Reedy River 10k - Greenville, SC
Ram Run 5k - Valley Springs Middle School - 3-2-13
- Janet Casperson - 30:39
- Don McMahill - 34:02 - 72nd Overall - 2nd Age Group
Asheville Marathon - Biltmore Estate - 3-3-13
- Lance Martin - 3:47 - 92nd Overall - 7th Age Group
- Andy McKenzie - 3:50 PACER - Ran 3:49:59 - GREAT JOB!
- Shannon Wildes
3:53:15
Overall:
124
Age
Group: 4th
Randy Sain
4:15:59
Overall 264th
Age bracket 16th
4:26:12
339
overall
27
of 89 in age group 40-44
I
rode with four friends and we arrived (too early) at 5:30 a.m. to get
preferential parking. From the minute I stepped out of the car, I began to
think how much easier everything would be without the wind--a refrain that
echoed in my brain all day. The 15-minute delay was not a big deal--gave me
time to rub my frozen toes and tie and retie my shoes seven more times. I had
run the 15k at the Biltmore before, so I knew the first section of the course.
It was pretty back there in the woods, and deceptively protected. At this point
was enjoying the lovely flurries, sparkling in the faint sunshine. I shed my
snuggie-like fleece at mile two. The
climb up to the house was not as challenging as I had remembered. Through the
walled garden, past the bridge that was used for a scene in The Last of the
Mohicans (friend I was running with is Master of Useless Knowledge), the paved
section was over just in time for the real challenge, which was the bitterly
cold wind that hit at about mile 11 once we moved toward the frolicking horses.
Was happy to be on softer ground, though. Hokas helped my feet at this point, I
think, but all extremities were numb at certain points. Aids station workers
total troopers. Water was frozen, my goos were pudding pops, my camelback A
Roctane Slushie--yummy! Loved the cheering section at the "new"
bridge--served to counteract the freak dust-storm winds searing my
corneas.
Sort
of enjoyed the out-and-back at mile 13--fun to see faster friends I felt
encouraged to catch. I went to hear Danny Dryer speak at the expo, so was
prepared for the sections of hills and repeats--but still cursed Dam hill, just
because.
Really
was surprised the the unpaved section did not feel "easier"--just
wasn't warm and could not get a rhythm on the riveted road. Saw some people
bite it. Wanted to enjoy the view but did not want to end up on the ground.
Around mile 16, the biker and rescue people began to circle and that was weird.
I knew people were probably having trouble with the cold. Luckily (?) I had run
13 in this exact weather two weeks ago out at Bent Creek.
Running
in the vineyard was beautiful. Mile 17.5 was annoying that it wasn't 18 because
my Garmin said it was--kidding--it was off .5 since mile 2--at least was
consistent.
Heading
back, was nice to see folks after the new bridge, and then began the long slow
(emphasis) trail toward the end section. Nothing too memorable at this point,
except was not a fan of the out and back and the end--this time was pissed at
my fast friends, that they would be that much close to warmth and beer than me.
Got behind some slower people that it seemed too hard to try to pass without
running smack into the runners headed the other direction. But I did pick it up
a little at this point and made my move. The weird orange rubber band stop
(mile 23?) was an indication that people were in charge and I was headed the
right way. The horses were no longer out frolicking.
Seeing
the tent in the distance was encouraging; having to run all the way around and
behind it to finish was like being water-boarded. Loved the volunteers at the
finish. Tried my hardest to smile at the sweet lady that put the medal and
around my neck and blanket on my back, but face had been frozen in a grimace so
long that I'm not sure it came across.
Hung
out in recovery tent to defrost, then had a beer at Sierra Nevada tent and
cheered a little for people. All swaddled in our blankets, we felt like
refugees in some strange foreign place. Everyone I saw seemed so surprised by
the elements: at some point the shock of the wind and cold overtook the awe of
the scenery, the excitement of the inaugural event.
But
there is something very Asheville about that, I think. I like that it was
mainly unpaved, that it was hard, the weather less-than-ideal, that the folks
that support this running community did a great job and that it wasn't too
flashy, rock-n-roll, Disney princess etc. It felt small town hit the big time
but not corny. I hope they don't have a million people next year and ruin the
whole thing.
- Mary Koppenheffer - 4:53 - 2nd Age Group
The best part about the Asheville Marathon was seeing so many friendly faces! Asheville was the fifth marathon I've finished in less than 2 years, but this time, I got to do it locally. It really felt great all along the course, in challenging weather, to see and hear people I know calling out and helping me get through it. Many are Foot Rx Ambassadors, and I wish they could get medals for braving the elements to help me earn mine! What great spirit our local runners have.
Finishing Time:
5:07:48
Overall Place: 694
Age Group Place: 35
- Melissa McCulloch - 5:10
-
Tera Pruett - 5:36
