Photo by the awesome Olivia Nuriulú Tipacamú

Rather than writing a big, boring Cleveland Marathon race review, I thought it would be fun to ask  Erie-area runners who competed in one of the events at Cleveland this weekend to do it.  But I get to go first (hey, it’s my blog):

What I liked:

* Dinner at Bruno’s Italian Restaurant. Erie runner Rob Kolodziejczak organized an authentic carbo-loading dinner for 30 Erie-area runners on Saturday night. The  food was excellent (and all homemade) and served family style in big huge bowls we passed around.  All this for $15 per person. Fantastic.

* The bands/music/crowd/entertainment. There was a lot of  fun on the course this year — bands, DJs, spectators, drummers, etc.   It’s easy to run a race that entertains you the whole way — no need to repeat a mantra or start singing “99 bottles of beer on the wall” to occupy your mind (like I have to in that leafy, barren back-half of Presque Isle State Park).

* The shirts. At first, I was disappointed with the lime-green women’s shirts, but it’s actually a nice fit (not too tight, not too big or long), has a cute v-neck and details (like some swirly designs on it) that let you know they tried to girl it up.  I can learn to live with the green.

Back of shirt                                                             Front of shirt

What I didn’t like:

* The Hampton Inn, Downtown Cleveland. We’ve stayed here for probably 5 or 6 years now, but it’s become runner-unfriendly. Strict noon checkout, they won’t put the breakfast out early (and chastise you for stealing a bagel off the counter before 6 a.m.) and they were obviously annoyed by us, so…whatever. I’m done with the Hampton Inn.

* Expo at the IX center. $8 parking or a free, but hot & overcrowded shuttle bus?  While I appreciated the free ride, it was annoying to have to go that far just to get our packets and I feel bad for anyone who paid the $8 ransom just to pick up their packet.

* The Hill-from-Hell at mile 10. That steep hill was just a mean, mean, mean thing to throw in there late in the half.

I also didn’t like the heat, not just because it made the run tough, but because I was truly afraid someone might get hurt. More about that here.

Enough about me, here’s what others had to say:

Robin Smith (ran the whole)

I was happy to complete my 55^th marathon. In a marathon it all comes down to one day and everything has to be in your favor to run well – this wasn’t was of those times for me! Our bodies just weren’t acclimated for we had on Sunday.

Patrick Krott (Ran the full)

Things I liked about Cleveland:

1. Friends

2. Pain

3. Lessons Learned

4. The volunteers! They did an awesome job. I know how frustrating it can be to work at a marathon in the heat when runners are taking 4 cups at a time.

Things I didn’t like:

1. Bag dropoff was unorganized and inefficient

2. Plumbing issues in the restrooms

3. Narrowing of course shortly after the start created a slight bottleneck

Tom Toale (Ran the 1/2)

I loved the weather, the expo, and the chocolate milk at the finish!

Two things I did not like were the hills on the half course, and the condition of the roads…too much like Erie roads!!!

Amy Morrow (Ran the 1/2)

I think I was the only person there that wasn’t bothered by the heat. I had sore legs at 5, a tight chest at 8 and really bad side cramp at 11. I think I took in too much water because I was afraid of overheating. The water stops were crazy so I had to stop running and I didn’t like that. Getting there an hour before sucked, too. I like to show up 15 min before a race. Other than that, it was great.

John Hutchison (Ran the 1/2)

Three good things about the half marathon: Loved the record number of runners, race volunteers were fabulous, I set a PR for a spring half.

Three bad things: Course was a little long as my GPS and a friend’s each had it at about 13.3, rather than 13.1. An unexpected tough hill that was not part of the course last year at around 10 miles (due to construction I believe). Spending $8 to park at the IX Center just to pick up my race packet!

Cynthia Johnson (Ran her FIRST 1/2)

Liked:

1. The reminder I’m not the only one who loves this lifestyle. It’s always nice to be reminded that your not alone out there, even when some people make you think your crazy!

2. Being inspired and motivated by so many people; from athletes, to first timers, to supportive cheering spectators.

3. The excitement and hype around the entire event. It was better than any vacation — no, REALLY!

Dislike:

1. How humbling (hard) it was. That repetition of the same movement … tough. Hitting the wall.. tough.

2. Darn bathroom break! I guess that urge came from being a newbie. I was unhappy with my time

3. OmGosh… nothing else!

Other fun Cleveland news, notes

* This wedding proposal happened shortly after I finished. I couldn’t see the couple through the throngs of people lining the finisher’s chute, but I heard the announcer saying…”We have a marriage proposal! She said yes!”

* Pretty funny commentary on the whole $8 for parking at the IX Center. I’d totally have done this if I drove there (we took the shuttle because I’m cheap like that), but I’d have worried they would tow my car.

* The Cleveland Plain Dealer had lots of race coverage. Check it out here.

* Videos from the event here.

* Register for next year’s Cleveland Marathon by May 31 and it’s just $50 for the full and $40 for the half!

While I try very hard never to make fun of other people, I will absolutely point and openly laugh if I ever see anyone using one of these on the ol’ multipurpose trail at the peninsula.

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Demerit badges

Not sure why anyone would buy these badges, but there’s some pretty funny ones available.

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Where J.C. would shop

I”m certain this is where Jesus would shop for shoes.

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Drink your wings

…with a bottle of Buffalo Wing soda, or maybe some Bacon-flavored soda or PBJ? None of those appeal to your tastebuds, don’t worry, there’s more.   Hey did you happen to read that story that 42% of Americans may be obese by 2030?  Hmm….  (I’m preaching to the choir here, I know).  We can’t be far off from the Wall-E humans, eh?

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We’re just a couple of misfits

I think Mike from Running is Funny may be onto something here in this post about the possible real reason we run.

I mean this in the most positive way possible – maybe we run because we’re sports misfits. We’ve joined the gang of other misfits who are too short, too thin, too fat, too ill-equipped to pass the gatekeepers of other sports. You can tell people, “I’m a runner” in a way you could never say, “I’m a hockey goalie.”

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Pain, Schmain….

According to a new study, it’s true that we runners (athletes) really are tougher than the general population.

I could’ve told you this after having given birth twice without drugs. Seriously, what is all the screaming about ladies???  I’m fairly certain it would’ve been a different story for me had I not been running for a decade.

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T-shirt of the Week

Saw this at the Cleveland Marathon expo. Too funny! Available here for $23.

Ever wonder about the big white guy in the Big White Trailer who times most of the local races?

Having been in & around the club or 15+ years, I forget that not everyone knows Jim Lang (owner of Big White Trailer timing services), a Harborcreek-area runner and father of three children under 5, the oldest of which, little curly-haired Emma, can often be found “helping” dad with results.

Beyond race results, Jim also developed (and still maintains) the ERC Website and he helps the club with membership stuff, mailing lists, etc. He also started (and directs) the Tuesday Night Race League.  Jim is truly an ERC MVP!

So…. meet Jim:

1. How did you get into race timing?

I started by volunteering for the ERC. Just running the Chronomix at first, then shadowing Rick Godzwa. Then I did a smaller race for ERC on my own. Then more ERC races. Mark Courtney (Runner’s High) saw my work and sent me to some of his races. Then folks started approaching me directly. At the start, I didn’t think of this at all.  Now, I don’t know how it could have worked differently.

2. How long have you been doing it now?

Since about 2002. I think.  My records were spotty at first.

3. This is a job for you, correct? Sidework, per se (because you have a day job)?

It is a side job. By day I’m an IT administrator for a manufacturing company (Modern Industries). Someday it might pay enough that I can give up the day job, but it’s not there yet.

4. How many races do you time a year?

Counting TNRL (Tuesday Night Race League), “Real” races, the ERC, and the races I time for Runners High, and not counting auxiliary work, I timed 61 races last year.

5. You’re a family man, but you must spend every weekend at races.  Have you reached your limit?

Not yet. We work together on scheduling and I’ve turned down races because Jen was already committed to work. She has also wiggled her schedule to accommodate races. We work together.

6. How many kids do you and Jen have? Ages?

Emma is 4, will be 5 in July. Joe just turned 2. Grace turned 1 on May 12.

7. What do you LIKE about timing races? Is it a challenge?

I like knowing that, after the race is over, the participants know how they did and know that they can count it to be accurate. It’s kind of hard to put into words. When I do a race,  I like to know how I did, and how I did relative to others. Now that I’m not as competitive, I still like to know how I did, but it’s not as important.

And, yes, it’s a challenge. There are always challenges getting things done in a timely manner. Can I do it? Can I keep up with the rush?

8. OK..what do you NOT like about it?

Every once in a while I’ll run into someone unhappy about something. Whether it’s something I can do about it or not, they won’t be satisfied. As a timer, I can usually shrug it off. As a Race Director, it’s harder sometimes.

9. What is the most aggravating thing runners do (timing wise)?

Bandit the race.  Always and forever, runners coming across the line without a tag (and not paying for the race) present the biggest challenge. They’re stealing from the race, and they’re making it harder to give those that have paid for the race the service they deserve.

10. What’s the silliest/dumbest/oh-my-god thing you’ve seen a runner do (in regards to timing)?

a. Leaving their bibs or chips in their car.

b. Followed closely by runners who go back to run their friends in, then don’t drop out before crossing the finish.  They’re like bandits, but they confuse the heck out of the volunteers.

c. Last one — folks that jump out of the chute (whether they are part of  “b” or not). In fact, make this number one and throw away the rest. It only applies to bib races, but it’s a real headache.

11. What is the most common mistake(s) runners make that really screw you (their time) up?

They’ll leave their bib or their chip in the car, then NOT tell me about it until after the race is over.  It’s ever so much easier to fix before the awards.

12. What one thing can people do to make your life easier?
Pre-register.

13. Timing used to take days when I started racing a dozen years ago…now it takes minutes – are you amazed by that? How did it/you get so fast?
It doesn’t amaze me a bit. I’ve invested a LOT of time and a fair bit of money into skills, software, and equipment to make the finish line as efficient as it can be. Slow results are usually a function of the timer. Occasionally, there’s an organizational problem, but I always try to suck that up. (Next year they’ll remember I took care of them….)

14. How do you decide which type of timing device to use (bibs, champion chips, jaguar system)?

a. Almost always it’s a decision by the Race Director.  Bibs are cheapest (and easiest for a 5k under 300 finishers or 10k under 500).  Jaguar works well for up to about 1000 finishers, but costs $1.50/chip and takes time to prepare.  CC is best for short notice big races or > 1000 runners.
b. St. Pat’s was a short-notice thing. I had anticipated Jaguar, but realized I was 500 chips short a week out.
c. Turkey Trot can’t be handled by Jaguar.

15. What would runners be surprised to know about timing?

It’s the volunteers that make it possible. If it weren’t for them, this simply wouldn’t happen. Or I’d have to hire people, which would drive up costs by a lot.  Be sure to thank a volunteer.

16. What does the future hold for race timing? What’s coming up? Runers with microchips in their arms, etc. LOL….laugh, but…hey…it would be efficient!

I’m thinking optical. Wear a standard bib. Cameras capture you as you cross the finish line. Computers read your bib number & capture the finish with a timing light. If I can amortize that cost over 100 races, I can do it almost as cheap as bibs. (Of course, the folks that wear their bibs on the back will be a problem).
17. What is the most challenging race you do?

a. Turkey Trot, without a doubt.  5k Run & 5k Walk, 10 minutes apart, Then the 10k an hour later.  Insane.
b. I used to time one in Philly with  1900 runners & 250 day-of.  Firecracker 4k in State College has 400+ day-of, but they have three volunteers to help with that.

18. Do you ever have the chance to run races..or do you run on your own?

TNRL exists so I can run.  Courtney’s Twilight quad, as well. Right now I’m injured, so not so much.

19. What’s the significance of the name “Big White Trailer?”

I needed a domain name.  Everything I wanted that had something to do with timing was taken. Then someone mentioned the “Big White Trailer” behind my little Jeep, and that was it. To borrow a tag line: “Long name; Amazing results.” It is also rather difficult to misspell.

20. Anything else I should add?

a. Have I mentioned the volunteers?  And pre-registering?
b. I just like what I do. I found something I can enjoy, that challenges me, and pays me enough that I can look at my family and say “this is worthwhile.”  Emma is getting old enough that she can enjoy helping Daddy with some of it. I see all of the kids playing Patrick for quite a while. It’s a job I can love for a long time.

YOUR TURN: Got a question for Jim? Something you’ve always wanted to know about race timing? Post a comment and I’ll repeat your question & Jim’s answer for everyone to read. (You can remain anonymous if you wish.)

Here are a few of my favorites from the Cleveland Marathon this weekend. (Excuse my photography skills, I was taking these at an 8:30-per-mile pace, you know!).

The one in the foreground reads: “Run like..you’ve got the runs.” The green one says, “19 miles to a beer.”

“That’s not sweat, it’s liquid awesome,”  and “There’s no App for this, so keep running!”

“Getting up early to make this sign wasn’t easy either.”  (This might have been my most favorite sign!)

“Nice Calves!”

I don’t know what I love more, the sign — “Suck it up, Princess” — or the little princess holding it.

The yellow one says, “Remember why you’re doing this,” but the orange one says “Running is a mental sport, you’re all insane!”

“Worst Parade Ever!”  (This one make me LOL at mile 12.5).

Yesterday’s Cleveland Marathon. 20,000 people participated in the marathon, half-marathon and 10K. Photo credit:  Cleveland Plain Dealer

* Saturday was the Clymer Tulip Festival/Wooden Shoe 5K in nearby Clymer, N.Y.  Results here.

* Sunday was the Erin Carlisle Memorial 5K Run/Walk. Results here.

* Sunday was the Cleveland marathon/half marathon and 10K and there were dozens of Erie-area runners racing through the streets of Cleveland on one hot, hot, hot day. Results here. (Full race report to come later…I’m tired!)

Two reminders for this week:

* The Tuesday Night Race League run this week is in Waterford. Starts at 7 p.m. Location details/map here.

* Harborcreek Township’s 7-week learn-to-run clinic led by Erie runner Sandy Sweet begins this Thursday, May 24, at 6:30 p.m. at the Harborcreek Community Park. It’s free! Details here.

SafeNet Boo Run Run – October 2011

With the bevy of local races (we are a lucky bunch of runners, aren’t we?), I wondered which ones were on the can’t-miss list for local runners.

I have a handful of races that I never miss. Topping my list are: The Turkey Trot (my first race, 15+ years ago); the New Year’s Day race (great way to start the year); the Race for Recovery 15K (love that distance); and The Boo Run Run (Halloween race with trails, sand and CHOCOLATE at the end!).

Here are the races others put at the top of their racing to-do list:

“I like the Snowflake 5K in December. It’s perfect running weather and the crowd size is great.”  — Julia Rousso

“Definitely the Turkey Trot. The huge crowd, the different race options, and the after race party all make it really fun! Plus it helps you feel SLIGHTLY less guilty about pigging out later in the day!”  — Tom Madura

“The Turkey Trot. Great race and it offers both  5k and 10k options!” — Rebecca Wiler

“I love them all- its hard to pick. But I just have to go with Her Times 5K. I love that my girls get to see all those beautiful, strong women in one place.” — Rhonda Berlin

“The Erie Marathon at Presque Isle, the whole vibe at that race is incredible.  Well organized and very inspiring watching people cross the finish line.  The look of accomplishment on their faces is priceless.” — Dennis Albrewczynski

“I have three:

1. The Erie Half Marathon. Great race, great picnic. One of two times a year I eat a hot dog.
2. The Art & Sole 5k. I own priceless art thanks to this race.
3. The Turkey Trot. Bigger is better. No substitute for that vibe on Thanksgiving morning.”

— Frank Combopiano

“Turkey Trot is great but the SafeNet Boo Run Run, which is part trail run, part beach run and part road race — with costumes — is my favorite local race.” — Jon C.

“My favorite race is the ERC New Years Day 5 Mile Race. It’s an inspiration to me to start a new year off with something I love (running) and to experience it with so many like minded people.  I also enjoy the thrill of the extreme weather conditions. It could be anywhere between a balmy 70 degrees or an arctic 20 below. I also enjoy the fact that non runners think we’re nuts!”  — Mike Lawrence

“Why the Erie Times-News Discover Presque Isle Duathlon, of course!”   — Tom Toale (Duathlon race director)

“Nathaniel James Lemock Memorial Race. Best cookout of the season, plus it was my first medal.” — Tom Bourne

“To tell you the truth, any race I can meet up with friends is great to me.”  — Rob Kolodziejczak

“Locally, the Her Times 5K; out of town, the Adirondack half marathon.” — Ginny Sackett

“Hamot 10K. It was my first race in 1987. I have ran it more times than any other race.” — Amy Morrow

Next Question

Fill in the blank:  You know you’re a runner when ___________________________

(Post a comment or email me!)

Follow a Cleveland Runner

Got friends running the Cleveland Marathon or Half Marathon Sunday (May 20)?  Sign up to track them and you’ll get their splits via email, Facebook, Twitter or text message.

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Paralyzed woman finished marathon

This left me speechless. I lost it at the 13-month-old (“Mummy’s gonna getcha…)”

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Build Your Fantasy

I’m not even going to pretend that I have a clue what the whole fantasy-league stuff is about, but I know that some of you are really into it (baseball, football), so I share this—you can now have your own fantasy track & field team. Um, have fun…I guess. (Note: this apparently started last week, so I don’t know if you can still join in the fantasy fun).

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Calories vs. Carbs

Should you be counting calories or watching carbs? A doctor weighs in. This advice has recently run true for me, after 10+ years of a low-calorie, low-fat diet, I’ve got the other way and lost 12 lbs. without really trying.

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Dude, WHERE can I get some fly headphones like those? (Oh, right, 1983).

Greatest workout songs evah

Men’s Health has come up with a list of the 10 greatest workout songs of all time and, I gotta say, they hit it. There’s only one on the list that makes me go, huh?

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Wear your accomplishments on your wrist

Did you know you can buy cool running-theme and race beads for your Pandora bracelet? I found them at InspiredEndurance.com, but I’m sure they’re sold all over the place.  P.S.  If you don’t know what a “Pandora” bracelet is? (It’s like an updated version of charm bracelet where you add beads that are meaningful to you…and where the manufacturer and jewelry shops make a mint off tiny charms/beads that probably cost $1.20 to make).

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Beaver anal gland juice , it’s what’s for dinner (maybe)

If this Rodale article “The 15 Grossest Things Your Eating” isn’t enough to make you lose your appetite, I really don’t know what will. Hyperbole? Likely, but…you clicked and ewwwwwed, didn’t you?

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T-shirt of the week

Available here for $22.

My Best Run

By Greg Smith

A couple of years ago, my little sister called me in mid-August and asked if I might be interested in running in a newly created 11 mile race.  It was to be held in my home town of Warren, Pennsylvania.  An acquaintance of mine was organizing it as a Hospice fund raiser and as a memorial event for her mother who had died earlier in the year.  Her mother’s name was Cookie.  Descriptive of her mother’s personality and indicative of the challenge of the race, it was titled “One Tough Cookie.”  The timing of the event was perfect because, you see, my siblings and their families were gathering that weekend for what we knew would be a final visit with our dad who was dying from lung and liver cancer.  He was in the care of the Hospice angels at his home.  We all cleared our calendars to be there.

I quickly accepted and was very excited to run in an event with Marcia. She was only a year behind me in school and we went to the same college, so we have always been quite close and have remained so into our middle age.  I had, however, moved out of town a few years earlier and welcomed an opportunity to spend some time running with her, a divorced mother of four children, struggling hard to make ends meet.  Mom and Dad, although in their eighties, had been a huge foundation of support for her in every way great parents can be.  Dad, in particular, had helped her with chauffeuring kids, repairs around her home, financially, and, most importantly, as a sounding board and counselor for her every day struggles.  She was going to miss him the most simply because she had needed him the most.

We had kept up our running for the last few years and were well prepared for the rigorous course.  We didn’t intend to try to win the race or even place well; rather, we chose to run together simply to be with each other in a difficult time and to try to focus on the spirit of the event.  Although we didn’t set a goal, in the back of my mind, I felt that a 10 minute per mile pace would be respectable given the huge hill that the course presented.  It was five uphill miles to start with the steepest stretch at the top.

The course was on some dirt roads, oil lease easements, and snowmobile trails in the Allegheny Mountains.  To get to the start, we parked near a main road and walked on a dirt road that passed through a stone tunnel underneath a rail line and over a lovely stream.  Even though there was nothing urban about the main road, we still felt as if we were stepping out of Lewis’s wardrobe into the forest on the other side.

Once through the tunnel, we came to a bit of a clearing and a wide area of the road where they held the registration and start/finish line.  I was pleased to see several old friends and co-workers there for the run.  Some were aware of our Dad’s situation but most came to learn how bad things were for him during our “How’re you doing?” greetings.  There were lots of spontaneous tears and hugs all around, but it was extremely comforting to have their concerns and support.  A great amount of warmth surrounded the entire event.

The day could not have been more glorious.  The temperature was in the fifties with the sun beginning to burn away the bits of fog still lingering in the tree tops.  The dew on the leaves truly sparkled for us that morning.  The festivities were livened up with entertainment in the form of a bag piper playing a few tunes during the start.  After the brief set of instructions and words of encouragement from the race organizer, we were off.  We settled into a comfortable, conversational pace during the gentle climb alongside of the stream for the first mile where most of the early race pace-adjusting and jockeying always occur.

I like to keep the conversation going during runs and Marcia was no slouch either.  After fifteen minutes or so, I mentioned that I still had the “HWAAHH, HWAAHH, WHAH, HWAAH, HWAAH” tune running through my head from the bag piper.  Some girls running in front of us just started laughing and said that they couldn’t get it out of their heads either.  I suggested they begin singing “It’s a Small World After All” if they wanted to get some relief from the bag piper song.  I don’t think it was very helpful.

After a couple more miles, things started getting tougher and then we had a left hand turn that had us looking up at the very steep last half mile of the climb.  Conversation had dwindled considerably by then, and we leaned into it.  I thought we were both handling it pretty well, but about half way up, Marcia started crying and had to begin walking.  She came to that state much more from the burden of the emotions than the severity of the climb.  She asked that I keep running and said that she would be OK on her own.  I ran to the top of the hill and waited for her.  She had gathered herself together quite well and started running again at the crest.

I would occasionally monitor our time.  We had made the climb at an estimated 10:30 pace; an overall 10:00 pace might be doable given that we now had a net downhill to go.  There was to be no more clock watching, though.  We still had to do a couple of rolling miles on top and then the steepest part going down was on the snowmobile trail.  Footing was quite dicey with rocks, moss, mud and sticks just waiting to turn a beautiful run into a sprained ankle and a disaster.  We were wise enough to tiptoe our way with care and finally made it back to the original dirt road for the last mile back.  It was all down hill and we just let our legs go for a thrilling ride to the end.

We crossed the line together and were surprised and ecstatic to find other family members there to see us finish.  And, wouldn’t you know, my watch showed us finishing at the 10:00 pace.

The combination of camaraderie, accomplishment, setting, and personal circumstances came together for a perfect run!  Even the official race results were extraordinary that day.  Marcia was given credit for finishing one second ahead of me and, via coincidence and the quirks of averaging, her officially posted pace was 10:00 per mile for the run and mine was 10:01.  I was happy for her to earn that distinction.

Later that same day, Sunday, our family gathered around Dad to share memories, pictures, and stories for what we felt might be our last opportunity to pay him honor and tribute.  Some members had to leave town Sunday night, and some Monday morning.  Marcia and another sister, Pat, live in Warren and were with Mom and Dad when he passed away a day later, at home, on Tuesday evening of September 8, 2009.  Sad as that news was, we had all managed to say our goodbyes as well as we could.

For my sister and me, of course, the run will always be linked with our Dad’s death.  That is OK and, somehow, makes it even more special and memorable.  Dad lived a full, rich life surrounded by children and grandchildren.  Our family was fortunate enough to be able to celebrate him and say our goodbyes at the end.  Doing that run was somehow a part of that process.  I’m sure that it will always remain My Best Run.

Greg and his sister at the One Tough Cookie. Photo from cu.TimesObserver.com.