Where was I the last two weeks? I have not been training much since coming back from Florida. There is very little to report. Time flies. Summary, I trained for first 6 weeks. Took 3 weeks of easy running. Took last 3 weeks off. We are now at week #12 of 25 weeks, midpoint. Another 12 weeks of training comes race day.
We had the warmer weather back. Mid February usually means icy and cold. I signed up to run Icy 8 just to fill my schedule. It was one of those last minute sign up.
It is a local race about an hour away at Lake Anna, a well known location for the Virginia triathlon in warmer time. This was my first time there
I know some local runners would be also running in it. I met the race director from other races I ran. I ran their OSS/CIA as well their 12+hour ATR maybe last year. It was good doing a race from the same organization because I know what to expect even if this was the first time running at this particular event.
The race format was new to me but nothing too difficult. We had eight hours to run as many miles as we could. We had two courses to choose from, a short course of about 4 miles (more closer to 5 miles really) and a long course of 8 miles (I think a bit less than 8). Then there is a mini 1.5 mile loop as a last loop for those who still have time for it. During the 8 hours we could choose to run either the long or short. I ended up doing a short, 3 long and a short, so ended with about 32 miles.
The terrain was trail with some rolling hills, nothing too technical. It has 600-700 ft (640) of elevation over 8 miles, which translates to couple steep hills and a bunch of smaller ones. They are runable. Not too bad but not a walk in the park either. I ran the hills initially but over time, it got difficult by the second loop. Most people on average could do about 38-40 miles. The top crowd could put in 50 miles. For me of getting 32 miles is not bad, but I wish I could push a bit harder. My race at Clearwater had sapped my strength and I was not recovered yet from it. I did use up most of my time allowed. I finished my last loop with 10 minutes left. It was ideal.
It was a peaceful day for me. I arrived super early around 5 ish. The race doesn’t start until 7. I wanted to make sure I had a spot to park. Certainly, I did. I had the first spot near the finish. We could set up our aid station. I did not need to place a dropbag, so I did not set out anything. It was very cold that morning being so early. I think the temperature was around 32 but I knew it would rise to 65 later. I made myself to stand outside to acclimate. Many runners stayed in their cars after picking up their bibs. I wanted to chat with the RD because I was interested in maybe having him to be my coach.
15 minutes toward 7, we had the usual race briefing. We started off exactly at 7. The half marathon start around 9 (I think). I did the short loop first because I was running with a friend (Charlie). We ran the MMT last year together. I met him and his few other friends again during the OSS/CIA and of course at Redeye 50k too. He wanted to do 8 loops for 40 miles and to focus on running just the small loop. We did the first loop together and finished just before the hour was up (like 4 minutes to spare). He was humoring me by keeping my pace since he is a much faster runner. We wanted to get back out quickly. We did. We only stayed at the aid station for couple minutes to refill our water.
Then I focused on my race. The long loop actually did not feel that long. I was expecting it would take me 2 hours to do but I finished the extra section within an hour. The Long loop actually connects back into the short loop with about two miles to the finish. I checked the clock and I would arrived back before the hour was up (9:30 I think).
The half marathon had started. My goal was to refill and head back out hoping to catch up with some half marathon runners. The faster people would already near finishing but the slower ones (walkers), there was a chance I could. I did catch some.
I finished my third loop some time after 12. I don’t remember the time. Now it was a decision, should I do a short loop and then push for a long loop at end. I know doing two long loops was out of my ability (due to time constraint). I really wanted to have a short loop in. The smart way is to put in a long loop first, so I decided to run smart. By now I was tired. I stayed at the aid station for over 15 minutes. It was way too long but I felt I needed the food, etc. I took a hot dog and some ramen soup. Also I refilled my water. I knew this was probably my last loop.
I got the long loop done and I still had an hour 10 minutes left. Some runners already called it a day and was packing up. I knew I could fit in a short loop so I went back out. Some who knew me was surprised. I said I can’t leave time on the table (I see time as money).
Halfway through the short loop, Charlie joined back in. He came out the long loop extension and caught up from behind. He was tired and so was I but seeing him brought my spirit up. He said the same that caused him to run faster. I stayed on his pace for a mile or so. We knew we still had 30 minutes left on the course so we tried to push to the finish. Charlie took off at the last mile. I at first was encouraging him to go faster hoping both of us could get back with 20 minutes to spare to do the mini loop (1.5 miles). Charlie did not believe we had time left. I said, lets decide once we get to the finish. We ended up did not have the time. I finished my loop with only 10 minutes left. I knew doing 1.5 miles (closer to 2 miles) was out of the question. Charlie finished ahead of me and was waiting for me to come in. I was happy with my 32 miles.
We had the award ceremony. Everyone got something. There were some goofy awards such as oldest runner, happiest runner, and other categories. The day was beautiful. We finished early. I was glad it was one of those rare day in where I could just run and enjoy.
In awe 