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Team Nashville 10 mile Run November 12, 2011 by Charlie Taylor

I ran this race last year for the first time and really enjoyed the rolling hills layout of the course. It is also a no-brainer since it is basically in my back yard. The only bad thing about the timing of this race is that it is only 8 days before the Harpeth Hills Flying Monkey Marathon and it is not an ideal situation to race a 10 miler during a taper phase. Nevertheless, I could not resist the lure and signed up.

Saturday morning’s weather was ideal, about 37 degrees at 5AM and I made it to Moss Wright Park at my customary time of 90 minutes before the race. If you get there early, you can park right in front of the start/finish line, which makes it great to be able to stash a jacket or a water bottle immediately before going to the start line. I picked my parking spot and made my way to the registration area to pick up my race number and shirt. Team Nashville always provides a nice hoodie instead of another worthless cotton race shirt.

As always, I ran into many friends who were also running the race and spent a bit of time talking with many of them. Super Legend, Dallas Smith, age 71, who owns state age group records in every distance from 5K to marathon had driven 100 miles from Cookeville to claim another State Record. Scott Wietecha, one of our HRC team members, who would win the race; 2 great runners in my age group, Mark Carver and Keith Caruso were there. I always scout out the crowd to see who I will be competing against and I figured that with the stacked field, it would be tough to finish in the top 10.

I have recently changed my pre-race routine. Previously, my theory was that I needed to really warm up and I would go out and run 3-5 miles (easy) before a race and I was really getting tired during the race. Now, I stretch a bit and run an easy mile or so, mostly just knocking the rust off. It’s amazing how we get pre-conceived ideas of how to do things, then find out how stupid we were. Well, for now, I’m not knocking out a bunch of pre-race miles. A great part of my warmup today was with Mrs Margie Stoll, another local running legend. Mrs Margie, at 70 years old, won the National senior games 5K this past spring in a blistering 21 minutes! She also was 3rd Grandmaster in this race!!

As it got closer to 7:30 start time, we moved up to the starting line and right on time, the race started. Immediately, Wietecha jumped out front like we were sitting still. He was 100 feet in front of the rest of the field not long after we made the first turn. The first mile of this race is a clockwise loop around the park. As he neared the part where we would exit the park, it looked like Scott almost went left to exit the park instead of straight on. It’s easy to make a wrong turn in a race. By the time the front pack got around the park and started to exit, the 4 or 5 of us were well ahead of the rest of the field. I looked at my watch as I passed the mile mark and we had run a 6:22. At that moment, I knew I was going to have a good race.

We exited, crossed into the subdivision and headed up a pretty good little hill, around a little curve and up another hill before turning right at a stop sign and then a left after we crossed a bridge. Since I had run this before, I knew that the next mile was flat so I loosened up a bit and stretched out. I was in 8th place at this point and the guys in front of me seemed to be holding their pace very well. Because of the hill, my second mile was a 6:32 for a 2 mile time of 12:54. This flat road weaves along a creek and I made a point to try to run all the tangents along the course. You can pick up some time if you will try to run as straight a line as you can in a race. We came upon Long Hollow Pike, took a right and then a left onto Madison Creek. They had a water stop right at the 3 mile mark and I hit that mile in 6:43. My overall time was 19:47 and I was feeling even better. From that point until just past mile 5 is all uphill, not a great climb, you really don’t even notice it, but it does affect your time. My next 2 miles were 6:50 and 6:58 giving me a 33:35 5 mile split. I was calculating that if I could duplicate this, I would run a tad under 1:07. Right past the 5 mile mark is a real good, but short hill. I could see Caruso and another runner about 200 feet in front of me and they both seemed to slow a bit on the hill, however, as they topped it, they both resumed their pace. Since I have been doing quite a bit of hill work, it really did not hurt me much. I topped the hill and hammered down the other side, my feet slapping the ground like I was trying to stomp out a fire. I hate doing that but I guess that’s how I run down a big hill. Both the other runners were moving on, so I put my focus back on my race instead of focusing on catching either one of them.

Mile 6, because of the hill was a slow 7:08 but the next mile time came down to a 6:38. I still felt great and remembered to cut every tangent that I could. Some of the time I would be running in the middle of the road for 2-3 minutes to keep my line straight. I think I aced the tangent thing. Mile 7 had a couple little rises in it and some gentle downhill too. This course is basically an out and back with a 5 mile loop and as I headed back to where we started the loop, I had a good slight downhill portion with a 6:33 mile 8. We passed Madison Creek school and the water stop was right at the 8 mile mark, From there, it was back up on Long Hollow and then left with almost a mile of flat running ahead. I hit the 9 mile mark with a 6:37 mile and was less than a minute over 1 hour. Right before the bridge, I had a mile to go but it is a challenging mile, especially at the end of the race. As I turned right and crossed the bridge, the road started to rise in front of me. The one runner that I had been keeping my eye on was still catchable, I thought, so I pushed a bit more, Up a pretty good little hill and left and up another, then a real good hill. I worked those as best that I could but the guy that I was chasing would have nothing of me catching him and ran at least as fast as I was. As I made the turn to the left and could see the final downhill, he was crossing over the road and into the park. I kicked the last 1/3 mile pretty hard, into the park and the final straightaway to the finish line. I tried to get to the line before the clock said 1:07:30 but I was 4 seconds late. The guy in front of me had beat me by 50 seconds. Even with the last couple of big hills, I had run a 6:42 10th mile.

I did finish 8th overall and felt great as I crossed the line. I felt great but I could not have gone any faster. Very satisfied with the effort and the result. My HRC Buddy, Randy Smith was a minute behind me and Tom Dolan ran a 1:09. HRC represented very well, especially considering that Scott Wietecha ran a CRAZY 50:09!!!!!! That is a 5:01 average pace. He said really didn’t push it hard at the end but if he had known, would have pushed to break 50 minutes. That is insane. He was finishing when I was at the 7 ½ mile mark. Oh by the way, Scott also set a state record for a 10 miler, not an age group record, an OVERALL STATE RECORD. On a hilly course!! My hat is off to Scott on this one. Of course, he just ran a 1:06 half marathon a couple weeks ago too.

I won the Grandmaster Division, which is starting to happen more and more. That is real cool, to be the fastest old man. Not really though, since Mark Carver finished 3rd overall in 1:01 and Keith Caruso also beat me, but was 3rd in Masters Division. I’ll still take the Grandmaster win. My average pace was 6:42. I see my speed coming on more and more as I work harder, which is what it is supposed to do. When I run a race like this, I am finding that I really don’t even get sore anymore and usually run a good run even the next day. Hopefully, it won’t affect my performance this coming Sunday in the Monkey Marathon. I really don’t think it will.

Trent Rosenbloom, race director (RD) of the The Harpeth Hills Flying Monkey Marathon, sent us over a photo previewing this years finisher’s medal for the Flying Monkey.

The theme for this year’s Monkey marathon is ‘Think Monkey‘ and is emboldened on the bottom right hand corner of this years finisher’s wood.

The race will take place this Sunday on November 20, 2011 in Nashville’s Harpeth Hills.

The ‘Monkey’ is best known for it’s race swag.  I’ll try to post more photos of the swag as it is revealed.

Last Year: 2010 Flying Monkey Marathon Medal (Photo)

Follow the Flying Monkey Marathon on Twitter @HHFlyingMonkey

Harpeth Hills Flying Monkey Marathon Website

RELATED: Flying Monkey Marathon Named #1 Marathon in Tennessee

Here is the finisher’s medal for the Rock ‘n’ Roll San Antonio Marathon that took place on November 13, 2011 in San Antonio.

The medal plays up the Alamo which is San Antonio’s most popular tourist attraction.

This one isn’t going to win any awards, but it’s a very solid and well done medal.

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[Medal photo submitted by Aaron Johnstone. Follow him on Twitter @aarongeek. Additional photos submitted by Dana. Follow her on Twitter @DanaBoltz and by EH. Follow him on Twitter @Riva1968]

The Tohoku earthquake and tsunami on March 11, 2011 in Fukishima created several nuclear meltdowns and radiation releases from the Fukushima 1 Nuclear Power Plant.

The ongoing nuclear/radiation disaster there in Japan is the largest since the Chernobyl meltdown in 1986.  (Read more on it HERE)

So much radiation and nuclear waste was leaked into the ocean and air.  The damage to the environment, human life, animals, and our food chain is still taking place.  The Japan government claims to be making progress but watchdog groups have caught the Japanese government in coverup after coverup.

The faux safety PR campaign in Fukushima is continuing with the Japanese government allowing and supporting the Ekiden ‘Let’s Die Together’ Marathon that took place on November 13th in Fukushima.

From #Radioactive Ekiden Road Race: Girls Are Running in Radiation Often Higher Than That in Front of J-Village:

J-Village is located just inside the 20 kilometer radius from Fukushima I Nuclear Power Plant, and is the staging area for the plant work. Ordinary citizens cannot even enter (it is a “no entry” zone).

But the female athletes as young as 13 are running in the Ekiden Road Race in Fukushima City in the radiation often much higher than at J-Village. And the nation is supposed to cheer for the wonderful recovery of Fukushima Prefecture by watching these girls run.

Geiger counter readers all along the marathon route show extremely high radiation readings that have led to the cancellation of horse races to protect the lives of the thoroughbred horses:

One irony about the 1.41 microsievert/hour in front of the race track: he wryly and angrily notes that the race track is closed for this year, having canceled all races out of concern for the thoroughbred horses that are worth tens of millions of yen. The race track is doing the decontamination, replacing the turf for the horses. Yet, it is perfectly OK for all concerned to have underage girls run in the radiation.

The writer is sorry that he couldn’t have the event canceled. He is asking “What are we doing? Is this the “recovery” we want for Fukushima? Are we human, to allow this to happen? “

The Geiger readings that were taken along the course measured higher in many places than were recorded at the entrance to the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant where the meltdown and cleanup work is ongoing and will be for decades.

Almost all of the girls in this race are junior high and high school girls, girls in their teens.

One of the leading Fukushima critics, Taro Yamamoto, put it this way, “I just don’t understand why they are forced to run there to spread propaganda that Fukishima is safe, even though it’s not.”

Sickening, disgusting, and discouraging to hear. One would hope that any government would put the well being of it’s citizens (especially minors) above good publicity and a dire attempt to make it’s country appear to be safe to inhabit.

This ill-planned marathon should come as no real surprise though. The Japanese government has been trying to cover up the severity of the Fukushima Nuclear Plant disaster since it happened.  The government’s lies to the Japanese people likely will cause terminal cancer and disease amongst many citizens that could have avoided the radiation if they had been properly advised.

Fukushima will never be the same! It’s time for the Japanese government to own up to that fact and start taking care of it’s people.

The Javelina Jundred 100 mile ultramarathon took place this weekend in Fountain Hills, Arizona.  Here is the unique 100 Mile Finisher belt buckle from the race.

Hal Koerner and Liz Howard both set male and female course records at Javelina this year. Hal won the race by running it in 13:47:46.

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[Buckle photo submitted by Robert Boluyt. Follow him on Twitter @Bateluer]

Too often those that bring home the trophies from a race are given all the praise when those that have done the more remarkable feat are further back in the pack.

Angela Ivory has completed over 300 marathons and ultramarathons.  She has completed six 100-mile ultras.  Her accomplishments will never make ESPN or Sports Illustrated, but that is only because we live in a world that judges any accomplishment by who is the first to come across the line.

Angela has been battling Metastatic Breast Cancer for quite some time.  I’ve been told it has now consumed most of her body.  She has been battling it for years, and the last two, I have known her.  I know her from running…really long distances.  I know her because she is one of the friendliest and nicest runners I’ve ever had the joy of competing with.  She has never mentioned one word about cancer to me, but I know.  I’ve known for about as long as I’ve known her.

Runners talk, especially about runners that we respect and do things that amaze and inspire us.  She has running friends that truly love , respect, and want to share her story.  That is how I know what Angela is battling.

Angela has continued to complete one ultra after another.  Her times might have slowed, but her indomitable will has risen to a level that perhaps only someone like Aron Ralston would understand.

In 2011 to date, Angela has completed 27 ultras and marathons. 297 of her 303 marathons/ultras have taken place since 2004.  You can do the math.

Angela’s last race was on September 24th.  The cancer and medications are really hitting Angela hard right now.  She is struggling to get enough oxygen into her lungs to do even the most simple things like walk a block.

But Angela is still going ham against her immune system and that bastard of a disease.  She is still prodding away one step at a time, but now her 100 miler is a simple 3-miler.

From Angela Ivory’s Most Recent Blog Post, ‘3 Miles a Day’ (Read Full Blog Post):

Yesterday, I could only walk the three miles. I had a fever and neck and shoulder pains. I was so cold on a bright, sunshiny day, even with a hat and two long-sleeved shirts. I saw runners out in shorts and short-sleeved shirts, and I envied their even pace and smooth strides. Surprisingly, the three mile walk was only about five minutes longer than the three mile run/walk the day before. The major goal is to finish the three miles under an hour. It’s not much of a goal, but it’s attainable and doesn’t stress me out too much. On Tuesday, I finished in 53 minutes, and on Wednesday, I barely made it in 58 minutes, picking up the walking pace in the last mile to my townhouse. I plan to get the three mile course I’ve mapped out under 45 minutes, and then I’ll do a 5K to truly see where I am.

I can run for a block before I get dizzy from lack of oxygen. It takes me two blocks to breathe comfortably and then I can run another block. I’m hoping that as my body becomes accustomed to surviving on less oxygen that I can run two blocks and walk one block for recovery. Ideally, I would love to get to the point where I can run a mile before taking a walk break. I’ve mapped out a pretty flat route, so that I won’t have the added challenge of tackling an uphill climb. That’s coming from someone who would use hills as speed work, because she hated running on a track for intervals. Wow! Things have really changed. Now I walk all hills, and I love 12 or 24 hour races on a track, because I’m only 1/4 mile from my drop bag and a camp chair, lol.

The best thing about my three miles a day routine is that I get to be outside. It makes me feel better mentally to be able to still move although I am incredibly slower. It’s raining and very cold today, but I don’t care. I’m still a runner at heart, so a little wetness and coldness are not going to scare me off. I’ll still be outside on a beautiful, rainy, and cold day, dressed like I live in Alaska, lol.

So many people in life don’t fight even when they have every advantage imaginable at their disposal.  Some people get punched once in the face and never get off the canvas.

Then there are the very rare people, like Angela, who do things that the most abled of us deem impossible or even foolish.

The men and women that win races, place, and take home cash deserve the praise and adoration they receive, but most often the person overcoming the most, climbing the biggest walls, battling the ugliest demons, or having their own Don Quixote moment are doing so near the back of the field in complete anonymity.

We all run for a reason, some of us from something, others of us towards something, and yet others of us to help overcome something.

What Angela has done and is continuing to do is an inspiration that we should all remember.  She can’t afford to take a day for granted, yet most of us do because we’re pathetic.

Be sure to take a moment at your next race to congratulate someone besides the winners on what they accomplished that day.

When you see Angela out there on the course give her a hug and thank her for how she has encouraged so many by her intense will.  Running binds us in such a tight and intricate way that the non-runner will never really understand.

And if Angela can continue to do three more miles with an evil, host invader claiming more and more of her body then your excuse better be damn good!

UPDATE: I’m sad to learn today that Angela is no longer with us. She was 44-years old. She showed all of us that knew her what bravery and courage is all about. (May 31, 2012)

Angela Ivory’s Race History

Angela Ivory’s Blog: ‘See Tiger Run‘

Here is the simple yet nice finisher’s medal from the 39th Harrisburg Marathon (2011).  It belongs to first time marathoner Kevin Hunsicker.

Kevin described his first marathon in this tweet:

“@runitfast VERY pleased! Wanted 4:00-4:20 and nailed it @ 4:06:36! LOVED overcoming physical and mental barriers to succeed!! First of many!”

Congrats to Kevin on his first mary! Way to Run It Fast!

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Harrisburg Marathon Website

[Medal photo submitted by Kevin Hunsicker.  Follow him on Twitter @KevOCCRN]

The inaugural Freedom Half Marathon took place on November 13, 2011 in Norfolk, Virginia.

This patriotic half-mary had an equally strong and patriotic finisher’s medal as you can see in the photo above.

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[Medal photo submitted by Darius Daniel. Follow him on Twitter @dzoid11]

Over 24,000 runners took part in the 2011 Oasis de Montreal Marathon this year. Here is the finisher’s medal from the race.

Oasis de Montreal Marathon Website

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[Medal photo submitted by Running Montreal. Follow them on Twitter @RunningMTL]

Elite runner Hal Koerner destroyed the old course record at the Javelina Jundred, just minutes ago, finishing the 100 (actually 101.4) mile ultramarathon in 13 hours 47 minutes and 46 seconds.

The previous course record was held by Dave James in 14:20:54 back in 2009.

Second place finisher Evan Honeyfield also beat the previous course record finishing in 14 hours and 1 minute.

Elizabeth ‘Liza’ Howard, who now has five 100 mile wins, blasted the JJ female record with a 15:47:00.  The previous record was held by Jamie Donaldson in 17:11:32.

Javelina Jundred 100 Results

1. Hal Koerner – 13:47:46
2. Evan Honeyfield – 14:01:00
3. Jay Aldous – 15:20:57
4. Elizabeth ‘Liza’ Howard (F) – 15:47:00
5. Mark Matyazic – 16:34:20
6. Jay Smithberger – 17:01:12
7. Justin Faul – 17:30:05
8. Bret Sarnquist – 18:21:42
9. Jay Danek – 18:28:12
10. Bradley Fenner – 18:37:26

The Javelina Jundred is a 6-loop course that takes place every year at McDowell Mountain Regional Park in Fountain Hills, Arizona.

Javelina Jundred Finisher’s Belt Buckle

BIG congrats to both Hal and Elizabeth on setting new course records.

Liz Howard’s Course Shattering Javelina Jundred Race Report

Koerner is a former Western States 100 Mile winner and has many victories under his numerous belt buckles.

Hal Koerner’s Race Rap Sheet

[Follow Hal Koerner on Twitter @HalKoerner]

[Follow Liza Howard on Twitter @LizaHoward1]