Category: Running

Throughout my years running, I’ve made lots of mistakes, had some successes, and, occasionally I’ve done some things worth sharing.

2012 Massacre Marathon Race Report: When running is a team sport

February 13, 2012By y2kemo

runner passing the baton — Taking the handoff from Jim.

A few weeks ago a friend posted a link to a marathon relay at a local park. It was to be a marathon like no other. The first lap is 2.2 miles then 15 laps of 1.6 miles.

For those willing to go it alone the race is a Boston Qualifier, but the majority of the race is comprised of two and four person teams, and every team has a category, including age, weight, and co-ed.

After a five-mile Saturday trail run I asked my buddy, Jim, if he wanted to team up and run the beast. He responded with, “Sure, why not?” Why not indeed. The winter has been mild, averaging 45 degrees in the past 6 weeks. My legs felt good. And I’ve been dying to run 1.6 mile intervals.

Should You Race to Win or PR?

January 19, 2012By y2kemo

In the height of my running I trained to compete. I ran intervals, hills, speed, and long distance. I did pushups and situps. I ate right. I did all of this to win.

My hard work paid off. First, I began placing in my age group at 5Ks. Then 10Ks. After a while I began placing in the overalls. Third, second, and eventually, and only once I might add, I won a 5K.

Now, years later, I am slowly gaining my competitive fervor. This time around, something has changed a bit. I run each race to win, but not against others. I race to PR.

Run an #Anywhere5K

December 31, 2011By y2kemo

Every New Year’s Eve I tell myself I’m gonna be healthier. I start by saying I’m gonna run every day. Which quickly changes to every other day. And eventually settles on somewhere between three and five times a week.

I didn’t run every day this past year, but I did get my health in order. My running is up and weight is down. For 2012, I’d like to ride that momentum and created something new for all to enjoy. If you’re game, I suggest you run an #Anywhere5K with me.

How-To: Turn your baby jogger into a sleigh

December 15, 20113 commentsBy y2kemo

Dressing up as the Grinch and running in the Reindeer Romp 5K this past weekend was loads of fun. It was great to see the efforts that my friends and family directly and indirectly contributed to the project pay off. The costume was way better than races past, and because it was a team effort, more enjoyable as well.

If you’re wondering how you can misplace your sanity and create a sleigh for your baby jogger in order to fill it with a kid you’ve dressed as a dog so you can dress up as the Grinch and run a 5K then let me enlighten you. You’re going to need a few hours, a craft person (should you not be), and about $20 in supplies.

The Grinch, a sleigh, and a barefoot 5K

December 11, 2011By y2kemo

Ah the holidays. Christmas trees, lighted houses, and the annual Reindeer Romp 5K. Each year hundreds of people gather in Jamestown, NC to freeze their aces off while running 3.1 miles. It’s a welcome event. Not only for the camaraderie, but for the costumes as well.

Two years ago I braved sub-freezing temperatures, and ran the race dressed as a present. This year, I wanted to run in the cold as a cold-hearted character—the Grinch. In order to do so I was gonna need a sled, an antler, and a costume.

Run at the Rock: 7 Miles of Trails

December 5, 2011By y2kemo

crossing the finish line at the Run at the Rock

What started out as a simple 5K in May 2005 turned into 10Ks, half marathons, and trail races by the fall. I ran a local trail series. Ran a couple 10Ks. And when I heard about the Run at the Rock 7mi/14mi race at Cedarock Park in Burlington, NC, I cleared my calendar. After all, I’d been getting in the miles and figured I only needed to throw in some mud and hills for good measure. Right? Right.

In ’05, I crossed the finish line at 53:20 (7:47 pace) coming in 20 out of 186. The following year, after recovering from a calf injury, I finished 35 out of 254 in a time of 56:09. Five years later, sporting Vibram KomodoSports, a few extra pounds, and a bit of facial hair, I decided it was time to give the race another go.

I finished the 2011 OBX Marathon

November 16, 2011By y2kemo

I rolled out of bed at 5:20AM, took care of business, and spent 10 minutes battling my contacts only to discover that I was fumbling with my wife’s (sorry for throwing them away, honey). Eventually the rest of the family awoke and readied, and we were out the door ~630AM; en route for the drop off point 10 miles away in Kitty Hawk.

Barefoot Running: The Army Ten-Miler

October 13, 2011By y2kemo

Each year tens of thousands of runners and spectators come to Washington, DC to run the Army Ten-Miler (ATM). Put on by the U.S. Army Military District of Washington, the race starts and finishes at the Pentagon, passing by DC landmarks including the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, and the Capitol Building.

Five years ago I ran the ATM at 1:13:05 (7:18 pace). Back then I was a little younger, about 20 pounds lighter, and wore feet coverings more commonly referred to as shoes. For the ATM2011 I was going to take a different approach—ten miles, sub 8, and barefoot.

Blue Ridge Relay 2011: Don’t eat the chili

September 13, 20111 commentBy y2kemo

runners at a finish line — Our 2011 Blue Ridge Team “Lost Soles”

Over the weekend I joined up with Team Lost Soles to run the 208 Mile Blue Ridge Relay (BRR208). Starting at Grayson Highlands State Park in VA we followed country roads and wound our way through North Carolina’s High Country to the finish line in Asheville, NC.

The team was a great combination of runners ranging in age from 28 to 59. Everyone supported one another as we prepped, ran, waited, and finished our legs. Each was determined to finish the race at an 8:45 pace. And after 30 hours 17 minutes and 30 seconds we bested that goal with an 8:44 pace.

I’m Running the 2011 Blue Ridge Relay

September 8, 2011By y2kemo

This time tomorrow I’ll be running with Team Lost Soles in the 208 Mile Blue Ridge Relay (BRR208) as a last minute sub for an injured runner. Starting at Grayson Highlands State Park, Grayson County, VA, which is near the base of Mount Rogers (5729′), the course follows country roads and winds its way through North Carolina’s High Country to the finish in Asheville. The course features some of the region’s most spectacular scenery including the balds of Grayson Highlands State Park, the New River, the Blue Ridge Parkway, Grandfather Mountain (5964′), and Mount Mitchell (6684′), the highest peak east of the Mississippi River.