Converting road runners to track -- well, maybe!

Anne Sluder speeding over hurdle

SouthEast Region Masters Indoor Championships were coming up at JDL Fast Track on February 21, 2016.  Back in September, I sensed a spark of interest in track from some of my NCRC road running colleagues after they attended the NC Senior Games.  However, all are distance oriented road runners, a few already living on the dark side, in the ultra marathon world. 

Nonetheless, I talked track to them.  The object being next year’s NC Senior Games.   I knew better than to work on the dark siders.  After all, someone who runs, trots, staggers, through 100 miles is loaded with slow twitch oriented muscles.  Their fast twitch muscles have probably atrophied!  You nurture what you need for your favored events.  Two of the marathon runners, however, were considering maybe trying track – but only if it did not interfere with their marathon goals.

So, much to my surprise, a week or two before the JDL event, three of the road runners decided to try it, just to get the experience.  One is not only a marathoner but also a tri-athlete and has, ugh, ventured into the dark lands of ultra.  Two are in the process of training for and hoping to qualify for Boston, so this would just be an excursion for them.  Two of the three are graduates of The Scream and other exotic  events.

I will call these road runners Pandora and Clarise. (to preserve them from harm by my wit - they are road runners, after all, with stellar creds!) 

The Friday before the event, Pandora and I went to NCSU track so she could try out her new track shoes  on a suitable track and I went to experiment with starting blocks (again!)  I was changing my stance from left block forward to right block forward, now that my right knee seemed a little better.  However, I found that in order to push off with the right foot, I would have to hold it adjacent to the block until the SET command, at which point I could raise up to the start position, reducing the acute angle my knee takes when the foot goes against the block.  While I was fooling with this, Pandora was trotting the track in her shoes, getting a feel for the spikes and making sure they would not hurt.  We did not run much or hard, since she had an eight mile training run the next day and I still ached from the prior day’s Camp Gladiator session. 

Saturday evening, one of the threesome decided to abandon the track expedition, suffering from “lead” legs after her long marathon training session earlier.  Pandora wasn’t feeling tip top either but was raring to go. 

 Clarise was scheduled to run the 60m, 200m, and the 3000m.  Pandora was signed up for the 200m, 400m, and the mile.  I was doing the 60m, 400m and 200m, in that order. We got there in plenty of time to settle in and warm up.  The 60m event was the first event any of us would be running.  Clarise looked real snazzy in her compression shorts and colorful over shorts. We both had on neon green tops, hers a Nog Run Club shirt and mine the Piedmont Pacer singlet.  Because not as many folks were here (sidelined by injury), JDL dispensed with the declaration sheets and had us check in just prior to each event.   My Piedmont Pacer teammate, Angela Staab, and I remarked at how amazing the memories of the folks at the check in desk are.  They remember us before we can get our names out! (In my case, perhaps because I am one of the few ancients who sometimes runs in the All Comers Meet in November.) 

We were queued in race session order.  For the 60m there were three sessions.  Usually, the aged precede the younger in these events.  Not this time.  I figured Clarise would be nervous, this being her first track event as a Master (maybe since high school?) She would be running with three competitors who were in the next lower AG.  While waiting, I saw Pandora come over and talk to Clarise as the officials were lining up her heat. I’m edgy, thinking she would not get in position in time.  Oy!  But she did and off they went.  About ¾ of the way down the track, (about 9 seconds into it), I see Clarise raise her hand and wave to the stands, as if running by pals watching a road race! I was flabbergasted, thinking of the seconds lost! Then I started to laugh (and am still doing so at the memory.) Turns out, she did this because Pandora had told her another ultra runner who had come to cheer us on was going to try to get a photo of her running.  Nonetheless, Clarise ran a respectable time. 

I was the only one in my AG in my three events, so when I ran my 60m, I ran with four others, representing two lower AGs.  I just barely escaped being last.

In the 400m, there were three of us in my heat: the oldest folk. And, as I slogged around the backstretch the first time, Peter Taylor, master track announcer, announces that I am “.. At 75, the oldest woman in the race!” (ha ha! Thank you, Peter, my pal!)  Watch out! Ancient on the track! The 400m is not fun.  Chug chug, I run like an old lady: short steps, arms paddling.  Not a pretty sight.  At least this time, after passing the cones about 120m into the 400, I cut over to lane one without worrying about cutting another runner off. (Unlike last year’s Indoor Nationals, where I did not cut in and continued in lane two for another 200m or so! Duh!)  Despite running in lane one this time, I was way slower than last year.  Better than the November All Comers time, but still falling short of where I need to be. (Actually, where I need to be is on the sidelines.)  I watched as Atlanta Track Club’s Lesley Chaplin (National Champ in the 800m and 1500m, as well #2 in the World in the 800m) ran the 400m with one other runner. Peter Taylor announced Lesley’s accomplishments as she zoomed around (a 57 year old setting records!). The expression of joy on her face when she saw her 1:09.89 time on the screen was a photo moment.

  Pandora ran next, with a group of seasoned runners, including Carolinas Track and Field’s Lane Wilton.  Lane, as well as her slightly younger Carolinas Track & Field teammates Toccata Murphy and Melanie Walker, of relay record fame, is speedy.  I did not forewarn Pandora of this.  No reason to encourage a negative mindset.   When she was making her last turn on the back stretch I yelled “Push it!”  Though it was quick, I perceived a slow turning of the head and evil glance come my way. 

Next up was the 200m, which all three of us were running.  In this case, I ran in the first group and screwed up badly at the start.  There were no starting blocks on the track in my lane, so I reverted back to my three-point start.   I had my right foot forward and left back. At the SET, my left arm went back and up  – and boom! I was off balance. I was in recovery mode when the gun went off.  It wasn’t until I viewed the video (and a video from another event in which I’d used the 3-point start without problem,) that I saw what had gone wrong. Wrong arm back and up! And so it goes.  One never knows when a start will go bad, a foot might trip over the other, or for those running longer events in a mass, another runner clipping one’s foot.

Though running against more experienced and trained competitors, who whizzed right by, my road running  pals did well in their races, both beating my time. (On slow twitch trained muscles!)

Panera was there for those who could eat between events. (Unfortunately, when I was ready to eat after my last event, they had already packed up!)  I munched on trail mix and a few energy bars. 

Pandora ran the mile with a full range of ages. 

Women's Mile start line

Eight times around the track.  We yelled as she passed by the stands, around and around.  One of her competitors was a 31 year old who finished in just over five minutes. Pandora made great time, exceeding her goal and coming in under eight minutes, at 7:35.

We watched the renowned 66-year-old So Cal Track Club’s Nolan Shaheed, here with his offspring, run the mile in 5:43.84, along with Piedmont Pacer Carl Dixon Cook in 6:06.53. 

Nolan Shaheed in Mile race

Dixon Cook in Mile race

Earlier, I caught a glimpse of another track notable, 68-year old Charles Allie run the 400m in 1:00.77.  Tall, with a long stride, he was a streak in black on the back stretch, heading for home.

 Our last single event was Clarise's 3000m. Fifteen times around the track. Ugh.  All the women running the 3000m ran as one large group, mixed ages.  We watched as after the first circuit or so, Clarise moved up to pass the last runner.  The women continued around the track and as the remaining laps got fewer, the pace slackened.  At the end, Clarise beat the other woman in her AG.  But coming off the track she was dizzy -- all those round and rounds!

The road runners did great in their track outing and did not let running with or against the “pros” intimidate.  This is good.  They will return to track one day, maybe as a break from all that distance training.

Grinding to a halt - almost - in Camp Gladiator!

January 29th. Survived the last day of this week's Camp Gladiator Metabolic Conditioning week. Today - a killer! The temperature at 6 a.m. was about 30 degrees F.  Our trainer, starts us off outside - first: 50 butt kicks then run, four times, the length of a parking lot aisle, around far end and back.  (Awful! I kept a moderate pace because I knew I would not finish without walking if I didn't.  I really struggled not to walk.)  Our break was just long enough for him to tell us our next set of exercises: 50 butt kicks then 50 jumping jacks, then run the parking lot aisle lap 3 times (REALLY wanted to walk on the 3rd lap.) Next up  - 50 butt kicks plus 50 jumping jacks plus 50 high knees (ugh.  I am the worst at high knees. Mine tend to be low knees.) then, of course, run the loop twice. (Managed this one better) 

Lastly, 50 butt kicks + 50 jumping jacks + 50 high knees + ?? I think there was another (50 squat jumps?) -- i forget or maybe did not do them? The mind is so jarred from all the vibration. Then run the loop full out. Suddenly, I could run - not winded, legs okay. It felt great -- not to be gasping; no achy legs.  Loved it. I felt as if I was really moving. (It had to be the early morning beet slice kicking in!)

But then, we came inside and it was hell from there on - exercises and short sprints. Legs finally ground down, then the breathing gave out. The last few sprints were barely jogs, with a few walks thrown in there. Yea for the end of Metcon week!.

Today, February 10th, mid-week of Camp Gladiator Endurance week (after a week off) was another, oh, my, gosh!, Today, the number 80 was endemic.  Eighty this and eighty that then into another room and do eighty wall jumps (jump high and touch wall) then eighty high knees (they just LOVE high knees). Follow this with a run upstairs and around the approximate 80m track eight times, down the stairs, into another room and do eighty weighted jumping jacks. I chose the 10-pound weight until my trainer said uh uh -- so I got the 12-pound weight (just one!) and struggled through that.  Then it was repeat what we had just done. This time on the track, it took all I had and the fact that others were running laps (some starting before me and some after) to not give up and walk.  I was ready to walk by lap four. The first iteration of these eight laps I had sprinted at the very end.  This time? Slo-Mo straggle at the end. On the third iteration of all this, I enter the room to do the wall jumps and high knees and said to the other trainer -- Seriously? Are we still doing 80 of each? He looked astonished and laughed.  No. It seems I should have dropped twenty off of each exercise and two off the lap count each time we repeated the circuit!  So, last time I should have done sixty of each exercise and six laps on the second iteration, then forty on this third iteration. No wonder my FitBit heart rate after the second eight laps was 141! 

While walking the dog later, I realized that it was only because of the other campers that I managed to complete those laps without walking or stopping.  Granted, I got slower on that second time around and the third (only had to do four laps) I was grinding down. But had I been on my own, I would not have run all eight at any point. Just like when I go to the track alone and bail on the 400m (might make 200m before walking, sometimes a little more but mostly nada.) Anything over 200m is a struggle and not pleasant at all.  Even 150m can be a problem at times.  So, running with others or working out with others is my saving grace.

And two more days of Endurance week to go.  Next week is Functional Movement Week - also known as awkward movement week..

More Miserable Than Ever

This year, I intended not to go over the hay bales during the November 15^th Misery Run, put on by Carolina Godiva Track Club as part of their Winter Series.  The first time I did the Misery Run, I went over all hay bales (three, twice each.)  It was great fun, but a few days later, my right hip began to ache and twinge.  The bale setup consists of two "step-up" rectangular bales, the smaller of the two on top, placed on either side of a rolled hay bale.  Some folks run and try to use the step-like bales in front as a bounding off point to leap to the top of the rolled bale and then slide down to the step bales on the other side.  Others gingerly step up and try to haul themselves up to the top of the bale, ending up in a horizontal position.  It's fun to watch.

56 folk from age 14 to 74 came out for this XC run that included two bales (to be gone over 3X each), the big mud hole, and lastly the well watered dung heap.  The run takes place on a working farm in Chatham County.  This year, I did not see the cattle, only the farm dog, Bella, who wanted to greet every car and runner. 

We parked on ground that was furrowed and wet, facing a large pond. Just walking to the sign in area prepared one for the adventure ahead.  One woman arrived suited up in a white HazMat looking one-piece suit, face mask, goggles, boots, and gloves.  Man, she would get hot, but maybe not dirty. Others were bare legged. Just short of 10 a.m., we gathered at the bottom of the parking field to hear the instructions.  Run at your own risk, don’t get hurt, people 60 and above could bypass (go around) the hay bales. We were read the “Godiva” poem by Richard Wolfe, detailing the delights of a Godiva Winter Series run, and then we were sent off.  I had gone to the back of the pack, mostly because I would be slow, but also so I could observe the hay bounding techniques of those ahead.  I decided to try just one and go around all the rest.

I approached at a medium pace, leapt from one to the second small stepping bales and then sort of jumped up, grabbing with my arms to help pull myself to the top of the rolled bale.  I made it up and down without a problem or a twinge.  So, from that point on, I went over the remaining bales and was happy to do so.  After the first bale we ran on a path that edged a field and then into the woods.  I ran out of steam on the path leading towards the woods (a slight incline) but then got my breath once into the woods.

As it happened, I was behind two men (maybe in their forties) one of whom had on colorful socks, who were behind a woman who maintained a 13 minute pace (so said my Garmin.) I was perfectly content with this since I needed to save energy for the rest of the 5.5 mile outing.  The men also stayed behind her as we navigated roots, small rocks, and some branches.  When we ran downhill then uphill around a curve, to a small rise ahead, I knew what was coming.  I had several cuts on my right hand, some of which I had put band-aids on. However, I also wore a green surgical glove over it.  My Garmin was covered with a plastic bag.  Up the short rise to the lip of a medium size mud pond.  I don’t know what happened with the woman ahead of us – I think she stepped aside.  The two men went in and then I stepped off into water about knee high.  I pushed off, thinking I could wade ahead,, but instead stepped down into a deeper hole, losing my balance.  Bam!  There went both hands into the mess. I struggled to move forward, eventually reaching the rising lip on the other side, emerging with wet hair, bacteria laden water inside of the green glove, and laughing.  I’d worn nylon pants so they would shed some of the water but they still stuck to my legs. The man’s pretty socks were now brown.

The next delight was another hay bale, then around a bend, left on a flat and right, still on a flat, before emerging towards the next go around. Onward and forward.  Exhausting!  Especially on the straight aways.  I would try to keep up with whoever was ahead of me.  In the woods, it was not as bad.  I could catch my breath while negotiating the terrain.  

My nose usually runs and so I carry wads of tissues.  After the dousing, the tissues were of no use.  Eventually I resorted to ground leaves. Quite harsh on the nose.  I also tended to switch from jumping branches or logs with my right leg to my left, depending upon which felt lazier  (If I jumped off with my left, my right knee did not have to lift as high)

On my third circuit around, after going over six hay bales, and through the magic pond three times, I emerged from the periphery to head for the last misery of the day:  The dung heap.  Unlike when I had done this in the past, when the heap was more solid than not, this was more like a dung laden pond.  Photos show some folks leaping into it (what – hoping to span the breadth of it?). I stepped in, figuring I would get through this one okay, but, no, my foot got stuck and again, I lost balance, and again, both hands into the muck.  Once out of this, there was still some terrain to navigate before, finally, crossing the finish.  A hose rinse was offered after emerging, but I declined, deciding I needed a photo of the condition I was in. (I did rinse off after the photo)

I finished 52 of 56 and received a magnificent candy bar for being the oldest finisher.  Next time, if I do it again, I will bring extra pants. (I did bring extra socks and shoes.)  One predicted one’s finish time before the event.  Those closest also got a candy bar, as well as the male and female finishing first, time wise. I was 5:38 minutes slower than I'd  predicted (not anticipating having to claw out of muck or doing the bales) finishing in 1:15:39. First male was Dave Mabe in 37:46 and first female was Joan Nesbit Mabe in 44:08.  Some folks threw out their socks and shoes, some left them where they had been sucked off in the ponds.  Surely, cattle don’t eat shoes. 

Aging up -- at least for NC Senior Games State Finals

Unless one is nine or twenty years old, aging up is not something one looks forward to.  NC Senior Games policy is that one competes within the age group reflecting the age one will be on December 31 of that year. So, though competing in September, I competed in the next older age group (which I would not hit for another two months.)  

I had not been doing track since August and had been casually running the road or trails, including some road races.  Good excuse setup, here!  One could say I was not at my optimum -- but, then, I have rarely felt as if I am ready for a track event.  The Finals were held September 24th at the Meredith College track.  A terrific track well maintained (reserved for use only by students and faculty). This is also where the Sir Walter Miler is held in August

My major NC competitor, who has beaten me in every track distance and event, except for one 100m -- and that was only because that was the first race for her after recovering from an injury -- did not come to the Finals.  This was disappointing.  I expect she, and many others, will show up next year since that will be a National Senior Games qualifying year.

Prior to the day of the meet (all in one day), it had rained frequently.  This day, however, though it was cloudy, we were spared rain until late afternoon, by which time the track events were completed.  I warmed up but did not feel full of energy (even though I had taken two days off from boot camp.)  The first event was the 100m.  There were five of us in my heat.  I messed around with the blocks, not really too confident, and feeling a little foolish.  One other lady was using them for the first time. She asked me for advice! Ha Ha!  I being the last person to ask, since I have trouble remembering how I use them from one meet to the next!  It put me in mind of a State Finals eleven years ago, my third at the time. A lady in my heat, though in the next AG up, had set records in each lower AG.  She used blocks! At the time, I was astonished, that someone so old, would do so. Hey! that's what I thought at the time!  It looked stupid. Blocks and very short shorts do not go together well on an older person.  So, here I am, looking as stupid -- except my pants were not short.

I fumbled my way out of the blocks and got to the finish ahead of the others.  Not elegant or pretty, but one down, two to go. 

Next was the always dreaded 400m.  In this one, I was the only one in my AG, joined by two ladies in the next older AG.  I did not warm up much, having recently run the 100m.  Between events I chatted with other runners and friends there to watch.  Because of the "watchers" I had to push my way around the track even though I could feel the legs churning right down to almost nothing.  Being the only one in my AG, I easily won that one! 

In the 200m, it was me, one other in my AG, and those tough older women!  They, the 80-year-olds, are admirable and no slouches.  They had a happy outlook, which made the rest of us happy.  I enjoyed this one far better than the 400m.  My legs did not die, though my speed was just so-so.

Oktoberfest Run Green 8K

To say it was hot and humid hardly covers it. I looked at the costumes of some of the running folks: lederhosen, velvet vest covered blouses and waist hugging sashes and knew they would be having regrets after just one block.  Saturday September 19^th was not a pleasant, sit outside, and drink mimosa kind of day – unless one does not mind dripping into one’s drink (OTH, a lemon drop shot – and you might not care!)

But this was Oktoberfest and these are hardy excited folk.  Some were serious about this race, others, like me, just came out for a fun time.  Watching folks in colorful German-Austrian costumes is always fun.  One fellow abandoned his shirt but, fortunately, kept the lederhosen.  There were runners who got their buzz on before the race, hydrating on beer carbs, while most of us searched out and socialized with pals.  I found my Nog Run Club group and yakked. No warming up for a fun race.

early beer ID verification queue -- got much longer

  

I moved to the back of the pack, just in front of some who planned to walk, and, as it turns out, right by a lady in the same 65+ AG as me, who remembered me from last year. 

Not to worry, says, I – I don’t plan on much running, I’ll be taking photos.  What I did not tell her was that I did not feel like running at all.  Earlier in the day, I was quite a mass of ache, but after a few sessions with the roller and an Ibuprofen, my aches were gone.  However, I still lacked energy and therefore enthusiasm.    But then the race started.

I enjoyed shuffling to the mat.  Once beyond the mat, movement picked up as folks surged ahead, opening space behind.

 I trotted down Blount St then followed the pack left around the corner then left again onto Person St.  As I went along, my energy picked up.  I would trot at a decent pace and then, of course, walk for a bit. I saw my pals.  I would pass and then eventually be passed.  I attempted a few photos of the crowd ahead.  Not being as adept at this as Shannon Johnstone (of Landfill Dogs fame) - who can take amazing photos without even  looking at the screen, I got a few of the pavement behind or of the sky when trying for something of interest to the side.   The one good shot I got resulted from running ahead, stopping, and then waiting for my prey  (a running pal) to come into view.  This was not so easy since people were streaming by.  I was afraid I would miss her.  When I did see her, it was hurry up, focus, and snap before she was gone. (turned out to be a terrific photo of her)  The rest of the photos I took while on course were taken while moving but at a slow speed.  

Oakwood cemetery

run fast past here!

on the move -- passing 3-mile marker

I still had energy and now attribute it to listening to music – something I never do.  It perhaps both distracted and motivated.

I stopped at both water stops, gratefully!  I drank about half of the cup and poured the rest down my back.  It helped.  Later, I heard of folks who poured the whole thing on their body.  I felt the heat, but it was tolerable – especially after dousing with water. Oh, yes, the heat: at 3 p.m., race start, was 85°F with a dew point of 63° (a dew point >60 is uncomfortable) and by 4 p.m. it was 87°F with 61°F dew point.)  I expect that many of the folks I saw walking were doing so because the heat got them.  I was feeling the effort when we veered onto Watauga St and ran an uphill incline. Walk time.  A little bit of energy returned on Franklin and when we turned onto Person, I was happy to be on the way back.  When we got close to Moore Square I dragged, because I knew there were still two or three more blocks to go before the turn onto South St and then back onto Blount to the finish.  Truthfully – I flagged on Blount.  Barely above a walk.  Until the ending block where I began to run and ended up in a full out sprint with another lady to the Finish.  Now, that part was glorious!

sweat wet Garmin -- 5.03 miles; 53:45.  official time 53:41.

Winning times for those who want to know: Brian Basilli (23) in 26:52.387 and Dominique Stasulli (24) in 32:02.313. Hey – their last names rhyme! 

I managed to drink the whole gratis Bond Brothers Golden Ale beer while enjoying the costume, beer stein holding, brat eating and limbo contests. (the winner of the male limbo was amazingly flexible!)   You can’t beat the Nog Run Club signature events (Oktoberfest 8K, St. Paddy’s 8K ) for full out fun!

women's costume contest

Allison -- 4X winner of brat eating contest

Oak City Mile

When area runners heard last year that The Magnificent Mile race was to be discontinued after months of wrangling with the folks handling the new Raleigh ordinances governing when and where road races could be held, we were more than disappointed.  Raleigh has made holding road races more difficult, trying to appease residents and reduce road closures.  The Magnficent Mile course, from Second Empire restaurant along Hillsborough St to the Capital and back, crossed both McDowell and Dawson streets. This necessitated a partial closure – one of the reasons cited in denying a continued race permit.

Precision Race stepped into the abyss with an inaugural mile race, Oak City Mile, also on a Sunday afternoon, and also along Hillsborough, but going in the opposite direction.  The Oak City Mile’s route began on Hillsborough near the railroad overpass at Edenton, went slightly up hill, passing St. Mary’s, up to the roundabout at Morgan St and then returned.  The event, unlike The Magnificent Mile, was specific to the two USATF NC one mile championships --  men’s then women’s.  (The Magnificent Mile also included a recreational walk along the mile, as well as a kids’ race.  Hillsborough St in the area of Second Empire remained closed from about 11am until close to 5 p.m.)  Oak City Mile impacts Hillsborough for a much shorter time.  The ALS Foundation was the charity beneficiary.

image by Oak City Mile

The weather was pleasant (73°) and sunny on Sept. 13th.  Parking was not an issue.  Those who had not picked up their race packet on the preceding Friday, could do so right near the start area across from Runlogie, the race host.  Among the Nog Run Club contingent, the pre-race excitement was whether AAA would arrive before the race to open a runner's car to retrieve her keys.  She expected she’d miss the race.   Aaargh!  Despite the substantial prize money to be awarded to first through third Open and Masters winners, there were not as many participants as in the Mag Mile.  It wasn’t until mid-August that word began circulating about this inaugural race.  I'd told the Piedmont Pacers (Greensboro area) about it since some had asked about the Mag Mile in mid August.  Four of the Pacers arrived for the race. (With me, that made five of us.)

     Other local runners had come out, including Sandy Roberts, the inspiration and organizer of Sir Walter Miler. 

 He was still recovering from an injury. When the women lined up, I was disappointed at how few there seemed to be.  My competitor pal and I were near the front since there seemed to be so few runners.  (To show how bad perceptions are, when I checked the results later, it seems that though 61 had registered, there were actually 53 women finishers – more than I thought!)  The Nog Run Club member with the locked car was one of the finishers, having been rescued in time from her key dilemma.

Prior to the men’s start, I trotted around the four blocks bounded by Hillsborough, West, and Morgan streets.  I don’t enjoy the warm up pre-race ritual.  I always start off achy and feeling like a slug, then have to work my way up to a decent knee bend, advancing to a more turtle-like pace.  I trotted up Hillsborough for a bit with two others.

Men's lineup - Abie far left in red

Standing on the overpass with pals, we prepared to watch the men.  Sandy Roberts was on the far side, as was Abie Harris, a Sunday Church of the Oval pal, who was near the curb but in the first row (a new tactic for this race.)  He was hoping to do under a 10-minute mile.  (For those who do not know Abie, he is a determined competitor, now in his 80s. This was probably his first race in over a year or so.)  Off they went, crossing over the overpass hump, then disappearing over the subsequent slight rise beyond the RR overpass.   When the RPD car later came into view in the distance, we looked for Sandy’s blue shirt since the leading runners were too far away to distinguish beyond shirt color   Sandy was second, in 4:33.2, behind young Isaac Presson who crossed the Finish in 4:25.6  Benjamin Rachunok was third in 4:38.3.  Abie Harris made his goal, finishing in a spectacular 9:05.  He was not last. 

 

The women’s race was scheduled to start twenty minutes after the men’s. 

I started off, but wasn’t yet beyond the overpass when I heard a racing buddy spectator reminding me to slow down!  I did, once beyond the merge of Edenton and Hillsborough.  With my sensitivity to any type of incline, be it two inches or more, I knew I had best just keep plodding on and conserving energy.  Runners passed.  I looked ahead or at the scenery or just concentrated on keeping acceptable breathing.  Being a quiet Sunday and past brunch time, there were not many people out.  At least, that I noticed. Having trotted along Hillsborough during Capital RunWalk outings, I was used to running out of energy near St. Mary’s.  So I may have slowed even more.  Just don’t walk – I’d walked in past Magnificent Miles.  Just prior to the roundabout, the road dipped.  Relief for a moment..  Don’t run on the sidewalk, we’d been admonished.  I trudged around the roundabout, looking for my main competitor as I came out of it.  I did not see her.  Uh, oh.  She must be right behind me.  (She could have passed while I was looking down at the street!) In front, there was a slight incline and curve, preventing me from seeing all those ahead.  I saw the trailing RPD car coming along the other way.  Not too many folks were behind me.

I was close to empty when I arrived back at the overpass and the Finish.  I managed to finish in under 9, at 08:41.  (I was 36 of 53.)  I gulped water and ate an energy bar plus a banana.  Nothing satisfies like a banana!   The stats: 61 women registered, 53 crossed finish; 108 men registered (one the RD so that was probably a test registration), 99 finished.   Fastest male -- 04:25, last male finisher 10:48; fastest female (Andi Cozzarelli) 04:58, last female 19:11 (the finisher just prior came in at 13:13.)  Beyond cash awards to the overall group, gift cards went to only the first place age group finishers. The last AG was 70, so Abie missed out.  Of the four other Piedmont Pacers, Dixon Cook won his AG and Hollis Oberlies was third female master overall.   

Awesome Hodges, Brutal Humidity: 2015 USATF Masters Outdoor Championships.

Hot, Humid, and Unpredictable  - JAX 2015

Last year was my first Outdoor Nationals (and this year my first Indoor Nationals).  Both were local (in-state) which was why I had decided to participate.  I had nothing to lose. I suspect that new participants, local to the venue, show up each year.  I was not sure I would venture out of state for another meet, but the fun bug had hit and so I put my dog in his luxury accommodations (cabin with windows, patio, and twice daily walks) and took the trip to Jacksonville.

Prior to leaving for the 2015 USATF Masters Outdoor Championships in Jacksonville, Fl. July 23-26, I kept checking the weather forecast. It was pretty consistent: the percentage of rain during our running events went from 50 to 71% during the times of our races.  Angela Staab’s 800m on Thursday was the exception, with a prediction of 17%.  I was prepared for wet shoes.

But Thursday when I arrived at Univ. of North Florida’s Hodges Stadium to watch the 8 a.m. race, it was sunny.  I was worried that I would be late but got there before race start.  I watched the W70, (Barbara Hensley won in 4:31.51; Angela Staab got 3rd), W55 (Leslie Chaplin, winner in 2:35.43), W40 (Sonja Friend-Uhl won in 2:16.54), then the M65 race (Tim Wigger in 2:35.96.)  Towards the end of one of the men’s 800 races, M70?, a fellow, who was about 40m from the Finish, fell.  He was next to last in the race.  He got up and began trotting again, but fell once more just short of the Finish.   Meanwhile the last runner was almost upon him.  Folks urged the prone man to get across the line and he did, just in time.  That’s putting in the effort!  (On my way out later, I noticed another man in an ambulance, conscious and looking okayI  Perhaps feeling the heat.) I returned later with Becky Simers  (SoCal Striders) who wanted to check out the starting blocks that would be used.  It was still sunny.

 The track itself is beautiful.  The color is similar to UNC-CH but Becky thought that the lanes of the nine-lane Hodges track were wider.  I couldn’t tell.  It is described as a Mondo track SX.  The stadium itself is huge.  I have never been in such a huge venue. It seemed larger than Wake Forest’s stadium. 

  We took a look at the adjacent three-lane practice track.  Nice!  And convenient.  I did not get a chance to check the blocks out as we were shooed away at that point. That was okay since I had not really decided if I would take a chance using them.  I had only done so twice before during competition (the 100m at NC Powerade Games and 100m at Southeastern Masters.)  Not great for building confidence.    

The natural area surrounding UNF’s Eco Road fascinated me.  It was sort of an orderly, yet, not, mix of trees and green stuff; forbidding in the sense that walking through it might leave one bloody from scratches and cuts.  Turns out it is or may be a wetland area harboring wonderful plants, but snakes as well. Had I realized, I might have spent some time Thursday taking one of the walking paths adjacent to Eco and near the track.  It is a photographer’s delight.

My meals on Wednesday had been less than satisfying.  Quite the opposite.  Finding places to eat was not an easy task.  Better put, driving in the area near Salisbury Rd and the whole crazy 202 directional thing was stressful. It took until the last night to get it all straight in my head as to which was the correct exit etc for returning home from some eating place -- in the rain; at night.  And, while on this subject I have never seen such odd left turn lanes.  (I am used to orderly cross roads and highway entrances  such as in NYC or even Raleigh) While stopped at a light in the left turn lane, planning to get on 202 or similar roadway, I would look ahead and see dotted lines curving as if on a track.  But curving to where?  They appeared to curve right into the curb on the other side of the road.  I was lucky that the first time I encountered this, there was a car in front I could follow, discovering that, yes, there was an entrance, sort of diagonal from the stoplight.  This is the state to which old folks flock.  Jacksonville must be mostly populated by young, more mentally nimble, folk!

Back to the food issue.  Thursday, the 23^rd, was hotel convenience fare in the morning, snacks (apple etc) during the day, with soup and salad at Maggiano’s with Becky and Barbara Hensley (SW Ohio TC) at night.  Friday morning two eggs, bacon, and toast (carb and protein loading) at Wafflehouse, race not until 3 p.m.  Soup and salad again at Mimi’s with Becky and Joyce Hodges-Hite (ATC) at night.  Saturday, with a 10:30 100m awaiting, coffee and cereal sufficed until evening with a very tasty, carb loading, penne Ryan dinner at Enza’s, with Becky’s SoCal Strider team.  Sunday morning we barely got in our coffee.

Enza's

The Events

My 400m was scheduled for 3pm.  The forecast was still calling for rain, but when we arrived around noon or so, it was clear.  Neither Becky nor I had slept well.  Becky was disturbed by the TV in the adjacent room and I don’t sleep well normally.  The 400m race kept going through my mind and I kept throwing it out.  Nothing like running a race that never ends all night long.  We toured the USATF tent, surveying the wares.  About an hour before the 400m, I decided it was time to warm up.  This is always a slow process, one that starts off feeling already out of energy.  I did this and that, trying to remember all the various warm up exercises I had researched. I probably did three of them!  Back and forth I trotted, wondering if it was too much or too little.  I did maybe two “strides” – which to me is a partial sprint.  I was still putting on my shoes when the call came for the two oldest age groups to collect near the front of the check-in tent.  My memory is a bit foggy, but I think they combined three age groups, totaling four people, ahead of us.   Rose Green, the speedster, was paired with Hodges-Hite and an 80 and 87 year old. (Daprano having bypassed the Meet, saving her energy for the WMA meet in Lyons.)  87 year old Sumi Onodera-Leonard used starting blocks, then  trotted to the first curve. She began walking on the back stretch. The temperature at this point was close to 97, and the humidity was unbearable, though only 51%.  One could see she was struggling, understandably.  She picked up her pace on and off until getting to the final 100m.  When she came down the home stretch, folks cheered her on.  This made her start to trot again on and off.  I worried that she might over exert in response to the crowd.   But she made it!

  Then it was my turn.  I was in lane 5, Mary Robinson in six I think, Angela behind me in maybe 3.  I did not know the other competitors.

  At the start, I was still wondering if I would go out as planned or not.  Becky tells me I hesitated.  Slow brain reaction.  I got going, followed my plan to just short of the curve, then concentrated on breathing in synch with my left foot, not trying to go hard but probably going faster than I would under normal circumstances.  Who am I kidding?  Under normal circumstances, I would not choose to even do the 400m. It is not a pleasurable experience.

  I came up on Mary and passed somewhere on the back stretch.  Thoughts raced through my mind that this was not a good idea, maybe I was going too fast and would soon run out of steam.  Nonetheless, I tried to keep whatever pace I had.  At the turn to the final 100m, I felt Mary on my right shoulder. I could have sworn I heard her breathing, or her feet.  I did not know where any one else was, but I knew for sure Mary was closing.  My only objective now was to get to the Finish without going into extreme oxygen deprivation.  I could not go any faster than I was going, despite Mary being right there.  When I crossed the Finish, I wasn’t staggering as I did last year, but I could not catch my breath. 

I got to a side fence and tried to pull in as much oxygen as I could.  Nope.  So I walked a little, ending up by the fence alongside the Medical tent. (Not looking for them.)  Some waiting runners thought I was in distress.  No; just slow to get breathing under control.  Once that was done, I could grab water.  Most runners, after crossing the Finish, still have enough left to be courteous and congratulate the other runners.  I wish that was me. (A long time ago, I was diagnosed with exercise induced asthma and prescribed Albuterol.  It made a difference in my road races, but I stopped using it in 2007. I was glad I had when I saw all the hassle surrounding its use in track.)  So I sometimes wheeze, always gasp, and on occasion go into coughing fits (which I used to attribute to track dust.)    

I was one relieved person after the 400 was done.  The rest of the events would be fun, regardless of how they turned out.  Did I say I groused about the 400m before and then again after?  There is something about doing anything longer than 200m on a track that is worse than doing the same distance on a road.  I think it is because on the road, I don’t try to go any faster than comfortable.  On the track, one is almost forced to go too fast for comfort. Okay – you true track folk would say that what else is the purpose of being on a track than to go fast?

The next day, both Becky and I had the 100m to look forward to.  This time, our sleep had been disturbed by the lady in the adjoining room getting an early call from her mother.  Family dynamics took hold and she began shouting (before 6 a.m.) I could repeat the entire conversation from her end and what I deduced from it, but I won’t.   So not only was Becky tired, but she had a swollen knee that was giving her trouble.  We grabbed coffee (Becky two cups) and got to the track. Once at the track, I went into my warm up, jogging back and forth, trying lunges, my dunking duck dips and whatever I could think of.  I did try a few sprints but not all out and not too far.  I had not yet decided about using blocks.  I made sure that this time I had my shoes on before we were called to queue up.

Infield Fox

 One curious item in the warm up infield, which had intrigued me the day before, was a replica of a fox, with a ribbon around its neck.  I did not have my Canon with me while warming up, so Becky took a phone photo for me.  The fox added a nice touch.  Warm but not fuzzy!  (UNF’s mascot is an Osprey, not a fox.)  Turns out that it was out there purportedly to keep geese away!

I had noticed that Kathy Bergen arrived in the warm up area about a half hour before the race.  I did not watch her but when I commented that that was not much time for a warm up, the response was that she usually just walks!  Well, gee!  World record holder speed demon and she hardly warms up!  Or, does she secretly hide out somewhere, doing magical warm up routines and stretches, getting a massage and chiropractic treatment, before appearing  in public cool and ready?  Yeah, I bet that’s it!

While we waited under the shade of a tent behind the 100m start line, we watched the older runners.   An official asked those preparing to run, who would be using blocks.  Well, Onodera-Leonard had used blocks in the 400m (the only one of us in the senior generations to do so, I think.)  She started to move forward, but another, younger, lady took charge, thinking that she was confused, and that, surely, she did not intend to use blocks.  After a bit, the issue was solved and Onodera-Leonard had her blocks. In fact, when I saw her use blocks during the Indoor Meet, I too was shocked. That’s when I decided I should  again try to learn how to use them.  I can’t say who won that heat but I can say who won the, much anticipated by me, race between Rose Green and Kathy Bergen. Kathy won in 15.70.  She had already broken the world record in an earlier California event with a time of 15.31.  The wind for most of the events here was higher than the legal  limit of 2m/sec applied to the 100m and 200m related events.  Some of the younger runners who had great times had to contend with the disappointment of not getting a legal record.

Magnificent 70s -- the crone; Angela Staab, Mary Robinson, Ann Carter

I had decided not to use starting blocks.  In a 100m, there is not enough recovery time, or distance, after a screw-up.   Alta Rose and Mary Robinson were to my right. I got into my 3-point stance on the SET command, forgot to inhale, and then boom!  Off we went. Wow, Alta and Mary took off.   After the first 10 meters or so, I could not keep up with them. The announcer had said it seemed to be a three person race.  I thought, nope, two person, as I watched the other two scream down the track and I struggled to catch them.  No way!  I have in my mind the image of the two of them quite a bit ahead of me. They were across the line with me maybe 10 steps behind. Mary Robinson won it.  When I saw the video, I was impressed by  Mary’s surge to take that race.  She was determined. 

Mary Robinson won this. Alta Rose still charging forward.

 Now that was a race I enjoyed, though I straggled behind.  I ran as fast as I could, didn’t get rubber or log legs, and did not get serious oxygen deprivation.  I watched the subsequent 100m races with Jane Barnes (W60), who won hers, and the next group with Amanda Scotti and Becky Simers (W55), who, in matching knee wraps, could have been twins.  Neither was feeling 100%.  When they came down the track it was hard to tell who was leading until the end.  Amanda came in second and Becky third. (Daphny Sluys, unattached, won it in 13.97.) 

Sunday morning arrived without an evening disturbance.  Well, there was a party going on on a lower floor. Tolerable. Our 200m race was early in the day.  It was a little cloudy which was good.  This time, I cut down on my warm up.  I did not really feel energetic.  Why waste what little I had on excessive warm ups.  But I did practice a simulated starting block start, three or four times. I was in my spikes before they called us to queue up.  Again, I watched the match up of Rose Green and Kathy Bergen. Kathy led all the way.  It came time for our group to line up. There were eight of us, including Angela Staab who never runs a 200m but was doing so at the request of her daughter, who was in attendance. ( I think Jane Simpson was out there in lane 9, Ann Carter in 8, Mary Robinson in 7, me in 6, Alta to my right was in 5, JoAnn Sampson in 4, Angela in 3 then Barbara Hensley in 2.) When they asked who was going to use starting blocks, I decided I had nothing to lose.  Alta and Mary had whooped me substantially in the 100m.  I expected the same in the 200m.  All I would be risking was a potential chance at 3^rd. I figured this would be my last chance to use blocks in a National event, and why not. 

I don’t think I thought about all the things I should be doing when the gun went off, I was so concerned with getting out of the blocks without face planting.  Mary was way ahead of me.  As we approached the turn, I think I came up on the others to my right except for Mary, but Alta went blasting by on my left. She was moving!  As we rounded the bend, it was Mary and Alta again.  Once again, I heard it was a three person race. I was lagging, thinking again, that, no, it was a two person race.  With about 50m to go, I began running as fast as I could.  Maybe my legs would lock up, maybe not.  I got up to Alta with not much track left and sensed her fading.  When I got to Mary it was as close to the Finish line as one could get.  We crossed together and I was as surprised as everyone else when I heard my name mentioned.  Another squeaker between Mary and me. (and was that Peter Taylor announcing?)

Right after the 200m, we all had to rush over to the Javelin area, which was scheduled concurrent with the 200m.  Angela had checked with them before the 200m and said we would be okay.  Well, not quite.  We did get to throw some, due to the courtesy of the other throwers and officials and then four of us had to rush off to do the 4x100 non club relay.(Mary Robinson won the AG  javelin with a 16.35m throw.)  Mary Robinson was our lead off (superb job). She handed off to Angela who ran her 100m well and handed off to Barbara Hensley who passed to me . I ran the last 100m, not feeling too swift.

I walked back to get my gear (I’d had no time to change into spikes before the relay but had dropped my stuff by the back fence.) While in the warm up area, I saw some of the SoCal Strider’s 55-59 relay group through the clutter of folks in the check in area. I was able to see anchor Jane Barnes fly down the track.  They ran it fast enough to break the Club record: 58.53.

Amanda Scotti, Karen Maxwell, Becky Simers, Jane Barnes

One of the most exciting events I watched on Sunday was the W60-W69 300m hurdles.  I was interested in this one because Betty Schaeffer (66), SoCal Striders, had decided to compete, though she had only done hurdles once before.  Boom!  Right off the bat she ran into the first hurdle, knocking it over.  I cringed but then, delightedly, watched her pick the hurdle back up, go back around it and start again, hurdling it and proceeding on down the track, hurdling all the rest of the hurdles effortlessly. Such spirit and gumption!  Her reward? She won the event in 1:15.81. That’s the joy of Masters!

The videos

(if you click the red diagonal arrow on lower right, you get full screen)

400m
  http://www.usatf.tv/gprofile.php?mgroup_id=45365&mgroup_event_id=6668&year=2015&do=videos&video_id=152646

100m
  http://www.usatf.tv/gprofile.php?mgroup_id=45365&mgroup_event_id=6668&year=2015&do=videos&video_id=152684


200m
 http://www.usatf.tv/gprofile.php?mgroup_id=45365&mgroup_event_id=6668&year=2015&do=videos&video_id=152767

Betty Schaeffer's 300m hurdles (whtish hair, inner lane, red top, dark shorts)
http://www.usatf.tv/gprofile.php?mgroup_id=45365&mgroup_event_id=6668&year=2015&do=videos&video_id=152765