Tighurt Running - Results & Notes

2007 Race Results and Notes Archive

December 31

Flashlight 8K

Lawrenceville, GA

29:05

11th in Age Group

144th Overall

Notes: A point-to-point course with a 2x loop in the middle. The race is run in the dark with volunteers holding flashlights to light the way. Pretty cool. I ran a horrible race - continuing my struggles with the shorter distances. I thought I could maintain an 8:50 pace. I was wrong. The rolling hills should not have been as challenging as they were. Spaghetti dinner and a great black t-shirt included in the price. Awards ceremony for Run & See Georgia Grand Prix was part of the festivities.

December 15

Santa Stroll 8K

Bishop, GA

45:25

11th in Age Group

94th Overall

Notes: Aside from having the novelty of being my first race as a 37-year-old, the Santa Stroll seemed to follow the trends of many of my recent races. The course was an out-and-back run completely on a rural road with limited (but perfectly adequate) amenities. Once again, timing duties were handled by the omnipresent Classic Race Services. The weather was quite good for running - on that magic line bordering cool and cold. Although the sky threatened rain, it held off until well after the race. Instead of a t-shirt every participant received a high-quality, light blue sweatshirt with great Santa-themed graphics. These were quite nice. The awards were also original - hand made stools and plaques. The course itself, however, was fairly non-descript: gentle rolling hills (very mild, but very much there), the occasional orchard, houses, and countryside. Perfectly measured with accurate mile markers. One waterstop at around the 2 mile mark that runners hit again on the way back. Good police assistance, very safe course. Indoor registration, results, and restroom facilities inside Bishop Baptist Church. I ran quite well: consistent splits, strong effort, and no real pain. Another 8K PR (by 2 minutes!) - the previous one only lasted a week. Simple refreshments: Gatorade and water in coolers, bananas, Powerbars, and Snickers Marathon bars.

December 8

In a stunning fit of insanity I ran 3 races today:

Madison Christmas Rush Classic 5K

Madison, GA

27:40

5th in Age Group

93rd Overall

Notes: The race was held in a corner of downtown Madison. I really like the area they used for registration and the start/finish. It was set up in a small grassy area with the start line on one side and the finish on the other. Temperatures were a little chilly - high 40s-low 50s - but nice for running. The race followed a pretty simple course: a few turns through town and then a long stretch down a fairly rural stretch of road. It actually reminded me quite a bit of the DeLand race back on Thanksgiving. I do not recall seeing any water stations on the course, however. I rarely take water during a 5K, but I was surprised they did not have any. It was basically an out-and-back with a slight change of course at the end to bring the runners back on the other side of the registration area. The course seemed rather flat and fast.

I, on the otherhand, was flat and slow. My last 5K was several months ago. After a steady diet of 10Ks and longer distances, I had forgotten how to run a 5K. I could not find a decent pace, went out too fast, and dragged myself to the finish line. My time wasn't too bad (for me), but everything else was. To make matters worse I aggravated the cold I was healing up from and nearly coughed my brains out at the finish line. I could barely fill out the finisher's card. I had decided to give up on my three race quest during the last mile of the race, but started reconsidering it after getting my breath back and being encouraged by several of the Macon Tracks there. I skipped out on the great looking food - including homemade soup that smelled incredible and hot cider - and refueled with a PowerGel instead.

Madison Christmas Rush Classic 8K

Madison, GA

47:21

11th in Age Group

120th Overall

Notes: I tried to keep walking as much as possible between races to avoid my muscles locking up - especially my hips which like playing pranks on me. I switched to my 8K bib number, which was just 1 more than my 5K number. I decided that my goal (after my horrible 5K) was simply to finish. I planned to let my body set the pace and not push for too much. I really doubted whether my shredded lungs would get me around the course.

The race started and finished at the same places as the 5K. It followed the same road too - just further before a turnaround. The 8K did have a water station.

There were fewer runners for the 8K which made me immediately feel better. I set up way in the back of the pack and let my body dictate the pace around the course. The result: a very strong race for me, negative splits, and an 8K PR for this year. I passed many people on the course and even had a nice kick at the finish. Next to no coughing this time and no problem filling out the card. It just shows what happens when you run wisely!

Sadly, by the time I finished talking to all the great Macon Tracks folks at the race, they had run out of the wonderful soup. I did get some of the hot cider and enjoyed it greatly. This race was very well-organized. Classic Race Service did the finish line with their usual quick, accurate results. I love running their races. The t-shirt for the race was nice too: a long-sleeved white shirt with a silhouette of the local courthouse and a Christmas border. They had sweatshirts too for those who preordered them.

Christmas Lane Dash 5K

Thomaston, GA

27:56

4th in Age Group

58th Overall

Notes: I had several hours of downtime between the races - enough time for a good meal, a searing-hot shower, and the tightening of my leg muscles. I could not believe how warm the weather had gotten. The sleeves and gloves were on for the morning races, the singlet and shorts came out for this one.

I made it to Thomaston right after they started the fun run. The police had blocked the entrance to the area making a long line of cars waiting to turn in. I wondered if we were all too late, but they eventually found a way to let us sneak into the parking lot without compromising the finish line. I really had to hurry to get registered and ready for the race. Luckily, as I was scurrying about, I ran into Neel Dickey. Neel and Sam Martinez had walked some of the course earlier and had a reconnaissance report: hills, hills, and more hills. Neel suggested not going out too fast - advice that I greatly appreciated.

The race ran through a residential area that was specially decorated for Christmas. Many of the houses had themed displays and lots of lights. The course itself was indeed a rollercoaster of rolling hills and turns. The starting line was on top of pretty good-sized hill. It promised a fast start - and, as the race director informed us we would be finishing back the way we started, a slow finish. The finish line itself was actually down a little ways off the hill, back at the church where registration was held.

When the race started I held back, not even letting myself pick up too much speed going down the hill. I was surprised, even with Neel's warning, at the constantly rolling nature of the course. Thank goodness my home course has very similar topography. The course snaked back and forth through the neighborhood with a small out-and-back section by a baseball diamond. This was a nice chance to see the other runners and exchange greetings. Sam and Neel both looked very strong!

I felt surprisingly strong too. I certainly felt the two earlier races, but I had plenty of energy to spare. My legs were much tighter than usual, but not enough to really hinder running. I had a great time smiling at all of the families that had come out to sit on their porches and watch the race. What nice community support! The support was evident also by the huge number of volunteers (a church youth group, I believe) in bright-orange shirts out on the roads keeping us on course. They took their duties very seriously and did a great job.

I had plenty of steam saved up for the last hill and powered up it, passing people left and right. I rarely have felt that good on a closing hill. I had a strong finish just a few seconds slower than my morning race. With the increased difficulty of this course and the improvement in my state of well-being I thought this was an excellent time.

The refreshments were wonderful: bottled water and PowerAde at the finish line; excellent chili, bananas, and cookies inside the church. Awards were original: Christmas tree ornaments. I was sorry I just missed placing in my age group! T-shirts were long-sleeved, black with silver print. I did not pre-register so I'll have to watch the mail for my shirt.

Classic Race Service did the finish line for this race too - with their usual excellence. The award ceremony was done in the most efficient manner I have ever seen. They really knew how to make sure every person got their due, but in the least amount of time possible. It made for an energized, friendly end to a great race.

While I took home no hardware from the day, I really felt like just completing all three races was the greatest prize in the world. The races and comaraderie were delightful. Several other people did the triple race thing too. I hope they enjoyed it as much as I did.

November 22

Thanksgiving 10-Miler

DeLand, FL

1:36:50

4th in Clydesdale Group

190th Overall

(Finisher's Medal)

Notes: My whole family revived a tradition this year and spent the entire week of Thanksgiving at Walt Disney World. The great thing about staying at Disney for a week is that you feel no guilt in not going to the parks one fine morning to go to a local run. I found the Thanksgiving 10-Miler online months ago and was one of the first people registered. For the first time, I was racing in a Clydesdale division. While I hope to lose enough weight to get out of that division, it was cool that the race had a category to recognize heavier runners.

My largest concern coming into the race was my condition. I was still recovering from the marathon, plus had spent the previous five days or so wandering through theme parks. I did get two beautiful training runs in through the Fort Wilderness Campground and Wilderness Lodge. Disney is just a fun place to run.

DeLand was about an hour's drive from Disney. Registration was at a baseball complex located at the edge of a stretch of road with nothing but rural homes, horse farms, and orange groves. The race was extremely well organized and chip timed. The course was extremely simple: leave the sports complex, turn left, run about five miles on the aforementioned route, turn around, come back. Being Central Florida the race was quite flat - a few gradual inclines, but even those were very low. I really enjoyed watching horses run along with us. A special treat was running by the orange groves. I grew up in South Florida and we had several orange trees in the back yard. I miss them terribly!

I ran the race perfectly to plan. My pacing was consistent throughout and I finished strong. A grim reminder of the dangers of running awaited us near the finishing line. One of the runners had collapsed about 2/10ths of a mile from the finish. The organizers had sent people out to warn us about all of the emergency vehicles blocking the road. I never heard details about the fallen runner, but the rumors amongst the runners did not seem very hopeful. I hope the situation was exaggerated and that the runner made a complete recovery!

Great finish line complete with a finisher's medal. Refreshments were rather light - it was difficult finding a cooler that still had anything in it. Still, a well-organized race and a great time.

November 10

Chickamauga Battlefield Marathon

Chickamauga, GA

4:57:09 (PR)

56th in Age Group

363rd Overall

(Finisher's Medal)

Notes: There is so much that needs to be said about this race. The Chickamauga Battlefield Marathon has acquired quite a reputation as one of the top small marathons in the country. Runners World listed it in an issue earlier this year as a must-do race. That worried me a bit. I wondered what would happen if the race had a massive increase of participants.

Packet pick-up was held at the Chattanooga Marriott - a little drive from the actual race site, but a beautiful facility. The organizers had advertised an expo, which I don't believe was ever part of the race before. The expo turned out to be a small conference room full of empty tables. It was sad that no vendors turned out. Pick-up was very well organized. The race shirt was absolutely astounding: a long-sleeved Asics technical shirt with great graphics. For an inexpensive marathon, the quality was overwhelming. My family and I could not get a reservation at the Marriott, so we stayed closer to the race in Fort Oglethorpe. Even though our hotel (the Super 8) was not an official race hotel, they had marathon information ready for me including shuttle pick-up times. Great organization from the race and community. The Super 8, by the way, was a wonderful place to stay. Highly recommended for anyone planning to run the race in future years.

The race itself started at a large church in Chickmauga, Georgia. Apparently, the race had outgrown the fellowship hall used in previous years and had relocated to a gymnasium. It was very crowded before the race, but chip pick-up was smooth and everyone managed to squeeze into a warm spot. A good number of bathrooms and porta-johns were available - still overwhelmed a bit by the number of runners.

The race was started by the playing of the Star-Spangled Banner along side a color guard (or so I heard later - it was impossible to see back in my part of the pack.) The runners solemnly sung along with the national anthem - it was quite moving. No one near me heard the race start - we just noticed the herd moving slowly forward. Of course, with a chip-timed race, a gentle walk across the starting line is common.

The course itself was everything it was made out to be and more. The park, the first National Military Park, is covered by more than 1,000 monuments and cannon. Combine these haunting reminders of our country's past with the beautiful fall leaves of the thickly wooded park and you have one of the most beautiful settings ever for a run. The course boasted 15 aid stations and port-o-lets in two places (and plenty of trees if the need struck at other times...) Spectators were few and far between, but those who did cheer us on were very supportive. The course is a double loop so it is very convenient for family members to see runners several times during a race. My wife and two year-old son were along as support crew for me. It was wonderful to see them three times during the race - five if you add in the start and finish.

On the first loop I ran the race of my life. Every mile was dead on my goal - very unusual for me. My hydration and fueling plans were working wonderfully. The runners around me were very friendly. I had many great conversations with people from around the country.

The second loop was a bit trickier. I was planning on running positive splits, so slowed down going into the second half. I was fine until around mile 19. I had gotten a cup of water at the previous aid station that had very little in it. I didn't want to go back and felt fine so I pushed ahead. Mistake. A mile out from the next aid station I realized that I was incredibly thirsty. No problem, I thought, aid station just ahead past mile 20. Imagine my chagrin when that aid station had just run out of water AND Powerade. The workers offered me a Cliff Blok, but that was not what I needed. I pushed on, suddenly very scared about my prospects of finishing. We were entering a little out and back section so the next aid station would be a repeat visit to the one that was out of liquids. As I reached the turnaround I realized that I was in trouble. I was starting to get lightheaded and kept fading out. I managed to keep running, but the effort cost me dearly. Thankfully a bicycle runners-aid rider came by with a stocked pack! She gave me a full bottle of water which saved me. I decided I needed to walk for a few miles until I got my senses back under control.

Indeed, the aid station was still unstocked. I walked to the next aid station and found it well stocked. I got some much-needed electrolytes and ibuprofen and walked on. I probably could have started running again at this point, but decided to be safe. At the last aid station I turned the running jets back on and blazed to the finish line (my fastest times of the entire race.) I kicked myself a little later for not running earlier. Still, I promised my wife that I would err on the side of safety.

The finish line was delightful. They had spotters out on the last turn to radio in bib numbers so that the announcer could call runners by name as they crossed the line. What a great end to a race! I saw my wife and son cheering thirty yards or so before the finish line and then heard my name and bio read to a surprisingly full crowd. As it turned out, I still set a new PR by over three minutes. Not bad! The finisher's medal is unbelievable. It features the Georgia Monument from the park and is one of the most detailed medals I have ever seen. The organizers have started a new tradition by saluting a different monument with the medal each year. What a great idea.

The post race food was phenomenal. Lots of pizza, snack cakes, banana pudding (yum!), fruit, bread, peanut butter, and three hot soups. I had the Southwestern chicken soup which was great! How unusual to spend the time after the race sitting at a table talking with friends! The award ceremony was handled in the efficient, friendly manner that embodied the whole race. I tracked down the race director afterwards to congratulate him on an amazing race - especially with the new challenges of more people. This was one of those incredible race experiences that I will remember forever. I am already making plans to return and run it again next year.

November 3

Callaway Gardens 10K

Pine Mountain, GA

59:12

11th in Age Group

Notes: I have long heard of the amazing beauty of Callaway Gardens. After running through the grounds, I now understand what people have been telling me. The Callaway Gardens 10K advertises itself as the most scenic 10K around. They may be right. The course follows roads and bike trails throughout the natiure-oriented resort. The course itself has a nice downhill start and, other than one noticeable hill on the second mile, a constant dose of gentle rollers the rest of the way. The paved bike trails were especially scenic, touring over wooden bridges and through trees just starting to change into fall colors. Throw in beautiful lakes, Christmas lights already up, and squirrels cheering for the runners and you have quite a race. The temperatures were downright chilly: 40s at the start. I discovered that my lungs are still not used to the cold air - the rest of me loved it. Still, I ran a rather slow time on a course that I thought would be really good for me. My pacing let me down in the middle miles. I did enjoy the finish line. The announcer was teasing me as I emerged from the woods, encouraging me to kick to beat the two runners closing in behind me. That was my plan anyway, so I humored him. I greatly appreciated the announcer's efforts at making my finish memorable and important. Amenities were pretty average at this race - especially considering the high entry fee. I guess the extra money was for the entry into Callaway Gardens. The race was very efficiently operated, impeccably measured, and quite pleasant. My experience has me planning to return in January to run one of the next races (5k, marathon, and half-marathon are all scheduled on the same day.)

October 20

Komen Central Georgia Race for the Cure 5K

Macon, GA

27:15

191/519 Overall

13/24 Age Group

Notes: The Komen is more of an event than a race in many ways. As a giant fundraiser for breast cancer research it is extremely well-supported. Thousands of people turn out every year not only to run or walk the 5K, but also to be part of a massive Celebration Walk. The campus of Wesleyan College was bursting with people! While the amenities were quite good for this race - tons of food and water (including Krispy Kreme doughnuts - yum!), lots of cheering crowds, good police course management, etc. - it lacked one vital thing: bathrooms. Thousands of people...8 port-o-lets. Oops. The line to the port-o-lets looked like the line to Space Mountain on a busy day. I knew I could not make it through the line in time. So, it was full-bladder running for me. What fun! For an event that is so thoroughly planned, how the bathroom issue was not dealt with is beyond me. Anyway...on to the race. The start was predictably dangerous. Walkers and runners were bunched up tightly at the start. The first half mile was more of an obstacle course or steeplechase than a road race. I have more trouble finding my pace in big crowds. I thought I was slow, but was 30 seconds faster than my goal pace at one mile. Oops again. Just as the crowd was spreading out a bit, the race turned onto Zebulon where the runners were funneled into one lane - with a turn-around. I know the police limited the organizers to one lane, but the turn-around was incredibly dangerous. So was having that many runners running in two directions against each other for quite a little distance. It was a relief to turn off Zebulon into the residential part of the race. A nice hill awaited us in this section. I managed to get my pace back under control for the rest of the race. Cheerleaders from local schools encouraged us on. I was trying to figure out why a group near the end of the race really started to cheer as I came by. I quickly discovered it was a large group of FPD students. I hadn't recognized them in their green shirts! That was quite a nice lift and gave me wings to the finish line. The finish line, incidentally, was about as perfectly set up as one can be. The race used timing bibs - the first time I've ever been timed that way. It seems to work well (except no starting sensor so only gun time is counted.) I especially liked not having to turn a chip back in at the end of the race! Surprisingly, I set a 2007 5K PR for myself - despite my poor pacing. A good group of the Macon Tracks ran the race. I really enjoyed the camaraderie with them at the finish line! My wife and son did the Celebration Walk so we had a fun time together at the end.

October 13

Progressive Christian Academy Race for the Future 5K

Macon, GA

16:45

3rd Overall

(Trophy...on the way)

Notes: This one obviously needs a little explanation. No, I did not find a miracle training regimen that allowed me to take 12 minutes off my 5K time in a week. No, this is not a misprint. The exceptionally kind folks at Progressive Christian Academy held this race for the first time this year. It was very poorly attended with three local runners and a group of students and friends of the school. The race started nearly 30 minutes late as the race director held off hoping for more people to arrive. They also had trouble getting their route approved by the Macon Police. The route the Police did approve shortened to course down to about 3K. The runners found out about this around the time we were crossing the finish line: thus my miraculous 16:45 for a "5K". The shortened course was rather fun especially if you enjoy urban running and hills. Despite all the problems of a first-time race, I really enjoyed this experience. Everyone was incredibly friendly. The three of us who placed were treated like visiting royalty. For someone like me who rarely even sees the first place runners, this was quite new. In fact, I was a little freaked out by seeing empty space in front of me at the beginning of the race. I was relieved to drop back into 3rd! I especially appreciated the prayers held before and after the race. I hope the race organizers will reach out to the running community and allow us to help build the participation in this event for next year. The wonderful people of PCA really deserve it!

October 6

Pickwick Dam River Run 5K

Pickwick, TN

28:08

21/107 Overall

3rd in Age Group

(Trophy)

Notes: Nice little race at Pickwick Dam in Tennessee. It was surprisingly hot for October. Great views of the Tennessee River, the dam, and the park running along the river. The course was pretty flat with a few small climbs. Sun was brutal on the last mile. An exceptional variety of fluids at the finish line. Interesting idea - the organizers gave out a spiral bound book with pictures and results from the previous year's race, explanations and pictures of the projects they were supporting, and advertisements from their sponsors. The book was fun to flip through and allowed the t-shirt to have NO advertisements! A major highlight of this race was the large group that came over from Savannah Christian Academy. It was wonderful watching the kids run the race and the parents and chaperones encouraging them and running them in one-by-one.

September 15

Buggython 10K

Barnesville, GA

58:34

23rd Overall

5th in Age Group

Notes: Beautiful temps - probably high 60s at start. The course was VERY rolling, but scenic. Barnesville supports the race quite well. Lots of turn monitors and spectators. A monster hill on mile 6 - just when you thought it was done it went up some more. I ran a great race, but the last mile cost me a lot of time. Great awards and food. I would have won my age group in the 5K had I entered it. The whole 10K seemed to be 35-39 year-old men. Figures. :-)

September 8

Rise 'n Run 5K

Roswell, GA

27:59

73rd Overall

6th in Age Group

Notes: Nice weather for a run! This was the greatest 5K course EVER! Most was run through a park with incredible crushed gravel trails, asphalt, and some short woods trails. It was hilly, but so much fun! I was hoping for a slightly faster time, but this was a tough course. Most runners claimed to have been a minute or so slower than expected. No pain, blazing fast first mile.

September 3

Labor Day Road Race 10K

Macon, GA

58:01

30th in Age Group

Notes: A beautiful day for a race! Great weather - though still humid. I absolutely love this race - reminds me of the Corinth 10K. Lots of community support and great volunteers. I was trying to run a fast time, but underestimated the huge hill at .5 miles. It really hit just when I was trying to get a feel for my pace. Still, I ran a very fast second 5K (very fast for me, that is) -- helped by the serious downhill slalom through downtown Macon. I still had a strong kick at the finish and managed to slip by my "rabbit" right at the line. Janet and Luke were at the finish - the perfect ending!

August 18

Woodland Wallahatchee 10K

Pike Road, GA

58:54

50/63

6th in Age Group

Notes: A nice race in Pike Road, Alabama. Great race management with cool sponges and towels to keep us cool and popsicles at the finish line. A bit hilly, but a nice run with good amenities. Trophies were hysterical - a chunk of 4 x 4, beautifully stained, with a resin cast of a small woodland creature on top. Quirky and completely original.

August 11

Jim Herrin Memorial Stampede 10K

Centerville, GA

58:37

66/109

6th in Age Group

Notes: I have rarely worried so much about one race. The extremely hot temperatures this week made a mockery of my training schedule. I finally got an 8 mile run in on Wednesday and a 10K on Thursday to get used to the heat. I was really afraid that when I pushed myself to race pace I would have major problems. Registration and packet pick-up were held at the Galleria Mall. It was well-organized and friendly - and quite cool. Air conditioning is a wonderful thing. We lucked out with the weather too. Low clouds in the east kept us much cooler (80sF) for the bulk of the race. Of course, nothing could save us from the 85% humidity! The race started in the mall parking lot which provided a lot of safe running area for warm-ups. That was about the only safe running of the morning. The race itself headed out of the mall parking lot and through and around a nearby subdivision - generally a flat course with a few little climbs. Traffic control on the course was minimal at best. In defense of the organizers, I'm not sure it would be possible to shut down the traffic any more than they did. Several of the roads are just busy. Still, the middle and ending miles of the race felt quite unsafe with the traffic. I think I gave a police officer and a motorist heart attacks when I had to come out onto the road a little bit to pass one of the 5K walkers. Other amenities of the race were more than adequate. Two staffed water stations - perfect for me. As seems to be my usual beef, I had trouble locating the 3, 4, and 5 mile markers. I was trying really hard to run consistent miles - a major problem for me. The first signs were great, but I never saw the ones in the middle. They may have been written on the ground, but there were so many markings from other races it was hard to know which ones to read. Still, I managed to stay on pace and finished almost a minute and a half under my goal. Water, Powerade, and a nice assortment of pastries and bananas at the finish. Results were announced in the cool confines of the mall - a great idea. The race raised money to fund two scholarships for graduating seniors - the previous recipients were introduced at the race. The Stampede also had, without a doubt, the greatest race t-shirt I have ever seen. Other races should look at this shirt to see how it's done! (I need to scan it and put a picture on the site. It is incredible.)

August 4

Race to the Pointe 5K

Oxford, GA

30:18

58/127

11th in Age Group

Notes: I have developed over the years a sure-fire method of interpreting race brochures. If it says rolling hills and great scenery it probably really means pain. A lot of pain. The Race to the Pointe stayed true to form. The race was held at 6:00 PM - quite a hot time in early August. Many of the runners were discussing our relative insanity for running a race in the extreme heat - at least 95F, maybe more. The thermometer on my vehicle said 113F, which is a bit extreme, but you get the idea! The race director told us that the start and finish were both downhill and that the rest of the race was "up to us." Up was the operative word there. It was an out and back, so on the first mile you got a good look at the fun you would be having later. The course was clearly marked with great mile markers and water station. Finish line management was done by Classic Race Services - nice work as usual by them. Good facilities at the church with a nice shady porch area for registration and bathrooms (and blessed air-conditioning) inside. I was surprised at how little there was in the way of post-race refreshments. All I found were the tiny bottles of water and Power Bars. Several of the runners grabbed many of the water bottles, but I knew there were a lot of people behind us so I tried to stick to one. The water was also quite a walk from the finish line. In a hot race like this, they really needed to have a lot of water conveniently available for runners. This was an inaugural race, so I'm sure it will get better and better. Awesome t-shirt, complete with a Bible verse on the front. The people were quite nice and there was an inexpensive Chik-Fil-A dinner and live concert afterwards. Unfortunately, I was too hot and thirsty to stay. I found the nearest gas station convenience store to buy some water. Funny enough, they seemed to have been getting a lot of visits from runners! Incidentally, I saw Don McClellan at the race. I have never met him but watch his photo-shows online regularly. How cool to be at one of the races he was documenting! Hopefully he got my good side! Of course in this heat I'm not sure I have a good side.

July 6

St. Jude 5K

Florence, AL

27:47

77/108

11th in Age Group

Notes: Alabama has been in the middle of drought conditions lately - along with the rest of the South. I drove over from Corinth, Mississippi, to run this race while on vacation. So much for the drought! It rained like it was trying to make up for lost time. The race was held in McFarland Park, right as you come across the bridge into Florence from Muscle Shoals and Sheffield. Registration was set up under one picnic shelter, bathrooms were in another 100 yards away. No problem during usual conditions, but quite a wet swim on this day. The runners and volunteers managed to be quite friendly and positive while crowding under the shelter to avoid drowning. Ultimately, the race was delayed for an hour because of thunder and lightning. I appreciated the race directors being safe as did the other runners. This was an evening race, so the delay made it into a night race. The course was absolutely beautiful. It ran along the Tennessee River, around a marina, under a bridge, and through the wooded park. Only drawback of the course were the two turn-arounds. The race was incredibly flat and surprisingly fast considering the wet pavement. I could not find a 1 mile marker, but splits were called at 2 miles. After race food was phenomenal: Burger King hamburgers, water, soda, chips, bananas, etc. The awards took approximately forever to tabulate, delayed more by the late start of the 1 mile race. Awards were a certificate along with a door prize style gift - rather fun, actually. All of us who stayed late into the night for the awards were rewarded with a door prize.

July 4

Stars & Stripes on the Square 5K

Oxford, MS

28:43

97/173

14th in Age Group

Notes: You can't beat Oxford and Ole Miss for beauty. This race was an interesting study in opposites. Wonderful chip-timing, well-organized pre-race. The National Anthem was played before the race - quite a nice patriotic touch. While the Oxford Square has plenty of room, they squeezed the runners into one of the most narrow side streets for the start. We had to dodge parked cars at the beginning. The mile-markers were HORRIBLY mis-placed. The first mile marker was most likely at 1.1. I really messed up my pace because of this placement. The second mile marker was not much better. No called splits. It is a fairly hilly course - it is Ole Miss, after all - but nothing too painful. Wonderful views of the campus. I really enjoyed seeing all of my old haunts again. (I received my MFA degree from Ole Miss.) Great finish line with runners' names called as they finished - a real advantage of chip timing that the organizers used wonderfully. They had a preliminary chip sensor set up about twenty yards from the finish to make this possible. Quick results printed out and posted. They ran out of water for about 20 minutes and had no other food or drink available at the finish line. All food was at a post race party that started an hour after most runners were finished. Great t-shirt, really nice people. Still, a very high entrance fee for a race with very few amenities beyond chip timing. 10 year age groups too - blech.

June 23

Georgia Peach Festival 5K

Fort Valley, GA

28:11

116/236

10th in Age Group

Notes: When they say flat, they mean it. A flat, fast course run through the shady streets of downtown Fort Valley. The race has apparently grown very quickly over the last few years. The organizers seemed a bit surprised at the numbers. Forty-five minutes before the race they had already run out of t-shirts. They are kindly mailing out shirts to those of us procrastinators who forgot to pre-register. The race was well-organized, but I was disappointed that splits were not called. The mile markers were painted on the course so you had to be looking down at the right time to see them. I wish they would put up a large visible sign marking the miles if they aren't planning to call splits. I luckily saw both mile marks - they were on my side of the road. Good thing I saw them too - I went out WAY too quickly. I managed to get things corrected and ran a decent (for me) time. The race had adequate post-race amenities and a well-organized award presentation. The shirts looked quite nice - I'm looking forward to getting mine in the mail!

June 16

Salute to Freedom 5K

Macon, GA

28:26

80/127 Overall

7th in Age Group

Notes: The best course I have run in some time. The race started in between the Georgia Sports and Music Halls of Fame in Downtown Macon, headed out to the riverfront, continued into Central City Park, looped around the old terminal, and finished at the side of the Sports Hall of Fame. I loved it. There was always something to look at: the river, the baseball stadium, downtown. Never underestimate the power of interesting surroundings! Runners are friendly people in general, but this group was a delight. The Kwanzaa Cultural Access Center ran things quite well. The awards ceremony took a loooooooong time, but was so warm and friendly it made up for the length. Tons of door prizes! Some other nice tie-ins with the Juneteenth festival like an inexpensive vegetarian brunch. Awards were incredible - definitely not the run-of-the-mill trophies here.

June 9

Running with the Stars 5K

Hiram, GA

30:40

(Finisher's Ribbon)

Notes: A flat 5K run as an out and back on the Silver Comet Trail. The trail is quite impressive - 30+ miles of smoothly paved path with mile markers, water fountains, bathroom facilities, etc. I wish we had something like it near Macon! The section the race was run on was shady and flat. A bit dull, but you can't have everything! The race was run as a benefit for the Paulding Humane Society. All and all a nice, low-key event. Finisher's ribbon was a nice touch - I wish more races would do that. Lots and lots of kids since this was sponsored by the Running Stars - a youth track club in Hiram. The kids won both overalls - they have some fast young talent! Great chocolate-chip cookies at the finish, but I wish they had more water and bigger cups. It's hard to rehydrate with a Dixie cup! I am hoping they will post results online - nothing after two weeks that I can find.

May 28

Kiwanis Memorial Day 8K

Cordele, GA

49:20

74/107 Overall

5th in Age Group

(Finisher's Medal)

Notes: Great starting line facilities at Crisp County Middle School. Good timing and police protection. Adequate water on route. An out and back course that largely runs on an access road beside I-75. Smoke from the fires in South Georgia started drifting over towards the end of the race. Probably a little over 100 participants. A lot of awards, including age grading. Nice after-race refreshments: water, soda, fruit, pastries. Dog tag style finishers medal - very cool and much appreciated by us slowpokes. The organizers had a little confusion with the results, but handled things well.

May 19

Run the R.U.N. 5K (Cross Country)

Macon, GA

32:04

49/82 Overall

2nd in Age Group

(Medal)

Notes: A friendly little race organized by students at First Presbyterian Day School. Limited amenities, but a beautiful course around the wooded grounds of a children's home. Paths were well-maintained, troublesome roots and holes were clearly marked. Run as a double loop course. Rather hilly - started and finished on quite a downslope. No water on course. Just under 100 runners. Lots of students, being affiliated with a school. Well-run finish line, quick results. Award medals were nice, but the organizers ran out about half-way through (plans were made to mail them out, however.) All and all, quite enjoyable.