Charity Chase Half Marathon, or the train wreck that almost was

[getnthinr]

First, the fact that this race was not a train wreck for me can be entirely credited to the wonderful experience that this race is. All the things they say about the race on its blog are true.

Despite being the next-to-last finisher, the volunteers at every corner and water stop seemed to be there for the sole purpose of cheering me on. Even though I know they had been there a very long time by the time I came by, they whooped, shouted, and greeted me as if I were the lead runner. Several people at the finish line cheered me in – and instead of unceremoniously handing me my medal, took the time to hang it on my neck and warmly congratulate me, complete with high fives and slaps on the back. The police were cheerful and encouraging and the EMS volunteers abundant – All in all, I have never seen a more enthusiastic and friendly bunch! The course was well-marked, so even when I lost site of the competitors in front of me, I still knew when and where to turn. The course is a nice mix of old town, new town, and natural wonders. I don’t have a single complaint about the race.

But in my next post, as Paul Harvey would say, is the rest of the story...

 

[getnthinr]

For the past 3 weeks, I’ve been on a fairly strict mostly-fish-and-vegetable diet to lower my blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol. Before recommending this short-term pretty low-carb diet, my nutritionist asked if I had any races coming up and I truthfully answered “No.” I didn’t mention that I was thinking about this half -- In fact, was thinking so seriously about it that I’d already registered and reserved a hotel room. But I hadn’t really committed. Not that day.

<ding ding ding ding – the railroad crossing warning bell sounds>

I signed up for this race because it was $30, included a medal, and said “walkers welcome” on the web site. It described the course as challenging, but (I told myself) “it was only a half” and I’d done a 9 miler (the Minnie) recently so I should be fine. (Of course, that 9 miler had been the bulk of the training I’d done--period--since January.) I thought Hickory was in the foothills of NC. As I approached the exit for my hotel, I saw a sign that said “Asheville -- 55 miles” and thought, “I had no idea I was so close to the mountains. Maybe I should go to Biltmore after the race.”

<the railroad crossing red lights begin flashing>

Friday night at 9PM, I left my coworkers at the Durham Bulls game to head to Hickory. I wanted to stay longer (because we were having a blast), but I knew it would be midnight before I got to bed as it was – and I’d need to be up no later than 5AM to get to the race site and pick up my packet. But heck, it wasn’t like I hadn’t done a race on very little sleep before. Of course, most folks don’t do their pre-race carbo-loading on a veggie dog and a few nacho chips with extra jalapenos. (Hey, it was the closest thing to vegetables they had!)

<the train horn blows in the distance>

As I approach the start line, two competitors are conversing. “What I hate,” one says, “is that 5-mile uphill where you think you are done and then turn the corner and it goes on and on and on.” I tell myself they are probably talking about another race.

<at this point, even I can see the RR crossing’s guard arms lowering>

The race begins with a long downhill – literally a mile of, if not steep, undeniably notable downhill. Runners in front of me cheered and raised their arms as they sailed down. I’m fairly certain by the first mile marker I had stopped breathing--lungs paralyzed by fear-- because I could only think, “Don’t these people know this is a LOOP course and we’re going to have to come back UP that hill at mile 12?!?!?!”

<I await the inevitable crash and horrifying sound of grinding metal>

I won’t give you a blow-by-blow of the entire race, but suffice it to say I decided early on that I prefer my mountainous scenic overlooks from the window of my car. The wheels started coming off fairly early. I literally got the shakes within the first 2 miles – I assume because I had virtually no glycogen stores. I ate an entire bag of Clif Shot Bloks over the next couple of miles before I started to feel better. (Typically I wouldn’t consume an entire bag during the whole race.) The middle part of the race was pretty uneventful, but I had to stop three times in the final (uphill) mile because of periodic dizziness.

There’s a tradition among some of my marathoning friends that if you don’t finish a race in one attempt, you are compelled (by honor) to return and finish the race that previously defeated you. At one point as I stopped by the road, I remember telling myself there was no way in H- that is, no way in the world that I was going to do this again after making it to the last mile. When I stood up and started again, the policeman at the intersection said, “There really is only one more hill, m’am, and then you’re done – there’s less than a quarter of a mile to go.” It was only lack of breath that kept me from blurting, “ANOTHER hill!?!?!?” I did finish – 3:20:something according to the finish line clock.

So, kids, what can we learn from this?

• Food is fuel – and you’d better be tucking into the high octane stuff for a race like this.
• Course elevation charts are a beautiful thing. Barring that, at least check a map of the area.
• Train to avoid pain. And sleep is good too.
• Oh yes. And God really does look after fools and drunks – and since I don’t drink, you know what category I am in.

One aside. The cool thing about this race is that at the 9-mile mark, I actually passed the finish line as a battle between two teenage CC/track stars raged. “Don’t let him do it, Carson! Pick it up!” And Carson, who had just run up the mile-long uphill that an hour or so later I’d have to stop when walking up, gathered up his courage and sprinted to the finish line. Whether or not he edged out his competition, I won’t know until they post the results. But how can you not love a sport like this?

 

[crzy4pooh]

Congratulations Wendy!!!!!! You persevered and finished, despite everything - yea! Awesome job!

--Lynnda

 

[MouseDogMom]

What a GREAT race report! I was laughing out loud the whole time - afraid my family thinks I've cracked. And yeah, Hickory is definitely the start of the real mountains - I starting reading wondering where this half was, and then I saw Hickory and thought "oh NO!"

Wonderful that you finished and don't have to do it again! Great job!

Jackie

 

[getnthinr]

Thanks, Lynnda!

Yep, Jackie, as I thought back over it all, it was really really funny. You'd think I'd know better.

 

[windwalker]

Gee Wendy, that's what I eat fish, veggies and lots of rice and pasta. You still had a respectable time even with the mountain fun. Thanks for sharing your adventure.

Walking Panda

 

[getnthinr]

Gee Wendy, that's what I eat fish, veggies and lots of rice and pasta. You still had a respectable time even with the mountain fun. Thanks for sharing your adventure.

Walking Panda

Dang. Ya think it was the complete and total absence of "lots of rice and pasta" that caused the problem then? Yep, so do I!

 

[cruise-o-matic]

I was Googling for the results and your thread popped up.

Congratulations on your finish. I think my wife told you she liked your shirt. She was supposed to run, but was just getting over a cold she had all last week.

I enjoyed the race. It was hilly and got humid quick.....also could have done without the dead fish around mile 4-5.

I probably started out too fast, but I was on pace to make my goal around mile 8 before I started to slow down. Then again the hills at both mile 11 and 12 had something to do with that too. Wound up still finishing under 1:45and placed 3rd in my age group . After getting up at 4:45 and driving back home yesterday and even with a nap and a good night's rest...I'm still wiped out this morning .

Maybe we'll meet up again at Victory. DW and I are doing the Mistletoe and Victory back to back as training for the '09 Goofy.

Brian

 

[Goofyin08forErica]

Love your report Wendy!!
Just think...the hill up to Eden Park will be child's play when you do the Pig half again!!

Glad you are feeling better!!


Erica

 

[WDWFAN9]

Great report Wendy!

 

[Big Vic]

Wendy - Great report!

 

[Space Ranger]

Wendy,

GREAT RACE REPORT!!!!

I was laughing so hard I almost woke up my Grandson.

John

 

[bubba73]

Wendy, that was a great report. I can understand that the time wasn't exactly what you wanted or had hoped for but I know a lot of people (Me, being one of them) that can't do a half yet. So, great job!

Bryan

 

[getnthinr]

I was Googling for the results and your thread popped up.

Congratulations on your finish. I think my wife told you she liked your shirt. She was supposed to run, but was just getting over a cold she had all last week.

I enjoyed the race. It was hilly and got humid quick.....also could have done without the dead fish around mile 4-5.

I probably started out too fast, but I was on pace to make my goal around mile 8 before I started to slow down. Then again the hills at both mile 11 and 12 had something to do with that too. Wound up still finishing under 1:45and placed 3rd in my age group . After getting up at 4:45 and driving back home yesterday and even with a nap and a good night's rest...I'm still wiped out this morning .

Maybe we'll meet up again at Victory. DW and I are doing the Mistletoe and Victory back to back as training for the '09 Goofy.

Brian

Brian, congrats on the hardware! That was a challenging course, so to have done so well is really saying something for your efforts! As I said, I thought the Charity Chase was very well managed and if I had done my homework, I'd have been a lot better prepared. That I still had a good time -- and can laugh out loud about my experience now -- is indicative of what a great race it was.

I'm so sorry I didn't meet you. I didn't realize there were any other WISHers there! Many folks told me they liked my shirt -- and my Cheshire Cat visor. I don't think I spoke to anyone there, though -- At the beginning of the race, I was a bundle of nerves and at the end I was ready to go home.

I LOVE the Mistletoe Half! I've only done it once, but I thought the course went through some very pretty areas. I was toying with the idea of doing the Kiawah Marathon on Saturday and driving to Randleman to do the Run to Victory on Sunday as Goofy training, but the gas and logistics are too much to manage. Your plan is a lot better.... Hummmmmm.... I may have to give that some thought. Sounds like you'll finish hours before me though!

Again, congratulations!

 

[getnthinr]

Wendy,

GREAT RACE REPORT!!!!

I was laughing so hard I almost woke up my Grandson.

Space Ranger John, thanks so much! I was really laughing at myself during that post. I loved the race, but I couldn't believe how many mistakes I made. Some folks never learn, I guess -- but it makes for some great stories!

Thanks, too, to Bryan, Vic and Erica -- I am so grateful that you made your way through my long report. And, honestly, as soon as I got some water, some air-conditioning, and some lunch, I felt great. I'd wholeheartedly recommend the race to anyone -- but be prepared for some hills. (This course ain't no treadmill! )

 

[Honeibee]

Wendy! You are a pip! Congratulations and thanks for making me laugh on a Monday morning!

 

[hoosmi]

Wendy- That was so funny (in a laughing with you, not at you kind of way!) I haven't ventured past south Georgia and Florida to any races. I say it's because it's too hard to drag my family, but really I'm just totally scared of hills, much less mountains! Good job getting your medal for your collection!

Jen in GA

 

[postesf]

Yay Wendy!!! Congrats on defeating those hills!!!

Stacie

 

[jeanneg]

Wendy: Great report and great story-telling! I can visualize everything so clearly and it is hysterical! I was actually relieved to learn that the problem you had was with the course itself and not with your new diet as you alluded to in the beginning. I was thinking, oh no, this sounds like it might be an embarassing situation type thingy. I hope it was a really nice medal for all your trouble! At least you won't have to ever do it again. Scratch that one off your list for good.

 

[JustSmile]

Awesome report, Wendy! Love those references to the train warnings...they had me giggling through the whole report. Way to go and persevere! It sounds like the volunteers were awesome.