In awe

Tag: Thanksgiving

  • [Day595] Fairfax Turkey Trot 4 mile run

    Fall is full of races. Turkey Trot is everyone’s favorite race.

    My friends and I just finished running Stone Mill not long ago and we were half joking around that we should do more races together. I suggested or proposed we do a turkey run and if they had any plan for one.

    Every year I run either the Fairfax Mantua 4 miler or the Ashburn 10k on Thanksgiving. Not so much as to give back to the community, though most races on Thanksgiving are charity in nature, but I wanted to run the longest distance I could find (a few years ago, 10K was a long distance to me), anything but a 5K and not too exhausting. These two races fit the bill.

    I have been alternating back and forth from either those two from year to year. This year I wanted to expand my choices to try something new, so I was contemplating either to try Centreville 5k or Reston 5k. I was about to sign up for the Reston one because it was on trail.

    The guys wrote back, saying lets do Columbia Island 5k (they had 10k as well). We just finished a 50 miler a week ago, so we were not ready for a 10k, 5k seemed perfect. Columbia Island was a bit far for me but its location is closer for my friends who are from the downtown (DC). They could bike there instead of driving out to the suburb of where I am. I don’t go downtown unless for work.

    The day of Thanksgiving arrived. I woke up a bit late than I wanted but it was fine. The race wasn’t going to start until 8:00. I had about two hours to get to the Columbia Island, which is just across from the Pentagon, where the marina is. I have not driven thete before other than ran by maybe once. My GPS showed the estimated traveling time about 20-ish minutes, which was not bad. In our area, we have to plan an hour ish driving time usually to get anywhere. Our traffic problem was like top 10 in the nation, might be top 5 in some reports. I planned to arrive there maybe an hour before the race to get settle in. As far as I know, I was on schedule. There was not any traffic on the road, since it was Thanksgiving, and it was relatively early.

    However, while on the Interstate, another friend called me on the phone. While talking with her, I took a wrong exit off the highway, 7 miles earlier. I was not too sure if the turn was correct, but by the time I confirmed I was lost, I had probably ate up 15-20 minutes. Apparently there were 3 exits with the same name for Route 29. I took one too early instead waiting for the last one. This made a difference if I could get to the race on time or not. I figured, 8 miles, no problem. I probably still have half hour of time.

    It was a particular exit where once you got off you couldn’t turn around to get back on the highway. There was no on ramp from there except off ramps. I had to take the local roads to get to the race site and I was still 7 miles out. As it would have it, every single block, I encountered redlights after redlights. Initially, I had the patience to wait it out, but it was Thursday morning, with no other cars on the road but me. It was frustrating to stop for no reason. Not once but the entire road. Some blocks were short. I could see five or six blocks down, and I was stopped at every single block. Initially, I had an hour to spare, then it became half hour and less. By the time I got to within a mile, I knew, I only had 15 minutes before the start. There would probably no parkings left being this late to the race.

    What I did not mention was the day before the race, I also found out I have registered to run at Fairfax Mantua community couple months ago. Its start time was an hour later, so I could still make it. I still had to use local roads but apparently the lights seemed to favor cars leaving the city than entering, so I did not have to stop once after I turned around and going back out west. It was so strange. In about 15 minutes, I made it to my second race and I still had an hour to spare. I was also lucky to get into one of the last few parking spots remaining. I picked up my bib. There was no stress exactly how it should be.

    In situation like this, I felt, why should I struggle to go to the first race when everything seemed to set against me. The closer I got to that race the more problems I seemed to encounter. Once I turn around, all problems seemed to vanish. No lies. It was the weirdest morning. So, I was at peace once I set out for the Mantua race.

    The morning was warm. I ran this race like 4-5 times so the course was familar to me. We had a record turn out with 1500+ participants. I did not check if I PR’d (set my personal record) on the course but I was faster than last year with a time of 37:34.

    This was after the Bay Bridge incident. So I was a bit used to being deflated at a race. Though I felt I have redeemed back my race, still I was some what salty about not being able to get to Columbia Island. I felt I tried so hard to do a race and did not succeed. There were just so much effort in term the logistics, it took the joy out even when I get to run. I missed the days back when I did not have any of the complications. It was on Thanksgiving no less, so I should look at the bright side, at least I had a back up option. Give Thanks I could run!

    Some crazy stuff at this community, several neighbors set up tables outside their houses and offer drinks (beer and strong stuff). Most people bypass them, but I took a few shots. It was quite fun. I used to stay away from this kind of craziness.

    Until next year. I do love Mantua race even though it was not intended, but I ended up there.

    Arriving at the start. We had one of the warmest Thanksgivings. We still had 20+ minutes left before the start, yet everyone was gathering

  • Day517 Turkey Trot / NCR

    TL;DR – I ran a local 4 mile race on Thanksgiving and over the weekend did a marathon. They are thanksgiving related or happened about the same time frame so two race reports in one.

    I have done this Fairfax Turkey Trot charity race a few times and yes every time it was freezing cold. The first year I did it because this was the only turkey trot that offerred a 4 mi run instead of a traditional 5K. 4 mi is a weird distance but I like it. I was looking for a “long race” to run. At that time, 4 mi was a long race. A bonus for me was the hills they have for this course. I did not go about choosing a race based on how hilly it is but it was so happened to be like that. It was just right for me. I love hard runs.

    We had great weather this year. It started at around 30 F and got up to around 55 F in the afternoon. It was similar condition for the whole week because of the cold air / jet stream got push up to the pole. So it was like a final fall weekend before winter arrives.

    I dressed the way I did for the JFK, double layer for the top and shorts for the bottom.

    I arrived bright and early. The race did not start until 8:30 but they said parking would be hard to find because there were 1200 of us signed up. And the nearest lot held maybe 50-75 cars. There were no lots big enough for 1200 cars. Of course cars scrambling around the neighborhood looking for spaces. I was one of the first few to arrive around 7:30 to stake my spot. Then I just walked around the neighborhood until start time. I tell you, I was freezing, yet I refused to sit in my car. I figured it would get me prepared for my winter races.

    I had fresh legs and pretty much recovered from the JFK50. I decided to run my best by pushing hard early to see where I am at. I did not realize the neighborhood has plenty of hills. After a few of those, I was exhausted. I managed to finish. I mentioned this because I hit a wall around halfway and the feeling is like hitting a wall in a marathon. My legs became very slow. I felt like they were frozen. Time for me was not important. I just wanted to finish and to see how I did. I knew I was slower than my previous times. I managed to finish around 40 minutes averaging about 10 min pace. My best was probably around 35 mins. I am too lazy to look up my other finishes (my earliest was 32:34 in 2018, and probably my best). You just have to take my words for it. For short distances, finish within 4-5 mins, seems insignificant.

    Then of course, I did not feel good after running so fast. Originally I planned to go to downtown to do run with a turkey image on my strava (they call this strava art). My running group does this every year. We plot our run so that it will turn out to be a picture of the turkey on Strava. Yet I was too tired from my turkey trot, I decided to call it off. It would be a self guided run this year any way since everyone was out of town. I did not like the complicated parking in DC.

    Instead, I went to a nearby neighborhood trail and was going to do my usual Thursday training run. However, I was too tired to run and only did a 3 mile hike on a trail called the Wild Turkey Trail. I called it a day. I kind of watching my body. I knew if I struggled I could put out the miles I wanted to but I knew I have the Devil Dog coming up. I should be tapering for it and I shouldn’t push my body beyond its limit yet. Afterward, I went home to clean up, eat, and rest. At night, we had our Thanksgiving celebration. I was super tired.

    Part II. On Saturday, I had a marathon in Baltimore. It was the NCR race. I did this four years ago and I was happy to try my hand at this again. Back then, this was my first trail marathon. Speaking of trail, it was flat, and a fast course. I finished it in 4:23:00. Yet, because I was running with a bunch of runners on their championship event, I felt I was the last one on the course.

    This time around I had experience of not to push too fast. I was racing with many top local runners since this was a RRCA (Road Runner Club) champion event. A lot of fast older people came out to run this (as well as a lot younger runners). Let say, a competitor, who seems at least 10 years older than me, yet finished at a time I can only dream (3:15:00). A woman about my age who finished at 3:35 and said she was slow this year, meaning, she used to be faster. What are these people? They probably running sub 3 hour back in their younger days. If I could run under 4 hours, I would consider this year a success. Yes there were a lot of fast people at the race, so over 4 hours seemed to be really slow. I am happy with my time though (if you compare it to my last marathon in Atlantic City, it was just a couple minutes off).

    Not much can be said about the race. The swags were awesome. We got a premium hoodie sweater and we were given a wool blanket as a finisher prize. It was also well run. We had crossing guards at every intersection. We had buses picking us up from our parking lot. The race really was spread in three sites (runners parking, the school staging area, and the start and finish chute. Each location is about 1 mi to 2 mi apart. It was handled well.

    The trail was scenic out in a rural area (might be near Camp David, i need to check). It was in a wooded area north of Baltimore near the PA border. There is a bunch of history about the trail but I did not read up on it. NCR is the name of the rail road company and rail line which now the track has become a rail to trail called Gunpowder Falls Trail (state park). It is one of the best trails I run on in the area. It is unpaved.

    I did arrive early this time. I left my house at 5 and got to the race location (bus pick up location) at 6:30. I was one of the first one there. I went to a Dunkins and got a couple bagels for breakfast. This was smarter than the first year I did it. Also, I did not stay at a hotel this time and saved some money. The bus took us to the school (Old Fields, and all girls boarding school that seems to have a bit of history; I feel like I’m in a Harry Potter movie) where the start would be. We waited in the field house. It was a long wait, because the start was at 8:30.

    The race was uneventful. I started off at a 9:30 pace but I got slower as the race progressed. I finished with an overall pace of 10:04. I have not analyzed my spits. My pace must have degraded badly around mile 22. My pace was 10:50 for the final section. I was running a 10:26 after the turn around.

    I was mostly by myself. The fast runners all passed me during the first mile. This time I did not panic nor did I try to chase like I did the first time. On the second half, I led a pack of maybe 5 runners. Though I couldn’t manage their pace. With 10K left to go, they passed me. Then it was just me running to the finish.

    I struggled around mile 21-22. I was bonking. The aid stations being about 2-3 mi apart helped. I was revitalized. The last two miles were not an issue for me. I was some what regaining my pace. I finished without feeling too tired. I believed I could still run some more.

    NCR is one of the best marathons I did. It is not like the Grandma’s Marathon or other city marathons I ran this year. It was low key event but had great supports. We had a lot of aid stations. Many are well stocked with gels and drinks. Some had sodas. Finish line had the usual water and bananas. But at the field house, we had soup and other snacks and lot of breads that they were giving out loaves to runners to take home. It was pretty much a lunch in the field house. Not many marathons serve lunch. This is one of the rare ones that does.

    I don’t know why I signed up for this race in the first place. I think it was because I wanted to run a marathon but I wanted something local. I think I did well. I glad I did it. See the 2018 report. It offers an interesting perspective of my early days marathon run.

  • Day516 Thanksgiving

    At Mile 19 Aid Station, the Frederick Steeple Chasers

    Happy thanksgiving! I know Canadians had it last month and other countries probably have it on a different date or some don’t have it at all.

    This day always slips by me so fast and that I am not quite ready to answer. The question is of course, what are we thankful for this year. It might be different for you.

    So much have happened! I have done a few looking back year end entries already such as my blog aniversary not long ago (link if I remember or not too lazy).

    Truly, it should be a day to pause and be grateful to our Creator — first of, a reason for being alive. Also it should be a time look at the meaning or purpose for our life. Further, we should be appreciative of life and the bountiful harvest of the year. I do acknowledge our pluralistic society. One can show appreciation toward life in other ways.

    While running the JFK the past weekend, it occured to me, I was able to run it and I should not take it for granted. It was so simple. I was able to enjoy my run and that was a blessing.

    The purpose of the race was not to see how fast we could do a 50 mile – I think the first place finished it in 5 and half hours. It took me almost twice as long. Time is important, but simply to be able to run it was an honor. I know a friend who ran this 8 times but this time did not finish under the time constraint, still it was an achievement for her to finish it regardless if it is under 13 hours or not.

    The reason I was able to run it was a testament of being healthy. I wish I could run even faster, but they were saying how many people out there can run a 50 mile in one go! I did two 50 mile races on a back to back weekend. And I hope to do more this weekend and the next! I’ve reached a level a few years ago I would only dream of. I know I won’t be here at this peak for long.

    Yes I am being thankful for good Health. Also during the run and it was such a long run. It brought to mind, like I wish I could get to heaven where everything is well and not more problems and such. Then I quickly came to realize that it is impossible. We can’t rush the divine time table. Like with my race, I know I would eventually get to the end. All I got to do is run my race.

    Of course, we should be thankful for being able to breath, and do the things we enjoy. Things we can only do when we are alive!

    Also, I had few friends who came out to support me! The first year, they were spectators and this year they ran along side of me. It was such a joy when they could come along and got the full taste of the ultra running experience!

    There were a few other people I know on the course. Caroline, Trevor, Billy, Gretchen and so forth.

    I was not trying to be mr. popular, but having people recognized me gives that validation, that I exist and I mean something to them. Caroline is a great friend who always reaches out to me and sharing with me her life story! There were a few others from the MMT community who are also very personal and endearing!

    Similarly during the race, when I saw a runner in a funk, I told them, I see them and I am running with them through their lows.

    I know someone who one said to me “I appreciate you!” and it just made my day. I can’t make a worldwide impact at once, but I if I can make a person cheer up, that will be enough! I told the runner, I see you! I don’t care if the runner then suddenly catch a second wind from my encouragements and then beat me to the finish. I have been in the lows too.

    The year was not without troubles. I had setbacks, setbacks in my relationship with others, with my career, with my finance, and with my running. Especially with my running! I DNF’d three times (Devil Dog, MMT, and Iron Mountain). They left a hole in my heart. Oh, I am being dramatic! But it is true, sorrow does leave it marks. I compared myself to others. Why did that person is able to do it and I couldn’t? I can tell myself I will get stronger next time, but what if I can and won’t? Oh big woof, and too bad, some people tell me to get over it. I am thankful for the harsh critics too.

    I guess, I have to be thankful for setbacks too. It humbled me. I am not always strong. I couldn’t always win. When I do and when I finish the race, it made it all so satisfying.

    Because it means qualitative growth! I sometimes ask myself, have I improved at all? I could speak of running! I am getting slower and slower each year and it is heartbreaking to ask have I improved? JFK50 shown how my experience in my ultra running helps me finish the race. I was lucky to get a PR, but what more satisfying was realizing the experiences I gained from my previous failures.

    There will be many more reasons to be thankful of and I will ponder them as I spend time with my family over the holiday. Yes, some will ask, why I am always talking about running even with the thanksgiving! it is because…well let leave it at that.

    Enjoy your thanksgiving!