[runirishnc]

Just curious how many others out there are going to be doing this run this weekend? The trails have been in great shape every weekend and should be ready. Last Sunday the weather was perfect (50's) and sunny during my run and it looks like this Saturday is calling for the same.<br><br>
Just a month of training left for the 50 for me and this week is my only planned back-back 20's. Maybe that is why I am up typing this at 4 AM....<br><br>
Hope to see you all out there.

 

[IEatHills4Meals]

I am running it and so are Alemma and Batmomm... you're right. The weather was perfect this past weekend...

 

[Toxic Runner]

Going for my 5th pint glass! Woefully under-trained (new baby, new job, blah blah blah) but plan to go out slow and then ease off, Slug style. I just wish it didn't start so late!

 

[runirishnc]

I agree, 9 is late the way things have been weather-wise but with the park logistics I am not sure they could do much else. The nice thing about that start is by the time I finish I will feel no guilt about going somewhere and using my glass!

 

[Alemma]

Hi runirishnc, IEatHills4Meals, and Toxic Runner!<br><br>
This too is my only back to back weekend...I think. <img alt="biggrin.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/biggrin.gif"> Well...I'll give it a shot anyway...lol.

 

[LookiLoo]

Not running it, but I'll be volunteering and cheering on some of my running group friends - good luck everyone!!

 

[Toxic Runner]

<b>YEAH!!!</b><br><img alt="banana.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/banana.gif"><br><br>
It's been raining most of Friday! Forecasts call for 60% chance of rain showers on race morning and 20-30 MPH winds! A low of only 52F. Winds probably won't be too much of an issue within the park, especially on the trails, but at least the weather is cooperating to make this a more 'extreme' run, since it's just a marathon!<br><br>
Helped me make the decision between newer road shoes and older trail shoes. I will reward my trails shoes who suffered through my DNF at Mountain Masochist with a muddy, hopefully wet day in the park.<br><br>
Best of luck to all runners!!!

 

[runirishnc]

It should be fun. What's a little mud, rain, and wind?

 

[IEatHills4Meals]

Hey runirishnc!!!! Nice meeting you !!! <img alt="biggrin.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/biggrin.gif"><br>
I had a tough day out there with side effects from my meds, but I still loved the race and was happy to finish it!<br>
I saw you leaving with a big smile. WTG!!!! <img alt="biggrin.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/biggrin.gif">

 

[runirishnc]

Hey nice to meet you as well, sorry to hear about your tough day.<br><br>
I agree the race was great. The support was good and it was impossible to get lost.<br><br>
I am trying to determine what was my "favorite" part:<br>
1. Downpour at start<br>
2. Single track mud<br>
3. That hill from ~ mile 22.5 to 24. That was a cruel twist.

 

[IEatHills4Meals]

LOL... so true!<br>
Did you party enough with the prom queens? They were awesome!

 

[batmomm]

awww I wish I had seen this thread BEFORE the race.<br><br>
I was there! I was there! What a fantastic race! I loved the mud<img alt="biggrin.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/biggrin.gif"> And of course the after race massage!

 

[LookiLoo]

Y'all were troopers! I was handling parking stuff at the Camp Crabtree, and watching everyone heading out in the pouring rain was amazing - a tough bunch! Great job to everyone running today!

 

[IEatHills4Meals]

LookiLoo, thanks A LOT for being out there! We were talking about it. How amazing and tough YOU volunteers and organization were to be out there putting out a PERFECT day.

 

[Alemma]

<b>Lookiloo</b> - Thank you for volunteering. The volunteer support was the bestest.<br><br>
I'm a wimp - my favorite part was the fire in the fireplace...lol. <img alt="biggrin.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/biggrin.gif">

 

[Toxic Runner]

Yes, a HUGE thanks to all of the awesome volunteers! <img alt="notworthy.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/notworthy.gif"><br><br>
I loved the rain at the start, and the beginning of Sycamore trail, running through puddles! Being woefully undertrained, I started way too fast (sub 9 minutes each for the 1st two miles), but reeled it in and kept my heart rate around 155 for the remainder. I felt great for the whole race, my biggest problems being a blister on my left foot, some sore toes, and very tired hip flexors. I was able to keep myself running/slogging up all the hills, only stopping to walk at aid stations. I've never done that in this race. In the past four years, coming up the corkscrew, Cedar ridge trail (i.e 'Wheels fell off hill') and Cemetary Hill at mile 25 always had me walking, usually very slowly! It felt great to not be 100% tapped out this year!<br><br>
With ~0.5 miles to go, I was at 4:11 and decided to try to get in under 4:15, which I know is a completely arbitrary goal. So I kicked it in on the thankfully downhill section and came in 4 seconds under, slightly besting last years 'breakdown' time. I did not, however, even come in first in my name group, having another person with my exact name beat me this year.<br><br>
Enjoyed a pint in my new glass later that night.<br><br>
Cheers!

 

[batmomm]

what an awesome time Toxic. Even more impressive was running up every hill. There times I was walking up and my face was only inches from the ground and I had to push my legs with my hands to keep me moving forward LOL.<br><br>
Definately in agreement with everyone-THE BEST VOLUNTEERS EVER!! I have never been catered to so much at a race as I was for this one. Thank you Look!!