This morning started at about 5:30, as I awoke 20 minutes before the alarm. Just excitement, I think. I had prepped everything that I needed for today, so I was ready to go fairly quickly. Even then, I left the house at 6:30. I had planned to meet two of the folks from my team at 7:30 near the starting line.
I stopped at Dunkin Donuts for an XL coffee and a bagel, then headed into town. Before I took my first sip, though, I checked the temp on the car thermometer. 49 degrees. BRRRRRRR!
At first, I thought I'd be quite early, but an at-grade train crossing, train included, took care of that. I arrived at the appointed spot at 7:30 on the nose.
I met Kim and and Rob there. After about 100 e-mails these past few weeks, it was good to finally meet them in person. Kim and Rob's wife Karen work for Alter Communications. (Didn't get to meet Karen as she already met the shuttle to the first transition stop.) Very nice folks. I was very excited for Kim -- this was to be her first race of any kind. No 5k's, no nothing else. Quite a first race! I warned her that she'd get hooked. Rob is an experienced runner, though he's moved on to triathlons. Only reason he was running today was so his wife would run. Very nice folks -- I was psyched to be a part of their team.
We hung by the start line as the pre-race festivities got under way -- intro of the dignitaries, Star Spangled Banner, yada, yada, yada. (Temp at the start was reported as 54 degrees, by the way.) Rob jumped into the street, Kim and I headed up to the starting line and watched as the gun went off as the runners headed north. Pretty exciting.
At that point, Kim and I headed off our separate ways. She had about a mile walk to the Maryland Science Center for the start of her leg and I had till 8:30 to get to the bus to my transition area. I took my time, checked out some of the vendors, hit the port-a-potty and headed to the buses. It was 8:30. On the nose. Something I should have learned long ago -- when they say "sharp", they mean "sharp." I look at my watch and it says 8:30 and the first 11 school buses have their doors close and they're starting to roll. I run like the wind and jump on the 12th and LAST bus as the driver closes the door and we start to roll.
There are no highways through Baltimore. It's nothing but surface roads with a light every block for the 7 mile ride. Normally, a 45 minute ride, if your lucky. However, if you happen to have a police escort, it's only 15 minutes! I was shocked to see the four or six police motorcycles jockey back and forth to close off streets for us to get to our stop led by a cruiser up front. Very cool way to go.
We arrived at Lake Clifton HS -- mile marker 19 -- at about 845. Now for the wait. Its only a half hour before the first wheelie came through. Man those guys are fast! It was another half hour before the first marathon runner came through. The stream started as a trickle but slowly built up to a massive throng, especially as the half marathon runners joined the group. (They started the half at 9:45 and designed the course so that at about mile 3, they would converge onto the marathon course. Marathon, half and relay finish together.)
At about 10:50, Dave arrived from completing his third leg. I expected to see Kim between 11:15 and 11:30, but I needed to be ready for earlier. Much to my surprise, I heard my team number called out at 11:05. I stepped out into the lane and got the chip from Kim. See you at the finish!
Finally, 4 1/2 hours after leaving home, I was finally running! (And you're saying to yourself, "Finally, after all this reading, I'm finally hearing about the race!)
My leg is officially 7.2 miles. The first mile or so if a descent up hill run through some North Baltimore neighborhoods. Then, the trail heads quickly downhill to Lake Montebello. As we're descending, you could see about a mile of the race ahead as the course routes around the lake and up 33rd St. The next mile or so is pretty flat around the lake. So far, so good. Two miles in, feeling fine. By now, it's probably close to 60 with a nice breeze across the lake. Staying right on track at my goal of a 12 minute pace.
For the first time in any race I've run, I'm actually passing people. Felt kinda wierd. By this point, there were lots of full and half marathoners walking. I'm still running steady as we head west on 33rd Street, site of the former home of the BALTIMORE Colts and Orioles. First time I've been by that site of so many games I attended over the first 25 years of my life. Today, there is a YMCA and senior housing on the property.
Next we head left towards the finish. Four miles to go.
There are LOTS of people on the course cheering. At one point, as we head through the Charles Village neighborhood, there's a regular block party going on -- some guy acting as a DJ, even. This really keeps you going. Hard to slow down now. At mile 23, there's the Gummy Bear Guy -- Stewart. Apparently he's a fixture. To get a flavor, here's his post on the marathon web site:
I stopped at Dunkin Donuts for an XL coffee and a bagel, then headed into town. Before I took my first sip, though, I checked the temp on the car thermometer. 49 degrees. BRRRRRRR!
At first, I thought I'd be quite early, but an at-grade train crossing, train included, took care of that. I arrived at the appointed spot at 7:30 on the nose.
I met Kim and and Rob there. After about 100 e-mails these past few weeks, it was good to finally meet them in person. Kim and Rob's wife Karen work for Alter Communications. (Didn't get to meet Karen as she already met the shuttle to the first transition stop.) Very nice folks. I was very excited for Kim -- this was to be her first race of any kind. No 5k's, no nothing else. Quite a first race! I warned her that she'd get hooked. Rob is an experienced runner, though he's moved on to triathlons. Only reason he was running today was so his wife would run. Very nice folks -- I was psyched to be a part of their team.
We hung by the start line as the pre-race festivities got under way -- intro of the dignitaries, Star Spangled Banner, yada, yada, yada. (Temp at the start was reported as 54 degrees, by the way.) Rob jumped into the street, Kim and I headed up to the starting line and watched as the gun went off as the runners headed north. Pretty exciting.
At that point, Kim and I headed off our separate ways. She had about a mile walk to the Maryland Science Center for the start of her leg and I had till 8:30 to get to the bus to my transition area. I took my time, checked out some of the vendors, hit the port-a-potty and headed to the buses. It was 8:30. On the nose. Something I should have learned long ago -- when they say "sharp", they mean "sharp." I look at my watch and it says 8:30 and the first 11 school buses have their doors close and they're starting to roll. I run like the wind and jump on the 12th and LAST bus as the driver closes the door and we start to roll.
There are no highways through Baltimore. It's nothing but surface roads with a light every block for the 7 mile ride. Normally, a 45 minute ride, if your lucky. However, if you happen to have a police escort, it's only 15 minutes! I was shocked to see the four or six police motorcycles jockey back and forth to close off streets for us to get to our stop led by a cruiser up front. Very cool way to go.
We arrived at Lake Clifton HS -- mile marker 19 -- at about 845. Now for the wait. Its only a half hour before the first wheelie came through. Man those guys are fast! It was another half hour before the first marathon runner came through. The stream started as a trickle but slowly built up to a massive throng, especially as the half marathon runners joined the group. (They started the half at 9:45 and designed the course so that at about mile 3, they would converge onto the marathon course. Marathon, half and relay finish together.)
At about 10:50, Dave arrived from completing his third leg. I expected to see Kim between 11:15 and 11:30, but I needed to be ready for earlier. Much to my surprise, I heard my team number called out at 11:05. I stepped out into the lane and got the chip from Kim. See you at the finish!
Finally, 4 1/2 hours after leaving home, I was finally running! (And you're saying to yourself, "Finally, after all this reading, I'm finally hearing about the race!)
My leg is officially 7.2 miles. The first mile or so if a descent up hill run through some North Baltimore neighborhoods. Then, the trail heads quickly downhill to Lake Montebello. As we're descending, you could see about a mile of the race ahead as the course routes around the lake and up 33rd St. The next mile or so is pretty flat around the lake. So far, so good. Two miles in, feeling fine. By now, it's probably close to 60 with a nice breeze across the lake. Staying right on track at my goal of a 12 minute pace.
For the first time in any race I've run, I'm actually passing people. Felt kinda wierd. By this point, there were lots of full and half marathoners walking. I'm still running steady as we head west on 33rd Street, site of the former home of the BALTIMORE Colts and Orioles. First time I've been by that site of so many games I attended over the first 25 years of my life. Today, there is a YMCA and senior housing on the property.
Next we head left towards the finish. Four miles to go.
There are LOTS of people on the course cheering. At one point, as we head through the Charles Village neighborhood, there's a regular block party going on -- some guy acting as a DJ, even. This really keeps you going. Hard to slow down now. At mile 23, there's the Gummy Bear Guy -- Stewart. Apparently he's a fixture. To get a flavor, here's his post on the marathon web site:
Once again I will be manning my Gummy Bear Station, at 28th and Guilford, This is approximately mile 23. With 200 pounds of Gummy Bears, up from 150 last year, I promise to be there until the least-fastest marathoner passes me. For those that don't yet know... Gummy bears are a great late marathon snack. Here's why: - You can hold them in your hand and they won't melt. - They are chewy, and give your mouth something to do. - They give you the carbs you need and crave. - They are small enough that you wont choke on them. - If you do inhale one, you won't die. - They taste great. - You can bite their little heads off. Say Hi as you go by. Stuart
Gotta love the Gummy Bear Guy! They were good, too.
I hit 5 miles on the Garmin in just under an hour. Still managing to keep the 12 minute pace. By far, the longest continuous run I've ever done. As we approach an incline in the road, I need a break. I walk a 14 minute pace for about a quarter mile, but then, I start to run again as the elevation declines.
I can see Oriole Park off in the distance and I know that the end is near. On the downhill, the pace picks up to close to 11 minute miles and I'm back on the overall 12 minute pace with a mile to go.
Let me say that I am truly enjoying this run. All these people, running with actual other runners (not at the back of the pack), perfect weather. Just a great time and I have yet to hit the finale.
As I get ready to turn down for the final half mile, Kim yells out to me and then runs into the street. "Wow, you're doing great! I'm going to finish running with you, if that's okay." I say "you're hooked aren't you?" "Yes, I am." The last half mile goes down the Eutaw Street promenade that is along the outfield of Oriole Park.
As we clear Oriole Park, the finish line is now in sight. Of to the right, about 50 yard from the end, I see Katie holding a sign that says Jeff. "Hey, Katie, Woo Hoo, I yell." Very cool. People are lined up to the finish at least three deep. It's an awesome sight. The clock reads 4:30:37. My leg: 87:11.
I hit 5 miles on the Garmin in just under an hour. Still managing to keep the 12 minute pace. By far, the longest continuous run I've ever done. As we approach an incline in the road, I need a break. I walk a 14 minute pace for about a quarter mile, but then, I start to run again as the elevation declines.
I can see Oriole Park off in the distance and I know that the end is near. On the downhill, the pace picks up to close to 11 minute miles and I'm back on the overall 12 minute pace with a mile to go.
Let me say that I am truly enjoying this run. All these people, running with actual other runners (not at the back of the pack), perfect weather. Just a great time and I have yet to hit the finale.
As I get ready to turn down for the final half mile, Kim yells out to me and then runs into the street. "Wow, you're doing great! I'm going to finish running with you, if that's okay." I say "you're hooked aren't you?" "Yes, I am." The last half mile goes down the Eutaw Street promenade that is along the outfield of Oriole Park.
As we clear Oriole Park, the finish line is now in sight. Of to the right, about 50 yard from the end, I see Katie holding a sign that says Jeff. "Hey, Katie, Woo Hoo, I yell." Very cool. People are lined up to the finish at least three deep. It's an awesome sight. The clock reads 4:30:37. My leg: 87:11.
Actual Medal Awarded
As we cross into the runners area, pandemonium is apparent. First you've got to find the person with the right medal, since three races are ending simultaneously. Then you've got to ask for enough medals for the whole relay team. Then get past all the people laying all over recovering. Then find the food. Phillips Seafood is giving away crab soup -- one of my favorite foods. I snag a few servings. The line for other food -- fruit, chips, etc, is waaaaay too long. I need to go find people. Kim goes on her way and we agree to keep in touch.
Getting out of the runner area was also tough. Then it's just wall to wall people. I don't think that any one of the finishers has yet to leave the area. After 10 minutes of walking around, I throw in the towel. I won't meet Katie. I won't see Dave. Time to head home.
I get back to the car and call Deb to tell her of my awesome day. She's very excited for me. Then I get Dave. He did see me finish and pretty much knew we wouldn't be able to meet up with the huge crowds.
In all, it was a great race. It was a great day. I really loved everything about it.
Actual Formerly Fat runner wearing race Performance T and cool crab medal.
Reverse side of actual Performance T. Pretty sweet, huh!Time to start planning for the next run!
L'Chaim!
8 comments:
Amazing!! You're my hero. L'Chaim!!!!
You looked great coming down the home stretch! It was so exciting to see you earlier than I expected! Next year I am definitly doing the relay.
Great race. that's pretty cool that katie made up the signs. Now, I want to do a relay.
Great job Jeff, and great report also. Next year I am there with you.
Sounds like an awesome race, congratulations!
I'm struck by two things: what a great time you had, and how think your face looks! Congratulations!
Great race report, Jeff, and cool medal, too! Congratulations!
I have medal envy! Wish I lived closer to do the race next year.
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