boring after we left the Mall area
Several occasions to see front-runners on other side of road
I always like the chance to see the front runners but this did come early in the race.
Fantastic road closures, well-monitored
Plenty of room to run after the first mile
Frequent, well-stocked aid stations, including gel at Mile 9 of the half
Lots of parking close to the start
Best parking ever for a larger size race. I was literally steps from the finish.
Ample bathrooms (and shelter from rain!) at start
You can never have too many porta potties - for once there were plenty
Nice medals and finish area
I would add that the baggage check was handled pretty well. Checked in and out without any hassles.
One of few races requiring qualifying times - knowledgeable runners
Good support by DC Mayor Fenty, who ran the marathon
Fun atmosphere
Free beer! (But at 9 AM - not exactly breakfast food.)
Negatives:
Ugly white see-through t-shirt, although technical fabric
Another ugly tshirt - why can't they have better designs!
Few exhibitors at expo (and having to go there on a Friday)
We were really surprised by how small the expo was. With 4000 participants you would think some more vendors would be interested. Maybe the fees were too high. The expo was a big disappointment.
Somewhat disorganized corral-free, seeding-free start
I really hated the start. We were crowded in at an angle with no idea what pace those around you intended. The first mile as a result was really slow. The promised pI ace groups were completely disorganized and definitely didn't run at pace. Probably my biggest criticism of the race.
Some aid stations were light on volunteers
Some broken city pavement after the winter
Unpredictable weather (rainy at the start this year, then drizzle for most of the race)
Can't blame to race organizers for the weather but it was a shame to have the start marred by heavy rain. Also due to Daylight Time it was very dark.
Minimal food selection at finish area (bagels and bananas) although ample
I don't really care as long as they have plenty of water and bananas and they did.
Leading marathoners had to run through half-marathoners at finish - could have been prevented with better coning to split road in last mile
Half marathon course probably long
Turns out it was long - the race director sent me a nice apology but admitted it was long (didn't say how much). From Nancy's account and comments on Marathon Guide it looks like at least .4 mile.
Proprietary chips with ankle straps (although I'm used to those)
Few spectators, relatively little support from local residents
Wow was this a spectator free race. Even less then Philadelphia which can be sparse.
It is amazing how empty a big city can be (it's early on a rainy Saturday but still . . .)
Incorrect timing data on website after race, no email contact provided for corrections
_________________
So that was how two runners saw the race. Pretty much in agreement. It is a good effort for their second time out. Lots of area for improvement - but not a bad experience. I wonder if it will survive. The Washington Post on Sunday had some blistering comments from locals who were very unhappy with the road closures. When I was running I had a feeling there were some colossal traffic tie ups but I feel there was plenty of advanced warning in the media and we saw electronic signs coming in to Washington that warned of road closures for the marathon. The first time they tried a spring marathon in Washington there was a lot of criticism because it was on a Sunday and on Palm Sunday. The Saturday start at least prevents that and it is early enough that most roads should be open by 11 AM.
I liked the race enough that I hope it survives and prospers. Once was enough for me.
Since that original email there have been some interesting developments.
A fellow member of the Dead Runners Society also ran the Half Marathon. She had a blog entry relating her experience with the race and here's an excerpt in which she captures her views of the positives and negatives (most of which I agree with) - my commentary is in italics:
Positives:
Challenging course without being a killer. Huge downhill by the Capitol at mile 2; rolling hills from miles 8 through 12 -- but all runnable, nothing too brutal.
I worried about paying back that downhill but there was no comparable uphill - whew!!
Excellent course layout through interesting neighborhoods and through the Mall
I thought it was a little boring after we left the Mall area
Several occasions to see front-runners on other side of road
I always like the chance to see the front runners but this did come early in the race.
Fantastic road closures, well-monitored
Plenty of room to run after the first mile
Frequent, well-stocked aid stations, including gel at Mile 9 of the half
Lots of parking close to the start
Best parking ever for a larger size race. I was literally steps from the finish.
Ample bathrooms (and shelter from rain!) at start
You can never have too many porta potties - for once there were plenty
Nice medals and finish area
I would add that the baggage check was handled pretty well. Checked in and out without any hassles.
One of few races requiring qualifying times - knowledgeable runners
Good support by DC Mayor Fenty, who ran the marathon
Fun atmosphere
Free beer! (But at 9 AM - not exactly breakfast food.)
Negatives:
Ugly white see-through t-shirt, although technical fabric
Another ugly tshirt - why can't they have better designs!
Few exhibitors at expo (and having to go there on a Friday)
We were really surprised by how small the expo was. With 4000 participants you would think some more vendors would be interested. Maybe the fees were too high. The expo was a big disappointment.
Somewhat disorganized corral-free, seeding-free start
I really hated the start. We were crowded in at an angle with no idea what pace those around you intended. The first mile as a result was really slow. The promised pI ace groups were completely disorganized and definitely didn't run at pace. Probably my biggest criticism of the race.
Some aid stations were light on volunteers
Some broken city pavement after the winter
Unpredictable weather (rainy at the start this year, then drizzle for most of the race)
Can't blame to race organizers for the weather but it was a shame to have the start marred by heavy rain. Also due to Daylight Time it was very dark.
Minimal food selection at finish area (bagels and bananas) although ample
I don't really care as long as they have plenty of water and bananas and they did.
Leading marathoners had to run through half-marathoners at finish - could have been prevented with better coning to split road in last mile
Half marathon course probably long
Turns out it was long - the race director sent me a nice apology but admitted it was long (didn't say how much). From Nancy's account and comments on Marathon Guide it looks like at least .4 mile.
Proprietary chips with ankle straps (although I'm used to those)
Few spectators, relatively little support from local residents
Wow was this a spectator free race. Even less then Philadelphia which can be sparse.
It is amazing how empty a big city can be (it's early on a rainy Saturday but still . . .)
Incorrect timing data on website after race, no email contact provided for corrections
_________________
So that was how two runners saw the race. Pretty much in agreement. It is a good effort for their second time out. Lots of area for improvement - but not a bad experience. I wonder if it will survive. The Washington Post on Sunday had some blistering comments from locals who were very unhappy with the road closures. When I was running I had a feeling there were some colossal traffic tie ups but I feel there was plenty of advanced warning in the media and we saw electronic signs coming in to Washington that warned of road closures for the marathon. The first time they tried a spring marathon in Washington there was a lot of criticism because it was on a Sunday and on Palm Sunday. The Saturday start at least prevents that and it is early enough that most roads should be open by 11 AM.
I liked the race enough that I hope it survives and prospers. Once was enough for me.
WIREFLY NATIONAL MARATHON
This is a quick email I composed to send to the DRS (Dead Runners Society) list
I was a little disappointed with my time -
3 3213 Charles Brooks 60 Havertown PA 1:54:33
but the 3 means I was third out of twenty in my age group. Thought I had a faster half marathon in me but it wasn't to be today. Very slow start. The field lined up without direction and without pace seeding. The first two miles very very slow, but generally I was a off on almost every mile. Partly this was due to my taking more time at the water stops because of the humidity. Lost my gel at mile two. Don't know if it makes a difference but I wish I had had it.
Very low key affair. Tiny, tiny expo. I never thought there could be less spectators then at Philly but this has to be the least specators I have ever see - especially since there were a few thousands runners.
Once you are out of the museum area there isn't much to see but running in Washington is always kind of cool. There is a short out and back portion so you get to see the leaders.
This is a quick email I composed to send to the DRS (Dead Runners Society) list
I was a little disappointed with my time -
3 3213 Charles Brooks 60 Havertown PA 1:54:33
but the 3 means I was third out of twenty in my age group. Thought I had a faster half marathon in me but it wasn't to be today. Very slow start. The field lined up without direction and without pace seeding. The first two miles very very slow, but generally I was a off on almost every mile. Partly this was due to my taking more time at the water stops because of the humidity. Lost my gel at mile two. Don't know if it makes a difference but I wish I had had it.
Very low key affair. Tiny, tiny expo. I never thought there could be less spectators then at Philly but this has to be the least specators I have ever see - especially since there were a few thousands runners.
Once you are out of the museum area there isn't much to see but running in Washington is always kind of cool. There is a short out and back portion so you get to see the leaders.
Sunday, March 11, 2007
Caesar Rodney Half Marathon
Wednesday we had what will probably be the last snow of the season. It turned out to be not much of anything. It continued cold with Friday threatening record cold but while plenty cold (19F) for my morning run it was nowhere close to the record. I chose to use the multiuse trail at Ridley because its five miles simulates Caesar Rodney. If you go left you climb steadily for two miles similar to middle miles of CR. The return leg is downhill but with short climbs interspersed with a pretty good elevation at mile 4.
Saturday warmed considerably but no running just a long walk with Max.
Spring ahead to Sunday (terrible pun I know) and the morning temps are already quite mild. It rained over night and it will be cooler than Saturday with more wind but it is still very pleasant.
I drive down to Wilmington with a friend and it is obvious that it is going to be a beautiful day.
CR is a largish race (1186 finishers) but with the feel of a smaller race. I saw lots of people I knew. First three miles are fast – I know I shouldn’t be running like that with all the hills ahead. Still it feels good. The real work begins when you enter the park. The next three miles are a steady climb through two city parks tied together by the Delaware Art Museum. When I reach Rockford Tower (the highest point in Wilmington) I know I’m home free. A couple of rolling low hills on the Rt 52 out and back then we get that long downhill back. Neil Weygandt passes me then I pass him. Wow – that’s a surprise I must be going pretty good. Neil will pass me once more and while I stay with him I can never quite catch up with this surge. Mile twelve is suddenly there – still in the park with another half mile downhill. You exit the park and make a loop to Market with a long, steep climb to the finish. Attack the hill pretty well. I am even alert enough to catch the 13 mile split. Then that short sprint to the finish watching the clock and determined to get in under 1:50. I do.
555 96 Charles Brooks M 60 Havertown PA 1:49:32 8:22 1:49:55 8:24
8/34 M60-64 456/822 M
The chip time and watch time are just one second off.
I feel great. No nausea (does that mean I didn’t push hard enough?). A young girl offers to get my chip. I get some water and a finishers medal (teeny tiny but hey I’ll take it) and wait for Mukund (who ran a crazy race slow, fast, slow). Halfs are really great – you ran hard and long but aren't so beat up that you won’t be able to run right away.
We socialize a bit and then head back for a great feature of this race – a nice hot shower at the Wilmington YMCA. I love going home all cleaned up and fresh.
I never expected to run this race with all its hills this fast. I am looking forward to the Washington National Marathon (where I will do the half) which should be a much flatter course. Can I push it to 1:48? I hope the weather and weekend is just as beautiful as today.
Wednesday we had what will probably be the last snow of the season. It turned out to be not much of anything. It continued cold with Friday threatening record cold but while plenty cold (19F) for my morning run it was nowhere close to the record. I chose to use the multiuse trail at Ridley because its five miles simulates Caesar Rodney. If you go left you climb steadily for two miles similar to middle miles of CR. The return leg is downhill but with short climbs interspersed with a pretty good elevation at mile 4.
Saturday warmed considerably but no running just a long walk with Max.
Spring ahead to Sunday (terrible pun I know) and the morning temps are already quite mild. It rained over night and it will be cooler than Saturday with more wind but it is still very pleasant.
I drive down to Wilmington with a friend and it is obvious that it is going to be a beautiful day.
CR is a largish race (1186 finishers) but with the feel of a smaller race. I saw lots of people I knew. First three miles are fast – I know I shouldn’t be running like that with all the hills ahead. Still it feels good. The real work begins when you enter the park. The next three miles are a steady climb through two city parks tied together by the Delaware Art Museum. When I reach Rockford Tower (the highest point in Wilmington) I know I’m home free. A couple of rolling low hills on the Rt 52 out and back then we get that long downhill back. Neil Weygandt passes me then I pass him. Wow – that’s a surprise I must be going pretty good. Neil will pass me once more and while I stay with him I can never quite catch up with this surge. Mile twelve is suddenly there – still in the park with another half mile downhill. You exit the park and make a loop to Market with a long, steep climb to the finish. Attack the hill pretty well. I am even alert enough to catch the 13 mile split. Then that short sprint to the finish watching the clock and determined to get in under 1:50. I do.
555 96 Charles Brooks M 60 Havertown PA 1:49:32 8:22 1:49:55 8:24
8/34 M60-64 456/822 M
The chip time and watch time are just one second off.
I feel great. No nausea (does that mean I didn’t push hard enough?). A young girl offers to get my chip. I get some water and a finishers medal (teeny tiny but hey I’ll take it) and wait for Mukund (who ran a crazy race slow, fast, slow). Halfs are really great – you ran hard and long but aren't so beat up that you won’t be able to run right away.
We socialize a bit and then head back for a great feature of this race – a nice hot shower at the Wilmington YMCA. I love going home all cleaned up and fresh.
I never expected to run this race with all its hills this fast. I am looking forward to the Washington National Marathon (where I will do the half) which should be a much flatter course. Can I push it to 1:48? I hope the weather and weekend is just as beautiful as today.
Sunday, February 18, 2007
Cold Weather Running
The talking heads like to call this area the I95 Corridor. In fact that highway does mirror a real topographical and hence weather pattern. We are often on the in between and it is notoriously difficult to get the weather forecast since a small fluctuation is the difference between rain and snow; a storm and a near miss.
The Valentine’s Day storm that trapped so many on I78 was one of those. Here in Delaware County we saw rain, snow, sleet. Mostly we escaped the worst but it left an icy remnant I was still getting rid today.
Since my oak has fallen I have often chosen to begin my trail run in the Park instead of the Arboretum. This means I can avoid crossing Rt 352 and a long swampy area before the woods…I start on the multiuse trail and have several choices of where to enter the woods. Friday I chose to enter almost immediately on the yellow trail. It is a slight uphill. The snow cover in crusted over but each step I break thru. There is a single set of human tracks where someone walked yesterday and of course lots of animal prints. Later I would see the bloody remaina of a hunter – hunted encounter.
The going is difficult but doable. At the top of the hill I enter the arboretum property. Here I am breaking trail for a while and then a stream crossing. It looks tricky but I see one safe stepping and make it across dry shod. On the other side I join up with one of the main trails and this has more human traffic and surprisingly snowmobile tracks but the advantage is that by following the tracks I have better purchase. When the tracks lead off in another direction I am breaking trail again but after a few hundreds another set of tracks. Skis – tough trail for and later I can see the marks are the skier made their way uphill. Then more fresh trail but mostly downhill so the going is easier. I need to make my way across the stream – this time I am not so luck or skillful and my left foot goes in. I am about a mile from my car and figure I will be fine if I keep moving. A short climb and I know at the top of the next hill I take a short cut to the multi use trail and figure I better use it and get to asphalt. A short run downhill and I’m done – man that foot is cold. Now I know why in the wilderness it is so dangerous to get wet.
Saturday I got my long run early and found the going pretty easy. Saturday afternoon I volunteered to help out with the Fila The Love 5K . It was held in the Coopertown section of Haverford Township. This is a brand new run invented by Bob Schwelm owner of the Bryn Mawr Running Company. This has to be one of the most challenging ideas for a brand new run I ever heard of. The idea was to run teams in five categories (blood related, lovers, mixed couple, same sex couple, and individual). Each team would start together but after 100 yards separate each running the course in a separate direction. Seeing each other in passing on the course.
I worked registration which was complicated because you had to capture all the usual information plus the team info. Some the of couples were comical – they hadn’t chosen whether they were lovers or just mixed couple. One couple went back and forth before finally settling on lover. I felt like a match maker.
Despite the complications of running two courses and the icy streets the race went very well. The timers did a great jump of getting the results quickly. I think a great tradition was started.
The talking heads like to call this area the I95 Corridor. In fact that highway does mirror a real topographical and hence weather pattern. We are often on the in between and it is notoriously difficult to get the weather forecast since a small fluctuation is the difference between rain and snow; a storm and a near miss.
The Valentine’s Day storm that trapped so many on I78 was one of those. Here in Delaware County we saw rain, snow, sleet. Mostly we escaped the worst but it left an icy remnant I was still getting rid today.
Since my oak has fallen I have often chosen to begin my trail run in the Park instead of the Arboretum. This means I can avoid crossing Rt 352 and a long swampy area before the woods…I start on the multiuse trail and have several choices of where to enter the woods. Friday I chose to enter almost immediately on the yellow trail. It is a slight uphill. The snow cover in crusted over but each step I break thru. There is a single set of human tracks where someone walked yesterday and of course lots of animal prints. Later I would see the bloody remaina of a hunter – hunted encounter.
The going is difficult but doable. At the top of the hill I enter the arboretum property. Here I am breaking trail for a while and then a stream crossing. It looks tricky but I see one safe stepping and make it across dry shod. On the other side I join up with one of the main trails and this has more human traffic and surprisingly snowmobile tracks but the advantage is that by following the tracks I have better purchase. When the tracks lead off in another direction I am breaking trail again but after a few hundreds another set of tracks. Skis – tough trail for and later I can see the marks are the skier made their way uphill. Then more fresh trail but mostly downhill so the going is easier. I need to make my way across the stream – this time I am not so luck or skillful and my left foot goes in. I am about a mile from my car and figure I will be fine if I keep moving. A short climb and I know at the top of the next hill I take a short cut to the multi use trail and figure I better use it and get to asphalt. A short run downhill and I’m done – man that foot is cold. Now I know why in the wilderness it is so dangerous to get wet.
Saturday I got my long run early and found the going pretty easy. Saturday afternoon I volunteered to help out with the Fila The Love 5K . It was held in the Coopertown section of Haverford Township. This is a brand new run invented by Bob Schwelm owner of the Bryn Mawr Running Company. This has to be one of the most challenging ideas for a brand new run I ever heard of. The idea was to run teams in five categories (blood related, lovers, mixed couple, same sex couple, and individual). Each team would start together but after 100 yards separate each running the course in a separate direction. Seeing each other in passing on the course.
I worked registration which was complicated because you had to capture all the usual information plus the team info. Some the of couples were comical – they hadn’t chosen whether they were lovers or just mixed couple. One couple went back and forth before finally settling on lover. I felt like a match maker.
Despite the complications of running two courses and the icy streets the race went very well. The timers did a great jump of getting the results quickly. I think a great tradition was started.
Sunday, February 04, 2007
Cold Weather Running
I wimped out on my Friday trail run. The weather forecast was for a cold rain. I just didn’t fancy a seven or eight mile slug in the wet. So I slept in and of course no rain = the storm had move far enough off coast we weren’t affected. Grrrrrrr.
So Saturday I was determined to get a good run in Saturday. It was cold but not Frank’s cold (although Monday and Tuesday are forecast to be the coldest days in 11 years which means it will be the coldest weather I have run in). I layered up and felt quite comfortable. I modified my course and it worked well – my finish was just short of 10 according to my garmin. The day was quite beautiful with bright blue skies and that crystal winter clarity. We have not had a real snowfall yet but we have had a series of snow showers that leave a coating that disappears during the day. It makes for pretty morning runs.
On my Ipod I had loaded Vince Gill’s new four album set These Days (What a great set as Gill ranges over a variety of styles – he really is a perfect choice of president of the Board of Trustees of the Country Music Hall of Fame as he obviously loves both the old and new) On a whim I had also placed the last moment of Beethoven's Ninth. I had already used the shuffle a couple of times without hearing the Ninth but as I began my last mile there was Beethoven. What a great way to finish.
Today was a couple of degrees colder and a little cloudier but still quite beautiful. I usually go uptown one day and downtown the next but today I thought the prettier run would to be go north again. The course included the nature trail at Haverford College. Parts of the trail were a snow cover that had melted and refroze making for some tricky footing. In fact throughout the course I had to be careful of black ice since the bright afternoon sun would thaw the ground despite the cold and later in the shade and night the wet refroze.
For me these cold runs are much more fun than slogging out those 80F / 80% humidity days in August. Let’s see if that feeling survives Tuesday night.
I wimped out on my Friday trail run. The weather forecast was for a cold rain. I just didn’t fancy a seven or eight mile slug in the wet. So I slept in and of course no rain = the storm had move far enough off coast we weren’t affected. Grrrrrrr.
So Saturday I was determined to get a good run in Saturday. It was cold but not Frank’s cold (although Monday and Tuesday are forecast to be the coldest days in 11 years which means it will be the coldest weather I have run in). I layered up and felt quite comfortable. I modified my course and it worked well – my finish was just short of 10 according to my garmin. The day was quite beautiful with bright blue skies and that crystal winter clarity. We have not had a real snowfall yet but we have had a series of snow showers that leave a coating that disappears during the day. It makes for pretty morning runs.
On my Ipod I had loaded Vince Gill’s new four album set These Days (What a great set as Gill ranges over a variety of styles – he really is a perfect choice of president of the Board of Trustees of the Country Music Hall of Fame as he obviously loves both the old and new) On a whim I had also placed the last moment of Beethoven's Ninth. I had already used the shuffle a couple of times without hearing the Ninth but as I began my last mile there was Beethoven. What a great way to finish.
Today was a couple of degrees colder and a little cloudier but still quite beautiful. I usually go uptown one day and downtown the next but today I thought the prettier run would to be go north again. The course included the nature trail at Haverford College. Parts of the trail were a snow cover that had melted and refroze making for some tricky footing. In fact throughout the course I had to be careful of black ice since the bright afternoon sun would thaw the ground despite the cold and later in the shade and night the wet refroze.
For me these cold runs are much more fun than slogging out those 80F / 80% humidity days in August. Let’s see if that feeling survives Tuesday night.
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
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