All the Colors of a Sad Rainbow

March brings change: winter changes to spring, clocks change by adding an hour, college hoops and it's yearly swan song of madness engulfs the nation as we change national champions, for a least one day everyone suddenly becomes Irish and this year, for me, it also will include a change of address.

For the last six years (five in my current apartment), I have been a resident of Marion, Ohio. At the end of the month, L and I will be moving about 20 miles south to Delaware. Ultimately, we wanted to move in together but Marion didn't seem to have dwellings which fit what we wanted (and needed) and we found such a place in Delaware. Back in my radio broadcasting days, I think I moved about 15 times in a ten year period throughout four different states. My joke to others who were moving around that time was if you contacted U-Haul, just float my name and you could get a discount - they knew me well. Luckily, that time of my life has since wandered off.

So some things will be a bit different, not to mention hectic, here soon. To ease this transition, I threw in some running familiarity between now and "the move". For the second consecutive year, I signed up for the St. Patrick's Day 4 Miler At Kinsale in Powell. Last year I took fifth at this event and, funny as it may be, was also a time where I was transitioning - just in a different manner. Its weird how a year can change things

The move takes place a little while after the race, but for frame of reference, Delaware is closer to the majority of the races I've been involved with in the last year. So less driving will be cool. For example, Marion to Kinsale - 42 minutes, or 33.2 miles (according to MapQuest) and Delaware to Kinsale - 19 minutes, or 11.8 miles...I'm cool with that. And most of my recent races have been in the Columbus area, so the difference between Marion and Delaware to - let's say - downtown Columbus is about 20 miles & 20 minutes. Now this isn't all about distances to and from races, obviously, but it would be a welcome change to what we have become accustomed to - see, there's that word again: change.

The dead waste toner
cartridge & it's final
resting place

As our heads spin attempting to maintain a daily regime while juggling the details of moving and cohabitating, we can only take deep breath and let it all play out. Easier said than done at times, but it is just as exciting as it is nerve racking. New place, new town, new situation but running is still my vice to keep my head on straight. This is where the St. Patrick's Day weekend race comes in - I will be running (getting my first beer free, BOOM!) and keeping my mind occupied with something other than moving.

This, though, isn't what I had in mind. On Monday of this past week, I was replacing the waste toner cartridge in our copier at work, I knocked the removed cartridge to the floor and scattering an ominous cloud of black, blue, red & purple dry ink throughout our workroom. I spent about an hour vacuuming up what looked to be Picasso's lost work, Pummeled Pugilist Face, off of the floor.

The first cleaning device I used was one of those Shark DuoClean Slim lightweight vacuums and I was happy to see it remove the rainbow of fruit flavors from the carpet, but then it began blowing the fun cloud of colorful dust out the exhaust on the backside - and into my face - adding to my misery. Option number two, an actual vacuum used by real people who make real messes because we live in reality (found in our maintenance closet), did the job. There are some remnants which could be mistaken for a hastily covered up crime scene, but I admitted to being at fault - so being annoyed by my clumsiness has been the only repercussion. 

**We back EVERY pair with 

FREE Replacements if Lost or Broken**

**Each order also secures 11 meals 

to fight hunger through 

Feeding America**

Get a discount on your next pair of @shadyrays, Next Generation Shades, by using my promo code: "Simpson"  https://shadyrays.com/  Check them out, I have the X Series - Infrared Ice Polarized

   

                                    Live Hard. We Got You.

With consecutive days of chilly weather, but tons of sun I was kind of expecting the Kinsale 4 Miler to be relatively the same - not on this St. Paddy's Day it wasn't. The temperature dropped even further followed by early morning flurries, then sleet and drizzle. I guess having weather similar to that of the Irish homeland was only fitting as the sky resembled the contents of the scattered waste toner cartridge from earlier in the week. It was a late afternoon race, so it was comforting to experience a slight warm up and everything drying out before we started, leaving us with a decent wind and overcast sky.

Happy St. Patrick's Day! Newly
fallen flurries and just above
freezing

There were plenty of folks decked out in the holiday green, most dressed to simply have fun - focusing more on the atmosphere than the race. Last year at this time there were a handful of folks prepared to compete and this year looked to have fewer of those individuals. Maybe its because I'm at the top of my game now, I was still working my way up a year ago.

At the gun I stretch out my legs to get a good rhythm and along side of me is a dude in fluorescent green. At least I would be able to see him if he takes off and I'm trailing in a few minutes, I thought. I could hear a few others behind me, but that didn't last long. A little over a mile along the winding residential roads of the upscale neighborhood wrapped around a country club and the dude in the obnoxious green tails off. Within seconds, I don't even hear him (or anyone else) behind me. I pass L for the second time and hers is the only voice cutting through the chilly late winter breeze.

The course drifts off the road and onto the country club cart path. Now, in my mind, this is what Ireland would look and feel like: under a blanket of clouds with a good stiff, chilly breeze gliding along the undulating terrain of a lush green golf course still damp from early morning precipitation. Just me and the dude on the bike about 100 meters ahead of me acting as the lead pack indicator along the snake-like trail (I know, there aren't any snakes in Ireland - bear with me damn it!). 

Me and fluorescent boy at 1.5 miles

The golf course rests beyond the backyards of the cookie cutter country club homes and every few minutes a few of those residents, who decided to bite the bullet and venture out into the less-than-hospitable air, would offer some encouragement. This was also a sign to me that I wasn't going to be challenged. As those words of encouragement were bellowed to me, I listened for them to echo the same sentiments to others. Those sentiments never came, or rather they were out of earshot and quite a distance behind me.

I was going at pretty good clip, I thought, so my focus was to maintain form and a decent pace. The pace bike just ahead acted as my rabbit. I wasn't going to catch up him, but did work on maybe decreasing his lead. This is something I have been practicing in order to break that 1:30 half marathon barrier - the next attempt will be at the Capital City Half Marathon on April 28th. I was 28 seconds short on my last effort.

Finishing with the roaming emcee
to the left.

Recollecting to the same race path from 2017, I push a little more to finish the last half mile on a high note. Again, it is just me and the bike in front as we come off of the cart path and onto the main drag. Wrapping around the corner lined with orange cones to the finish I see L giving me a fist pump and the race emcee is roaming along the path barking pleasantries into a cordless microphone. Just as I pass, he nonchalantly sticks out his hand and without skipping a beat we high five. Seconds later I notice the clock while reaching to stop my watch and cross the finish, I'm under 24 minutes.

To be exact, I'm at 23:39 (according to my watch) or 23:40 (says the official timer). Still, though, I'm 1:12 faster than 2017 and without being pushed or challenged. I'm handed my finisher's medal, grab some water and a banana and the finish line volunteers are like statues. Everyone is dressed to ward off the chill, but they seem to be waiting. I look back toward the finish and realize second place is still out of eyesight. The volunteers aren't frozen in place, they are simply waiting for others. Second place made his way in moments later, but 41 seconds after me.

Beer & medal - with a bottle opener!

The flood of finishers eventually arrive and L finds me. We head into the heated tent where the after party is to take place (complete with a DJ and video projectors airing the NCAA Tournament Second Round games) to grab some food and my finisher's beer. The medal was pretty cool, complete with a beer opener on the back, though using it would have to wait since this day's beer was all draft.

We stay just long enough to get warm and hear a few tunes. Ohio State was about to play Gonzaga, but I didn't want to watch it for the simple fact I didn't think it was worth my time to be disappointed. And my thinking was correct, falling behind 15-nothing. They did put in a ton of effort to take the lead in the second half, but they ran out of gas. Which is what I expected, that had been their process for the last month of the regular season. Still, though, they were supposed to be a bottom feeder this year and nearly won the the Big Ten...hard to complain. Anyway, we made it home for some crock-pot corned beef and few more celebratory beers.

We move in two weeks, the winter is over, mileage ramps up and new running routes are to be made. Don't look now, but that's summer peaking over the horizon and a whole new ballgame has arrived.

So, what comes next? Well, the Traffic Panthers and I return to The Buck Fifty - Southern Ohio's 150 Mile, 24 Hour, 10 Person Team Relay in my hometown of Chillicothe, Ohio on April 13th & 14th. We finished 18th out of 38 teams in the inaugural race and year two will have 73 teams toeing the starting line. Here's how it is described: An overnight relay race that will take you over 150 scenic and rolling miles in Southern Ohio.  You will travel through several communities, run trails in 4 amazing National and State Parks and across several school campuses.

If you aren't a fan of hills, you are screwed. If you want a challenge and have the wherewithal to set fire to your lungs, disintegrate those legs, live out of a van for 24 hours while taking part in three unique routes around Ross County, then by all means - join us in 2019. All you gotta do is dig down...

MUSE - Dig Down

When hope and love has been lost

And you fall to the ground

You must find a way

When the darkness descends

And you're told it's the end

You must find a way

When God decides to look the other way

And a clown takes the throne

We must find a way

Face the firing squad

Against all the odds

You will find a way

Dig down

Dig down

Dig down

And find faith

When you're close to the edge

With a gun to your head

You must find a way

When friends are thin on the ground

And they try to divide us

We must find a way

We have entered the fray

And we will not obey

We must find a way

Yeah

Dig down

Dig down

Dig down

And find faith

When they've left you for dead (dig down)

And you can only see red (dig down)

You must find a way

Dig down

Dig down

Dig down

Find faith

We won't let them divide (dig down)

We will never abide (dig down)

We will find a way

Dig down

Dig down

Dig down

Faith

Dig down

Dig down

Faith

Photo spread courtesy of Lauren B.

L and I at the after party. Ignore the
leprechaun to the left.

Jameson & Whiskey
celebrating their
holiday.

Leaving the road, entering the golf
course

The morning of...less than desirable

Waiting for the rest of the pack

Headin' home...silence behind me

The route

The start...out in front

Finishing...still in front. The dark
figure in the back to the left, that's
L.

Goofing off

Forty Degrees Warmer, and Free Beer?

Cold weather running doesn't bother me. I have the wherewithal, stamina and discipline to deal with what I have been given - though a little extra push helps at times. My issue with winter is the lack of daylight in order to do what I want to do.

I began a new position at my place of employment after the first of the year (awesome!) and with it comes a regular weekly day schedule: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. - no more split of three day shifts and two night shifts. So I get up in the dark, get to work in the sort of dark and go home in the waning moments of daylight. I prefer running after work, so I get home and fight the urge to relax, throw on some running gear, put together a pseudo running route (which is typically changed or updated mid-run depending on how I'm feeling) and head out the door.

I'm getting in miles, but not as many long(er) runs as I would like. As a result, I've been working more on speed and stride length on routes of three to six miles. Since I work every third weekend, I get the Friday before that weekend off and I was able to squeeze in a 10-miler about a week ago - but most of the time it is a short and relatively fast workout.

On the heels of last month's frigid 13.94 mile "half marathon", I thought it would be a welcome change to hit up a shorter race to test myself and make me feel better about struggling to get my standard 20 miles in each week. I came up with the Scioto Miles Warm Up Columbus Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K and 5K Marathon Relay and Half Marathon Relay on February 18th and selected the 10K portion.

What made this race interesting to me is the fact it is a road race run completely on a one mile loop. It made me laugh that the race website urged folks to have a personal spectating navigator to help keep track of your laps. Now this may not be necessary for the 5K & 10K crowd, but the half marathon and full marathon folks may need the additional support.

The Warm Up Columbus one mile loop - ran
counterclockwise. 

I was happy to not be forced back into the high school track practice mode of having to cover our distance crew duties all on the quarter-mile track - that, my friends, was the equivalent of a slow death: monotony abound.

A one mile loop, I thought, could help with estimating splits without passing the same scenery every 60 seconds. Also, having people watching and cheering you on would take your mind off of the fact you are simply running in circles and put a spring in your step.

Speaking of, I have always had springy ankles. Whether it be running, basketball, flag football or playing the baseball/softball outfield - I would roll an ankle, feel a sudden burst of pain, get that "oh crap!" thought, bounce back up and all would be fine. Some soreness and a little swelling would ensue, but otherwise I wouldn't be slowed down at all. This was especially true with running the mountain bike & hiking trails of Eastern Kentucky while at Morehead State. I would roll my ankle(s) on rocks, roots, branches, holes, the feet of teammates, woodland critters and lost term papers - but just kept moving. I've been lucky - unlike my brother (who was also a high school runner), who would roll an ankle, have it swell up like a balloon and have to sit and wait it out. Sorry Chad....I bypassed this gene.

I did the very same thing on Tuesday, February 6th. Just as I started an after work jaunt, I slid on some ice and suddenly felt the pavement up past the ball of my right ankle. Unnerved by the sudden jolt, I continue running - but with a bit of hitch. A few steps later, there is some tenderness, but that's it and I finish my five miles at dusk. The ankle did swell slightly and continue to be a little sore, but not enough to keep me from doing anything.

Later that week, talking about the upcoming 10K, L said she thought - since I had focused on the half marathon for sometime and put in the work - that I could pull out a PR at the continuous loop Scioto Miles race. To throw additional encouragement my way, replying to some practice run posts on Twitter, she tossed out the FREE BEER card.

You will see the screen shot here of the twitter challenge that says, "don't forget: PR = the beer is on me from wherever your heart desires** in the Columbus metro area." Now, there are a ton of breweries in this particular area and that decision - should a PR occur - isn't exactly an easy one. Here is just snippet of the selection of Columbus area breweries - 37 of them are on this list.

My 10K PR (38:34) came last June at the - get ready for it - Columbus 10K. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, tender ankles and/or psyching myself out - I would have an excellent opportunity to break that PR and down some free suds.

**We back EVERY pair with 

FREE Replacements if Lost or Broken**

**Each order also secures 11 meals 

to fight hunger through 

Feeding America**

Get a discount on your next pair of @shadyrays, Next Generation Shades, by using my promo code: "Simpson"  https://shadyrays.com/  Check them out, I have the X Series - Infrared Ice Polarized

   

                                    Live Hard. We Got You.

To start with it was 40 something degrees and mostly sunny, not like the -4 degrees we dealt with upon arrival at January's Brokeman's Winter Warm Up Half Marathon on January 14th. Since it was in the 30's the day before, our route had a thin layer of spotty ice. The 5k, half-marathon and half marathon relay group started first, followed by the full marathoners, marathon relay and we, the 10kers, three minutes later. At the gun I dart off and notice I'm out there alone. No one in my peripheral and I can't hear anyone behind me. "Am I starting way too fast? AGAIN!", I thought.

My path, as you can see, all over the place. More of
a human obstacle course 10k.

Crisscrossing the route to get around the larger ice sections was easy at first, but then we make our way into the back of the pack of the first group. So now I'm dodging ice, slower runners and walkers and they are littering the entire path. Not that they shouldn't be, but it was hard to maintain consistent pacing. I felt as if I was running just as much laterally I was going forward. At this point, I haven't notice anyone pass me, but then again, as much as I was darting around walkers and slower runners, I could have just not noticed. That's also when I realized this is how the entire race would be, since we are navigating a one mile loop. Extra work would have to take place for the next 40 minutes or so.

Upon completion of each lap, I saw L in around the same area yelling out encouragement and I still haven't notice anyone pass me. I was in the group which included the full marathoners, so ideally they wouldn't be going as fast I was, but still....was I missing something? Around lap four, I did notice someone pass me as I was dodging people, but shortly thereafter I passed him back. I couldn't tell if he was also running the 10k or was a half-marathoner or marathoner attempting to surge.

The challenge - navigating through people

I brushed up against and bumped so many elbows, while simultaneously tossing out a "sorry", that I thought I had to be doing something wrong or was being that one runner jerk you come across now and then. Even the Columbus DeSales High School students who were volunteering at the water station were getting bumped. Some would stick out a cup of water, not realizing that simply passing them did not mean you wanted refreshment. At times the water they were holding would be knocked out of their grasp. This wasn't done purposely mind you, it just so happened that the area next to the water station was usually the most clear running path. If you were among those splattered with water or Gatorade, my apologies!

On the last lap, passing a variety of the same people for the fifth & sixth time, I speed up as much as I could (while imitating a running back weaving through an aggressive defense). I feel as if I'm going at pretty good clip and see as I pass through the finish line I'm at 38:58. A little disappointed, since I was hoping to PR, but I wasn't all that far off - around 15 to 20 seconds or so. It was promising - for referencing longer distances in the future- that I was as winded, but not all that worn out.

Jailen and I at the Shalom 5k back
in December.

While catching my breath and mingling among the finishers and spectators, I think I see a familiar face. Upon further review, I make way over to a kid standing next to his parents and, "Excuse me sir, are you Jailen?" He answers, "Yes!" and I follow with, "Do you know who I am?" He smiles,"You are Craig!" His parents echo one another, "We thought that was you!?"

Jailen out distanced me - you may remember - at the Shalom 5k back in December and had run the 5k (finishing 4th) at this day's event. They ask how I finished and I could only say I didn't know. He and I both related how it was difficult to maneuver with the crowd of folks running several races at the same time on a small course, but it was more of a challenge than it was a problem. He, too, finished with a time a bit slower than he would have liked.

I offer a congratulations, find L and we make our way into the Crown Plaza Hotel conference room where the post race festivities were taking place. We gather some bagels and coffee, then scarf down some post race pizza. As results get uploaded, I inquire and discover I finished first among the 10k crowd, so I wasn't wrong in believing I hadn't been passed by anyone. Along with my finisher's medal came a winner's coffee mug. I didn't set a PR, but winning the race would suffice. That was L's thinking as well regarding the "free beer for a PR" incentive she had given the week before. I didn't set a personal record, but being the overall winner couldn't be totally ignored.

From Left to right, beers from Hoppin' Frog Brewery,
Commonhouse Ales , Braxton Brewing
 & TwentyNine BrewPub.

Making our way home and after crashing for a few hours, we head to our favorite local hangout - TwentyNine BrewPub  - named for Marion's favorite native son, Warren G. Harding, the 29th President of the United States. Among a variety of Ohio and other craft beers, 29's niche (along with excellent wood-fired pizza) is creating beers with names related to Harding, his life and presidency.

On this visit, L and I each order flights of mostly Ohio beers. This was my race victory reward, though I do believe if I had more opportunity to run straight ahead (rather than weaving through the crowd like a purse snatcher attempting to make a quick getaway) I would have likely reached that PR. Though, I will have plenty of time to try again soon. I will now be on the look out to see what fun March event to take part in as those St. Patrick's Day related races are a dime a dozen.

Don't look now, but according to the calendar - Spring 2018 is just over a month away (Tuesday, 20th March 2018, 9:16 a.m. - to be exact). Of course that means (in Ohio at least) we will still get some sort of snowfall (...flurries, blizzard, avalanche..) up thru May 1st, but it is exciting to know eventual warmer weather is just on the horizon. Recently we've started experiencing more daylight at the end of each day, boom!

Yup, schizophrenic weather - it will be imperfect...but... aren't we all....

Silversun Pickups - Lazy Eye

I've been waiting

I've been waiting for this moment all my life

But it's not quite right

And this real

It's impossible if possible

At whose blind word

So clear but so unheard

I've been waiting

I've been waiting for this silence all night long

It's just a matter of time

To appear sad

With the same old decent lazy eye

Fixed to rest on you

Aim free and so untrue

Everyone's so intimately rearranged

Everyone's so focused clearly with such shine

Everyone's so intimately rearranged

Everyone's so focused clearly with such shine

Lost and loaded

Still the same old decent lazy eye

Straight through your gaze

That's why I said I relate

I said we relate

It's so fun to relate

It's the room, the sun, and the sky

The room, the sun, and the sky

I've been waiting

I've been waiting for this moment


Photo spread courtesy of Lauren B.

Lauren and I, the finish in
the distance

Shorty after the finish w/
banana in hand

Results, post race pizza, finishers
medal and winners mug

At home w/ the Scotland born,
Ohio brewed, Elvis Juice
From BrewDog

The post race pizza spread

Thanks Robb McCormick Photography

https://www.robbmccormick.com

How Cold Is It? Don't Make Me Punch You

Winter in Ohio is cold, of course. We get ice, we get snow and many of us will whine about it despite this being a yearly thing. Though we weren't expecting the second coming (and going, thankfully) of the ice age for the last week of 2017 and first seven days of 2018.

Yes, you are reading that right, 18 Below!
And those negative numbers at the bottom,
that isn't counting the windchill. And,
yes, I ran on this day.

And still, I ran. With spandex, two pair of socks, two pair of gloves, a skull cap, two head bands (one for the ears and one to cover a portion of my face) and eye wear - I put in my running duty. This, I thought, had better pay off as my first competitive action for '18 would be a half marathon. Yes, the very same distance that was my goal for nearly all of '17.

Nothing like getting right back into it, right?

And speaking of, Bob and W.J. (whack job) have returned from an apparent hiatus. My lovely neighbors took some holiday time off from messing with my stuff (a nice Christmas vacation it was), but returned this past week as my name tag on my apartment mailbox was ripped off a few times.

I took their signature move as a personal sign to me that they have come out of hibernation and their Christmas spirit has officially worn off, but for how long? I assume they would be like Punxsutawney Phil, or Buckeye Chuck here in Marion, and see their shadow - thus deciding to continue their break from screwing with me (and my things) through April or May. Ahhh...one can only hope.

Oh yeah, so sometime between Friday night & early Monday morning of last weekend, my car was rifled through. I would say broken into, but there was no damage or sign of forced entry. Now my car has automatic locks, so if I don't activate it with my keys - it will lock itself shortly thereafter.
How entry was gained, I don't know.

The exact container taken from my car - minus
the $1's worth of change.

My car sits in my garage slot behind my apartment building and looked undisturbed. Upon venturing out to head to work Monday morning, all of my belongs inside of said vehicle were scattered throughout the seats. I keep nothing of value in my car, so whoever thought they were getting rich quick were sorely disappointed. Though, I was missing two things. An old plastic Eclipse gum container I used to stash random change and my road atlas...from 2004.

So I was thieved of a 14 year-old U.S. Road Map (torn, ragged and faded by the sun) and enough pennies, nickles and dimes for two (possibly three!)  day-old supermarket donuts (the plain or powered kind, not those scrumptiously filled with various jams, jellies or creams). Still, though, quite the haul, I must say. Apparently my extensive three CD library of Michael Buble (It's Time, the good CD from 2004 - don't judge!), The Killers (Hot Fuss, 2004 - a dubbed CD from my brother) and The Slang (a Columbus, Ohio band a former coworker played in from 2010 - self titled) just wasn't good enough. I can't imagine why?

Anyway, the 2018 tour would start with the Brokeman's 3rd Annual Winter Warm Up. I attended this event last January, but took part in the 8 mile event. It was quite cold then as well, but the ice on the all-paved bike trail is what made the going a bit rough. Also, at the time, this was the longest race I had ever taken part in and it was part of an effort to prepare for the inaugural Buck Fifty Race - the 24 hour, 150 mile, 10 person team relay in and around my hometown of Chillicothe, Ohio. This year I would be much more prepared and battle with Brokeman's 13.1 mile offering.

This race route is set next to Smith Farms and the path is entirely on multi-use trails, paved 2 way bike paths. It starts on the Alum creek multi-usetrail and connects to the Blacklick trail, passing through Three Creeks Metro and Confluence trail head. The course is half shaded and has many rolling "hills".

And this, too, would go towards keeping in shape for year two of The Buck Fifty taking place April 13th & 14th. My squad, the Traffic Panthers, took 19th out of 38 teams in 2017. Officials are pushing for 100 teams this year. In the meantime, I was targeting a top ten finish for the Brokeman's Half Marathon - barring any catastrophes or collapses.

**We back EVERY pair with 

FREE Replacements if Lost or Broken**

**Each order also secures 11 meals 

to fight hunger through 

Feeding America**

Get a discount on your next pair of @shadyrays, Next Generation Shades, by using my promo code: "Simpson"  https://shadyrays.com/  Check them out, I have the X Series - Infrared Ice Polarized

   

                                    Live Hard. We Got You.

As I said, 2018 began frigid then suddenly moved to spring, BOOM! I even ran wearing only one layer as we reached 50-plus degrees. Though on that Friday the skies were to begin vomiting this white, wet stuff and and remind us that it was only January. Thus, race day Sunday was to arrive in the same arctic state it was just a week before. The weather was playing the part of the cat and we were the mice it was toying with.

Local news folks ran their weather models several times in hopes of getting a better idea of what kind of stupidness was to arrive and they came up with a couple of different answers. We were going to get anywhere from 7 to 11 inches of snow - a little less than two days before the Brokeman's 3rd Annual Winter Warm Up. So I was tasked with tracking down some crampons to avoid a "running with ice skates" episode on the paved - possibly snow & ice covered - trail. Whether we were actually going to get an onslaught of snow or a just dry heave of sky dust, Sunday promised to not be vapid in any way.

Spring broke through, was caught
behind enemy lines and the
 torture began.

Friday morning it began to rain and proceeded to pour all early afternoon with some sleet, but it was still way to warm for snow to arrive (dropping from the high temperature of 55 the day before doesn't happen in the blink of an eye) - though the radar kept telling us it was coming. Right at about 3:30 p.m. the graupel, aided by a blustery wind, began flying sideways throughout the region and quickly evolved into snow with help of a 20 degree temperature drop. Thus, the predicted winter uppercut came at us with full force.

As a result, Saturday's event shakeout run and early packet pick up were cancelled due to the four to six inches of snow on top of a nice layer of ice. Though with sunshine all afternoon and the ability to plow the paved trail a couple of times, the race would still be a go for Sunday. So the bitter cold and ice sheets covering the vast majority of the trail would be the only added obstacles. Not wanting to spend my race as if on ice skates, I was able to find YakTrax to give myself the benefit of some traction.

On race day, Lauren B. and I nearly got stuck in the snow as it was not easy to determine the race staging area parking lot from the surrounding grass in the predawn hours. A few maneuvers later, we found our way and relaxed as we waited for the sun to rise, packet pick up to take place and the race to begin. The process of leaving the warm car and walking over to get my race packet was arduous. The negative temperature felt even colder without the benefit of the sun. It was a short sprint back to the car to ward off the chill. With everything ready to go, but some time to waste, we sat there taking in as much warmth as we could until being forced back out into the atmosphere.

Yeah, it was cold before the
 sun woke up

When 8:30 a.m. approached, we gathered our courage and reentered the frozen abyss. I jogged a portion of the route to acclimate myself to the weather and loosen some stiff muscles and - wow - did the sun make a difference (as long as you were moving, that is). Lauren wandered off to get a good spot to take pictures and spectate. I can't imagine how cold it was for her.

Finally in the corral, we get some instruction and a countdown and we are off - and it has warmed up to -2! Hoping to do a better job of staying within myself, I ignore the two folks who are off to beat the world. I did utilize their pace to stretch my legs a bit, but my pace stayed comfortable for me. I could feel the YakTrax helping with traction, even on the ice covered bridges, but it is a struggle to keep my breath from turning to ice on my sunglasses. With only a snippet of visibility, I focused on the colorful outerwear donned by those in front of me. I only had to deal with this for the first mile as we would then circle around and face the sun and thaw my lenses.

Navigating the frozen trail

At about the two mile mark we come to a fork, separated paths, with no signage or direction. I follow the handful of folks in front of me, but minutes later it seemed as though the path we're on is simply circling a small lake and return us to where we began. Damn it....we guessed wrong and had taken the wrong route. Following, now, the remaining half marathoners and eight mile participants we navigate the correct route.

I'm annoyed, but take solace in the fact the vast majority of the lead pack was with me. Trying to ignore the mistake, I keep my pace comfortable and focus on form and breathing. The cold is no longer an issue (as long as I stay upright). I'm passing a variety of runners - who I should be ahead of by now - and casually wonder if my pacing is decent (I only look at my watch unless I feel it is absolutely needed). Nearing the eight mile run turn around and water stop I see the leaders in the far distance. Despite the route mistake, I'm feeling good and glad I don't need to get water because the water jug at this stop is frozen despite the full sun raining down.

Me, the dark silhouette, running
 toward the sun.

At the seven mile mark, we come upon another fork with no signage or direction. I and a fellow half marathoner look at one another - both us are at a loss. Which way are we supposed to go? I select the route that seems to have the most footprints in the snow and he follows. I ask, "Do you think this is the right way?" Through heavy breathing he follows with, "I don't have an f-ing clue." Instead of wasting time, we continue on. Luckily, about a mile later and into a sort of clearing, we see a runner ahead. A sigh of relief is pushed out knowing I haven't, again, taken the wrong route.

Before we know it, we have some of the lead pack headed back toward us. They, too, seemed to be as annoyed with the lack of signage and made sure to tell us - as they passed - that our turn (and water stop) was just ahead, after the bridge over State Route 33. I, and my annoyed running partner for the last two miles, make audible relief groans once we reach the half marathon turn around and water stop (this jug of water is also frozen). Though, just as I slow down enough to make the about-face, my right foot slides on the ice and I come crashing down to my knee. I bounce right back up and feel my running tights rub against my now broken skin and the bruise starting to form. "You okay man?", is bellowed by my running friend. "Yeah, I'm good," I say with obvious annoyance and exhausted frustration.

So we are now on the return trip of the out and back course. Within a minute or so we bypass the folks trailing us and I wonder if I have enough left in the tank to keep pace to the finish or will I come to a snail's pace (as with the previous two half marathon attempts) in the remaining miles? My running partner makes some headway and starts to distance himself, but I don't feel like I'm getting slower. Then another competitor comes up from behind a few minutes later and does same thing. Having run the eight mile race here the year before, I know where we are on the secluded trail and work on lengthening my stride and pick up the pace, all the while bypassing the slower half marathoners.

The finish in the distance -
I can see it!

I can still see the person I'm trailing and eyeball him in order to stray from losing focus and not think about the slippery path below me. I feel better at this point than the previous two 13.1 mile attempts and have even removed the hood from my running jacket, as well as the headband I was using to cover a portion of my face and mouth. I'm either delirious or in really good shape for this race, I thought. Then I wonder how much I've added to my race with that wrong turn back at mile two. And speaking of, I then pass that damn lake again (going the right way this time) and see the finish in the distance.

I don't hear any followers and pass Lauren B. giving me some encouragement. Cruising in, I pass an eight mile run straggler and remember to reach for my watch and stop it as I cross the finish. My makeshift medal is handed to me and I zombie walk through the chute and into a sea of runners. I wobble toward the BODYAMOR Super Drink truck and grab a free orange-mango flavored thing, pop off the lid and tip it to douse my dying thirst and....its frozen...solid. Well, crap.

Race details...

...but Strava says..

Then, out of curiosity, I glance at my watch and see 1:36.30 as a finishing time. Yes, it is a PR (previous best was 1:37.10) - but then I notice that is my time for 13.94 miles! You have got to be kidding me, my wrong turn had taken me nearly a mile further than I should have run! Still thirsty, but astounded, I keep scrolling through my Garmin 935 to examine further details. Turns out my time for the ACTUAL half marathon (13.1 miles) is 1:30.28 (6:55 pace), just 28 seconds off of my goal in only my third attempt at this distance and in arctic conditions. Not to mention a full seven minutes faster than my previous best.

Lauren finds me, offers a congratulatory hug and some liquid refreshment that isn't a block of ice. I'm excited, but now I'm also getting cold since I'm no longer running and its like 7 degrees. We get to the car and Lauren cranks up the heat, then heads over to Cazuela's Food Truck to get the one free taco I'm awarded for finishing - as well as several others for us to scarf down. Finally drinking some liquid and able to feel my face again, I'm laughing at the fact I ran an entire mile further than I should have and still finished sixth out of 146 competitors. Even still, nearly everyone in the lead pack went the same direction as I did.

Before & after the icy half marathon

We proceeded to scarf down several excellent tacos, then headed out for the drive back north - but made a pit stop at Restoration Brew Worx in Delaware to have a beer and warm up a bit more before making it the rest of the way home. That, my friends, was a satisfying beer.

In a worn out trance the rest of the afternoon, I realized my haphazardly cobbled together training regime was starting pay off. And the best part of this race is that I paid attention to what I wanted to do - I ran my race and didn't attempt to set the world on fire. This left plenty in the tank to crank through the second half of Sunday's icy, rolling bike path in southeast Columbus. Not like 2017 when I couldn't find that extra gear near the end of the eight mile race. Then, again, I also had the benefit of running for over a year and not for just a handful of months like last year.

The snow fell again late Sunday night and then again on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Monday, but working for a library means we have this day off as a holiday. And it was a welcomed additional day to recover from another backwards running weekend - Lauren I went outside to goof off for a bit, but that was it.

You know, sometimes I wonder if the madness would cease if I stopped running or if I simply quit putting effort into trying to improve, but who am I kidding. I'm enjoying the madness, no matter how backwards it gets....run on friends.

Muse – Madness

(Ma-ma-ma-ma-ma-ma-ma...)

I, I can't get these memories out of my mind,

And some kind of madness has started to evolve.

(Ma-ma-ma-ma-ma-ma-ma...)

And I, I tried so hard to let you go,

But some kind of madness is swallowing me whole, yeah

(Ma-ma-ma-ma-ma-ma-ma...)

I have finally seen the light,

And I have finally realized

What you mean.

Ooh oh oh

And now I need to know is this real love,

Or is it just madness keeping us afloat?

(Ma-ma-ma-ma-ma-ma-ma...)

And when I look back at all the crazy fights we had,

Like some kind of madness was taking control, yeah

(Ma-ma-ma-ma-ma-ma-ma...)

And now I have finally seen the light,

And I have finally realized

What you need.

Mmmm...

(Ma-ma-ma-ma-ma-ma-ma...)

But now I have finally seen the end (finally seen the end)

And I'm not expecting you to care (expecting you to care)

But I have finally seen the light (finally seen the light)

I have finally realized (realized)

I need your love

I need your love

Come to me

Just in a dream.

Come on and rescue me.

Yes I know, I can't be wrong,

And baby, you're too headstrong.

Our love is

(Ma-ma-ma-ma-ma-ma-ma...)

Madness


Super fun race day pics courtesy of Lauren B.

Frozen Race Day

Frozen Race Day

Frozen Race Day

Race SWAG with frozen
BODYARMOR drink

Azaccaho AIPA

Lauren B. and I at Restoration Brew Worx

Goofing off the Monday after

Goofing off the Monday after