The Best Time

Saturday morning broke clear and cool.  Nearly a cloudless sky.  Today was the Mountain Valley 10 miler, the track club's signature spring event.  You couldn't ask for a better morning.  I arrived a bit late (for me), the smell of bbq chicken in the air. The local ruritan club holds its fund drive the same day. 

After checking in and a little socializing it was race time.  Most of the usual were there. Those hard core lean runners ready to beat the world. And then there was the rest of us or maybe just me.  I resided myself to the fact that I'll probably be last again. Old and under trained is getting to be my norm. Our good friend George had made his way "over the mountain" from Charlottesville, still rehabbing his leg from earlier surgery, he wanted to see what he could do.  Mike who had promised to run/walk with George was absent due a foot injury so I stepped up to fill in.  I knew I wasn't in shape to set any Pr's so I felt I'd "sacrifice" my time to hang out with George.
The gun sounded at 8am sharp and the 20 plus runners took off into the country side.
Mountain Valley is a tough course..one of the toughest in the Valley.  It's a beautiful run but hilly.  Out Indian trail over Belluah Hill to Mountain Valley road through Happy Valley then back to the ruritan club it's a challenging run for all.
But today was a day to just take in  all of nature's glory and hang with some good friends.  The cyclist taking part in the DR100 were passing us regularly with many well wishes...heck even the local traffic were friendly. Giving us waves of recognition and thumbs up for our efforts.
With the conversation flowing like our sweat the miles past with unusual ease. Work, family and friends were the topics of the day. Catching up with the latest happenings and gossip while pushing ourselves over the ridges and through the vallies.  Before long
we were in sight of the finish line.  With a exchange of thank you's we crossed the finish together..sharing the honor of final finishers.  But who cared?  Today was a day for friends and fellowship . A day where the ability to put one foot in front of the other was appreciated. A day when sharing time was cherished.
Sometimes your best time is when you don;t care about time at all!
Shuffle on friends

Park to Park to Legend

Saturday's weather broke cool and foggy. Waking up at 3am for a race is nothing new, but today was different I was finally going to do a non Virginia Beach half marathon.

Waynesboro's Park-to-Park half has been around for a few years but due to other commitments I  haven't been able to run it.  I've had a feeling that I would find running a hilly half to be easier than a flat course which Va Beach is.
Just 2 weeks prior I said I wouldn't do this race.  I said I'm tired of just showing up and "doing" it.  After some thinking...I hadn't run in almost 3 weeks prior to Shamrock; with  13 miles in the previous 2 weeks (wow)  I would just "do it".
It was a little eerie driving to a half in the wee morning hours. I usually crawl out of my hotel bed and walk or take a bus to the start.  After a 45 minute drive and quick stop for my java fix, I got to the park. At least I was number one preregistered person that morning. Can I take a victory lap for that?

I love watching the sun rise at races. I think it's my favorite time of day.  As the night gave way to the light of day, my fellow runners began arriving.  Sitting in my car I watch all the lean machines preparing for today's event.  I think I can remember when I was one of them. As start time approached I began my warm-up ritual walking around taking in the sights and sounds. I figure the early miles can be my running warm-up. As I was "warming-up" I was recognized from Mark's race by Jerry(?) who was also doing this for the 1st time..I think it may have been his first half.  Time to line up at the start.  I was recognized again by another Jerry (I think) who knew me from many years of local racing.  Maybe I am more known than I thought.  I kept hearing Mark's voice calling me "The Legend"

At the gun a meer 500 runners sped off across the morning dew.  I love having wet shoes at the start of 13.1 miles!  Let me say I said a meer 500 runners; I've gotten used to between 8000-20000 runners at halves!

The early miles went smooth and rather easy even the hills though my lungs were feeling the lack of distance training.  I held a slow steady pace early as I was told of the 4 miles of hills to the finish.  I decided to the run/walk thing early to save a little for the final push. At around 10 miles I was recognized again . A couple from Staunton who did "Snowballs" ran with me.  Maybe there's something to this legend thing.  I never looked at my watch the entire race and was pleased with my finish time.  Though slow by anyone else's time I was pleased due lack of traininng.  I can see a pr in the half at this race if only I train.  I was right in the feeling that the hills would help me.  Al in all I really enjoyed my morning in the sun!
Epilogue:  later that night at dinner I was recognized yet again as another former runner from my past said hi!
Shuffle on friends..the "Legend" will!

Turtles and Dolphins

                                                                          

Turtle and dolphins...that seemed to be theme for the Shamrock festival weekend.  Janet and explored the shamrock expo after checking in;  both of us enjoying the sounds and sights of the exhibits .  Several caught our attention. Namely the "running turtle" tees and some wall plaques with running themes.

The turtle tee read "I Am Running"....which was perfect for my level of conditioning for this years event. Another  shirt  I liked read on the back.."please let there be someone behind me to read this"...I've been there and thought I might me there again.
My "first" run of the weekend was a mad sprint to my SUV through a torrential downpour. Of course I forgot where I parked and ran around like an idiot til I finally found my escape. Soaked to the bone I picked Janet up and drove to our hotel. Traffic was backed up and we moved at well...turtles pace!
Check in went smooth but our keys wouldn't work...back down for new keys! The 2nd set worked and we settled in. As we entered; Janet said she smelled something (more on that later).  We grabbed a change of clothing and headed to dinner.
With it still raining the closet restaurant was Doughboys Pizza.  Seemed half the runners had the same idea.  Our meal arrived at TURTLE SPEED but was tasty and filling.  Back to the room  a shower and  bed time for an early wake up.   As I lay down my head was welcomed by a small party of bugs!  EEEK!
Thought Janet might freak out but my girl held her cool.  A dolphin quick call to the service desk and hotel manage came to our rescue.  A little$$$ off our bill!
Woke at 6 showered and shaved then dressed for the 8k. Decided to heat up a mocha coffee drink in the microwave. After pressing all the wrong buttons the microwave started accidentally and I noticed something already in it.  Now for Janet's smell....there was a plate of rice, green beans and some sort of "mystery" meat. The greyest stinkiest meat I've ever had the non pleasure to come in contact with!  With dolphin speed Janet called the   service desk...more$$$ off our bill.
The 8k was a blast...starting in the 1st corral me and the M&M boys (Mark and Mike) felt like Kenyans!  After posing for a portrait the gun went off and so did we.  After 1 mile the good feelings went away and I  was left feeling like a "Kenyan turtle"!   I watched the M&M boys slowly pull away!
 For Saturdays dinner we were to meet the gang at Gionanni's. Mark and his girlfriend bailed...the rest showed but we were told there was an hour and 45 minute wait.  Those darn turtles beat us!  After  dolphin quick change of plans  we decided to head off the beach.  Tara and friends headed out first to scout locations.  Another Italian placed was found...only a 45 minute wait!  How did the turtles get  out there so fast!   Finally settling for  a seafood teak and pasta place..we all ate took in some calories and good conversation.
Sunday's half marathon went off uneventful.  I held a steady pace through 8 miles which surprised me a bit due my 3 weeks of non running prior.  But as mile 9 eased by I saw my pace ease too!   Did I feel those turtles snapping at my ankles?  From 88th st to 37th I struggled to fight off those shelled demons!
As I turned onto the boardwalk I finally was able leave the "snappers" in the dust(sand)!
I was bit slower in both races this year but I sort of expected it.  All in all I fought my "turtles" and completed the Dolphin Challenge.  I think we all had a good weekend.
I want to thank all the "gang" for their company and to congradulate everyone on their races.  A big congrats to Mike's daughter Brittney for finishing her 1st half marathon!  You have a bright future in running!
So time to shuffle off.  As Grant and Jason say.."on to the next"
Shuffle on friends !

Sham...on me! Shamrock is here

   

It's hard to believe that Shamrock weekend in Virginia Beach is already upon us. Where did the year go?
I've been really looking forward to this event(s).  The winter has been mild and my training runs are far ahead of last year. So.....here it comes....I haven't run in 2 weeks!
First I've had a hitch in the ole giddy up most of 2012...a sharp stabbing ache when I get my right hip in a bent angle.  Then came a slight pull in my right calf on my longest run of the year, and finally I rolled my right ankle stepping off a curb.  For the past week it's been a on and off cycle of pain in my butt cheek causing trouble sitting and sometimes lack of sleep.  I know...whine whine whine!  At least today has been a good day.  3 days out before my first race.  Should I test the leg or use Saturday's 8k as a test. Oh the predicaments I get myself in.
I hope the Gang is doing better than I am.  Tara, Brittany, Gwynn,and the M&M boys will be representing the Shenandoah valley well. Sure am looking forward to chowing down with the gang. Also the Munchkin and I need a getaway and some quality time together.
Let me say the staff of J&A racing put on a heck of a weekend event. 20,000 runners will back me up on that. I 've done the last 2 halves and the 8k last year. Again Mark, Mike and I are doing the Dolphin challenge (8k Sat. & Half on Sun). Tara  and Gwynn are doing the full marathon...Good Luck Gals!
So pray for the Old Fat Guy people...I need it!
My next entry will be a report on the Shamrock weekend...hopefully not a medic report!
Shuffle on friends!

Snowballs number 5

I want to thank all my participants and volunteers who made the 5th Freeze Your Snowballs Off 10k a huge success!

With my average of 20 runners surpassed by 17, 37 brave souls lined up Sat January 28 to run a few hills and eat a little food. 

 The temperature at the start was pushing a balmy 40 degrees..a far cry  from last years chilly 19!  The sun shone bright as Janet started everyone with a rousing cowbell rendition. (I need more cowbell!) Unfortunately my dad and little cousin Jordan were missing due to colds, so I had the task of manning the turn-around and water station.

It did my heart good to see all of the smiles still on the faces of the runners as they made the decent to the half-way banner. Did they forget the climbs that faced them?

After the final runner had made the turn for home, I drove back to the finish line to help my timing crew.  To my surprise there were plenty of smiles still as I wish everyone good tidings for return trip to the finish.

I had the good fortune to see most of my runners finish and congratulate the ones I missed.  My final finisher, and good buddy Mike, was escorted in by the rest of the Page County crew. Mike became the 3 time Spirit Award winner.  Rachael Dulaney and David Vincie were my overall female and male winners.  Congratulations to them and all my finishers.

I want to especially thank Don Sobanko, his family and friends for their help and great photos!  Results and more photos can be found  at http://www.valleytrack.org/.

The 5th Snowballs has now come and gone and I can look forward to the 6th RP5 in September.  I extend a warm inventation to anyone who would like to run or volunteer in September or just hang out the the Old Fat Guy's house.

Now it's time to get myself ready for the Shamrock weekend.  Wish the OFG luck eveyone...and thanks again!

Shuffle on friends!

From top to bottom: Female winner Rachael Dulaney. The winners with trophies. Male winner David Vincie. Spirit award winner Mike Lowe.

Jumping the Gun

As a distance runner there is little need to anticipate the starters gun. The need to get that fraction of a second jump on your nearest rival.  That being said, the OFG jumped the gun a bit on my last entry.  By the will of God, the will of the "Monkey-girl", and just plain luck; my little PITA is still in my life.
Through some tears and  some emotional moments we have again decided to try to work this "thing" of ours out.  after four years together we still have a lot of learning to do. Like a distance runner, reeling in the runner ahead,we need to work on  patience.  We need to stop jumping the gun after a disagreement or a difference of opinion.
Like a good training partner, we need to push each other to obtain the goals we set for ourselves and as a couple.
I've been honored to get yet another chance with this wonderful lady and hope I can work on all my issues and let my love for grow even more.
Janet you have made me smile!
Shuffle on friends

The End in the Beginning

I hate to start the New Year on a downer but life isn't always rosey.  After nearly 4 years together the Monkey-girl and the Old Fat Guy have called a end to their roller coaster  relationship. Though we've been off  and on so many times this time feels right.  But that doesn't make it any easier.

Janet has been the most important person in my life these past 4 years. I probably didn't tell her that. I know I couldn't have told her enough how much I loved her. But I will tell her and everyone that I will miss her dearly and I wish her all the best in life. Janet you are truly the best.  I will miss you and love you forever. 
I want to thank Janet for all she has given me and all she has taught me.
I will treasure my memories of her and always wish I could've done more for her.  At one time she was going to Mrs Old fat guy and I couldn't have been happier. But time, distance and other issues put an end that.
 I wish I could take any hurtful things I've said back.  Any thing I've done to her that made her hurt.cry,or anger her for that I am truly sorry.
May life be kind to you Janet, my PITA, I hope you can find your knight in shining armor. May he be all that I am not and show you all the love you desire.
I LOVE you Janet Marie "M0NKEY-GIRL" Gore.
My first mile will always be the Munchkin Mile in your honor.

I thank all of you for letting me express my sorrow in this 1st entry of the year, Please forgive me for this. It hurts  now and probably for quite awhile. 
One last thing...Smile for me Janet for I will ALWAYS Smile when I think of you.!
Shuffle on friends