The trip started with a drive from Athens to Van Wert for dinner with my parents, then proceeded to Chicago, where I played my first round of golf since December with my brother, before heading to Cedar Rapids, IA for the CVRA 5th Season 8k on July 4th. I knew going into the race, that it would be competitive up front, but as I got down to the starting area that morning, it was still surprising to see just how many African runners would be running. A contingent of 20 or so had made their way to Iowa and I recognized a few, as they are total studs who frequent some of the big US road races. In addition to that, there were a couple of Olympic Trials qualifiers running as well, including a member of the US World Championships half marathon team, Stephen Shay.
I made the decision early on that I would key off of Shay and try to run with him. When the gun went off, it didn't take long for the African runners to get things rolling. A group of around 15 went through the mile in the mid 4:30s; I was a few meters off the pace with a smaller pack, including Shay. Our group was able to pick off some runners who went out too fast and we eventually found ourselves moving up close to the top 10. During the 4th mile, Shay started to put some space between he and mysefl and then in the 5th mile the other OT qualifier who had started out the race running conservatively went by both of us. He finished 11th, Shay was 12th, and I was 13th. Overall, I was pleased with my time (24:09) and liked the fact that I was aggressive early on - even if it cost me a little bit of time in the end.
After the race, I hopped back in the car and heading north to Minneapolis. I spent several days in the City of Lakes with my former college roommate, his brother and wife, and their cousin for a little OU reunion. I realize that the 3 times I have been to Minneapolis has come during the summer or fall months, but every time I go, the weather is beautiful and I have a great time! They keep telling me to visit in January - I highly doubt they'll ever get me to do that!
I ventured back south to Chicago on Thursday and spent the night with my Grandparents who live north of the city. On Friday, I met up with some Van Wert friends for the Dave Matthews Band Caravan, along the lakeside, in Chicago. We had a great time and I really enjoyed hearing Dave, Ray LaMontagne and O.A.R.; the experience of getting home that night was certainly interesting!
On Saturday, I made the hour trip north to Milwaukee for Summerfest. Having never been to Milwaukee, I didn't know what to expect, nor did I have much in terms of expectations. But let me tell you, if you get a chance to visit Milwaukee for Summerfest, or any time in the summer, I would do it. Overlooking Lake Michigan, Milwaukee has a fun little city.
And that brings us to Sunday, the day of the Summerfest 10k and my final day of the trip. It was by far the warmest day of my Midwestern tour, which I didn't mind so much at the start. However, the warm weather, combined with a course that was unshaded, resulted in a major water-shortage problem. Prior to the 8:30 start of my 10k, there was an 8 a.m. half marathon start. Well, the 3,500 half marathoners drank up all the water, leaving nothing for the 3,500 10k runners. Needless to say I was pretty shocked when we made our way to the first water stop, only to find they had nothing left. You can read/watch more about the water issues below:
http://www.weather.com/outlook/videos/runners-treated-for-heat-exhaustion-21251#21251
Because of the high temps and lack of water, the race became very tactical. It was slow early on, and at the halfway turnaround I found myself running with a group of 6 Africans. In the 4th mile, the pace began to ratchet down and things got strung out pretty quickly. I settled into 6th place and eventually caught up to 5th place - who happened to be Ezkyas Sisay, an Ethiopian runner who I saw run 61-minutes in the NYC half marathon earlier this year. I was able to put a little distance on Sisay after passing him, but he passed me back in the final 200 and I ended up in 6th place, the top American finisher.
The Milwaukee race was unique for many reasons, but overall it was a race I enjoyed. I felt like I ran better in Milwaukee than I did in Cedar Rapids, so the trip ended on a good note. Also, it was cool to see former OU runner and recent alum, Annie Beecham, finish 2nd, which earned her a big check...no really, she won a GIANT check! (see picture below).
9 days. 6 states. 2 races. In total, I put over 2,000 miles on the car! But I had a blast.
I'm about to head out for a light run this morning in Athens, before heading up to NE Ohio for the Johnnycake Jog, a 5-miler in Painesville, OH. What am I looking forward to the most about this race, you ask? Well, the lack of Africans and the familiar faces! In the past, this race is one comprised primarily of Ohioans, so it'll be good to race against people I know and do some catching up afterwards.
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| Taking home the bacon: I get some cash and Annie gets her big check |
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