Georgia Peach Festival 5K

Georgia Peach Festival 5K

June 19, 2010
Fort Valley, GA
Time: 23:49
Age Group: 2
Overall: 62/360?

Comments: Ah, the Peach Festival 5K. I love this race, really I do. It has a fairly flat course (unusual for this area), great organization, nice t-shirts, and decent amenities. The only problem: every one else loves it too!

The popularity of the Peach Festival 5K just continues to grow. This year more than 350 runners took part. The race attracts some of the faster local runners thanks to the cash prizes for the winners. Once you throw in a flat course and the prospect of free samplings of the world's largest peach cobbler (if you wait until afternoon) and you have quite a lot of company at the starting line.

One of the challenges of the Peach Festival race is making the first turn. The course starts at the edge of downtown Fort Valley and runs through a residential section that always reminds me strongly of my old haunts in Corinth, Mississippi. After a tenth of a mile or so runners make a sharp right turn. This turn can be challenging with so many runners packing in together. I planned better for it this year by starting more to the center of the road. I then did not have quite as far to creep over as well as avoiding being packed into the corner on the turn.

The race itself fell into what;s become my usual summer pattern. I pushed myself hard but did not kill myself. I have accepted the fact that my times will be slower than I would like. I am just not a very good summer runner.

I did manage to save up a little something for the finish line just in case. I had been marking another runner in front of me. I thought it would be fun to catch up with him before the finish line. As I grew closer to him, I suspected that we were probably in the same age group. I shadowed him for the last half mile and then made my move after the final turn. He kept pace with me for a few seconds as I continued to up the speed. I kept holding back, waiting to fend off a final kick from him - especially after hearing his friends encourage him as we approached the line. The big final kick never came and I cruised across the line. Turns out he was indeed in my age group and my fun at the end allowed me to take second. I also was rewarded with a few minutes of hacking for my effort. I do not get sick after effort like this, but I can trigger quite a bunch of coughs if I'm not careful.

I visited with many running friends, encouraged my students over the line, and picked up my trophy at the awards ceremony. The group photo of the award recipients was entertainment in itself.

Salute to Freedom 5K

Salute to Freedom 5K

June 12, 2010
Macon, GA
Time: 24:10
Age Group: 3/4
Overall: 23/118

Comments: The Salute to Freedom 5K moved this year from its traditional location at the Sports Hall of Fame and environs to Tattnall Square Park and the Mercer University campus. I was sad to lose one of my favorite courses but glad to see this friendly race continuing. I hoped the change in venue would not change the warm spirit of the race.

No worries. The race was as friendly as ever. The race is run as part of the Juneteenth Festival that celebrates the final freeing of slaves after the Civil War. The race itself is one of the most racially diverse in the area. I love seeing runners erasing some of the racial lines that seem to be drawn in other places in our community.

The most entertaining part of the race this year was the map of the course given to all participants prior to the race. No matter where you turned before the race you saw another runner turning the map around and around trying to figure out the new course. I enjoyed sharing my guesses (which turned out to be close) with my many running friends. What the map lacked in clarity it made up for as a conversation starter.

The heat and humidity were pretty high so I did not plan on running a fast race. I also remembered some early experiences with races at Mercer. While this course promised to be different (whatever it might actually be) I knew that Mercer is ultimately one big hill.

As it turned out, the course was much easier to follow than it was to read on a map. We ran a small loop through the Greek section of Mercer back through the sidewalks in the park. Then we set out on another lap more around the edge of campus and the park. It was a nice run, plenty to look at on campus, but just as hilly as I suspected.

I held back, seeing no point in destroying myself before setting off on a long car trip to Mississippi. I enjoyed the run, appreciated the refreshments at the finish, and was amused to finish in 3rd place for my age group. As always, it's amazing what I can do when fast people stay home.

Salute to Freedom also carried on one of its other traditions: having the longest awards ceremony ever. This is due to having lots of door prizes as well as the many kind comments said about the winning runners. The awards have such a warm, friendly tone that it's easy to forget how long they actually take to complete. The awards this year were fun - a gold winged foot with black and white detailing - a unique trophy and an excellent symbol of the race itself.

OrthoGeorgia Rock and Rollman 10K

OrthoGeorgia Rock and Rollman 10K

June 5, 2010
Macon, GA
Time: 52:58
Age Group: 2/2
Overall: 11/33

Comments: I have long been fascinated by triathlons. People who possess the varied skills necessary to pull off a long swim, bike ride, and run in succession impress me greatly. Not being a cyclist, I've never had much of an interest in trying it myself. I did jump at the chance to run a 10K being offered as part of a huge triathlon event located just a few miles away from my house. Lake Tobesofkee was to be the site for the races. I was looking forward to watching the action and getting to participate as a runner too.

For awhile, it looked like the race would not happen. A week or two earlier the organizers had announced that the race was cancelled. The next day the race was suddenly back on. Only about 20 people had pre-registered which led to the initial cancellation. I was glad to see they were going to try the race anyway.

Being part of a series of triathlon events, some things were done very differently from other road races. We had the option of early packet pick-up the day before. I stopped down in early afternoon to avoid the crowd. There was no control on parking and the people who had arrived early were packed along the side of the narrow road that led to packet pick-up area. I watched a hug RV try to back all the way along the road having found out too late that there was no way to turn around. Not a good scene. I parked way back and walked to the packet tent. I received my race number but was told that the shirts for the 10K had not arrived yet. This was first of many incidents where things just were not quite right for the race. I expected that the 10K would be a bit of an afterthought with all of the other events going on. Apparently I was going to be proved right. The people working packet pick-up were very nice and set me up with a goody bag that I was encouraged to fill up with a large assortment of free samples. I took a walk through the small expo, checked back to see if the shirts were in (no), and made plans to arrive in time to stand in line again in the morning for my shirt. So much for early pick-up.

The convenience of having this race so close to my house was offset a bit by a race instruction that required the 10K runners to be on site before 7:00 AM. This for a race that starts at 9:00 AM. Ouch. I expect the reason for this was because the entrance to the park was used for both the running and cycling portions of events. It would be difficult indeed to get people in through all of the race traffic. I wasn't too worried about arriving early - I wanted to watch the triathlon start anyway.

Arriving at the park in the morning, I was pleased to see that the parking problem had been well-addressed. The huge number of vehicles were parked in the fields on one side of the property. This was done smoothly, safely, and in a very organized manner. I made the long walk to the packet tent to find it empty. I wandered aimlessly until I found another line to get into at the pavilion. It turned out to be the right place to get my shirt - after quite a wait. I was admittedly disappointed at the shirt - cheap cotton compared to the technical shirts being handed out to the other racers. I then had to find another tent in another part of the park to pick up my timing chip. The communication about the chip was bad indeed. I really had to ask to see if we needed them for the 10K. I was finally geared up with tons of time on my hands.

I watched the start of the triathlon events from a hill overlooking the lake. I have to say, the sight of so many people hitting the water at one time (even though they did the start in a series of waves) was impressive. I also enjoyed watching the athletes come out of the water and run barefoot up a hill to get to the transition area. I'll give this to tris - they are very interesting to watch.

I tried to warm up as race time approached but found it hard to find a decent place to do it. I finally gave up and satisfied myself with walking around the property. I hoped to find some sign of a 10K starting line. All I found were more 10K runners with the same questions I had. Finally the race director pointed out an unmarked spot of pavement near the pavilion. I waited there for the start of the race already nervous about the increasingly hot sun that was baking down.

Our race start was as informal as the tri start was exciting. There was actually some accidental excitement as many runners realized that they were supposed to have timing chips. The starter grudgingly held up the race a minute to allow several people to get back. The lack of communication had most of steaming by this point. We were told that we would have plenty of aid stations thanks to the tris. The course was to be an out and back with one turn in the middle. It had not been posted previously.

We were off and running, dodging through the triathletes also starting out on their running leg. We were a lot fresher being on our first (and only) event. That freshness didn't last long. The course was extremely hilly, very humid, and quite exposed to a searing sun. I was feeling distinctly unpleasant: too much painful running this week. I quickly adjusted my goal to finishing under 55 minutes (instead of under 50 minutes.) There was only one other person in my age group, so I was going to place and get good Run and See points no matter what. I settled into a decent pace and tried to survive.

The aid stations were excellent - water, Heed, and cold towels. I grabbed a towel every chance I got, trying to keep my core temperature under control. The course was well-monitored (largely because it was on the tri course) and felt safe. It also felt hilly. Really hilly. The run actually went by pretty quickly for me. I was wised to have eased off and had a decent race because of that decision.

I enjoyed running into the very formal finish line that included the race announcer calling our names and hometowns as we crossed. I was surprised to receive a very nice finisher's hat upon crossing the line. Again, another nice perk of the race that was really intended for the triathletes. The refreshments were outstanding: fruit, salty snacks, bagels, peanut butter, soda, Gatorade, etc. Again - not really set out for us, but available to us.

I waited around quite awhile for the awards. When they finally got to them, it was like an afterthought. They only gave out awards for men's and women's overall and two corporate team awards. Lame...and disappointing considering the hefty fee for the race.

That was the basic summary of the race. If it had to be done specifically for the 10K (t-shirts, awards, start, etc.) it was pathetic. If it had to be done for the triathlon as well (aid stations, refreshments, finish line, hat) it was well done. I expected the race to be a bit of an afterthought, a shadow of the main events. What I did not expect was to be made to feel repeatedly that I was a second class citizen. I hope the organizers keep this race, but I encourage them to treat it with the level of respect and communication that they give their excellent triathlons. Runners will respond to the race and make it grow if treated well.

Daylily Dash 5K

Daylily Dash 5K

June 4, 2010
Gray, GA
Time: 25:06
Age Group: 5/10
Overall: 44/177

Comments: It seems that the Daylily Dash in Gray, Georgia, is always "blessed" with interesting weather. That's part of the fun of an evening race in June. Over the last few years we've had overwhelming sun and heat to the exciting electrical storms. Last year the race became a 2-miler as the organizers pulled us off the course early to avoid dangerous lightning. This year we would get another fun weather choice: tropical rain forest humidity.

I came into the Daylily already not quite feeling fully up to racing. My first experience with speed work at the track on Tuesday had gone well - and I had the pain two days later to prove it. My quads were twitching which provided a nice counterpoint to my hips which were singing the pain opera again. Fun. Throw in an inability to sleep and I was a mess for this race. Still, I dragged myself out for the attempt.

I realized it really wasn't going to be my night when I went up to the table to pick up my packet and was told that I had not pre-registered. I had actually pre-registered weeks before using Active.com - a site I usually avoid due to their stupidly high fees. I was trying to beat deadlines on several races and splurged for the extra fees. I knew I had registered but had no way to prove it to the organizers. They had not received a list from Active.com - just checks. I was told all of the checks had been claimed and I would have to pay. I was not grumpy with the organizers - misplaced applications happen refularly - but I was pretty ticked at Active. Now I have another reason to not use their service. I told the folks at registration that I had no money on me and would have to walk back to my truck for a checkbook. That took awhile. When I returned they encouraged me to run the race without paying, and we would clear things up later. I appreciated the gesture and filled out a form so they would have my information. (A check online when I got home showed that, indeed, Active had taken money from me for the race. Hopefully one of those checks paid for my fee.)

I felt just horrible in the humidity. I cut my warm-up down to the bare minimum necessary and tried to walk all the way up to race time. Being a race on Friday night, it was the only show in town. All of the points hounds were present and most of the Macon Tracks were too. It turned out to be a rather large race field.

The start for Daylily is interesting. The pack is crowded back into a corner of the parking lot. This particular stretch is quite wide but not very deep. It's hard to get a good feel on the size of the crowd and where to start. I was back further than usual but had enough doubts about my capabilities to want to move any closer.

Right from the start I suspected I might be in trouble. I had trouble getting up to pace. I fought through a difficult first mile at a disappointing 7:26. I had decided to run with music - something I rarely do these days. I'm glad I did because it helped pull me through the next few miles.

The Daylily course is not very scenic, but I do like its set-up. The race starts off in one direction from the school, goes out a ways, and then loops around a block. It then runs back to the school and past it to the high school. Another big loop, this time around the high school parking lot, turns runners around, and a final run up the road returns everyone to the elementary with a finish right in front of the school. The course is not particularly hilly, but there are some rolling sections that will get some attention.

After my subpar first mile I decided to pull back. There was no chance of PRing or placing in my age group anyway. I would run a comfortable pace and try to have something in the tank for my race in the morning. I fought through the heat and humidty and kept to that plan. The air felt so thick, it was hard for me to ever be comfortable in my pacing or anything. My lack of rest was working on me too. I did find a little final burst of energy to sprint across the line, but that was it. My time was laughably slow, but I was not too upset by it. Frankly, I was happy just to have made it around given the weather and my own personal difficulties.

I had an entertaining talk with Jeremy Bullard. Apparently Bullard had arrived at the race just as we started. He ran a new PR for him, but started several minutes later and received credit for a much slower time. Still, I was quite impressed by anyone who could PR in rain forest conditions!

I enjoyed the cold water, snagged some yummy lemon cookies, and headed home to recuperate. I did not feel up to visiting the Daylily Festival in the park next door which is usually fun for a stroll.

Kiwanis Memorial Day Running Celebration

Kiwanis Memorial Day Running Celebration

(8K - 5K - 5K)

Kiwanis Memorial Day 8K

May 31, 2010
Cordele, GA
Time: 38:33
Age Group: 3
Overall: 17

Award: Finisher's Medal & Award Medal

Comments: The Cordele Kiwanis Memorial Day 8K was set to become my first 4-time race in Georgia. The pleasure I took from this race right as I started running again is a big reason why I got back into the sport so much. I always look forward to going back.

This year brought some changes to the race. Roadwork on part of the certified course forced organizers to use a completely different, uncertified course just for this year. Also, two 5Ks were added to the offerings. These races were to be no thrills (i.e. no awards) races just for points hounds. I (of course) planned to run all three.

The Kiwanis club always does a nice job with this race. Good indoor facilities are available, packet pickup is well-organized, and there is always a nice display of results and pictures from previous years. I had forgotten to pre-register this year so paid what felt like an expensive $50 for all three races. I knew the money would be going to a good cause with Kiwanis so considered it a donation to their community efforts.

The race start was the same as previous years - on the road right beside a school carpool drop-off area. I could tell just standing at the starting line that this was going to be a painful race. The humidity was sky high and felt like it was still getting worse. The surly outline of the first hill was visible off in the distance. I wanted to run a respectable race, but a PR looked like a lost cause from the beginning.

The new course was a surprise - in both good and bad ways. I actually think it was more interesting than the usual jaunt beside I-75. We ran through residential neighborhoods, by small lakes, and other interesting sites. Not as much carbon monoxide either - a huge improvement there! On the not-so-good side: more hills. Now, I like a good hill, but the combination of constant hills (none very bad, just no end to them it seemed) and the oppressive humidity was painful indeed. I was aware of my shoes filling up with sweat. It felt as if I had run through a creek they were so wet. Fun.

The course was an out-and-back so we took some relief in the thought of seeing many of those hills from a downward perspective. I grabbed water at the only aid station which was positioned rather late in the race - to be available for the 5K I suspected. On such a humid day the organizers may should have considered a second water stop earlier on.

I powered through the final miles, thankful that I had saved some energy back for the uphill finish. It was rather grueling despite my preparations. I was grateful to cross the line in a respectable 38:34. I was also thrilled to see that the race had once again provided dogtags to all finishers. Simple finisher awards like these are such a nice touch to a race, especially when the runners had to work so hard for a finish in the humid conditions.

I staggered to the refreshment table and grabbed some water and diet cola as I tried to get my hydration balanced out before the next race began.

I was not around for the awards -- I was running the second 5K -- but the organizers held my award for me. I was pleased to take third place and get a winged-foot medal to match my one from last year.

Kiwanis Memorial Day 5K - #1

May 31, 2010
Cordele, GA
Time: 25:58
Age Group: ?
Overall: ?

Comments: A group of hardy runners turned out to run another race in the humid conditions. I planned to take it easy for this race, maybe even to walk. This one was only about the Run & See Georgia points.

Or so I thought.

After the start I noticed Susie Dorminy running not far in front me. Susie is an 8-year-old from quite a running family. I have enjoyed running with her older brothers Danny and Tommy in many races. I have been impressed by her dedication and control in running races at such a young age. Susie had not run the 8K to save up strength for the 5K. I ran beside her and found out that she had a goal for today: to win women's overall. I loved hearing her say that and wanted to help. So, I joined another runner in pacing Susie and giving her encouragement. My goodness I wish I could run like that in elementary school! Susie kept a strong pace and gradually managed to pass every other woman in the field. I loved every minute of running into the finish line just in front of her, cheering her on. Wow, an overall win at age 8! It's really a pity that this was a non-award race. I would have loved to see her get a serious trophy for her work today.

I also appreciate Susie for turning a dull race into an exciting run. I still don't know how I placed, but I enjoyed myself greatly.

Kiwanis Memorial Day 5K - #2

May 31, 2010
Cordele, GA
Time: 28:10
Age Group: ?
Overall: 8

Comments: On the other hand, this race really was all about the points. I ran the whole thing, took my time, and was alive at the finish. Enough said.

Peach Stand Road Race 5K

Peach Stand Road Race 10K

May 29, 2010
Locust Grove, GA
Time: 22:44
Age Group: 4/9
Overall: 10/163+

Comments: The Peach Stand Road Race has become an annual tradition for me. This is unusual since the race is not part of Run & See Georgia or the Macon Tracks series. It is located within a convenient drive of Macon and is scheduled for the Saturday before Memorial Day. I have run the race the last two years and have been impressed by the size of the field (especially with the limited publicity I see for the race), amenities, awards, and course.

I found things much the same this year. The race is held (shockingly enough) near a roadside peach stand. Portions of the set-up are on either side of a fairly busy road with the race start itself on the other side of a busy train track. This set-up makes for some tricky pedestrian antics. Thankfully a police officer stops traffic to allow people to cross the road. The train tracks are another story!

As usual packet pick-up was well-organized with superb goody bags. In previous races they had used lightweight backpacks. This year the bag was a sturdy canvas tote bag - very nice quality, especially for a giveaway. The logo for the race this year was very striking online but did not make the transition to the shirts as well as last year. Still, the shirts were bright and colorful.

The race stays completely on one side of the busy road and train tracks so no difficult crossing there. I chatted with Tony Edmondson as we walked to the start. He was teasing a few of the younger runners in the front, asking them what he could do to throw them off their pace. Tony always seems to challenge for the lead these days. He and I discussed the weather for the race which was humid but with a light breeze that made it bearable. We both hoped a light rain would break out. It never did.

We were led in warm-ups by a woman who tried to shame us all into taking part. I appreciate her enthusiasm, but I know from experience that a person can harm themselves just as much by doing a stretch they are unfamiliar with as not stretching at all. I wish more races would consider this. Thankfully she did not do anything too outlandish (which some races do). I did my own warm-up, not wanting to be impolite but refusing to do break my routine as well. After brief race announcements (no mayor this year) we were off.

I started very close to the front this year, aiming for a top-10 finish. The field was pretty large - more than 150 - but I thought I could hang in the front of the pack. The course itself was the same - nondescript back roads, a glimpse of the Locust Grove convention center, and a return back to the start. The middle mile is rather hilly, but I was ready for it. I was still not able to hold my pace where I wanted, but I never felt like I was overexerting. I held my position to the line finishing in 10th place overall.

The race has a nice results board in a shady area near the peach stand. I turned in my card and was pleased to see myself in 3rd place in my age group. However, I noticed that an earlier finisher had still not turned in his card. This flashed me back to last year when I also thought I was in 3rd place until another card was turned in, knocking me out of the medals. Sure enough, more than 20 minutes after his finish, the runner brought his card back. What a shock - he was in my age group. I just smiled wryly and walked away. I got the place I deserved, but I am starting to develop a pet peeve about people who take so long to fill out finish line cards. Missing the card was driving the volunteers working the board crazy. They were relieved to finally get it turned in. For goodness sakes, be kind to race organizers (and your fellow runners) and turn in your card promptly. There is plenty of time to cool down afterwards.

The awards looked quite nice as usual - custom made medals in gold, silver, and bronze featuring the new race logo. While I did not add one to my collection, I did pause for a moment to add a delicious slice of orange-cranberry cake to my stomach. The finish line food was as good as usual.

Butler Toyota Run for the Heart 10K

Butler Toyota Run for the Heart 10K

May 22, 2010
Macon, GA
Time: 48:33
Age Group: 4/8
Overall: 25/81

Comments:The Butler Toyota Run for Your Heart sounded like a good new addition to the Macon running scene. It was being developed with help from people from the Macon Tracks, it seemed to have good sponsorship, and it was a Run & See and Tracks points race. I was glad to change my plans from driving to Covington to staying home and running a race with local friends.

The course looked interesting from the first time I saw a map weeks ago. The plan originally was to start at the "new" mall (the Shoppes at River Crossing - what a terribly pretentious name), run up to the "Al Toll" hill, take a tour of the property surrounding the Bass Pro Shops complex, and come back to the start. Unfortunately, the mall management decided to pull their support from the race a few days before it was to start. Their reasoning? Runners were nasty people and would probably pee on their precious parking lot. Unreal. Of course, they only made this decision after they got tons of publicity for their sponsorship of the race. At the last minute the organizers had to shift the race start to an unfinished parking lot off to the side of the mall. It was certainly not the most charming of starting places, but the organizers made it work. I made sure to run my warm-up miles in the parking lot of the mall. I was watched by security constantly. I was tempted to run up to a tree and pretend to take care of some bladder-related business, but decided the security detail had probably been instructed to "shoot to kill" in any such circumstances. I am still ticked off at the mall's decision, as are many people in the running community.

The race turned out very well despite the mall mismanagement. The parking lot may not have been finished, but it was quite decorative with the Macon Tracks finish line scaffold and downright festive with a DJ playing an endless assortment of 80s songs - many of which I had not heard in years. What a treat for me! The race also featured bib timing chips, so no finish line cards. I had thought the race was a bit overpriced originally, but seeing that it was chip-timed explained the higher price. I know the expense that sort of timing can add to a race.

The race started off well. I did not start as near the line as usual, planning to hold back a bit and not go out too fast. I did not think a PR was possible with the ultra-muggy conditions and hilly course, but I wanted to run as well as possible.

I enjoyed the course. Traffic was well-controlled. The course was not well-marked, but the police and other support personnel did a good job of keeping us on course. I knew we would hit some hills, knowing good and well just how fun the Al Toll hill is. What I did not realize was how hilly the Bass Pro Shops property is - and how long the road is that runs through it.

I was passed by several of my running friends throughout the race. I fought the urge to run off with them, sticking to my plan of an easier, controlled run. I did choose a gentleman who had passed me earlier the race to follow. I hoped to run him down before we reached the finish. I suspected he might be in my age group, but the real fun was just to have someone to chase. It really makes the miles go easier.

I caught my "rabbit" just as we were turning behind the mall. I continued picking up the pace until I was flying toward the finish line. The downhill finish helped my efforts and I crossed the line in a respectable 48:33 - less than a minute off my PR. My Garmin (if it can be believed) said I was running a sub-5 minute mile pace at the finish. Even for that short a distance, that's an impressive feat for my short legs.

I didn't place in this race, but still enjoyed myself greatly. Several of my students (and former students) ran the 5K and one, Jeremy Bullard, ran the 10K. I ran back out after catching my breath to pace Bullard in. He PRed with very little training under difficult conditions. I have a feeling I'll be chasing him before too long.

The awards were metal water bottles, not my favorite type of award but nicely done any way. Refreshments were more than adequate. The race shirt was covered with text with very little artwork but made up for this some by being made of technical fabric. Results were quick, although I am still confused a bit by the difference between gun and chip time. Some people who started right on the line were credited with taking many seconds to get across the line. This timing oddity seemed to be consistently applied to all, so no harm done. [The timing has since been corrected on the results. ]

This was a nicely done first-time race - especially considering the big changes the organizers had to make a few days before the race started. Congratulations to the race staff. Well done - and good luck with plans for next year.