Harrisburg Marathon 2012 (7th)

Harrisburg 11-11-12

Okay you asked for it. You all know this country bumpkin gets a little long winded after marathons. You'll have to read the book some day. So you have been warned. Delete now if you do not want to be bored to tears. Last warning... I was not nervous until yesterday. Sitting around home is not conducive to a good pre race strategy. I like Chris's behind the scene approach.

Delete now or be bored to tears...

I stayed true to my word of not carrying a timing device. This race would be completely by feel. Chris and I started together. After about 1 mile behind the 3:25 pace group we decided to pass at the next available opportunity. Around mile 3 Chris moved on to his own pace. I was bored so I struck up a conversation with a relay runner next to me in the park. This was good because before I knew it I was at mile 6 and approaching City Island. He went into the relay chute and I was on my own. I continued around city island at a comfortable pace, at least until I heard a dog barking. Who could it be but Chris. He visited the facilities on City island. We went across the bridge together and he headed off on his own.

Up the river and front street is quite lonesome. I did however enjoy the view. I don't think too many runners enjoyed the view. Even though I said this was a relaxed run, I was still nervous at the start and worried about the race. I have you you all to thank for that. 9:20 per mile to 7:40 marathon pace, thanks all, and I truly mean that!. Any way the next few miles were boring as hell. I got caught up in a group kind of competitively through the road to HACC and through HACC.

Now the park approached. Mile 18-20. It was a rolling hills park. I latched on to a runner. I would pass her on the down hill and she would pass me on the uphill. She was a hell of a climber. I passed her out of the park and never knew who she was. Up the last over pass and down to mile 21. This was it, the last 5 miles to go. Any one can do 5 miles, right! It was at this point that the 3:25 pacer came up next to me. This is when my relaxed run went competitive. ( I wonder where that came from WRFB)

Damn you all! I did not run this far to be passed by the group I was in front of, even by 20 seconds, to go down in the last 5 miles.

I picked up the pace and put some distance between me and the 3:25 pacer. This would only last for 3 more miles. Around mile 24 the 3:25 pace group passed me. I expected a large group,but there were only 6 runners with the pacer. I tried to hang on, but the cramps would start every time I picked up the pace. I maintained my pace trying to keep this group in sight. When I saw the final bridge I kicked into high gear. I was running with everything I had left.

The last mile was excruciating. I persevered and made it up the ramp to the final run across the bridge. I was giving her all she got scotty. I went across the finish line at 3:24:56 on the clock. Not sure of my official time, but it was great to run a race without worrying about the final time. I was very pleased with another BQ time and have all of you to thank, even Brian!!!! Between Brian trying to get me lost and the professor trying to get me hit by a car (I think Lindsey is the professors new recruit so watch your back), It has been a hell of a ride guys and I thank each and every one of you for what you have done for me. I could not have done it without the WRFB.

Thanks,

David Smith

PS.  Went to Brian’s art expo at the New Freedom library.  Was tired but it was nice to see Brian’s art work.

Trails 4 Tails Ultramarathon

Trails 4 Tails 
Ultramarathon 40 miles 
Sept 22, 2012

Okay I'll give you the mile by mile play.  hahaha.  not really.   I think Josh ran me too fast on Thursday and gave me bad advice.  Just Kidding.  Your advice had me running like I knew what I was doing.

I ran into Ryan at the start and he disappeared in a flash.  I stuck to my slow run strategy.  Had my first today.  We had to jump logs, climb through trees and even navigate the ropes holing the lochness monster.  ( a pontoon boat in the shape of a moster tied to the shore)  I was traveling with a group until mile 6 when I had to stop for a bio break.  From that point forward I would mostly run alone.  First lap clocked 1:27.  A little faster than I expected

Lap 2 I chatted with a you lady for a mile then took off at the 4 mile aid station.  The food, drink and assistance at the stops was amazing.  Nothing exciting on this lap.  The morning was still cool and completed this lap in 1:25.  I was hoping this isn't too fast, but it felt good.

Lap 3 was just another warm up lap.  As I went through the start/finish area they all commented how well I was doing, as they had done on the previous lap.  I assumed this was just standard encouragement.  I had covered this distance at a faster pace so I was not worried.  Made friends with the guys at the 4 mile aid station.  It is great to have someone call you by name.  Finish this lap around 1:23, too fast.  I am at 4:15 for 3 laps.  I needed to slow down lap 4.

nothing unusual about lap 4.  As I passed the 4 mile aid station I told the guys this was a DR and all new territory.  I continued though seeing only a few runners.  finished this lap at 1:28.  Again the ladies at the start/finish commented how well I was doing.  I said I had no idea what the hell I was doing.  That wasn't completely true.  I used Josh's advice.  I was not hungry or thirsty, as Josh indicated would happen, but I forced myself to drink 20 oz per 4 miles.  I also drank and ate every 4 miles.  Small food quantities is the secret.

With only 8 miles to go I thought I would pick up the pace.  MISTAKE.  Mile six I jumped a log and when I landed my left hamstring cramped.  So i ran a little slower.  at the 4 mile aid station I come up to a runner.  I imaged he and I dueling for 3rd place.  He saw me at the aid station and was off in a flash.  Cramps continued but I kept on moving.  With 1 mile to go my entire left leg froZE>  the quad, groin, hamstring all cramped and I walked dragging my leg.  It loosened up and on I went.  With 6ths to go that same thing but worse.  I screamed in agony.  It was at this point I saw my wife and sister in-law.  Silly sister in-law wanted to know if I wanted a ride.  Yeah right!  I walked for 2 more minutes and it loosened up.  I finished the last half mile at a slow pace.  1:26 for this lap.

I was very pleased to see my finish time of 7:09.  When Kev told me I was 4th overall I just could not believe it.  Remember the guy I thought about dueling.  He was 3rd, finished 5 mins ahead of me.  dam those cramps.  It was a lot of fun and had a great time.  It was a fun course and an easy trail run.  Thanks for all your support.  Hope to see you guys this week.  This ultra did not beat me up as bad as a marathon.  Of course I could change my mind tomorrow.  Hope you enjoy the attached pics.

Dave