Applefest

Well,it was a very good day at the race.

Sunny day with temps in the high 50's low 60's range. Alka & I got into Hollis around 8:30 & we got shuttled in by bus to the Hollis/Brookline High School. I picked up my number, race chip,& goody bag.

I was excited but, not really nervous. I thought I would do well, honestly thought my right hip would flare up at some point in the race but, felt mentally prepared to deal with it. I brought some Gu, as per product instructions fueled up at 45 minutes & then 15 minutes before the start. I was drinking Propel too, but, not too much. I didn't want to have to take too many pit stops.

The race started promptly at 10. I was pretty far back in the pack. Applefest doesn't have the racers cordoned off in predetermined pace sections; you line up pretty much wherever you want. I took a SWAG (scientific wild-ass guess) where the 9.30 group would be & queued up.

The first mile was a pain in the ass. The runners all bunched up. It was like the mall at Xmas, except at a faster pace. I didn't feel I was moving very fast. I felt fine but, didn't feel I was at a happy pace. Clocked in a just over 10 minutes at the first mile marker. I could do this pace all day but, I can go faster.

I zig & zag through the pack & get to Mile 2 in a little over 19 minutes. Hmmm, that's pretty good. I didn't mention earlier the first two miles are a big loop that give the spectators at the start a chance to see the runners at the start & just after the 2 Mile mark.

From that point for the next several miles we're on a gradual downhill. I strike up a conversation with a local runner; shes ran this race about 10 years ago. She's run a few marathons too. At one point I make a move past 3 chummy guys (get a room)& I lose my running companion.

I re-Gu around 4 miles at the 2nd waterstop.How do people drink & run at the same time? I don't have the coordination, I always wind up half drowning myself & coughing up a lung unless I walk when I drink.

Miles 4-6 were described as "rollers". I was a little intimidated by the description but, they were candy. Thanks to training on the hills of North Leominster these were no problem.

I hadn't mentioned before but, I had been actively using some ChiRunning techniques to good effect. I was watching my form, swinging my arms in short arcs, & keeping relaxed.

Each water stop was supposed to have a theme. The runners were supposed to judge which one was the best at the end of the race.At 6 miles the Freshman class of Hollis High were dressed up as pirates, with a fake pirate ship & everything. They actually did the best handing out the water too. They were right in the middle of the road, splitting the flow of racers,effectively doubling the amount people they could hand water & Gatorade to. Smart. "Arrgghh! Hydrate, you scurvy dogs!"

6-9 turn into a very gradual uphill. Buttah. I keep passing people & realize I'm dancing around a 9 mph pace. Interesting.

A two person relay event is taking place simultaneously on the same half marathon route. It pretty weird to all of sudden get passed by a runner with fresh legs. At the point the chattiness of the first half of the race surrenders to solitary huffing & puffing.

Mile 9. The Hill starts. Actually it's a mile & a half of hills. The first 100 yards is 10-12 percent grade. Put it into low gear & keep motoring. I keep passing a few people (more people walking at this point) but, it takes more effort than previously.

Miles 10-11, I'm feeling the effects of the hill & maintaining good form takes more concentration but, I carry on. Hang on, 2 miles to go.

The last two miles repeat the loop from Miles 1 & 2. I'm pleasantly surprised to see Alka at about 11.5 miles in.

It seems like it takes forever to get to Mile 12. I don't realize 'til after the race I missed my last Gu shot so, I'm bonking a bit.

After the 12, I have to listen to the lying bastards along the last loop of the race claim "the finish is just around the corner." The slight hill at Mile 2 now feels twice as long & tall.

Suddenly I'm at the entrance to the High School. I pass the 13 mile marker & realize I'm at the end. Wow!

Alka's at the finish line & shouts "You're under two hours!" She's right. I clock an official time of 1 hour 59 minutes & 4 seconds. That's 9:04 pace. Fan-fucking-tastic. My hip didn't bother me. I'm not too beat. I ran a damn fine race.

Bottom line. This was a terrific return to road racing. Although I wouldn't have wanted to run another 13 miles today I still see a return to marathoning in my future.

For now, rest. It's almost a half hour into Sunday. I'm going to bed at the end of a Very Good Day.