Brethren of the Coast

For Veteran's Day weekend, a group of running friends and Michelle and I finally made the long awaited trip to Nags Head, NC to stay in the Outer Banks and run the 3rd annual OBX Mara½thon. We had all been anxious for this weekend since we started planning and training for it earlier this year; even prior to Michelle and my wedding. Unfortunately, the week leading up to the OBX weekend took a sad twist for me as my Uncle David Shayt of Gaithersburg, MD passed away suddenly after a summer long fight with multiple myeloma - an incurable cancer that affects the plasma cells. Michelle and I spent time with family and attended services for my uncle in Baltimore, MD before making the drive into the OBX from Virginia on Saturday.

Back in 2006, when I ran my first full marathon in Washington DC, my uncle and aunt joined Michelle to cheer me through to the finish of the Marine Corp Marathon. It was special to me that my uncle, a former US Marine and long time DC resident, was there than for me on one of the biggest days of my life. As I was now preparing for the OBX ½, I knew my uncle's memory would help me push through this race.

Just as it was in Baltimore, the weather in Nags Head was beautiful and perfect for running. Blue skies and mid to upper 50's. I was really looking forward to the run, regardless of my time. I knew this would have to be a better weekend than the Rock N Roll run of misery that I had completed back on Labor Day weekend in Va. Beach.
Race day came and our group was pumped and ready to head out at 6 AM. I guess I had a decent sleep the night before but it still took a cup of joe to get me going and awake enough to get ready for the start line. Everyone has their own methods, tools and tricks for race morning. For some, a shirt, shorts, shoes and socks is it. For me, a former coastie and Boy Scout, I tend to be a bit more (or overly) prepared. I have found what seems to work for me and after casting it aside for Va. Beach, I decided to stick with what I knew worked this day. So, that includes running shorts that are close to the knee, a tech t-shirt, running socks, Asics shoes, an Ipod Nano loaded with hard rocking tunes, Sony dry earphones, Nip Guards, Nike dry hat, a Fuel Belt with 4 bottles of GU20 and 2 gel packs and my flip phone. I also use BodyGlide on my feet and legs and Sportslick on my toes to prevent blistering and rash. I have found this combo of gear serves me well and doesn't slow me down. To an elite runner, this would be way overkill but I am not an elite runner. Also, for the first time, I decided to wear my name on the front of my shirt in block letters. I had always heard that wearing your name encourages people to cheer for you by name and I thought it would be something fun to try.

The race start is in Nags Head with the finish being in Manteo on Roanoke Island. Pulling from the history of the area, this year's race had a pirate theme so there were runners in costumes and a post-race pirate party in downtown Manteo on the waterfront, a former pirate cove. I was looking forward to the finish and the challenge of climbing and crossing the Washington-Baum Bridge into Roanoke Island. Shortly after 7 AM, the guns sounded and we were on our way. I had to keep reminding myself not to start too fast and save my energy for later in the race. Despite this, I still ran a 7:50 first mile and a 8:00 min second mile. I felt good, the temperature was nice and I just settled in a pace and jammed out to some tunes. As the race started, my Ipod shuffled from song to song and for the start of the race, I was pacing to Cake - Going the Distance which is a great running song.

Approaching the halfway point area which we will call Mile 7, Michelle and another friend Krista, were positioned along the roadside to my surprise cheering for each of us as we ran by. It was nice to see them and hear their encouragement. Not only that, I was also getting random shout outs from other spectators as I heard "GO Jon" over and over again. As I rounded the bend of the highway to begin marching towards 'the bridge', I felt up to the challenge and kept my pace which had evened out to a 8:30 or so min. mile. This I would call my normal pace and it felt good. Okay, so the bridge was a bitch, I cannot lie. I slowed my pace as I climbed it but I never walked. Some folks were walking but most seemed to maintain a pace and I knew I needed to for a sub 2 hour finish. Coming off the other side of the bridge in Roanoke Island, around Mile 10.5, my right calf suddenly got a nasty cramp. It happened so fast, I almost fell down. But once I realized it was just a cramp, I kept running and unwillingly slowed my pace to compensate for the pain. I considered walking a bit to rest it but I knew I would lose valuable time that I might not recover so I continued at a 10:30 pace or so all the way to the finish line.

This was the first time I came to the finish in pain and slow at a race. I had the energy I had needed to run a 7:30 pace the final mile as I did at Va. Beach in 2007 but my leg was so sore, I could bairly run, arrrgghh! Anyways, I made it to the finish in 1:54:25 and Michelle and Krista were there as I arrived. Not only that but for the first time at a race, I heard my name announced as I crossed the line. What a relief!

For our group, Dave led the pack with a strong 1:41, Mike and Andi were right behind me with a 1:55 and Jennefer with a 1:57. This was Andi's first ever half marathon and she did the best in class by finishing 19 out of 280 ladies in her age group. My time was good enough for 54 out 143 in class and 477 out of 2773 total finishers. I was happy as this was about normal for me. There was no PR but it was a step back to the norm after Va. Beach.

We hung around beautiful downtown Manteo for several hours, maybe longer enjoying the sun, the crowds, the tasty sandwiches and the free beer. As far as post-race parties go, this was one of the best. There was a great band, dancing pirates and plenty of people watching. I definitely recommend this race to anyone who wants to do a fun full or half marathon next fall.

Finally, last but not least, another friend of our's was also running this day in the OBX full marathon. Heather started her run at 7:20 AM but farther up the coast of the OBX in Kill Devil Hills. As a group, shortly after 1 PM, we all returned to the finish area to cheer Heather with her family and husband as she came to the finish. Its a nice experience to see someone complete such an accomplishment and we were happy for Heather as well.

The group and I also did some other site seeing in the area before and after the race. Michelle and I added a few additional stops on our way into and out of Nags Head. If you are in the area, I definitely recommend checking out the Wright Brothers Memorial (site of first flights), Fort Raleigh which is the site of The Lost Colony, The Weeping Radish Farm and Brewery where beer is made in the original Bavarian style from the 1500's, downtown Manteo, the Manteo Lighthouse and the OBX Brewing Station (the first wind powered brew pub in America).

For Michelle's blog on the weekend, go to mac1995.blogspot.com and for more photos, check out my site at smugmug.com.

In 2009, I am undecided on any race commitments yet but I have the urge to run another full marathon. I am considering a return to Washington DC for the Marine Corp Marathon :)

'Tis the season

Yes, its finally fall. The leaves are changing, the air is cooler and sun sets earlier in the day. Normally not my favorite time of the year but I am taking a different look at it this month because I think I have finally realized why all the big races are during these weeks on the calendar. The weather is absolutely perfect for running, biking, and swimming. After a dreadful half marathon on Labor Day in Virginia Beach, due mainly in part to the brutal summer heat, I have come to the realization that I too run better in the cool air. Not only I, but just about everyone else I know thrives in it as well.

Since our Rock N Roll half marathon weekend, several of my good friends have reached new milestones of their own. Take a look again at the picture below and you will now see a two time half marathon finisher, a marathon finisher and a full ironman distance triathlon finisher. Yes, since Labor Day, Susan has completed another half marathon in Raleigh running the City of Oaks marathon. Her husband Bill just ran his first marathon by completing the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington DC and to show us all who really worked hard in 2008, Tommy successfully conquered the inaugural Beach 2 Battleship Ironman in Wilmington, NC. I am proud of all my friends who get out and run, bike, swim or tri and hope to have new stories to tell following this coming weekend's Outer Banks full and half marathons.

Also in this picture, Heather will be competing in her first marathon while I and several others will be trotting through Nags Head to the finish in Manteo, NC while covering the 13.1 mile half marathon course. Finally, Diana; Tommy's wife will be running the Rock N Roll Marathon in San Antonio later this month.

Stay tuned....