The time is now! You’ve got about a week to score the biggest discount of the season on the All American Marathon 4/3/16.
I will be returning to run this race for the third straight time in 2016, and you can get in right now on the lowest pricing plus a $20 discount until 10/15/15.
Use code “RUNALLAMERICAN20” at checkout for the discount.
Hope to see you there!
The race countdown clock is at 15 minutes….
A bit in shock, and trying to regain my composure, I prepared to run. You can read all about race morning prior to the start here: http://wp.me/p3u1nG-1YB.
I did manage to snap a few photos before the howitzer cannon sent us runners on our way. One thing I did notice, and you will clearly see in the second photo, the pacers for this event were all over the place. Not sure that they had a real concrete plan as to where they should line up. In the photo above, some Raleigh folks that I met in the starting line. Todd (r) was running his 8th marathon!! It was nice to finally meet everyone!
The mood at the start was very electric. Lots and lots of servicemen and women everywhere. Some running, and some not, but what I can say is that of all of the marathons that I have run, there were a ton of very fit runners in that field.
As the cannon sounded, we were off! Having run this race last year, I had decided prior to the event to not push the first five miles as hard this time around. The start of the race, winding through Fayetteville for the first few miles, is difficult. It’s very challenging. I think in retrospect, I pushed too hard last year and struggled more at the end of the race as a result. This time I took it slower over the undulating course leading up to the All American Freeway. Lots of ups and downs I completed the first five miles in 41:17, for a pace of 8:15. I think I succeeded at conserving some energy. Last year I finished this portion well under 8 minutes per mile, and I paid dearly for it later.
With my son there with me running the Half, the potential was there for us to run together for the first ten miles, as the courses as the same. His lack of training hampered him a bit, and he warned me ahead of time to just go out in front of him if necessary. Well, about a mile in he was lagging behind me, and slowly but surely disappeared from my view. I checked now and then by turning around, but I just couldn’t see him anymore shortly into the race. I thought of him the whole way, and knew he would still have a good race no matter what. He loved running the race with me last year so much, that he just had to do it again.
Here is a special treat while running on the All American Freeway. Wear Blue to Remember had a one mile section here, full of signs of soldiers who were killed in action, family members, and American flags everywhere. It is so touching, so special.
Despite my fall earlier in the morning, I felt like my legs and body were holding up just fine. I think the fall sort of distracted me from the normal aches and pains I think about when running. I was just happy to be out there, and always so honored to be racing among the men and women of service. Our armed forces are just spectacular, and I highly respect their dedication to protecting our country. It is a real honor to run this race, and the patriotism abounds!
As I approached mile 10, where the Half and Full courses split, I remained focused on even pacing. I wanted to run smarter this year. I wanted gas in the tank throughout the race, and not let up. As mile 10 passed, my overall pace had only dropped a few seconds. I wasn’t going for a PR, or even a BQ at this event. My only goal was to try to beat my time of 3:52:25 the prior year. Now at 8:18 pace overall, I was succeeding at keeping steady.
Now on base in Ft. Bragg I remembered the course well. I knew we had some rolling hills coming up as we ran past military housing and the occasional military vehicles brought to the sides of the course. It’s a great race to say thanks to volunteers. Why? There are just so many along the course. Servicemen and women line the course cheering you on, and aid stations (which are aplenty) are packed with volunteers. These are some of the loudest groups of volunteers that I have ever experienced in a race. The volunteers are just amazing! Thank you to you all!
Mile 15 split was 2:06:34. Pace now at 8:26. Happy with that, for sure because of the rolling hills over the past five miles. Heading out toward Pope Airforce Base, the course turns quieter. For me it was a time to really hone in on the calm and serenity that is running for me. Aside from passing aid stations, us marathoners were out there in relative quiet. My son texted me that he was finished. A 1:55 Half was not as good as his finish last year, but outstanding considering his lack of training. I was so happy for him, and texted him back “well done son”!
I really was having a great run. I tried to keep it as even paced as I could. Knowing that a few tough hills were coming up at the end of the race, I felt good. From miles 15-20 I don’t think I was ever passed by another runner. Slowly but surely I passed runner after runner. I think I counted at least 30. My thought here was that I was enduring the course better than a lot of runners out there. I passed one guy, and we struck up a conversation. This was his first marathon. I wished him well, and told him to finish strong. Then I passed another, running his first marathon. This seemed to be a common theme. I passed another, his first marathon. It makes me feel good to run among new runners, or new runners of the marathon distance. I was there once, and most of these guys were struggling on the back half of the course. I think they got suckered in to the false belief that endurance running is easy. I gave all of them kudos for being out there, and to push hard to finish.
I hit mile 20 at a pace of 8:35. I was slowing down, but not by a whole lot. My body was holding up, despite now feeling some of the effects from my fall in the early morning. At this point I really wished that I was able to take some ibuprofen. Not to be, press on!
Fueling well, I never had the slightest cramp. Race temps were perfect, and yet I was sweating a lot from the very start. I had a complete Body Glide fail that day. By mile 20 my nipples were completely raw, and I knew that they were bleeding because I had blood stains on the sides of my thumbs from rubbing against my shirt. You couldn’t see the blood on my shirt because it was dark blue and red. It blended in well, so that I didn’t have to gross out the spectators.
Fearing a huge hill that I epically failed on last year toward the end of the race, that hill never came. The course had changed a bit this year, and that hill was taken out! Yeah! I was so thankful! We passed some military planes around mile 19.
Yes, I stopped very briefly to snap the photo.
The end of the race was nearing. I kept moving. Clearly slowing down, I still wasn’t being passed by other runners. I knew that I could finish the race strongly. I enjoyed the final miles as the spectators starting coming more and more into view. Finishing at Parade Field, men and women in uniform were there to greet and congratulate us. The final tenth of a mile came to many cheering on both sides of the course. I saw my son clapping. And then, I got passed! By three guys! I didn’t care. I had a strong finish, and most importantly ran the kind of race I wanted to that day. I stayed strong, and despite my accident before the race even started, I endured!
I came across the line in 3:50:51. I made my goal, and beat last years time. It was a top 14% finish for me in my 18th marathon.
I finished 85/595 overall. 8/52 in my age group.
Time to relax. I really wanted to fall over and lay on the ground. I thought I might not get up though, so I stood upright, was given my medal and made my way over to my son. It took me about ten minutes to really catch my breath and feel ok. I knew I wanted to get my wounds taken care of in the medical tent before heading home, so I grabbed some chocolate milk and some other chow, grabbed my finisher gift and then found a place to sit down for a few.
Take a look at the awesome shirt, medal and backpack!
My son and I talked, and laughed, and swapped stories of our races. I love having family that runs occasionally with me. It really makes the day special. Overall the event was meticulously pulled off, every detail well executed. All of my thanks to the numerous people behind the scenes. What a great event! The spectators, volunteers and countless military members are so appreciated. I will be back, and continue to support this amazing race!
Thank you All American Marathon!
March 22, 2015-
My race morning started like many others. Up early to an alarm clock piercing in my head, verbally cursing words that no one should hear at that hour of the day. Ok, ok, I’m up.
What was ahead for the morning was the usual. My race gear had been laid out the night before, so all that was left before heading out the door was some relaxation, coffee and a shower. My son and I jumped in the car at O Dark Thirty. 4:30 to be exact. Meeting a friend by 5:45 who had picked up our packets at the expo, because alas, I had to work both days of the expo.
We met Todd right on schedule. Then a ten minute drive over to downtown Fayetteville to find parking, which was an absolute breeze. After getting a drop bag ready, and pinning our bibs on our shirts, we walked over to the park where the starting line is. All was going too smoothly….
We walked into the park, and found the bag drop area. Met a few friends there and snapped a few photos. All was relaxed, stretching taking place to ease into race readiness.
For those of you who don’t have any background on this race, it is a point to point military themed marathon, half and 5k. A truly inspiring race that I have now been proud to be a part of for the second straight year. Starting at Festival Park in downtown Fayetteville, NC, runners wind through town, onto the All American Freeway and eventually into Ft. Bragg. An army installation that is home to the US Army Airbourne forces, and Special Forces, as well as US Army Forces Command and the Reserve Command. It is an inspiring run in every way. Thank you to our military.
At this point, before heading to the start line, my son disappeared while I was stretching. By the time I realized that he was gone, I started scanning the bathroom lines. The lines were mega long, like most races, and I didn’t see him. Then he appeared from behind me, stating he had gone to pee back behind the main stage in the park where we were standing. Ok, I said. I will forego the long lines and do the same thing. What happened next was a tad startling and almost ended my race before it began.
Maybe I was channeling my inner paratrooper, or muttering the words from a current song by Sheppard. It kinda goes like this….. Say Geronimo, say Geronimo, say Geronimo…. Bombs Away, Bombs Away….. Ok, I love that song, it’s very catchy. But, yep, here is what happened….
I was not clumsy, just maybe careless. I started to jog to the the back of the pavilion stage. There were like 8-10 concrete stairs leading back behind the stage to the parking lot and then eventually to the woods on the perimeter of the park. It was pretty dark still. It wasn’t a well lit area. Any guesses as to what happened next?
At the bottom of the steps there was a curb, which I didn’t see. Why is there a *bleeping* curb at the bottom of a set of stairs? I guess the curb was there because it was protecting about a two foot drop down to the parking lot. OMG…. Here comes the explanation to the earlier paratrooper metaphor. Before I knew what was happening, my big toe on my right foot slammed into aforementioned concrete curb, and I launched into the air in relative darkness. Without much time to think, flying through the air, I thought, this was not going to end well. It didn’t.
Before I knew it, my left hand broke my fall partially (well it was the first body part to make contact with the parking lot). I then sort of tried the tuck and roll to the best of my ability. Next to make impact was my right elbow, and then my right knee and outer right leg. I popped back up as quickly as possible, hoping that my flight and landing were kinda graceful. There was one guy back there that saw it all happen, but remained quiet and probably happy that I got up on my own. Like Santa Claus, he spoke not a word and went straight to his work. Yes, he was back there to urinate, too. Hurting all over from my fall, knowing that I was probably bleeding, I quickly peed and went back to find my son.
Time to see the damage, as I emerged back into the light of the stage.
Road rash on my hand, lots of skin peeled off, but very little blood. Oops, I could feel blood running down my leg from my knee.. I check out my elbow next, as I was trying to avoid looking at my leg. Again, plenty of scrapes, redness, some blood, but not too bad. My knee and leg… Another story. Lots of pain. I knew I had hit it pretty hard. There was a good portion of the skin on the bottom part of my knee that was gone in the battle. The leg hair at the site of impact was gone, the only thing left was road rash, and pounding pain.
Can you say Geronimo? No time to find a medical tent, and probably still in shock, we walked over to the race start. Ok, good news, I could still walk, and would race no matter what. I wiped away blood with a paper towel I had stuffed in my race belt to use to blow my nose. I picked off dangling skin that I knew would annoy me during the race, and I got ready to race. There was no way I was going to allow this accident to deter me from the 26.2 mile task at hand. Ten minutes to race time this song starts playing…. So Say Geronimo, say Geronimo… No lie! It was me! They dedicated it to my pre-race launch. Ok, no they didn’t, but that’s exactly what I thought.
My finger nails tingling, with pavement gauges in them, blood running down my leg, it was time to lose the focus on the blood and pain, and run.
And I did!
And I finished!
And I hurt like hell today!
True story, I couldn’t make this shit up. I may not be a paratrooper, but I am a trooper.
Tomorrow is the day!
Am I feeling nervous? Yes! Am I feeling anxious? Yes!
Do I want to give it my all? Of course!
Since my hilly Half last weekend, I haven’t run once. My body has been overwhelmed with a aches, and pains. I’ve needed the rest.
Up today at 4am for work, it’s going to be a long day. Not my typical plan to be up so early the day before a race, but it just couldn’t be avoided.
I would rather be off today, taking a nice leisurely drive down to Fayetteville to visit the race expo, and get that nervous-excited feeling going. Not this time though. I have a running buddy picking up my bib and race packet.
I will try to get to bed somewhat early tonight, because race morning is going to be MEGA early! I have to leave the house at 4:45am tomorrow. Oh man, I guess I need to get this plan set in concrete today, so that I am mentally ready for an early start. It all seems a bit overwhelming today, but marathon #18 is tomorrow!
It’s time to get my game face on and be ready to run.
Yes I sip my coffee this morning in preparation for my four hour drive to Asheville, I can’t help but think about next weekend. Tomorrow will be a great test, and final preparation for another marathon.
The All American Marathon is next weekend! I cannot believe how quickly it has arrived. Last year the race was the first weekend in May. It was hot, it was sunny, it was grueling. This year they bumped up the date about six weeks. Landing on March 22nd this year, we are only a week and a day away. This one will be #18 for me. Hard to believe.
I will be prepared to put on my smile, lace up the Asics and run.
This marathon journey has been a hell of a ride. Running can take you so many places, all you have to do is have the desire and will.
To anyone out there that has yet to try the marathon distanceI say one thing. It will change your life!
Posted yesterday on their website, Facebook and Twitter, the All American Marathon and Mike to Mike Half Marathon is approaching quickly.
Today, now only 74 days away, I wanted to let you know that even if you missed out on the discount yesterday, you can still grab 10% off current registration rates by using code “13AMB2015”. As an Ambassador for this awesome race I have been provided with some giveaway swag to those that sign up using my code. So, if you sign up for the race and use discount code “13AMB2015”, let me know and I will personally send you a race logo cotton t-shirt, or race logo bag. Check them out…
I will run this giveaway for two weeks, concluding on January 21, 2015. (Or while supplies last)
Check out the race website for current pricing, and remember, the discount code I provided is good for any of the races including the 5k. Just let me know in the comment section when you sign up, and I will make arrangements for your swag to be shipped to you!
Now who doesn’t love a race discount and some free swag?
The All American Marathon and Mike to Mike Half Marathon is offering a one day $10 discount off registration today until midnight. I ran the inaugural marathon back in May this year, and had an amazing time!
If you don’t remember, this is the race that I got to meet Meb Keflezighi at the finish and he signed my race bib and medal.
Current registration fees for the marathon $90, and $80 for the Half go up on December 31st, so today is the perfect day to get in at the lowest possible pricing including today’s discount. This fantastic race is going to grow in size every year, and I couldn’t be more proud that this amazing race is so close to home.
Act fast, and join me this coming March!
What do you think of most when it comes to pre-race fueling? I think of pasta. Loaded with carbohydrates, just what an endurance athlete needs leading up to a big event. Do you think pasta first? I know based on what I have seen, most folks either prepare a pasta meal at home the night before a race, or head to the nearest Italian restaurant.
Many big races offer a pasta meal the night before. It’s typically advertised on the race website, and is usually something you can pay for during registration, sometimes at the door. Most pre-race pasta dinners are fairly cheap, too. I’ve seen them ranging anywhere from $15 to $30. Most include several choices of pasta, and/or sauce, salad, bread and a variety of desserts. It’s a really great way to get in the spirit of the particular race you are running, and offers the opportunity to meet other runners.
Pasta dinners will many times also include a guest speaker, telling some kind of inspirational tale of our sport. While at the pre-race pasta meal at the Blue Ridge Marathon last year, I was lucky enough to hear the inspiring stories of Bart Yasso, Bill Rodgers, and Frank Shorter. It truly is a great way to get into the race mood and elevate your already heightened race spirit.
The full details for the pre-race pasta dinner for next years All American Marathon and Mike to Mike Half Marathon have not yet been released, but they are offering a chance to win 2 free tickets. If you follow them on Facebook, all of the details will be there. Here is a copy of the post from this morning.
If you are a Twitter fan, be sure to follow them there, as well. They can be found at @AAMarathon.
If you are a member of the military, a veteran or everyday supporter of our military like me, this is a can’t miss race. It is truly inspirational to run. You can score a 10% discount on race registration if you enter code “13AMB2015” in the discount code box at checkout. Current pricing for the three events are as follows: Full Marathon $90, Half Marathon $75, 5k $20. If you are military (Reserve, National Guard, Active Duty or Retired) each event is $5 cheaper. I hope to see you there, and good luck to those participating in the Facebook contest for 2 free pasta party tickets. I’ll see you there!
Today until almost midnight (EST)… The All American Marathon and Mike to Mike Half Marathon is offering a 13% off discount on either race.
Check them out online! I ran the marathon this year and it was absolutely one of my favorite races of the year! This race will certainly grow year after year, so make sure to get in on the discount and get in while the registration fees are still on the lower end of the range.
…and remember, if you can’t get in on the discount today, you can always use the code “13AMB2015” for 10% off up until March 15th, 2015.
Happy Halloween, and happy running!
http://www.fortbraggmwr.com/allamericanmarathon/registration/
I got got some really great news today! One of my favorite marathons thus far in my marathon career has chosen me to be an Ambassador for the 2015 race.
The race this last May was the inaugural event, and I thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of it. They will be returning stronger, and more popular than ever I am sure, so don’t miss out on early registration, which can be accessed with the link above.
The race date for 2015 is March 22nd.
More to come, as I will be sharing my Ambassador experiences with you. Who knows, I may even be allowed to offer special discounts or goodies along the way. Details to follow. Hold tight!
Running Wild 