About Rev3 Knoxville

I could be brief and to the point and say that this was, by far, the "toughest race I have ever done", and I've done a couple of tough ones (Ironman Louisville and Ironman 70.3 Branson come to mind).  But that would be no fun, now would it?

When I say "tough", I mean physically, mentally, emotionally, and any and all other "...ally" you can imagine, all wrapped up in one little 4+ hour package.

The events leading up to race day mostly revolved around the weather.  It was apparent very early in the week that the conditions for race day would, how should I say this nicely, what's that four letter word I'm thinking of?...  stink!

First of, the water temperature was expected to be below 60ºF., Waaay bellow comfortable levels. Per an email received from Rev3, they predicted the water temperature to be somewhere in the mid 60º's.  I think they were messing with our minds.

My good friend Johanna who lives in the Knoxville area, posted this photo on my facebook page on Thursday:

Knoxville Weather Forecast for Race Weekend

and as you can see, it was not looking good.  Right about this point, we (the family and I) had come to the understanding and had accepted the fact that we "were going to get wet, very wet."  Oh yeah, and it would be "cold, very cold".

We left home on Friday afternoon, soon thereafter the rain started.  And it never stopped.  Never. Ever!  Okay, maybe here and there for about two to five minutes, but no more.

We went to get registered and pick up our packet on Saturday morning.  Waited for our daughter to arrive and then went to pick up her packed.  Then we walked to the river.  We wanted to see what the condition of the water was.  Water temperature was around 59ºF.  It was not predicted to get much higher than that.  At the athlete meeting, it was "highly recommended" that everyone use a wet suit.  And with that having been said, there were some triathletes who jumped in the ice cold river, on Sunday morning, without a wet suit.  Did someone say "Triathletes are Crazy People"?

Later on that afternoon it was time to deliver the bikes to transition.  What a pleasant surprise to find that transition was inside a parking garage.  Yes, covered transition.  This would come into play big time race day, for obvious reasons.  Okay, maybe not so obvious... it would keep our gear dry.  To me this is huge! And because transition was covered, we brought our entire gear and left it there overnight. In the morning, there was really nothing to bring, except water bottle and wet suit (which we put on at the hotel). Another great surprise was to see the set up.  Each athlete would get their place to rack their bike with a "box" next to it to put their stuff in; to keep it in one place.

My wife's spot as well as mine were at the end of the rack.  This added extra room to work with.  Our daughter's spot was two or three from the end, but as it turns out the person next to her did not show up so she had extra room as well.  When you're taking off a wet suit, this extra area to work with is a welcome sight.

My coach Barry Baird, is one of the most encouraging people I know.  Always has something to say at the right time.  This weekend was not different.  However, he did send me a couple of extra text messages with more pointers.. perhaps he knew something I was only suspecting...

RACE DAY

We woke up at 5:30 am.  Transition would close at 7:45 so we didn't have to be there so early.  I slept well.  The girls did not.

It had rained all night.  It was raining, at times pretty hard when we left the hotel.  We put our wet suits on before leaving the hotel in hopes we would stay warm.  It worked.  Kind 'a.  The walk was about 1.5 mile to transition.

It was around 6:45 - 7:00 am when we arrived at transition.  It's a guess, but I think I'm close.  At this time some of the first Half Rev3 swimmers were coming out of the water.

Mauricio, Juliana and Monica before Oly Rev3 Knoxville

 The usual buzz around transition was taking place; nervous chatter, small talk, pleasantries amongst athletes. Good Lucks, See You at the Finish Line, etc.   I saw several familiar faces in the crowd.  My friend Kennette who was obviously concerned and somewhat nervous was one of the first friendly faces I recognized. I tried to express a few words of encouragement.  Hope they helped.  Also hanging around was Robbie from X3.  As usual he had great words of encouragement to throw my way.  Thank you RB.  Outside transition, battling the rain were Robert and Eddie, also with X3.  These two I saw, or rather heard, several times during the race.  WOW, guys!  You two rock!

SWIM

Oh my goodness, where do I begin.

Photo Courtesy of Eddie Farrell & X3

We made our way through the crowd to swim start. We stuck our hand in the water to gauge the temperature.  Yeah, like this really would give us an accurate reading.  My wife thought it felt great.  I though she was nuts.  Our Juli said nothing.

Made the short walk to the place where we would jump... yes, jump in the water.  Again I saw several familiar faces, again we all exchanged words of encouragement. (Kennette, I told you you would be fine, didn't I?) I went ahead of Monica and Juliana.  My wave would start five minutes before theirs.  This would be the last time I'd see them until the finish line.  Or so I thought.

And off went the pros.  Somehow it didn't look like they were moving as fast as pros usually move.  We would soon find out why.

There was a wave before mine.  The men under 40 went.  Then it was our turn.

We made our way to the dock, and cautiously I "jumped' in the water.  It would be a mass start.  Yikes.  I've never done a mass start.

Let me tell you one thing.  NO matter how prepared you are; how much you've warmed up, how much you have taken deep breaths to help prevent hyperventilation from the cold water... it still felt cold.  Extremely cold.

I was planning on swimming my way up to the start, about 100 yds from where I jumped in the water to warm up, but the gun went off.  "WHAT?  We're off, oh...."  And I started swimming.  And I was going no where.  Literally going no where.  The current.  The dang current.  This is why the pros weren't moving as fast as they usually do.

Okay.  Time to think. Think fast.  What do I do?  I've never practiced this, I've never been in this situation.  What do I do?

I remember the wise advise from Coach Barry.  He said "Above all, relax"  So I took a deep breath and composed myself.  Tried to relax as much as I could.  I knew that I had to turn my strokes quicker than I'd like to, but if I didn't I would go backwards.

And so it went.  The swim up the 400-500yds to the turn buoy.  Took about 30 minutes. Do the math, that's pretty slow.  I had used everything I had just to get there.  My heel (left, the one with plantar) cramped, my calves had cramped, everything was hurting but I made it.  The second buoy, the one that would turn us down river was just feel away.  It looked like it was just feet away.  I was thankful.

The swim downriver was awesome.  Half way through when I turned my head to the left to breath, I saw and recognized my daughter. What an awesome sight. Nothing else mattered at that point; the cold, the current, the pain, nothing.  The same current that I fought on the way up, brought me home.  It took just slightly over 10 minutes to swim the rest of the way, another 1000 yds.  Yes, the current was that strong.

As I arrived and was pulled off onto the dock, I cramped again.  It took the life guard about 2-3 minutes of stretching my toes to get the cramp out.  Once out I was gone.  I ran to T1.  Ran like I have never run before.  At the boat house, I almost passed out.  Still can't figure out why, but I didn't and I was fine the rest of the day.  Outside the boat house were Eddie F. and Robert P.  yelling and screaming encouragement.

T1

Not much to be said here, except that the total T1 time was slow.  Not sure if the time spent getting my cramp our was added to swim or to T1, but it doesn't matter.   I put on my cycling gear, had a bite to eat and off I went.

BIKE

Photo Courtesy of Eddie Farrell & X3

The dry clothes I had put on were no longer dry.  And this was just coming out of the parking garage where T1 was located.  The rain was coming down good and hard.

Made my way out of Knoxville and into the County.  And not that we were not having fun yet, but this is where the real fun (in the bike, for I had had enough fun in the water) began. 

Olympic Rev3 Knoxville Bike Elevation

The course, as you can see is very challenging at best on a good, dry day.  Add to this race day conditions and it made it that much tougher to navigate.  After about two miles, I had to take my glasses off because I couldn't see.  Without my glasses, I still couldn't see, so there you have it!  Wet, windy, hilly and blind!  Now, that's the recipe for a great ride!

On this race there was no chance of drafting.  That is of course, you didn't mind the water spray from the back wheel of the bike in front of you going up your nose.

The hills were tough.  However you knew that the descents would be slower than normal because of the conditions.  You could not take any chances, so you rode your brakes going down (this reminds me, I have to check my brake pads, see if there's anything left).  Going up is where you had to take some chances to make up some time.  This strategy worked great for me, but not so for a lot of triathletes.  On the two toughest climbs there was a tremendous number of riders walking their bikes.  I had never seen anything like this.  The hills were tough.

T2

Bike to Run was faster than Swim to Bike.  Not fast, but faster.  I had brought a change of jacket and socks.  I changed both and it felt great.  The dry clothes lasted, once again, about 39 seconds.  But still worth the change.

RUN

As I left transition, it took about 4-5 minutes to realize that I felt good.  I had a feeling that this would be a good run.  Perhaps the fact that I couldn't go all out on the bike, and the legs were not totally spent, had a lot to do with how good they felt.

The course was flat.  This helped.  BUT, water puddles had built along the route in several places.  At first I tried to avoid the puddles but it came to a point when enough was enough... through the puddles I would go. The shoes were saturated and heavy.  I could feel the weight of the water starting to make a difference  The socks were also saturated but the feet felt dry.

I had the opportunity to see more familiar faces on the run course.  First was Mike D., then Juliana who was sporting a big grin on her face, then Jim S. and Kennette.  Mike D. and Jim S., were running the Half so they had a ways to go.  I was glad at this point had had chosen the Olympic.  I looked for but did not see my friend Charlene.  Missed seeing her out there.

The second most memorable moment of the day (and I'll get to the first one in a minute) happened on the way back, around mile 5.  From a distance I could see my wife going out.  As I got closer all I could see was this HUGE smile on her face.  When she recognized me, she gave me the two thumbs up.  When we met each other, we just hugged and kissed right there in the middle of the course.  As we went our way, I turned around and yelled "I'll see you at the finish line".  Again, she gave me a smile and the two thumbs up.  Nothing could have topped this.  Or so I thought.

The finish line couldn't have come any quicker.  I was ready to call it a day.  I could hear the announcer from a distance, so I knew I was getting close.  As I approached the finish line, I saw more familiar faces, once again there was Eddie and Robert (I swear, they were every where), I also saw Jess and a few other.

Entering the finish line stretch was wonderful   I knew a tough day was over.  I hear the announcer say "Mauricio Sanchez from Hendersonville, TN" and I crossed the finish line.  Got my medal, tee shirt, grabbed a water and sports drink, then went off to get some food.  All I could eat was a chocolate chip cookie.  Dang, it tasted good.

FINISH LINE AGAIN AND AGAIN

I could not wander around for too long for I knew my Juliana would not be long, so I ran back to the bridge so meet her.

And then there she was.  I ran up to her and we proceeded to run to the finish line together.  WOW!

Mauricio & Juliana at Finish Line

Crossing the Finish Line for the Second Time... DONE!

Note to Tri Dads:  If you ever have the opportunity to do this with your daughter, or son... YOU DO IT!

Now it was time for us to go back and wait for mom.  We made our way back to the same spot where Juli and I met and waited for Monica to come by.

Then she did!  Again, all smiles.  We joined her and ran to and through the finish line together.  The Three Of Us.

Juliana, Monica and Mauricio crossing the finish line

We heard the announcer say:  "Monica Sanchez... and family!  Looks like a Family Affair"  Yes, it was!

Note to Tri Moms, Dads, Husbands, Wives, Sons and Daughters... If you ever have the opportunity to do this with your family.... YOU DO IT!

Crossing the finish line, for the third time with Monica and Juliana... PRICELESS!

Before I forget, I'd like to send a special word of thanks to our friend Tiffany D. for capturing these photos for us.  You have no idea what this has meant to us.  We are forever greatfull.  Thanks a million times!

As I've said on facebook and twitter and earlier on this post... this was one tough race.  Regrets I have none.  Would I do anything different?  Probably not.  Would I do this course again.  Probably yes.  But will probably wait a couple of years before going back.

Up until now my long distance triathlons have been the Ironman variety.  Not for any specific reason.  After this weekend's experience, Rev3 has earned a convert.  I think that they did a tremendous job keeping everyone informed and most importantly safe, under these extreme conditions.

Not only that, but Rev3 welcomed our family to their family in a tremendous manner.  Read this article if you have not.

The fact that they allow family to run through the finish line together is a huge plus for us.  I kind'a understand why Ironman does not, but this makes a difference.

TIME

If you are really interested in my overall time, I know you will find your way to it somewhere.  I for one, on this race, did not pay close attention to it.

My goal is to always be in the middle of the age group.  At this race I was 8th out of 9.  Okay, I must confess however... the 9th person was a "no show"

So what's next for us?  RC Cola and Moon Pie 10 miler on June 15th. This time all four of us will be racing.  Yes, that's right, our daughter Marcela will be joining us for the fun.  But until then, I'm staying out of the rain!

About Country Music Marathon & Half Marathon

It was never my intention to run this year's Country Music Half Marathon.  I ran in the USA Half Marathon in Washington DC on March 16th and the Oak Barrel Half Marathon on April 6th.  I am registered to run the Rev3Knoxville Olympic Distance Triathlon on May 5th, so running another half was far from my mind.

That is until the events of Monday, April 15th in Boston.  It was then that I decided to run in Nashville, so on Wed., April 17th, I registered.

My wife was already registered, so this was an added bonus.  We would run this together.  Again.

The weather in Nashville for this race is always unpredictable to say the least.  We've had heat and humidity in the 90F's, the floods of 2010 came the week after the race, but on race day we had tornadoes and the race was cut short.  This year's weather proved to be equally exiting.

All week rain was in the forecast for the entire day.  As we got closer to race time, the chances of precipitation increased.  As we arrived at race site, the chances of rain were holding steady at 70%.  It was just a few minutes after, that the rain started.  And it never stopped.  Ever.

First on the agenda was the obligatory stop at the porta potties.  And in true Rock 'n' Roll fashion, accommodations for these were sub-par   As usual, there were not nearly enough, anywhere.  The lines were huge.  We stood in line for almost 45 minutes.  I wish they had taken a note from the USA Marathon where they had four porta potties inside each corral along with several scattered outside the corrals.  This is the way to go.  Maybe one day, the Competitor Group will start thinking about the athletes a bit more.  This was and is the only negative about this otherwise well organized race, except well, for the finish line.  More in a bit.

As we made our way to our corrals, the rain kept coming down steadily.  Not hard, but steady.  The mood amongst the runners was upbeat.  Everyone was making the best of it.  We just wanted the race to start so we could get moving.  It was getting cold.

After the National Anthem, we were asked to raise our hands and make the "peace" sign.  This was pretty awesome to see.  After this, Neil Diamond's Sweet Caroline came on.  Everyone was singing.  Again, pretty upbeat, pretty cool.

And then we were off.

I don't know where or what time it was when the rain picked up.  At times it was coming down hard, and the wind was blowing.  At times, the rain hurt (as much as rain can make you hurt) as it hit you.  But we kept going.  Everyone kept going.  No one was complaining, everyone was just moving.

One of the biggest challenges throughout the day was having to pay attention, extra attention, to where you were stepping.  The puddles at times where big.  I tried to avoid as many as I could but I quickly realized that this would do no good.  It would use more energy than needed and the shoes and socks were already soaked, so through the puddles I went.  I did try, however, to follow the lead of those in front of me.  Didn't really want to step into anything that could be dangerous.  This is where it got tricky.  Additionally, I tried to run, as much as possible in the middle or the road, where it crowns.  This is a place where there was less chance for water to gather.  For the most part, this worked.

A few "firsts" for me took place during this race.  This was the first time I ran a race in the rain from start to finish and beyond.  Also, this was the first time I had to stop at the porta potties more than once.  Actually, I had to stop four times.  Not sure what's up with that. I'm thinking electrolytes were messed up.  But, each time I stopped, the lines were large.  Larger than I have ever seen before during any race, so I guess I was not the only one with issues. Not sure what to make of this.  According to my Garmin, I lost exactly four minutes on these stops.

Regarding the finish line...  A couple of years ago, they changed the finish line, in my opinion, for the worse.  Marathoners used to finish on one side of LP Field, Half Marathoners on the other side.  This would allow for the crowd to disperse a whole lot quicker.  Now, everyone finishes at the same spot.  Making this overcrowded and dangerous at best.  Not only does everyone finish together, but the chute gets narrower as you move along, so you literally come to a dead stop.  As you finish running a half marathon, much less a full marathon, the last thing you need to do is to come to a dead stop.  Makes me think that whoever thought of this brilliant idea, is not a runner.  I have complained about this before, I will continue to complain about this until its fixed.

So once I made it through the finish line maze, through the overcrowded human corral, I proceeded to move to the family gathering area where I was to meet my daughters who had come to support; braving the elements all morning long, and my wife, who finished not to far behind me.  By the time I arrived where I was going, I was cold. Very cold. I was shivering uncontrollably at times.  I waited patiently for everyone to gather, but once we were together, we hurried to the car, which was at least two miles away.  It felt like it was two miles away. It could have been just two blocks away, but it felt like it was two miles away.

And for the numbers:  Official Finish time: 2:17:27.  Official Pace: 10:30.  Moving Pace:  10:03

Mauricio 9868.  Monica 23435

Am I glad I decided to run this race?  You betcha   Would I have run this race had I known before hand that the conditions were going to be like this?  You betcha   I would change nothing.  I would do nothing different.  It was a wonderful day, it was a wonderful race, it was a wonderful time.  Glad I ran it.

The one thing that stuck to my mind more than anything was the fact that during the entire day, despite the monsoon like conditions at times, I heard no one complaining.  No one.  Everyone was upbeat, everyone was happy, the mood was perfect.

So, as I posted on my facebook page on Saturday:  "Don't ever doubt the heart of a runner."

Next on my agenda is Rev3Knoxville Olympic Distance Triathlon, to be held on Sunday, May 5th in Knoxville, TN.  I will do this alongside my wonderful wife Monica and awesome daughter Juliana.  I am looking forward to this race for it will be one that I will never forget!

I Will Keep On Running

Everything I could say, has been said.  Everything I could feel, has been felt.  But it just doesn't seem like its enough, so I'm turning to this platform for I find that writing very much like running is one of my personal therapies.

After the initial shock and disbelief, my feelings turned to anger.  Deep, hateful, anger.  The deeper I reached into the news, the deeper the anger became.  I'm still not sure who, or what, my anger was directed to, but it was anger nonetheless.

This cowardly attack hit close to home.  It infiltrated a lifestyle that I have been a part of since 2007.  My thoughts did not wander far my friends and acquaintances that had prepared for their Boston journey for months, if not years, also of the family and friends that had traveled to show their love and support.

In an effort to be first with the news, speculations began to hit the news wires.  This was making me angrier.  On social media, reports of blame began to surface and sides where pointing fingers.  This was making me angrier.

The news reported that three people had died and several, over one hundred, were injured.  Some of the injuries were severe.  I kept praying.

I found out this morning that a little boy had gone to the finish line to hug his dad as he crossed the finish line, then returned to his mother and sister just as the bomb went off.  The little girl lost a leg, the mother was seriously injured.  The little boy, well... he was the eight year old that died.  That feeling of emptiness and sickness returned to my stomach.

As I quickly realized last night that from where I was, there was not much I could do to help, I did the only thing I knew to do.  I went for a run.  And yes, as I posted on facebook, it was "the best damn 6 miles I've ever ran."

As if often happens after any tragedy that strikes our society, we find unity and comfort in each other.  We cry together, we pray together and in this case, we go running together.  Whoever the perpetrator(s) of this cowardly act was, did not take into account the grit, gut and determination of a mad-as-hell running community.

I understand better than you can imagine, that focusing on the negativity and the anger is not productive.  I know that.  I live that.  But, this is different. Very different. So I apologize if I seem a little out of sorts today.

So where do we go from here?  We need to refuse to allow fear to take over our lives, for if it does, we're doomed.  We need to continue to pray, for many are hurting today and will for a long time.  But most importantly, we need to continue to run, and if you're not a runner, start today.   There were nearly 5,000 runners who went through the final checkpoint at 40K (24.8 miles) that did not finish the race. When you cross the finish line of your next event, and the one after that, and then all the others beyond that, do it on behalf of them and be thankful that you stood up and refused to be taken down.

About A Family Affair

I'm a lucky man.  Yes, I am.

Every father, every husband, every man, dreams of being a positive influence and a good role model for his family.

I do not claim to have all the answers, nor do I claim to have done everything perfect.  Along the way, I have stumbled a few times, scraped my knees here and there. I have made choices I wish I could take back, but one thing I have constantly done is that from every experience that came along, I have learned.

We (wife and I) do not have great treasures to pass along to the girls.  Material things really mean very little to us.  We live a modest life; work hard to provide, value everything and take nothing for granted.  We wake up every morning and are thankful that we just have the opportunity to do it all over again.

What we have tried to pass along to the girls is a good example.

A few years back I was just about crippled with back issues; simple things we mostly take for granted; walking, sleeping, showering, lacing up your shoes, sitting down to watch a soccer game, were almost impossible to enjoy.  The pain was debilitating and the prospect for a normal future seemed gloomy.  And no, I'm not exaggerating to make the story look better or more glamorous.  I spent days on out, in bed unable to even turn side to side.  So I opted for surgery.  I weighed 198 lbs.  I'm 5'10" tall.  So, yes... I was too short for my weight.

Everything the doctors had suggested I had done.  Therapy, Epidurals, Medicine, etc.  Nothing seemed to work.  So the last option was surgery.  Reluctantly, I agreed.

For the first five to six months after surgery, the pain was gone.  Then one day... BAM!  That ever familiar stab in the back, came back.  Again, the routine was started.  Again, therapy.  Again, epidurals.  Again, medicine.  Again... well, doctor suggested surgery, but I said NO.  Not this time.

After some serious soul searching and plenty of research the answer was simple: I must exercise.  I must get in shape.  I must get rid of my gut and strengthen my core.  I must change my life style.  So I joined the gym. The Y and I have been constant friends since then.

I cannot tell you when or how the process came about but exercising has been a consistent part of my life since those days.

On April 28, 2007 I ran my first race ever.  The Country Music Half Marathon in Nashville, TN.  I have done 53 races including triathlons, since then. I have finished an Ironman.

I learned through the process the positive impact that exercise brought to my life.  Not just the physical impact but the mental and emotional impact as well.  I was really enjoying what I was getting out this.  I think my family was too.

It wasn't long thereafter my wife took up running as well.  She had accompanied me to every race, she had been to every finish line to cheer me through, she had supported every step (no pun intended) of the way.  She thought she would give this a try as well.

Since the day she started running, she has gone through thyroid cancer and all the excessive amounts of radiation therapy that comes along with it, she has fought through foot surgery, plantar fasciitis, ITBS, but she has persevered and pulled through each one as a true champion.  She has joined the world of triathlons and I think she enjoys her bike more than anything else.

Our youngest daughter Marcela has been an athlete all her life.  Soccer has been her passion.  She's an NCAA Student Athlete; played Div 1 soccer for Belmont University.  Her team won a Conference title and made it to the Big Dance Once.  She's now pursuing a Nursing degree, when she can make the time, she joins us and/or her sister for a race here and there.

Our oldest daughter Juliana became a triathlete this past Sunday.  Her and her mother ran a sprint triathlon in Murfreesboro, TN.  Sports and Physical Fitness are not new to her either.  She was a gymnast.  Competing at a high level, she was Overall State Champion once and won several individual event State Championships along the way.  She is also the mother of our grandson, Colton.

My wife and I took Colton with us on one of our triathlon trips last year.  I was racing the Ironman 70.3 Muncie.  Colton was waiting for me at the finish line and the first thing he said to me was: "Papa, I want to do this".  A few weeks later, he participated in his first Kid's Triathlon.  At the finish line, when I asked him how he liked it, his only response was: "When's the next one?"  This year, God willing, his mother is going to get him to do three Nashville Area Kid's triathlons.

My brother Hernando, who lives in Florida, also became involved in running and triathlons.  He is a few years younger than me and he's much faster than I am.  We're not ever in any sort of competition, we just like to encourage each other on.  We've run three races together, two half marathons and a full marathon, we're planning on racing Ironman Louisville 2014 together.

I am very proud to sit here and tell you that not once, ever, have I asked anyone or insinuated to anyone that they should be running or racing triathlons.  I understand that what I do is not for everyone.  I let them make up their own minds... But, I must also tell you that I only need a very small window of opportunity, a small hint of interest for me to start the encouragement process.

I'd like to think that the family has joined in this awesome adventure purely and simply due to an example well set.  At least that's what I'd like to think.

Monica and Juliana after ADPi Sprint Triathlon

Colton and I before Kid's Tri

Monica and I after Mach Tenn Sprint Triathlon

Marcela and Juliana after The Women's Half Marathon

Monica, Marcela and I before Moosic City Dairy Dash 2012

Hernando, Me, Marcela, Juliana and Colton after CMM 2012

On May 5th, Monica, Juliana and I will be racing in the Rev3 Knoxville Olympic Distance Triathlon.  It will be the first time racing this distance for all three of us.  We plan on racing two or three Sprint Distance triathlons this summer, again together.

Our Marcela, like I said before, is up to her eyebrows in books finishing Nursing School.  However, I feel confident that once that's done, she will be joining the rest of the family across that finish line... somewhere!

So I ask you, What more could a dad ask for?

About the USA Half Marathon

I have learned through trial and error that its best to wait a few days after an event to write its recap. I have learned that waiting a few days I can be a lot more fair about my experience and don't let emotions get in the way.

As a triathlete and runner, I set out to enjoy each and every event I participate in.  There are different reasons for registering for each event; some are to be used as part of a master training plan, others are just to check a race off of a bucket list, others race events because the thrill of being part of that particular event, because your friends are doing the race, etc.  For me, this race in Washington DC was just a justification for traveling to Washington, DC.

Let me explain.  I do not like big cities.  At my age, I have learned to dislike the unknown.  It makes me very uncomfortable to be somewhere new; I like things the way they are.  This is not to say that I will not venture into the unknown.  Much the contrary, I will and I will tackle the experience and enjoy it as it develops.  I know this is a challenge for me and as with other challenges, I look forward to the opportunity of facing it and overcoming it.  It took me three days to get comfortable in DC.  The race was the second day we were there.

So, knowing that I will travel anywhere for a race, my wife picked a vacation to Washington, DC around the time when the race was to take place.  She's a smart lady.  She knew that if she just suggested a trip up there, I would find 678 excuses as to why we shouldn't go (678 miles is the distance between our house and DC).  She knew that if she tied the vacation to a race, it would be a go.  And that it was.

We arrived at the expo/registration/packet pick up site, the DC Armory, on Friday around noon-ish.  The place was crowed, the race was sold out.  30,000 registered participants, and I think they were all there at that time.

Proceeded to look for our names and bib numbers and greeeeat... we couldn't find them (either one of them) on the list.  This is not how I expected this experience to start.  We moved on to the Help Desk and were promptly helped by a very friendly volunteer, who quickly found us on the list and filled out our release forms.  Off to pick up the bibs.

Monica was #29418, I was #13555.  "WOW, what time did you put in for my estimated time?" she asked me as she realized that she was placed in the next to last corral? "Whatever time you told me to put"  I said,  I told her not to worry, but she was not convinced.  I then told her that I would move back a few corrals, she would move up a few corrals and we would start the race together.  This I think, made her feel better.  We decided that corral #20 is where we would start.

The alarm was supposed to go off at 4 AM, but in true fashion I was awake no later than 3 AM.  That gave me extra time to eat a good breakfast and get my mind ready for the events that would follow.  You're thinking right about now that I'm talking about the race, aren't you?  NO, I'm talking about the Metro ride from the finish line to the start.  The Metro is a new animal to me.  I had lost sleep over the Metro... not the race.

The weather prediction was for rain, 70% chances of rain, and cold temperatures.  This would make for an uncomfortable run but I came prepared.  Yes, I wore my layers and even brought an emergency disposable poncho. I would wear this before the start of the race, if needed.

Boarded the metro along with hundreds of other runners for the quick twenty minute ride.  After three stops, we arrived at the Smithsonian station.   Left the station and felt the wind howling and blowing.  By this time it was about 6:15 - 6:30.  Race time was 7:30.

It was drizzling ever so slightly.  The predicted rain was obviously on its way... or was it?

We proceeded to find our new and self assigned corral, #20.  This was in front of the IRS Building.  We found a spot to sit and stretch and waited for the race to start.  One pretty awesome thing the organizers did that made things easier for everyone was setting up four porta-potties inside each corral.  There were lines in front of each set, but not nearly as large as in every other race I've ever done.  Organizers take note.

The race started right on time.  We took off around 8AM, thirty minutes after the first runners took off.  This was the last time I saw Monica until the finish line.

Shortly after the start the race course took us around the Washington Monument.  I remember thinking how cool this was.  However, after that point I couldn't tell you if we went past any other landmarks or not.  I was zeroed in on my run.

First water stop came around the 1.5 mile marker.  There were six or seven tables set up, with empty water cups.  Yes, empty water cups.  A couple of volunteers were stacking these cups on the tables.  Runners were grabbing the cups and quickly realizing that they were empty.  They had to fill them themselves. Yes, you had to fill the cup with your own water from a very large water supply container that had four spouts around its perimeter.

This would be the norm for the entire race, except for the water station staffed by Team In Training.  They had plenty of people, making sure everyone who wanted water or Gatorade  had one.  This is what one would expect from a race this large.  But this was the one and only water stop where this took place.  I noticed, because it happened to me, that in several stops, runners would just run through without bothering to stop.  It helped that the weather was cool, otherwise this would have been a disaster.

Note to self:  If I ever do this race again, make sure I bring my fuel belt.

And for the first five miles or so, the run was pretty much as I wanted it to be.  I was on a happy pace, my happy pace.  I remember looking at my Garmin at one point and realizing I was just a bit over 9:00 minute mile.  I was on a roll.

Somewhere soon after that, we came upon a hill.  A short hill.  I survived it.  Again I was pleased.  But that would not last.

You ever see those walls that Marines have to climb over when they navigate an obstacle course?  Well, someone had put one of those walls on the course.  Well, maybe not that same wall but it sure looked like it.  Not only was is steep, but this mountain was long.  Real long.

To add insult to injury, it was lined with people.  On both sides.  Cheering you on, motivating you through this spot.  This is where I saw the best sign on the course;  "You're not the Pope, You can't quit".  I tried to run as best as I could.  In front of that crowd, you really don't want to walk.  Most everyone was walking up the hill.

After that, the course was pretty much down hill until a short climb at the end of the course, but the damage had been done.

At mile 12ish the course split.  Full marathoners turned right, the rest of us kept straight.  I was glad I could go straight.  I could see the finish line in the distance.  I was ready to be done.  Legs hurt, feet hurt, ITB hurt, I. Just. Hurt.

Once again, as it happened in the Country Music Marathon (another Rock 'n' Roll event), the finish line was funneled down.  We came to a quick halt.  Again, not smart, when you finish a run like this, you need to keep moving, this was tough.  Saw a few people having real difficulty walking, some even got dizzy.  Monica told me later that this happened to her; she almost lost it.  Organizers need to fix this!

The rain we were threatened with?  Well, it never came.  It drizzled once while on the course for about twenty seconds.  Real pleased this was the case.

My official time was 2:19.  About 10 minutes slower than my normal time, but I'll take this.

Next stop on the 2013 tour:  The Oak Barrel Half Marathon in Lynchburg, TN., Home to the world famous Whiskey Hill.  Race date:  Saturday, April 6th.  This will be another Father-Daughter event.  Can't wait!

About Misconceptions

Not to long ago, a friend asked me what my goal was for the weekend's run.  My reply to her was to "finish in a respectable time".  Her reply to me was:  "Ha!  Who are you kidding, you're an Ironman, you'll run fast."

I wasn't sure how to respond to that.  You see, to me to "finish in a respectable time" is always my goal.  By respectable, I simply mean "middle of the pack, a little better or a bit slower, either way would be okay."

Every since I finished Ironman Louisville 2011, I have had this kind of reaction and response from people who want to know what my "goal" is for this race or that race.

It has become apparent to me that finishing an Ironman puts you in some sort of super human category, a fast  super human at that.

That couldn't be further from the truth.  At least in my case.

I work hard, very hard at maintaining my endurance.  This is the reason why I can do things that others think impossible.  I do this because I know that "fast" I'll never be.  "Respectable" I can reach.

Don't get me wrong.  I appreciate the fact that folks think that way of me and my abilities and I wouldn't object if you continue to think of me that way, however...  I am merely setting the record straight.  At least in my case.

About Goofy's Race 2013

I first ran Disney three years ago.  It was the 5th Anniversary of Goofy's Race and a Half Challenge.  For those who are not familiar with this race, it's a Half Marathon (WDWHalf) on Saturday and a Marathon (WDWMarathon) on Sunday.  For most people, doing this once is enough.  That's why I thought coming back a second time, would be just, well... Goofy.

Over a year ago my good friend Bob Coffey and I were reminiscing about the 2010 run, we had been there with a group of six.  One thing let to another and next thing we knew we agreed that we would run Goofy again in 2013.  Not sure why we thought this would be a good idea, but we did.

Fast forward to January 10th.  My wife, Monica and I left en-route to WDW.  We had chosen to make the 12 hour drive as opposed to flying as most of our friends were doing.  Yes, most of our friends because there were 11 of us there.  Most of us from Hendersonville, a few from South Florida.

We arrived on Friday around noon.  Just as planned.  Met with my brother who was also running the Goofy.  This would be his first Marathon.  Not sure he knew, at this point, what he had signed up for.

We made our way in to packet pick up at Wide World of Sports.  As usual and with most everything that Disney does, it was very well organized and it moved smoothly and rapidly.  Got our bibs and moved on.  Monica's was #45816, my brother Hernando's was #27904 and mine was #27918.

The Expo

It would probably be the one and only disappointment of the entire weekend.   It was crowded.  It was a cluster.  It was busy and congested.  Crammed, jammed and stuffed.  There were plenty of exhibitors with plenty of stuff to show and sell, but I couldn't tell you what they had because for the most part, I couldn't get to them.

The problem, in my opinion, was the isles were to narrow to accommodate the crowd.  It got so bad that at one point, we had not even made it around the first corridor, when I told my folks that it was time to go.

This was probably a blessing in disguise because, other that purchasing an "I did it" tee shirt, we bought nothing else.  Money well saved!

The Condo

We arrived at the condo early afternoon.  There we were met with bright smiles and plenty of hugs by two of our three condo-mates for the weekend; K'leetha and Julie.  Julie had arrived on Thursday, K'leetha had just arrived as well.  We would meet up with Janelle later.

The accommodations were perfect and for this we have to thank Janelle.  Thank you Janelle!

Later that evening we gathered for our pre-race meal at Bahama Breeze.  There we (Julie, K'leetha, Monica, Hernando and I) met with most of the rest of the group.  Bob, Joana, Tabitha, Janelle, and John, Cleo and Jim.  The latter three are friends of Bob's which joined us from South Florida.  Wayne could not be there.  We met up with him next morning at the race.


Half Marathon

Wake up call came early.  2 AM.  But I had no problem jumping out of bed.  To say I was excited and looking forward to this would be an understatement.  It was special in so many levels, but most importantly because I was planning to run from start to finish side by side with my wife and brother.  I knew she wouldn't want this because she would feel that she was holding us back, so she didn't know this was my plan. I finally told her at the beginning of the race. As I had predicted, she objected for a bit but then she realized that there was to be no further discussion on the matter.  That's how it was to be.

We met the group at the parking lot and took last minute pictures.  The crowd was growing by the minute so we proceeded to move towards the place where we would meet Tabitha and Wayne.  We met up with Wayne but could not find Tabitha.  Finally did catch up with her later, in the corral.

Our assignments were for different corrals but somehow we managed to get in the same one, corral C.  Except for Julie and Jim.  They went on to corral A.

The start of the race is spectacular.  Like every show at Disney is quiet the production.  Fireworks at the launch of each corral.

The run itself went just as planned.  Monica, Hernando and I stuck together and enjoyed the journey.  We took it easy and ran at a very slow pace.  The course was crowded, very crowded.  I heard that there were some 45,000 runners, but I think I counted a few more.  It was elbow to elbow runners most of the way.  The most crowded place was the Magic Kingdom, specifically running through Cinderella's Castle, which by the way was beautiful. Probably the most beautiful I have ever seen it.  No, I did not take pictures for my phone's camera was malfunctioning (or perhaps it was the operator who was malfunctioning), so instead of getting frustrated, I just enjoyed the sights and didn't worry about the pictures.  Next time, if there's a next time, I will take a pocket camera with me.

We had set us a goal of sub 3 hours for the Half Marathon.  We crossed the line together at 2:59:16.  Mission:  Success.

Full Marathon

Once again, wake up call came at 2 AM.  Same routine different morning.  Left the condo at 3 AM on our way to Epcot for the start of the second leg of  Goofy's Race; the Marathon.  Start time was scheduled at 5:30 AM.

And again, we met most of the group at the parking lot.  Wayne and Tabitha were staying at hotels located on Disney property so they met us inside.

The walk to the starting line, which is about a mile away did not take as long as it had on Saturday because the crowd was not as big.  Or so they tell us.  I think after a couple of ten thousand it's all the same.

Once again the start was amazing.  We got started quicker so maybe the crowd was not as large.  I think we were running by 6AM, give or take.

Most of the group, except for Jim, Julie and Joana who had gone ahead in corral A, ran together for the first ten miles or so.  Bob was pacing us and doing a great job at it.  We would run for a mile, and at each mile marker we would walk for about a minute, I think.  This worked great.  Until...

... Until we came out of WDW Speedway, around mile ten(ish).  I had to stop at the porta-potty.  There was a line so I had to wait.  Then I stopped at the medical tent to put some Biofreeze on my legs.  Big mistake.  Stopping for so long was a big mistake.  Could hardly get moving again.  My ankles caught on fire. They hadn't hurt that bad in a long time.  I guess they cooled down, swelled and bingo!  Surprise.

I chose at that point to run four minutes and walk one minute.  This is the strategy that I used with much success at Ironman Louisville.  When I ran, I tried to run at a good pace.  This worked for the most part.

The weather was sunny and hot.  I think the temperature was mid to high 80's with humidity in the 70%.  I was afraid of what this would do, so I drank plenty and drank often.  At every water station I would alternate.  I would drink about 5 oz of water and 2.5 oz of Powerade at one station and the opposite at the next station.  This I did consistently.  I never felt hot, flushed, dehydrated.  Did not get dry mouth or sweated excessively.  This was a blessing.

My goal, from the start, was to finish the marathon in sub 6 hours.  My chip time was 5:56:37.  I was pleased.

In a nutshell, this had to have been one of the best weekend running experiences I have ever had.  I got to run side by side with my wife on her first half marathon since surgery.  I got to run with my brother on his first marathon.  Although we did not finish together, we did participate on this event together.

This event was made extra special by the group of friends we shared the experience with; Bob, Tabitha, Wayne, Julie, Janelle, K'leetha, Joana, Jim, John and Cleo.  I got to know most of them a bit better and found out how much in common we have; mostly the passion for running and making friends.  I hope that we can do this again...soon!

It is my recommendation to anyone thinking about running at Walt Disney World, be it the Half, the Marathon or Goofy... do it with family and/or friends.  This will be an experience you will cherish for life.