March 1, 2011

What an honor it is to serve the club as your president. I am looking forward to an exciting
year as a BLUEgrass Runner. The club has a lot going on right now, such as, a bus trip planned
for June, an opening for the race director position, all committee positions are open, and we
are considering revamping the monthly meeting agenda. You need to sign up for the June bus
trip now. You can apply for the race director’s position (see that section of the newsletter for
details). The duties for each committee have been clarified and we need your help filling the
committee positions. We are considering revamping the monthly meeting agenda to a strictly
business meeting followed by a more informal social time. For more details come to our next
monthly on March 17th when we will vote on this proposal.

From my perspective the most important task immediately in front of us is completing the
committee rosters. If you were on a committee last year and wish to stay on that committee
or change to another committee, please send an email to bgrwebsite@gmail.com. If you were
not on a committee last year but would like to get involved this year, please send an email with
which committee you want to join or tell us your available time and interest and we will contact
you about committee openings. If your life is so hectic, as a lot are today, that you do not feel
comfortable committing to a committee full time that is understandable. In case you would like
to help out from time to time if convenient for you, then let us know that as well. You don’t
have to be a full time committee member to participate, although that is best. We will put your
name on a list of “possible volunteers” and let you know when there are opportunities. You
can then decide if you have the time to help out.

Hope you decide to be on a committee and support the club by volunteering some of your
time. We are not a rich club, by any means. Our annual dues are minimal. Your discount
at John’s Run/Walk shop easily covers your dues I am sure. But what we can offer to the
community and each other is some of our valuable time. Lexington is becoming runner friendly, and our club can support this metamorphosis by taking actions to encourage runners and by sponsoring or supporting local events. Hope you decide to help out.

Happy running,
Mike Lesshafft

by Dan Wells

January 8-9, 2011

Dan Wells happily crosses the finish line in Jackson at the Mississippi Blues Marathon, one day before crossing a second marathon finish line 200 miles away in Mobile.

There was a good double marathon down South to start the New Year.  In Jackson, MS there was the Mississippi Blues Marathon on Saturday and the First Light Marathon was in Mobile, AL on Sunday.  It is about a 4 hour drive and 200 miles from Jackson to Mobile.  The sponsors gave a good discount if you ran both marathons, and you got a wonderful painting from L’Arch Mobile as an award.  You run both marathons as if you were running an ultra – a relaxed, easy pace both days.  From the Mississippi Blues Marathon I added 27 minutes to finish First Light Marathon the next day.

The Mississippi Blues Marathon took place on Saturday, January 2011.  It is a better course than they had a few years ago because they dropped a long stretch of highway stores and moved the start closer to the host hotel.  There were several bands along the way and the course went through several beautiful neighborhoods.  The sun came out and warmed up the runners with temperatures in the 50’s.  Jackson is about 650 miles from Lexington.

I was really looking forward to the First Light Marathon in Mobile, AL on Sunday, January 9.  The race benefits L’Arch Mobile, a Christian Home for Mentally Retarded Adults.  The course winds past some very beautiful Victorian houses that have been fixed up.  Part of the course has a large canopy of trees with Spanish moss hanging down from the limbs.  After crossing the finish line and getting my medal, I noticed an L’Arch patient to my right in a wheel chair.  It was like he was the Grand Marshall of the Marathon and he wanted to shake everyone’s hand.  I shook his hand and it was a very special moment for both of us – the best part of the whole weekend.

After the race it was about 700 miles back to the Bluegrass, but got we got stopped by sleet and ice south of Birmingham, AL and found a motel.  Roads were terrible from Birmingham to just south of Nashville, TN the next day.  You must be prepared for schedule changes due to weather even in the sunny South.

Editor’s Note:  As always, Dan, your mega-mile pursuits inspire us to go further and remind us to enjoy the run along the way!  Congratulations on both finishes and thanks for sharing your Double Marathon Weekend experience with the club!

by Carol Russell
December 2010

During the fall of 2007 while shopping an in out-of-town grocery store I saw a woman pushing a grocery cart in front of me wearing a Boston Marathon running jacket. I stopped and talked with her and told her that’s my dream – to qualify and run in the Boston Marathon.  She told me she ran seven marathons before she qualified and told me, “Keep trying!  You can do it!”  Her words have echoed in my ears many times over.

Not long after my encounter with this woman I ran my second 26.2 miler – the Marine Corps Marathon in D.C.   I was on pace to qualify for Boston until I hit the wall at the 20-mile marker.   My legs turned into two stiff wooden sticks!

The next year I ran in the Chicago Marathon, but unfortunately it was the second hottest race day on record – 86 degrees when I finished the race!  The hottest Chicago Marathon was the year before in 2007.   Due to the excessive heat and humidity the race officials suggestedto runners to either slow their pace or considering stopping the race altogether about the time I was at the 16-mile marker.  My finish time was far less than ideal and it was the first time ever I got sick after a race. 

This year I registered for the New York City Marathon.   Several running friends told me that since it’s a lottery drawing it usually takes several tries before you’re name is drawn to confirm your entry.  Lo and behold, I was confirmed to run in the Big Apple race on November 7, 2010!  I was excited about the whole NYC experience of running through all five boroughs.

My training was coming along smoothly and injury-free during early fall 2010.  I had already put in two 20-miler training runs when suddenly on September 22, while attending a conference in San Francisco, I received a phone call with tragic news from my sister Rita who informed me that our sister Peggy, 59, had died earlier that morning of a massive stroke.    How could this be?  I just saw Peggy four days before and she looked beautiful and was witty as ever.

Needless to say my marathon training nearly came to a screeching halt as I was dealt with a heavy, grief-stricken heart in the days following Peggy’s death and funeral services.    By mid-October I reluctantly gave up the idea of running in the NYC Marathon when I realized I was not going to be ready and made the decision to defer my entry to next year.   That very day I switched my Kiawah Island half-entry to the full marathon. Scheduled for December 11, I figured the Kiawah Marathonwould give me another month to get my training back on track and perhaps I’d fulfill my dream to qualify for the Boston Marathon.

Inspired by the memory of friends and family, Carol enjoys her Boston-qualifying 26.2-mile run at Kiawah Island. Here she runs alongside her brother Michael (in yellow cap).

My brother Michael was signed up to run the Kiawah Island Marathon with me, however he suffered an Achilles tendon injury weeks before the race and was not sure he could run at all.  He decided just days before the race to run the Kiawah half marathon, so on race day my brother and I ran the first 13.1 miles together because in the aftermath of our sister’s death, we realized more than ever the importance of sticking close to one another.

Editor’s Note:  Congratulations, Carol! Your story is an encouragement to all of us. BGR will be cheering you on in April!

Georgetown, KY

by Deborah Jackson

November 20, 2010

When I ran this race last year, I quickly realized how hard it was and I wasn’t mentally prepared for it.  But I toughed it out and ended up with a time of 28:28.  I was just glad to finish!  I  SWORE I’d never compete in this race again, but as soon as I drove from the parking lot I KNEW I had to do it again and improve my time!  Then I could forget all about this race and compete next year in a Turkey Trot road race instead!

The race is located at the wonderfully named Double Stink Hog Farm, at the Intersection of 922 and 460 in Georgetown, KY.  It’s a cross country course.  I’ve run a few cross country races in Kentucky and this one is the hardest.  It’s got plenty of hills and rough terrain, but If you like a challenging race, this one’s for you! 

Deb's view of the sunrise over Scott County inspired her to run a great race.

I arrived at the race an hour before it started.  I picked up my race number and shirt and put my name in for the raffle drawing.  I went back to my car to get ready to run my mile warm-up.  I looked up and saw this amazing sunrise!  It was so beautiful I just had to take a picture to share with everyone!  

With sunlight streaming through partly cloudy skies and a temperature of 50 degrees I knew this morning was perfect for running!  When I finished with my warm-up I was ready to go!

So there I was, crowded together with a hundred and twenty-six other runners, all ready to compete.  My MP3 player must’ve read my mind, because it started blasting Rob Zombie’s “What Lurks on Channel X,” which starts out with a low voice saying “13 Acres of Hell.” It was the perfect song, because it said out loud what I was already thinking!  The air horn blew and off we went.

Shortly after the start I encountered the first downhill with a real doozey of a slope.   I like to call it “ankle-break hill” because if you’re not careful you could easily break your ankle!  I saw a little kid trying to run that hill at full force and he did a full frontal body splat on the ground!  Of course, little kids bounce, so he got right back up and kept going!  

After coming down ankle-break hill, we battled up a huge arching hill.  It was pretty tough, but most of us managed to tackle it without stopping…although it sure slowed us down!

Towards the end of the second mile, we looped around a hairpin turn and quickly realized we’d be facing the same grueling hills in the opposite direction.  We went up the huge arching hill for a second time.  Halfway up the arch we turned right and ran straight across the entire course.  Yikes!  We were headed down the dreaded ankle-break hill for a second time! 

After we conquered ankle-break hill again, it was back up the huge arching hill for a third and final time….I remember this clearly because last year I was mentally done at this point.  This year though, there was no stopping me … I tackled that hill like there was no tomorrow, knowing I was coming to the finish!

On the last half mile, I could see the finish.  Unfortunately, my bliss was cut short as the path weaved to the left and we labored up yet another new hill.  Finally, as I raced toward the finish line, I saw I was gaining on a young man in his twenties.  Here I was, a 46 year-old woman gaining on a young man!  I KNEW he had it in his head, “I’m not gonna let this old lady beat me.” and he took off running!  I yelled after him, “Go!  Get that guy in front of you!” and sure ‘nuff he did!

At the end, I congratulated the young man on a good race.  He told me I motivated him by telling him to get the guy in front of him!  It made me feel really good to know I motivated someone!

All in all, it was a really good race.  I got a GREAT time of 26:17… obliterating my time from last year!  My goal for next year is to get a sub-25:00.  I know, I know!  I said I was done with this race, but I LOVE the challenge.  I highly recommend this race because it gave me a real “family” feel.  I really got the impression that everyone had fun running together!

by Mike Lesshafft

October 9, 2010 

I am training for the Bourbon Chase Relay October 22 & 23 followed by the Philadelphia Marathon November 21. My training scheduled called for a 20 mile run on Saturday October 9. I was on vacation in southern Alabama the week before and could not get back to Lexington to run with my normal (I use that term loosely) long run group. So I decided to follow the teachings of the great long distance runner and 50 state marathoner Dan “The Man” Wells. Dan always taught “if you have to run 20 miles, why not go 6.2 more and get a medal for it”. So that is what I did. I found the Run for Life Marathon in Madison, MS which was about 4 hours from my vacation home and not exactly but sort of on the way home. It was Northwest and home was Northeast, but it was close enough for me.

This turned out to be a very nice marathon. There were about 700 total participants in the Half Marathon and Full Marathon. Only about 185 in the full. But for that small of an event they gave away a new Honda Fit car. No I did not win the car. Read on to find out how I lost my amateur status. The course was a two loop course, which I said I would never run again, however, this one did not include running you through the finish shoot as the last two loop marathon I ran in Missouri. The course was fairly flat by Kentucky standards. The locals cautioned me of a couple of hills to be weary of. However, I missed the first hill entirely and had to be reminded of the second. So it was mostly flat. The only drawback was the lack of shade. I would guess that 90% of the course was in the sun and it was getting hot for a fall morning. But I survived and was able to finish in my fastest marathon time this year.

The finish was very nice. First there was shade. Second there was someone to walk with you to make sure you were okay. Then they had plenty of good food and drinks. A free 10 minute massage made the 9 hour drive home more bearable. So what about my amateur status? The initial results were posted before we left and I had finished second in my age group (29 and over). That was the first marathon that I was in the top three in my age group and I wanted a trophy. I enquired about the trophy and was told they did not give them for age group categories. I was told I could down load the results from the web site on Sunday and put that in my scrap book. Well I was about ready to tell them where they could put their web site, but I was just ready to go home. I still felt good since it was my best time this year and I knew I had come in second in my age group.

The next morning I decided to printout my second place finish and save it since I did not get a trophy. However, I was not listed as second place in my age group. Now what was wrong? I looked at the data further to find out that I had placed third in the Grand Masters Division. I know what you are thinking, there were only 3 people in that division. Wrong!! There were 15 men in the Grand Masters Division. I beat 12 of them. For that I would get a check for $100. WooHoo!!! I won money!!! I was thrilled. I had never won any money in any sport before (unless you count horse racing). Now my dilemma. Do I accept the money and lose the remaining 4 years of college eligibility. There goes my retirement plan of going back to college on a cross country scholarship. But my wife pointed out that by the time I can retire I will be old enough to go back to school for free anyway. She is so thoughtful. So I plan to cash the check when it arrives.

One final comment from my best cheerleader and coach, my wife. She said maybe next time I could find an even more obscure marathon and win my division. Isn’t she sweet.

By the way, I entered late and the entry fee was $110. So I guess I will not be able to make a living as a professional runner. I am going to keep my day job.

I like to look at the experience this way: $110 entry fee, hotel $104, pasta dinner at nice restaurant $42, Mary shopping while I run the marathon $68, gas for the car ridiculous, coming in third in the Grand Masters Division of a Marathon, PRICELESS.

Here are the official results:

MALE GRANDMASTERS 1st -$250, 2nd -$150, 3rd – $100 : 50 – 98

Place O/plc S/plc Name Age City St Time Pace

===== ===== ===== ===================

1 16 13 Gary Thornton 52 Laurel MS 3:56:43 9:03

2 32 26 James Norris 61 Maumelle AR 4:28:08 10:15

3 34 27 Michael Lesshafft 60 Lexington KY 4:31:51 10:23

Legs ran o’er London
Not so fast, though shant complain
Saw sights ‘n Chelsea win 

(Editor:  Umm, what is that?  My race report.  Editor:  It looks sort of like haiku. Well, you told me to keep this one short.  Editor: Yeah, the goal is to tell people about the race in a few paragraphs, keep it light-hearted, and put a few pictures in. Okay, I’ll add some pictures.  Editor:  Wait, haiku is Japanese, but you ran the London Marathon.  Actually, I ran the Virgin London Marathon and since I’d never had the wonderful experience of writing haiku I thought it would be appropriate to do so for this race, thereby losing my haiku writing virginity.  Editor:  Wow.  That’s really a stretch.  Can’t you just write a few paragraphs for us? Sure thing, mate.) 

First Paragraph

Since it promised a fast and flat course and usually good weather, I registered for the London Marathon, sorry, the Virgin London Marathon about eight months ago.  My goal, as always, was to PR and finish under 2:45:53.  Having never been to London, I also had an interest in doing some touristy type stuffo, and hopefully getting a ticket to a Premier League soccer (err, football) match (preferably Chelsea FC, my new fave team). 

First Paragraph: Part B

(Editor:  Nice.  Conveniently insert a “Part B” in there as foreshadowing to the inevitable deluge of continuous stream of consciousness writing that shall be now known as “The Longest Race Report Ever.” Ease up, trust me on this one.)  For those of you who might be interested in running the race, the only way I found to register was through Marathon Tours (www.marathontours.com).  Thus, while not the cheapest way to run a marathon, I found their staff to be competent, the accommodations to be suitable, and all of the logistics to be well taken care of.  The fee you pay covers your race entry, a nice hotel in London for either three or five nights (you choose from three properties), race-day breakfast, and transportation to the race start.  (Editor:  And they get you back to your hotel after the race, right? Ummm, negatory.) 

Second Paragraph

Not sure what these guys were doing in the hotel lobby, but they scared me.

With the Icelandic volcanic ash blown to other areas the day before, I arrived at Heathrow Airport without any problems around noon on Friday.  A quick train ride into London and a 15 minute walk to my hotel meant I was checked into The Cumberland by mid-afternoon.  I had already decided that it would make more sense to get my race number on Friday and avoid the Saturday rush.  The expo at the ExCeL Convention Center wasn’t exactly close to my hotel, but the tube and train ride allowed me to figure out the mass transit system and see a bit of the eastern side of town at the same time. 

Second Paragraph: Part B

(Editor:  Here we go again. Oh please, was that last one that painful?  Editor:  No, but this one could be, get me a Guinness.)  The expo was large with booths from the usual suspects of running shoe and apparel companies, fine purveyors of nutrition and energy bars and gels, and sponsors of other races.  After getting my race number and goodie bag and not seeing the race t-shirt inside I asked a volunteer where I would go to pick that up.  She said, “At the end.”  Since I was standing ten feet from the exit door I started looking around and said, “At the end, where?”  To which she replied, “At the end of the race, after you run it, you know…26 miles?” and she looked at me like I was the dumbest runner at the expo.  (Editor: You probably were.) So, apparently, they do things a bit differently in London Town.  The other thing that was a bit different was that there was actually a can of cold beer (sorry, “ale”) in my race goodie bag and really not much else.  I think it’s one thing to get a beer after a race, but these folks clearly mean beer business or maybe they just know what you’re in for when you run 26.2 miles and they figure, “what the heck, better start having these crazies drink the hard stuff now.”  On my way back to my hotel, I met my new friend found from craigslist.com to purchase my Chelsea ticket, ate some fish & chips, and walked by Buckingham Palace.  (“No, Mom, I didn’t see the Queen.”)  A full day indeed. 

Second Paragraph: Part BAM!

The author not in front of the London Bridge

(Editor: Part BAM!? Yeah, that’s what it felt like to me.)  Having been asleep on Friday night for a few hours, I needed to use the toilet (their word, not mine.  I, personally, am partial to “loo.”  Editor: Yeah, I bet you are.)  Not bothering to turn the lights back on during my return trip to bed, I slammed face first into the corner of a half inch thick glass wall which had somehow magically appeared in the middle of my room.  BAM! was the sound followed by blood trickling down my face.  I was able to get the two-inch cut closed without a trip to the ER and henceforth had an interesting story to explain the weird line right down the middle of my forehead.  For the next few days I thought all the ladies were checking me out, only to remember that what they were really doing was wondering why a degenerate looking hooligan thug was carrying a small digital camera, a Fodor’s London Tourbook, and a wide open, heavily used and abused, map of the London subway system. 

Third Paragraph

This guy looks tough, but he's a real softy when you get to know him.

I spent Saturday morning walking around the Houses of Parliament, touring Westminster Abbey, and getting lunch at an outdoor café in Soho.  (Editor: Oh, very European of you.) I probably took in a little too much of the sights, but I was, after all, in London and I had no idea if I’d ever get back.  I spent late Saturday afternoon watching footy highlights on a show, called, oddly enough, Soccer Saturday and then had a heaping plate of traditional British pasta for dinner.  The one thing I noticed about the few meals I’d had so far is that it took the wait staff f-o-r-e-v-e-r to do anything and everything.  Not that I was an American in a rush, but I was an American in a rush. 

Third Paragraph: Part B

I awoke race-day morning to more than my usual back pain, got dressed in my running kit, and went downstairs for my complimentary buffet.  I heard lots of conversations amongst the other ‘thonners, none of which was in English, American or British or Olde.  The most recent email from the race had indicated, “The best pre-race meal would be a bowl of porridge, ‘a runner’s super food’.” Umm, I’ll stick with a bagel, energy bar, and a banana thanks, lest that porridge is nine days old.  I boarded the Marathon Tours bus at 7:15am and was at the race staging area by 7:45am.  From that point to the start of the race was pretty much like the U.S. marathons I’ve run:  wait, stand in port-a-loo line, rub slimy stuff on various parts unmentionable, wait, stand in port-a-loo line, rinse, repeat as necessary.  It did start to rain hard about 30 minutes before the 9:45am start, which was a nice added London-ish touch.  Of course, at this point I had nothing but shorts and a long-sleeve cotton t-shirt with a picture of Santa Claus on it to keep myself warm and dry; I was left wondering when I was going to get my crumpets and why I didn’t bring my well worn woobie. 

This picture was in the race instructions packet. I understand the importance of this, but is the "wee" image really necessary?

Third Paragraph: Part C

(Editor: Ugh. Shuddup.)  The race started without much fanfare.  Despite being in “pen” one (not named corrals there) of three separate starting areas there was a lot of crowding for the first six or seven miles.  This didn’t slow my pace down considerably, but it did mean I had to work extra hard to find the right path, not step on someone, figure out which aid station to use, etc.  At a time when I was supposed to be relaxing, I was doing a lot more thinking than usual.  The middle of the race went fairly smoothly despite the temps starting to rise to the mid-60s.  All of the fans kept telling us to “Go On!” as if we might just stop right there at mile 11 or something.   I did see Deena Kastor at one point running the opposite direction and she didn’t look fresh at all.  I yelled “Go Deena!” but she didn’t hear me over the din of the spectators who clearly came ready with copious amounts of vim.   I thought a few mini-surges around miles 16-18 would give me a fighting chance to PR and I almost ended up running negative splits because of the early crowding, but it just wasn’t meant to be.  I ran 2:48:19 finishing in 396^th place out of almost 37,000 (splitting 1:23:40 / 1:24:39). 

Third Paragraph: The End

I think one of these people is a real snazzy dresser (you can guess which one)

In summary, (Editor: Finally.) the race itself is very well organized and the crowd support is phenomenal.  The course is indeed flat, though there are a couple of minor hills here and there.  The temperatures were probably a bit warm for a really great effort, but even then mid-60s weren’t too bad and the skies were overcast for much of the race.  I’d say that if you were going to run it as a fun, vacation-oriented, race you’d have a really good time.  Doing so, you’d still be able to take in the sights before and after, enjoy a flat course with great fans, and see some of London’s most famous sights along the race route.  However, I’d think twice if you were going to try to use it as a way to run a really fast time.  It may be fast for the elites, but unless you gain entry to the elite start you are going to be behind LOTS of other runners, even if you are in pen one.  That, combined with the narrow streets in the early part of the race, makes it tough to really relax until you are almost an hour in.  The final consideration for those of you trying to push the pace is the travel.  I arrived Friday afternoon and it just wasn’t enough time to get acclimated to the time change.  Arrive on Wednesday and you stand a much better chance.  You also might be okay if you can run negative splits; I typically can’t. 

Third Paragraph: The Real End

In terms of passion UK fans have nothing on UK fans (huh?)

(Editor: So, you saw the Chelsea vs. Stoke match a few hours after the race.  Did Chelsea win?  Boy, did they, 7-0!  Editor: I guess you went straight back to the hotel after that and slept.  Actually, no, I went straight to a club to hear ex-Depeche Moder Alan Wilder give a “concert” and didn’t get back to my hotel until 11pm.)  Then, on Monday, I took one of those big bus tours and got on and off at various stops around the city; even got a chance to walk around some nooks and crannies of the London streets and still saw some of the obligatory tourist spots.  (Editor:  Sounds like a good trip. Indeed it was and I was able to write it up in only three paragraphs.  Editor:  That was a lot more than three paragraphs.  Get me another pint please.  Hey, don’t blame me, I wanted to submit this missive via haiku.)

The nightmares have subsided.  It took four weeks to the day, but they are gone, out of my system.  I’ve survived and I can only hope that I am a better man for it.  The sleepness nights, waking up with chills, the terror, the difficult breathing, tossing and turning, covers on, covers off…finally I have gotten past it.  The torment is over.  (Editor:  Umm…What are you doing? I’m writing my race report.  Editor:  THAT’S the start of a race report?  Sounds more like the first few lines of a Stephen King novel. Just let me get through it; this was a difficult and trying period in my life.  Editor:  It’s ONLY a race report.  Save the drama for your momma.  Besides, you told me you’d make it shorter than the last one you wrote about the Philly Marathon.  You know, the one that took us an hour and a half to read. Yes, this will be shorter, but it might be written in a slightly different “style.”  Editor:  Meshugana.)

What transpired on that February 6 morning was nothing short of horrific.  Each night thereafter was like a series of SportsCenter “Lowlights,” a never ending onslaught of slivered vignettes of misery, pain, and suffering.  Darting in and out of consciousness, teasing me with the idea that I might still be out there, still fighting, still cold and wet and aching and in desperate need of my well worn woobie.  (Editor: Oh brother.  Seriously?  Could you at least explain what this is about? Please, could you have some compassion, some sympathy?  Surely you know that reliving this is difficult and the process is slow because my fingers and hands are jittery as I try to type).

I decided that I needed to run some long races this winter in preparation for my spring marathon, but that’s easier said than done where we live.  This race seemed worth a trip to Jefferson National Forest in Louisville.  15 miles, good, solid distance, on trails, and who knew Louisville had a forest of national stature?  Maybe I’d see Robin Hood.  The pace wouldn’t be fast but it would be a good workout.  This sounded like fun.  (Editor: Wait.  This was a 15 mile trail race? Yes.  Editor: Had you ever run a trail race before, even a 5k. Um, no.  Editor:  I see.  Okay, did you ask anybody about the race or even how you might approach it? I did, surprisingly, I really did.  One friend said he’d run it a couple of times and that the hills were really steep, so steep he had to walk up them and that the downhills were really vicious if it snows.  Another suggested I might take it easy for my first trail race, see what it was all about, and then maybe go back next year and race hard.  Editor:  Oh good, so you took their advice? Oh no, that’s not my style and that’s the reason it was so awful.  Editor:  Meshugana.)

Brake, brake, brake and ssslllllliiiiidddddeeee.  Whew close one.  I certainly wouldn’t want to skid off the side of a hill on my way to the race.  Sure is a lot of snow out here.  Wow, this really is out and up in the middle of nowhere.  Okay, good, leave my car here, get my number.  All set.  Wait.  My car is in 5 inches of snow in the middle of a grassy field.  How will I ever get out?  Well, no matter now, I’ve got a race to win.

Snow lodge in Vail or race registration area?

The start.  These people have trail shoes on cleats and spikes and such.  My old running shoes don’t look quite as…well, as appropriate.  These people just look a little different with their fancy gear and bandanas and mitten thingys and tights and fuel belts.  Oh come on, it’s a running race.  How different can it be?

And we’re off.  I’ll chase him down, he’s young though and running well.  How can he run so well on the downhills?  Oh, the trail shoes, right.  Chasing him, faster, faster, but I am not gaining, I am losing ground instead.  Ouch, branch to the face; ouch, branch to the thigh.  I am bleeding, not much, but a bit, we are in mile 1.  (Editor:  You wore shorts? Um, yes.  Editor: Wasn’t it about 25 degrees and snowing that day? Yes.  Editor: Meshugana.)

Slosh, squish, snow covered trail, ice.  Jump the small stream.  Jump?  I don’t jump anymore.  Run through it.  Well, ease through it.  Splish, splash, slosh, ohhhh, cold, brrrr.  Two pass me on a downhill and they are talking about how beautiful and awesome this is.  Are you kidding me?  This is awful, I can’t run FAST.  How can they stay on their feet?  Slide, slip.  Oh, they have those trail shoes on with those little nubbies on the bottom.  And up the hills we go; footing is bad, slip a bit.  Finally, a patch of paved road, thank goodness.  I can finally run, feel the wind on my hat covered bald head.  Wait.  Is it?  Oh dear, it is!  A sheet of ice a quarter mile long.  Oh my…oh…slowly, slowly.  Little soft toe tipping ballerina steps and slipping, Bambi-like, and careful, be careful.  Easy there Apollo Ono.  Oh, to get back to the trail.  Never thought I’d say that.  And I make it to the sharp left turn back into the snow covered wilderness.

Dan Wells decided not to run this race and volunteered instead. Enough said.

Hold on now, is that a familiar face?  It is!  Dan Wells is working the race!  Me: “Hey Dan, this is the DUMBEST thing I have ever done!”  Dan:  “Chris, what are YOU doing out here?  You are crazy!”  (Editor: Hold on Sir Edmund Hillary.  Dan Wells didn’t even run this race and he called YOU crazy for doing it? Yeah, I think you are starting to understand why I was having the nightmares.  Editor: Meshugana.)

That water will make your feet really cold. Trust me, I know from experience.

Through another stream and another and another and another.  I thought they said there were only three on the entire course.  I think that was number eight, but I know I’ve lost count.  Trudging and lifting and slipping and sliding.  My face, cold, snow covered.  What’s happened?  Where am I?  Oh, I’ve slipped, fallen, try to get up, slip again.  Face plant, snowcone face without any of the delicious blueberry flavor.  And up we go…and trudge on.  Walk.  Walk? And the hills are indeed really steep and bam, down goes Frazier!  More snow on the face.  Eyelids iced and Kip, can you bring me my Chapstick, my lips hurt real bad!

Wow.  It really is beautiful up here, but who has time for the view, I’ve got to finish this thing, get out of Dodge, and do so uninjured.  Down and down and down we go.  This is for billy goats.  Ohhh…steep, slipping, falling, I am going to kill myself!  Yes, that’s it…run INTO trees!  What a race strategy!  I am brilliant!  I have to do that just to stop myself from falllllll….BAM!  Ugh!..and another.  BAM!  I never had to run INTO trees in a race before…and I don’t really like it.  Hold on, around the curve.  Easy…steady.  Grab the branch and whip it around and slingshot…oofff…into the stream and over the rocks and a twisted ankle, but it doesn’t hurt because I am too numb from the cold.

Oh, you’re from Bowling Green?  Okay, great, we’ll run together.  You in front and me following so I don’t get lost and…oh, what’s that?  Oh, we’re off the trail?  Yes, okay, backtrack a bit.  There we go.  Where are those cute orange wisps of nylon to guide us?  Ah, no worries.  Nothing else going on this weekend.  I just have to get to work in about 48 hours.  Think I can do that?  Can you lead me out of this mess and back to my car by then?

Hello race volunteer wearing a parka, snow boots, and five shirts.  Her: “You are doing great!  You are in 4th place.”  Me: What mile is this?  Her: “Mile 10, only 10 to go!”  Huh?  This is a 15 mile race.  Am I nuts or is she?  And, did she just offer me soup during a race?  Are those people actually stopping for it?  Who eats soup during a race?  What do they know that I don’t?  Hmmm…ohhh, maybe they have oyster crackers too!  Oh goody!  Oh come on, my gosh, get going.  You…must…trudge…onward.

5 miles to go.  Passed by two more.  How can they keep running down the hills?  How do they not slip on the roots, the branches, the snow and ice covered rocks that provide such folly for those who might see this mess?  Ohhhhh…trail shoes with those spiky cleaty things.  Wish I had those.  Wish I hadn’t driven here for this.  I need Starbucks bad.  I am a either a knucklehead or an idiot, maybe both.  (Editor:  Mike Lesshafft just texted and all he said was “both.”)

Two miles to go.  There they are, I caught them, one right after the other.  I’m stronger on the ups and flats, they crush me on the downs.  Ouch, fell again.  Why does that keep happening?  Other leg is bleeding now.  “Oh come on,” the Black Knight says, “Tis’ just a flesh wound.”  And on we go.  I do pass them, I am back to number four, but can I stave off the inevitable?  If it’s a downhill finish I am a dead penguin.  Snow and slosh and slop and ice covered leaves beneath my frozen feet, and up and down we go and at last we are getting close.  I can tell.  How?  Because there’s a man sitting in a folding chair at the bend.  Nobody would sit in a chair in the snow if he wasn’t near the finish or ice fishing.

Pretty? Yes. Easy to run on? No.

Around the turn and there it is.  A winter oasis teasing me?  No, a clock with big red numbers on it and it looks really official and everything!  They won’t catch me, but I will kick it in anyway.  Kick it in?  Who am I kidding?  I will only run fast enough not to fall on my sweet bippy and not pull either or both of my hamstrings.  Provided my hamstrings didn’t fall off at mile 11 and are now being eaten by the Snow Miser.

And that’s it.  The end of the “race.”  Here’s your wooden medal sir (Oxymoron indeed: wooden “metal.”)  (Editor: No oxy, just moron.) Race Director dude: “Fine job, how old are you?”  Me: “I have no idea, but I feel like I am 342.”  Race Director dude:  “Great, there’s chili inside and tell the woman that you were the first Master.”

I walk the 30 feet to the frozen bungalow and tell the kind and dry and very warm looking woman, “Miss, I was first Master.  That mountain man out yonder told me so.”  Her:  “Um, that’s great, but we don’t have any awards for Masters other than in the 50k.  Sorry.”  (Editor:  I thought you said this was a 15-miler? Yeah, well, they held a 50k too.  Editor: Sheesh.  You are griping like THAT and you only had to run half as far as them?! Sure, but only one was ahead of me at the split.  Editor:  Are you kidding?!  Somebody in the 50k finished 15 miles faster than you and you were only running 15 total? Oh, no, the split was at about mile 13 I think, right near that polar bear drinking a Coke.  Editor: Meshugana.)

Picture of the oxymoronic wooden medal

So, no award for me?!   Excellent!  I’ve never been so happy to be a loser!  I am outta here!  Fellow runner approaching bungalow:  “Hey, man, good job out th…”  Me: “Later suckas!  No time for small talk or chili!  I am headin’ to the house!”

Jog to the car, hop in, don’t even change clothes.  I want to drive immediately, find that beautiful ice and slush covered open highway, and get a nice hot cup of Komodo Dragon and a piece of lemon loaf.  Try to untie my shoes, but my laces are frozen in an inch of ice.  Nothing my car’s heater won’t fix in about 30 miles.

The end.

Editor:  Um, do you mind if I summarize this so it’s at least sort of helpful for people? By all means.

Editor:  Okay, here’s a list of the types of people who should consider running this race.  People who…

— Like a challenge

— Own trail shoes and/or spikes and know how to put them on their feet

— Enjoy having snow smushed on their faces at least a few times in a two hour period

— Like to run into trees in order to slow down and avoid falling off of cliffs

— Like to get scratched by branches, making their legs bleed

— Enjoy scenic views and beautiful snow covered trails

— Don’t necessarily feel like they need to run fast even though it is a race

— Like ambling through streams, especially ones with frozen rocks in the middle of them

— Don’t take a lot of pride in saying, “I’ve never had to walk during a race.”

— Are nuttier than Dan Wells

That’s about right.  Great job.  Hey, did you see some of my nightmares on YouTube or something?

Editor:  And here’s a list of the types of people who should not consider running this race.  People who…

— Think you should be able to run as fast as possible if you are in a race

— Don’t own proper footwear to adequately traverse a snow and ice covered trail

— Don’t like chili

— Don’t have anti-lock brakes on their car

— Like mile markers throughout the race even if nobody is calling out times

— Aren’t smart enough to reconsider running when it snows five inches early the morning of the race

— Like running on roads that don’t resemble an ice rink

— Only wear shorts in races

— Hate to be “at one with nature”

— Like snowcones that have actual flavors

— Are smart

That’s about right too.  That last one was a bit much, but, yeah, I don’t see myself doing that race again anytime soon.  I will say, in fairness, it was very well organized, beautifully scenic, and a challenge, but I found that it wasn’t really my style and I have the nightmares to prove it.

August is here, and it has been hot! Please slow down and remember to drink for thirst. Congratulations to those who have been running/walking — just getting out there puts you ahead of the game.

I want to thank the BGR webmasters – Shannan Gabe, Chris Grecco, Matt Reno, & Mike Lesshafft for doing an excellent job of keeping track of membership information, sending out the monthly e-newsletter, uploading pictures to the website, and also keeping us updated on Facebook. Thanks to the four of you of taking this task on. I am still making contact with a hard copy newsletter and by mail/phone when needed.

The new website has helped increase BGR membership and allowed present and past members easier access to renew or re-join the club.

Members, we still need your articles, photos, and race results. If you ran a race that is not on John’s website, please submit your results or send us info about the race.

The Lexington Half Marathon came and went back in March. Thanks to all the volunteers who helped out in various jobs the weekend of March 27 and 28.

I want to thank Debbie Jackson and Melynda Milburn Jamison for becoming part of the social committee with Mary Nagle and Bruce Carey. Thanks to Melynda for organizing a club hike at Red River Gorge in May. Twelve members participated and had a lot of fun!! They walked about 7 miles and enjoyed lunch afterwards at Miguel’s Pizza.  Thanks to Deb for organizing a karaoke social in April, a bowling get-together in June, and socials in June and August downtown at Thursday Night Live.

Thanks to Leo McMillen for putting together the Solstice celebration. We started Monday, June 21st at 6:00 am with a run beginning at the Lexington Public Library in Beaumont Center. We ran for an hour as the sun rose and followed it up with breakfast at the Waffle House. That evening, we celebrated with an ice cream social at Leo & Sue McMillen’s, watching the sunset from their house. Thanks for opening up your house to us. It was a fun way to celebrate the longest day of the year.

Finally I want to thank Mike Lesshafft for all his work chairing the Executive Committee to bring new life to BLUEgrass Runners. Thanks to Leo McMillen, Rana Johnson, Shannan Gabe, Melynda Milburn, Louise Hensley and Deborah Jackson for all their input as committee members. Through these efforts by the committee, we have outlined some specific goals and set up plans to achieve those goals through increased membership, new club runs, more outside social activities and an annual bus trip, organizing more road races, offering incentives for club participation, and implementing a system to provide more support for the local running community.

Soon I will appoint a nominating committee to work on next year’s slate of officers.  I hope when they call upon you that you will be receptive to putting your hat in the ring and running for office.  BGR Officers are President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, and two directors for a two-year term.

Live on life and helping others.

Martin Bess
859-361-0071
mbessky@aol.com

For those of you that are not familiar with the Goofy Challenge, it consists of running a half marathon on Saturday and a marathon on Sunday.  If both are completed within a certain time limit, then you get a Goofy medal.  Appropriately named, I must add.  Well there were three of us that undertook this adventure.  Dan (the Man) Wells, Brennan (All Out) Donahoe, and myself.  Fortunately we all completed the challenge and lived to talk about it.  Not able to walk very well, but we could talk.  

Both races started at 5:40 AM.  You had to get there early since they started closing some of the park roads at 5:15.  I never thought I would be in a traffic jam at 4:30 AM trying to get into Disney World, but I was.  There were roughly 17,000 runners in the half marathon.  However, Disney is great at moving people.  We easily got to the parking lot on time and had about an hour wait for the start.  Since I was in Florida I thought it appropriate to wear shorts.  You may recall that there was some very cold weather in early January.  We had some snow, but mostly sleet and rain with 27 degree temps at the start.  My attire, although not suited for the current weather conditions, gave me that true macho look.  If you consider goose bumps on top of goose bumps as being macho.  Or shaking uncontrollably.  It was so cold, that people were stealing the plastic trash bags out of the trash cans to wear before the race.  As I mentioned Disney is good at moving people, but not that good at telling us where we are going.  We did not know that the start line was about a mile from the bag drop and “waiting” area.  So we got about half way to the start line when the race started.  Fortunately, Dan and I were not in the first of 6 waves so we were not concerned.  When we completed the half marathon, we immediately went to our cars to get warm.  We were back at the hotel and ready for the day by 10 AM.  Although our plans only consisted of relaxing, touring the expo, and eating carbs.  Early to bed was the key.  However, Dan the Man and his wife went to Magic Kingdom for some excitement.   Crazy. 

Mike and a security guard after a cold race in Florida

Sunday morning was a little colder but no precipitation of any kind.  Again a start at 5:40 AM, so we were up by 3:30 to get there in time.  Same traffic jam (again almost 17,000 runners), same waiting around being cold, although I did wear long pants this time.  Left earlier for the start, now knowing the long walk to the start.  However, I did not leave early enough.  I was almost to my coral when the race started.  I was one coral back from the previous day, so I assumed I was again in the second or third wave to start.  As I walked nonchalantly to the coral area, I waved to those in other corals that were part of the first wave of runners starting the race.  When I got to my coral, it was empty.  Apparently I was part of the first wave as well.  I initially panicked and took off running.  But I quickly remembered I was wearing a chip so my time had not started.  I then walked to the start line, waving to the crowd.  What a way to start a marathon.  The marathon course is much more scenic than the half marathon course.  We went through all the theme parks which was fun.  The half marathon mainly ran to the Magic Kingdom and back.  The course for both is very narrow, except on some of the major roads.  I believe the course is intentionally kept narrow so they do not have bottle necks entering the parks.  The course is really narrow while you are in the parks.  So whatever you do, do not try for a PR during either of these races.  There are way too many people to run around or through.  There were many photo opportunities along the course with the Disney characters and there were a lot of runners that stopped to get their picture taken.  The crowd support is remarkably large, mainly in the parks.  They would be several people deep cheering for the runners.  It was a great boost to your energy level.   

Mike and Brennan Donahoe get all Goofy in Disney World

The cost was $300 for the races themselves.  Airfare was roughly $200 per person.  My wife, Mary, went with me.  I was not going to “sunny, warm” Florida in January without her.  Boy was she surprised at the weather.  Hotel about $300.  Rental car $130.  Meals another $100 or so.  Large Awesome Goofy Medal, PRICELESS.  

This race report should be read with either Elton John’s “Philadelphia Freedom” or the Rocky “Flying Higher” theme song playing in the background; your choice, but “Eye of the Tiger” is not a suitable alternative.  Also, note that while I didn’t see it on this trip, club member Gerald Thompson and his wife, Lisa, saw the Liberty Bell.  Honestly, I had seen it few times before and I don’t think that it’s all it’s cracked up to be (Bada Bing! I’m here all week folks!).  (Editor: Seriously? THAT’S going to be the tone of your race report? What’s next, obscure references to Tony Kornheiser, Les Boulez, and the Bandwagon that absolutely nobody will get?) Sheesh, ease up tough guy, I am channeling my inner-Mike Lesshafft on this one.

This race report will be broken up into one unequal part.

Part One

Despite being raised 20 minutes from Philadelphia I never placed its annual marathon high on my list of running “must-dos.”  Indeed, I completed other eastern marathons in Washington, DC, Boston, New York City, and even Bethesda, MD and Scranton, PA before considering Philly and I actually put shorter races like the Philadelphia Distance Run and the Broad Street Run in higher regard.  With that said, I am at a point in my marathoning “career” where I am seeking “fast and flat” races that are usually run in cool temperatures.  (Editor: Oh? So you only want to run the ones where you stand a decent chance to PR?) Bingo! You got it! Spot on! Sharpest knife in the drawer, that one!  Philly promised that, as well as an opportunity to spend time with my family before the Thanksgiving holiday, so I registered for the race last spring.

Travel to and from the race went relatively smoothly.  I flew up on Friday morning and actually saw Gerald and Lisa at Bluegrass Airport as they were en route to the race as well.  Of course, they begged Delta not to put me on their flight (I even saw Gerald slide Audrey, the Delta ticketing agent, a couple of Ben Franklins to seal the deal).  So, we agreed to meet at the Philly airport after our flights and I’d drive them to the race Expo, their hotel, etc. like a good chauffeur would.  Their flight was conveniently only a little delayed and mine was substantially delayed so they arrived a couple of hours before me and were off the hook to experience my adept inner-city driving.  (Editor: Hey, didn’t you hit a bus with your rental car one time when you and Shannan were in New York City on business? Yeah, so?  Well, that doesn’t sound like adept inner-city driving to me. Oh, it could have been a lot worse.  I only just grazed the bus; I mean, getting out of that jam with a just a wee scratch is the stuff of lore, I tell you.)

Really big metal soft pretzel I saw in Manayunk right after I downed a few beers with the locals at mile 20

Gerald and Lisa agreed to meet me at the Expo and they actually walked around with me for a little while, despite how I was dressed.  While the Expo was not the size of one at a really large marathon, there were a fair number of booths and purveyors of fine running goods, including the shortest shorts I’d ever seen made for a guy and priced at only $45.  And, I am not talking about the ones actually being worn by that one guy picking up his race number at the Expo. (Editor: Come on now, be nice.) There wasn’t much free food given out, other than the Jack Link’s Maple & Brown Sugar Ham Jerky that was being distributed from the back of a huge SUV parked inside the Convention Center. I mean, what says, “marathon,” more than free ham jerky?  (Editor: Oh! Did they have the Jack Link’s Jalapeno Carne Seca Beef Jerky too? Always tasty and reminded me of that basketball coach from St. John’s. Oh, be quiet. Please, I am trying to tell a story here.)

We got our race numbers (they even had our names on them).  The race’s long sleeve technical shirt was well designed. The front has the race’s “Running Means Independence” theme emblazoned on it and the back has an outline of the course map along with the words “Kick Asphalt.”  (Editor: Oh, neat, I always like when race organizers sort of sneakily slide in one of the lower level curse words onto the event apparel.)

Part One

What transpired from the point I left the Expo on Friday night until I left my brother’s house for the race on Sunday morning is pretty much uneventful and doesn’t need to be reported.  (Editor: Wait Are you saying that all of the above DID need to be reported? Wow.) Okay, fine.  I spent a lot of time with my family, met my Dad’s new dog, slept at two different residences, ate a lot of carbs, did some shopping with my Mom at Kohl’s and Shop Rite, screwed the cabinet doors to her bathroom vanity on, took a picture of my friend John’s old home on Elmire Lane, and watched TV.  (Editor: Yeah, you were right. None of that needed to be mentioned.)

I drove to Gerald and Lisa’s hotel early Sunday morning, which happened to only be about seven blocks from the race start/finish area.  I dropped my stuff off in their room, took one last swig of water, and lubed up. (Editor: Umm, that last part also didn’t need to be reported.) Gerald and I walked to the start and jogged a bit when we got there. For a race with almost a combined 15,000 runners (7,485 marathon finishers and 7,196 half marathon finishers) it was surprisingly easy to find places on side streets to jog and also easy to get into the corrals only minutes before the race start.

Things are starting to get a little tough at this point in the race

I found the race itself to be fairly well organized with ample amounts of water, replenishment fluid (not sure what brand), and gels (given out a few times from about mile 16 on).  Each of the miles (other than 26) was well marked. Crowd support is sizable, but if you need a really big crowd to keep you going in the late stages of a marathon, then you might look elsewhere.  You see, there are definitely spectators at numerous places on the course; some are cheering, some are in Manayunk drinking beer at 8am, and some are reading the morning Inquirer and drinking tai chi lattes. (Editor: You mean Chai tea lattes, right? Sure, those.)  However, there just aren’t that many fans from about mile 16 to 24, which is when you are running out and back along Kelly Dr. near the river, kind of out in no man’s land, at which is obviously a pretty difficult part of the race.  I did see Lisa around mile 6 and my high school track coach and his wife at miles 2 and 7.  They all looked as if they were happy that they weren’t actually running the race, but also kind of like they would be even happier if they were still in bed watching Hurricane Schwartz and his bowtie give the weather forecast.  (Editor: Well, who starts a late November marathon at 7am? Hey, the early bird gets the worm; go Eagles, I guess).

Gerald looking strong mid-race

The end of the race could certainly have been better organized. As you get to the end of mile 26 (and I didn’t see a sign to indicate this), you get intertwined both with people who are only approaching the half marathon mark of their marathon and people who are finishing the half marathon.  So, for the last quarter mile there are, in essence, three different races being run and a lot of people all coming together at wide ranging paces (say, 6:20s to 12:00s per mile and at different fatigue levels).  Not good and kind of like the vicious snarl of rush hour traffic.

The finisher medal is nice enough, I suppose.  Big, gray (pewter?), and it has the “Running Means Independence” theme etched on the front.  As always, the mylar blank was shiny and kept me warm like a well worn woobie.  The post-race food baggie was somewhat underwhelming, but they did have soft pretzels available, which was a nice, geographically-appropriate touch.

Part One

Gerald and I found each other immediately after the race and saw Lisa not too long after that.  We walked back to the hotel to clean up before going to lunch.  Well, Gerald and Lisa walked back.  I had the most intense hip flexor pain ever, which forced me into taking about three steps and then hunching over for 30 seconds, three steps, hunch, etc.  Those short seven blocks from the hotel to the start/finish area earlier in the morning seemed like about seven miles afterwards.  I think I saw Lisa on more than one occasion look at Gerald as if to say, “Can we just leave him here? He’s walking really slow, he smells bad, and his hair is all messed up.”  For what it’s worth, when we got back to the hotel, Gerald gave me two little red pills and said, “Take these, they might help.”  I tell you, ALL of the hip flexor pain went away within about ten minutes.  I have no idea what they were, but if you need some good stuff, see Gerald or Red Pill G-Man as he is known at post-marathon parties.

To finish the race portion of the trip, the three of us met up with Danville’s Dave Anderson, who also ran the marathon.  We all had a good lunch at Maggiano’s and I only cramped up once, which is good for me.  I usually cramp up a lot more when eating Chicken & Truffle Tortellacci.

One last push to the finish

To summarize: I’d classify the Philadelphia Marathon as a high quality and well-run event.  If you like big city marathons and/or need Pennsylvania as a 50-stater, it’s an excellent choice.  The course is fair and the temperatures are typically pretty cool.  It’s also a great race to consider if you like spending time with my family and a couple of friends of mine from high school.  There are a few things that could be improved, but none of those would stop me from running it again or recommending it to others.

The end.

 “…Oh Philadelphia freedom, shine on me, I love you.  Shine a light through the eyes of the ones left behind…”

(Editor: Wait! Stop the singing, Elton or Reginald Kenneth or whoever you are!  Tell us, how did you do?!  Did the phairly phast and phlat course translate to a PR?  See how I did that?  Phairly, Phast, and Phlat, like Philadelphia and Phillies. Yeah, I get it. Leave the phunny stuff to me, okay?).

Well, I sort of PR’d. (Editor: Sort of? How do you sort of PR?) I matched my previous PR to the exact second. (Editor: Man, that’s weird, do other people do that?) I don’t know, but I did.  I finished in 2:45:53, 58th overall, 7th among Master’s, and 4th among Males aged 40-44.  It probably can be classified as a potential PR course, but the rough city streets for the first six miles, a few decent sized hills, and lack of crowd support at critical stages make the race fair and fair races aren’t usually guaranteed PRs.  However, I came as close as you can to PRing, Dave Anderson did so at age 45, and Gerald missed his PR by about 45 seconds, so the hit rate among our threesome was pretty good.

Gerald and Chris after a tough race

The real end.

“…Shine a light, won’t you shine a light, Philadelphia freedom, I love you, yes I do.”