Ohio runner stops in state final to aid fallen opponent

Parkinson's Half Marathon and 5k

On April 21st, I ran the Parkinson's Half Marathon in Cottage Grove, Wisconsin on the Glacial Drumlin Trail. I had heard of this race from a friend and decided it was a good reason to run. Proceeds went towards the Wisconsin Chapter of the American Parkinson's Disease Association. Also, I needed to run a race! Most of the races I've ran have been large events with well over 10,000 participants. This one was quite small with about 225 people running the half marathon and 150 running the 5k, but no one shouldn't discount a race just because of its size. This race was very well organized and everyone was friendly and hospitable.

As I crossed the finish line, I discovered another advantage to running a smaller race: the opportunity to PR!! With less people running, there was less of a crowd to fight through at the start giving me a room to stretch my legs and get my race pace started earlier. This being my first trail race, I didn't know what to expect, but the course was straight and flat on a crushed limestone trail so there wasn't anything technical to prey on my inexperience on the trail. The weather was very cool and sunny, but while I managed to save time by not stopping for water, I lost about 30 seconds stopping to shake a few rocks out of my shoe. So, with only 2 hours of sleep and driving 2.5 hours to Wisconsin, I finished with a personal best time of 2:01:43!

My rewards at the finish line included a bottle opener/ finisher medal, a whole lot of food (some homemade), and just about all the beer I could drink for free. The lesson: be on the look out for smaller, local races that promote good causes, offer great hospitality, and give you the chance to run a good race.

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Today In Running History

Gear Geek: Nike+ Fuelband

The Nike+ Fuelband is a great motivational tool for anyone who is or wants to be more active.  It gets addictive, looking at your wrist a few dozen times a day to see how far away you are from reaching your fitness goal.  Before I even get dressed in the morning, the Fuelband goes on my wrist.  After selling out a few times, nikestore.com now has all sizes available.  Niketown NYC may also have them in stock.  I highly recommend getting it!

Boston Envy

     Watching the Boston Marathon on TV last Monday, I couldn't help but imagine that one day I'd be able to run the historic race.  One day.
     In the meantime, Nike Running created the Marathon Challenge to Nike+ users to run 26.2 miles between April 13-17.  Overall, I completed 38.86 miles.  First place finished 76.89 miles.  Nice job!
     Looking at the qualifying times for the Boston Marathon, and then glancing at my times, then back again, I think to myself, "I'll never make that time."  Just before I begin to accept my weaknesses, I remember that once upon a time not so long ago I didn't think I'd be able to run 3 miles, but I did.  Then, I didn't think I'd be able to run 6, but I did.  I'd never be able to run 13.1, but I did, many times.  In January, I finished my first marathon, and now, I'm looking at the schedules of upcoming ultramarathons.
     For all of you starting to run or considering running, it may be hard at first and you may feel you can't do it, but you'll surprise yourself with what you can accomplish and overcome.  Good running and I'll see you -- at the starting line.

From Around the Trail

"Be Aware: Assaulted on the Bloomington Rail Trail" by Miranda Addonizio"

This is a story from runnersworld.com by a woman who was assaulted while running.  It's scary to read, because I know it can happen to anyone.  It gives me chills just imagining it happening to people I know and care for.  Be careful and be aware out there.