2013 - 2014 Race Reports
November 15, 2014 - Had a great time at the Renfro Rock n Run Half Marathon this year. This race is a gem and I plan on running it every year. The course follows shores of Lake Linville for several miles, has a challenging climb, and then follows the rolling hills of the Kentucky bluegrass before returning to the lake and finally returning to Renfro Valley. Try the sausage biscuits and coffee at the finish line - I was not expecting how good those would taste on a crisp November morning after a long run. My time was 1:49:50 - not a great run but a nice mark to beat next year. I'm looking forward to next year's event on November 14, 2015.
October 12, 2014 - This was my third Iron Horse Half Marathon and I've enjoyed all of them. My time was 1:44:53 - not a PR but close enough. Again it was a well coordinated event with lots of fun stuff to do after the race. The finisher's medals are always fantastic and this year was no exception. This race has already gone on my race calender for 2015 but register early as it sells out every year.
2014 - Louisville Ironman [ 2.4 mile swim / 112 mile bike / 26.2 mile run ]
August 24, 2014 - This was my first ever full distance Ironman event - 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike, and 26.2 mile run. It was a hot day in Louisville but I had a pretty good swim and ride (my longest ever swim and ride in fact were back to back that morning). I had some major issues with blisters on the run and wound up walking a good percentage of it. The main thing is that I finished and now I'm an "Ironman". This is not an event to take lightly - I should have trained and planned a little more but at least I can check off #45 from the Bucket List. Here is a link to my blog entry for the event.
July 12, 2014 - Ran my first big Ironman branded event in Muncie, Indiana. It was the Muncie IM 70.3 which consisted of a 1.2 mile swim, a 56 mile bike, and a 13.1 mile run. I was hoping to go under 6 hours but some cramping near the end of the ride put an end to that goal. I did finish and had a great time at the event. This was my first big triathlon with over 1,500 participants.
March 30, 2014. Ran my first full marathon in 20 years at the Knoxville Marathon. I managed to finish in 4 hours and 23 minutes which is not a fast time but a finish nonetheless. Next year I hope to go under 4 hours. My first 17 miles or so went fine and then I hit the proverbial wall. After that is was run some walk some to the finish. My longest run prior to the marathon was about 14 miles so I'm guessing that was a big factor. Injuries prevented good training this spring.
June 1, 2014 - Conquer the Cove Trail Marathon - Decided that my first trail run ever should be a marathon distance (not counting that 5 mile jog to test out my new trail shoes). It was tough but I had a great time and I think I've found a new passion in trail running. My new Hoka One One shoes did a great job and I experienced no foot, ankle or knee pain during the run. The 3 mile climb at mile 17 of the run will not be soon forgotten. It was a well run event with lots of water stops, good trail markings, and a great after-run cookout. I'm planning on showing up again next year for this run.
October 14, 2013: Had my best half marathon ever at the Iron Horse Half Marathon in Midway, Kentucky. My time was 1:42:35 which works out to about 7:49 per mile over the 13.1 miles. The event was sold out and about 1,300 runners made the trip up to Midway. I would highly recommend this half but sign up early as the 2014 event will probably sell out also.
September 29, 2013 - I finished my first ever triathlon at the Atomic Man 70.3 in Lenoir City, TN. The event is a half Ironman distance which consists of a 1.2 mile swim, a 56 mile bike ride, and a 13.1 mile run. My overall time was 6 hours and 18 minutes.....I had wanted to finish under 6 hours but a series of cramps in my right thigh slowed me down quite a bit during the run. I've got to get into better shape for next year's events.