Race Report from 3-2 to 3-3-13

Reedy River 10k - Greenville, SC

• Curtis Rowe - 38:36

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 

 

• ME Gray - 4:05 - 4th Age Group

 

• Randy Sain
  4:15:59
  Overall 264th
  Age bracket 16th

 

• Rush Austin - 4:16:26 - PR

 

• Janet Sword

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.

• Bart Smith - 4:41
• Eve Smith - 4:54
•  Kate Seng
  4:52:59.  It was her first marathon.  She was 57th in her age group and 586 out of 1004.  

• 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.

• Lynn Marks

Finishing Time: 5:07:48
Overall Place: 694
Age Group Place: 35

 

•  Melissa McCulloch - 5:10
   
•  Tera Pruett - 5:36