TO THE DARK SIDE: TRIDELTATHON 2018

I told ya'll I was going to the dark side. So , here we go. My first Triathlon, Trideltathon2018! 

The weather was about as bad as you can get . Rainy ! Buckets of rain. Got up early that morning and then got ready and headed out as yet again, dumb construction on the roads would force me to go the long way. I got there and started setting up my transition area, laying out all my gear for the final 2 legs , and then I heard them announce that due to imment weather, they were cutting the bike down to 1 loop instead of 2. Great- That killed what momentum I was planning to really build. That means I had to go for it. 

Once I had everything setup and planned out, I went ahead and headed into the aquatics center at UT to get my number marked and get my chip. Something so stupid as marking numbers on your arm I was so excited about. LOL! 

As I was prepping to hit the water to get a feel for it and do a quick 100 to warm up, I ran into one of my friends. I was so excited that I actually had someone there to cheer for me . LOL!

Once I was warmed up, I hopped out and just relaxed. Knowing what was about to come. We lined up by swim time . I hopped in the 10-12 min group thinking I would be OK. It wasn't long before it was time to go. I dove in and within about 4 strokes, was caught and passed by the girl behind me. I settled into a decent little pace. What I was not prepared for was the turblence of the water and how it would slow me down. I never really checked my watch, but knew I was a LOT slower than what I thought I would be. They had it setup in 100M laps, so up and down through 5 different lanes for a total of 500M. It was tough. I finally at long last popped out of the pool and then went to check my time. My watch had gotten hit so I had no swim data, great. 

Once out of the pool, we went out the doors into transition and the rain. The rain actually helped speed me up , because i just dried my feet and my hands, put on my helment, bike shoes, socks, put some food in my mouth, got a drink, and unracked the bike and headed out. 

It was business time. The bike, the strong part for me. As soon as I jumped on , i geared up and was gone. I took it easy the first part because we had a set of tracks to run across and I didn't want to blow my tire. Once accross, i hamered it the last half of the loop. I managed to pass 20 people on the bike. I was rocking and rolling. In about 20 min I had made the loop , and was back to transition. 

Once back to transition, I re-racked the bike, grabbed my water bottle off, and then put more food in my mouth, and then got my running gear on and headed out. I realized about this time that I had pushed to hard on the bike , but screw it. I just let my legs come to me. IT was about a mile and a half in that I really settled down. Before I knew it, I was headed home. 

As I came up the hill, I am sure I had a look of damn am I glad this is over. I was soaked to the bone, and cold , and just wanted done. In the end , it was over. 

I wound up finishing 2nd to DFL and only 3 min total off the podium for my first tri. Not a bad way to start things. 

So, there we have it . First Tri is in the books. Up next I have a training camp and then My first Dualathlon. So, the multi sport fun continues. 

So until next time- 

From one "Idiot" to another- 

John 

IRC#2148 

ROCKY TOP 2018

"Oh, Rocky Top, you'll always be

Home, Sweet Home to Me, 

Good ole' ROCKY TOP

(WHOOO) 

Rocky Top Tennessee" 

So, here we go, the A main for the spring, and my final distance race for a solid while as I am now going to transition into Triathlons for a while. Knoxville, where it all began . 

This was going to be a different race though. I was pacing this year. I was running the 5:30 full for the first 10 miles. So, about 12:35 a mile. I woke up early to get everything on and make final gear selections as it was cold and I wasn't sure how to proceed. I finally decided on a short sleeved shirt under the singlet and I could go to singlet only if I needed too. I took the back way to avoid construction and traffic and got there still early. I was the first pacer in the house. It wasn't until later that everyone showed up. I wanted to give myself plenty of time to relax and enjoy this. 

I finally got to meet up with the crew, and it turns out the guy I was pacing with was a hoot. We were already cutting up and carrying on before we got out there. I couldn't have been more relaxed or ready to go . 

As we loaded in, we were still laughing, but I was mentally preparing myself for the run. This is no easy task, and I wanted to put it all together finally in Knoxville. I have NEVER had Knoxville be a complete race. There is ALWAYS something that happens during that race. 

I was going to be carrying the flag the first 5 to 7 miles. I was ready to work. Once we started moving it took about 5 min to get up and across the line. I was bummbed this year because they normally send us out with Rocky Top and someone screwed that up this year. 

Because I was pacing and due to the threat of weather, I didn't carry my phone this year. Which was nice. I can't carry it when I am in Triathlons either. So, I figured get used to it now 

The first 2.5 miles were solid. Looking back now, we started WAY to fast but I see why the guys that did the full did that. They were saving time for the back half. Dangerous way to run, but alas. 

I began to get winded through mile 3 but was hanging on . We had to climb a large hill at mile 3.5 . One of the pacers stopped for a pit stop and I was freaking cramping so I stopped with him to stretch it out and catch my breath. 

Mile 4 and 5 i was ok, but knew something was off. I knew I had a job to do and was gonna have to grind hard. 

By mile 5 , lights went out in ktown . I don't know why, I think because I OVER hydrated, but I just didn't have it. I talked with our organizer who fittingly enough was pacing with us. He said it would be ok, just to run the race and finish it. 

The next 3.5 miles were a pitty party. I was kicking myself. I couldn't believe what I was having to do and not being able to keep up. However, I was still managing a pretty good pace out of this. 

By Mile 10, the 3 hour group caught me. The girls knew I was in trouble. But luckily, the girls told me to come on . I was finally re-ganing some giddyup when I met a girl. We started talking. She asked me what pace I was running. I told her just kinda flexing it. Apparently I looked strong. She asked If I would take her in. I told the 3 hour group GO! I have her . Through talking to her, I was able to find out that she had chronic Tendinitis in BOTH achilies and was told by doctors she would not ever run more than a mile. She did this to proove them wrong and for herself WHILE being a full time PRE MED student at UT. I wound up staying with her until the end. 

We crossed the line and shared a special moment. If you want to see the finish , then here is a link of us coming across both a little worse for wear: https://www.mtecresults.com/runner/show?race=6572&email=1&rid=1848

I actually had some friends I tried to meet up with, but frankly it was so cold on the field the wind cut you in half. But it was perfect running weather. 

The funny thing about this is after the race, as I sat down on the bus to go back to the car, we were reunited , which provided the oprotunity for this picture. 

GOODBYE DISTANCE! I am not sad to see you go! It's time to now venture into the darkside. I couldn't be more excited to get home, recover, and then get into a whole new element. 

So, until then.... 

From one "Idiot" to another- 

John 

IRC # 2148

65 ROSES 5K- MEETING MEB!

MEETING MEB!!!

A few weeks ago, I had the chance of a lifetime. I got to venture out to Cleveland, TN to meet my running Hero. The reason I started running marathons in the first place was because of this man. He does so much for the sport. MEB! Anyone who follows running at all knows of this man. How could you not. 

This race was set to be simply a shakedown for the next mornings Spring Feature, Knoxville Half Marathon. I could go run, but just don't go full tilt. 

I got there and it was extremely chilly. But, after everything, I decided to not wear long sleeves and just go with my normal singlet. I wouldn't get to wear this on Sunday for the Knoxville race as I was pacing that race, but I was able to wear it today. 

I had paid VIP price to get to meet Meb, and then get a photo with him. Sadly, at the time of this writing , I don't have the professional photo on me to share, but The selfie I like better. 

When we lined up for the race, I just wanted to run off feel. I never intended to run straight through. But in the end that is what happend. I sat off into my cadence and knew I was gonna be able to go. My HR was staying LOW and I was at a good stride. 

About a 3rd of the way through I met this older gentelmen on the road. I knew my purpose for this run was to bring him home. As we talked, he was older, he started telling me how this was his first race in 30 + years. He ran in H.S. and college. Used to be able to do 4 - 6 min miles consistently. Now he's out here with the rest of us. Guy was as humble as could be. 

Mile 1 and 2 came and went pretty quickly. I was resting comftorably in z2 and then just like that it was over. Man, I got a rush of adrenline as this was simply a shakedown and I had managed to hold the average pace I would need for Knoxville on Sunday. 

Going back to meeting meb for just a moment, I am still in awe to this day. Guy is a freaking Olympic Silver Medalist, A boston and Chicago Marathon winner, and is so humble. I loved meeting him. 

So, were through The shakedown. Next time , we cover the spring A-Main, my runniversary, the race that started it all for me - KNOXVILLE!

So, Until then...... 

From one "Idiot" to another- 

John 

IRC # 2148

Mind Over Matter: Pistol Ultra 2018

This past weekend, I took on something totally new to me. I was more of a support role for the pistol ultra. By definition,A ultra is defined as anything past the marathon mark. So , anything over 26.2 miles is considered a ULTRA. 

Part of me doing this was getting into a different scene as I would be competing myself, but later on in the weekend. The other part was I had friends in the event. I had a couple people in the 50K. I had one of my good friends and teammates Jeff, in the 100 Miler, and then , the reason this was happening, my best friend was running the 50 miler, Miriam. 

Miriam and I first met in DC at a make or break point for me in the Marine Corps Marathon . She was my angel that day. Since then we had kept in touch. We had talked about how she wanted to do something like this and I mentioned this race, and things just happend to work out. So, I will break this thing down into 4 days. Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday . 

Thursday: Meeting Jeff and Set-up!!!

Thursday was really not supposed to happen. However, I had been in communication with my buddy Jeff and he had made it in safely. Seeing as how they still needed help setting up some things at the school, I offered to go over and help. Jeff checked and they could use me. So, after work, I went over to the school to help setup and to meet Jeff. Jeff and me are teammates for KREndruance, and have gotten to know each other the last couple years. I was more than excited to get to meet him, spend some time volunteering, and setting up . We both worked for about 2 or so hours , and then seeing I had to work on Friday, we made the decision to split. 

Friday: The Reunion of 2 Friends!!!

I was so excited to get back over after work Friday. My friend, Miriam was in! This would be the long awaited reunion. 18 months in the making. I got there right as she got out of a pre-race activity. Instantly found her, and the fun began. We embraced in a long hug and then caught up before Pre-race meeting. I then attended pre-race meeting with her as I would be there all weekend and was competing myself. After the meeting, we ate pre-race dinner and hung out till we decided to split for the night. We made a plan to be there and see the 50K and 100 Milers out. 

Saturday: 100M , Storms, and 50 M

Saturday, we showed up at 7:30 Am. In time to see the 50K and 100 M off. The course was 10 mile loops. 50k was doing 3, 100k 6 50Miler 5 and 100 milers 10 . I had setup with our Idiots Running Club to do a group picture at 7:45 before. I got to meet a new face, catch up with my friend Jay, and then see Jeff Off. 

We were able to see Jeff, and Jay and the others off. Here is a few pictures and video if it works correctly of the start: 

Once we had the guys off, Miriam went back to get off her feet and rest as she had 50 Miles to log. I went to do some stuff I needed to do and to get my stuff together. Tonight was going to be a long night. 

Around 3PM, Jeff Called. He had dealt with a brutally hot day. Had asked for me to come take him on a loop. Of course, I agreed. So around 6, I headed back. Miriam was starting at 8. I was going to be there to see her off. The plan was to go all night. To be there when she needed me. 

However, when I got there, we were getting ready to have severe weather. I was already suited and ready after the storms passed to take Jeff out. I would go 10 miles, comeback, hopefully catch some rest, when Miriam Needed me, take her out, and then the next morning I would compete. I packed to stay. 

However, when the storms hit, they HIT. We had a really bad lightening strike that freaked all of us out. Luckily we delayed going out , or would have been in the middle of it. They delayed the 50 Mile about 20 min so I didn't really get to see them off properly as I was still strategizing for a possible loop with Jeff. When I said lightening struck, boy did it ever. It scared us all. Even fried the lift that held the Americian Flag and some of the timing. It Blew a hole in the concrete. Jeff said it shook his car as well. It scared us all. 

After some thinking, and such, it was determined that Jeff was not going to go back out for safety. So, he was done. He did well getting through 50K. That left me with Miriam. 


The thing about Miriam is she is very strong willed! A total rockstar. I knew she would be ok for a few hours. I communicated with her, and it was decided I would come home and try to get some sleep. I had a copy of our projected plans, and we would stay in touch. 

However, this would proove fuitle too. Let me explain. See, I had a hard time sleeping. It was after 1 when I heard from her when I planned to go back. She said she was soaked from another rain, but was changing and warming up , and that I could sleep a bit longer. She was ok. Which was fine. So I rolled over. I intended to get up at 2 or 3 and go out and take her out for a lap. However this didn't happen. 

Sunday: RaceDay & 50 Finish

The 50 and 100 had gone overnight. When I woke up I found out 2 things, she was behind schedule and was in the middle of a loop hanging in there. I expressed my appologies for leaving her to fend overnight. I felt awful. She told me to knock it off, and she would see me there. I rushed out the door as I had a packet pickup and my own 10 miler. As it turns out , if I had taken her out, I would have missed my 10 Miler, so it all worked out. 

10 Miler 

This year was the Inagural Pistol Creek 10 Miler .  I was doing this as a last long run before Knoxville next weekend. I had no plan but to play. Jeff had come out to see me start that morning before heading home which meant a LOT to me. I really was thankful for that as It calmed my nerves. I had decided I wanted to run 5 in a hour or under, and then relax . That was my plan. 

We set off and I waved to Jeff as we left. Nice and steady. Settled down very quickly. I was crusing. Then I started having stomach cramps which broke my stride long before I wanted too. At around mile 3 I made a pit stop, and that forced me to totally stop. However, I was able for the most part to re-gather, and roll. I didn't quite make my goal , but I did get around 4.7 in an hour. Around this point, I saw Miriam. We hugged, and got to talk a moment. This was her 4th of 5 loops and she looked good. This motivated me to roll. During my run, I would talk to numerous 50 and 100 miler runners and tell them great job, etc. Coming back around mile 7 I saw Miriam again headed back on the final loop. I told her text me as I was calling off my speed to relax and survive. We texted back and forth and then decided, she wanted to finish this herself, if I would film it. I stated I absoultely would. No problem. 

I managed to hang on and finish in about 2:20 min or so. Not a bad run for the last long run before my a race next weekend. 

After talking to Miriam, I could sense she was fading, and I was going to ensure she would finish. we would talk as I ate , and relaxed. Once I realized that she was in trouble, I decided, I am going back to get her. Period. So, I suited back up and went back to the sidewalk to await her on her final mile. 

Bringing Miriam Home: 

I waited on the sidewalk for about 10 min . Posted in our team page, and then there she was. I calmly stated, I am going to be with you like you were with me at MCM . Lets finish. All we did was walk that final out and back. But I was all smiles. I had had my moment. This was about her. PERIOD. 

Finally, we got out and back. It seemed to fly by. Here is the trimmed down video of her finishing. 

Finally, she had finished. I was estatic. I made sure we got her in, got food, and then took pictures. There are some great professional photos we got done after it all. I will post those when I get ahold of them. Here are a few I took after with one of her friends she met, and of her finishing. 

We decided that we would split up, get some rest, and then reunite for one final dinner. This had been a blast, and we wanted to enjoy each others company one last time. 

We decided to get mexican that night. I found a little joint over where we had raced that had great mexican. so we went there. During dinner, and cutting up and carring on, I mentioned about having mm's at the aid station. She starts laughing, and says I have some. Of course, I don't believe her. She reaches in her pocket and Lays them on the table. I was in tears by this point. LOL!

We had a great dinner, stayed and chatted, and then we ultimatley headed our seperate ways. She was headed home on Monday and this was our final meetup. We chatted on the phone and texted for a bit. Honestly, this had been a dream weekend for both of us. We vowed not to wait this long again to get back together, as we are 2 great friends brought together by the beautiful sport of running. 

Going forward, its time for My A race, Knoxville. Also, I maybe getting to meet someone famous in the sport of running. :) So you will just have to stay tuned to see how this plays out. 

A special thanks to Will and Gail Jorgenson for putting on such a great race, to my friends, Jeff, Jay, Miriam for allowing me to hang out and krew all weekend. To my coach for being there for everything this weekend. You all made this weekend a memorable one. Who knows , maybe I should try something ULTRA related here soon? 

So, Until Next Time- 

From one "Idiot" to another

John 

-IRC #2148-

ASHVILLE 2017: THE UNTOLD STORY

ASHVILLE 2017..... WHAT EXACTLY HAPPENED.....

Before I get into this, I am going to try to put a humorous look on this post. This was a post that I vowed to never NEVER write. I never intended to put words to this after what occurred, but as I woke up today, on the exact day one year ago where I headed out to Ashville, North Carolina, for the trip, and I started laughing, I was like, dang it, I can make this humorous. So, here we go. 

For starters, let me refresh your memories. I left to go to Ashville, to run 39.3 miles over 2 days. Saturday was a half Marathon. Sunday was going to be the full marathon. If you don't remember the half , then grab yourself a refresher by reading this post:  http://oneidiotsjourney.blogspot.com/2017/03/

Kind of picking up off that post: When I woke up the next morning, we had about 3.5 inches of snow on the ground. Freaking fantastic...... NOT what I needed. Then I realized , OH SHIT, I feel HORRID! GRRREEEAATTTT! I attributed it to nerves, but now a year later, I realize it was a concussion. I felt dizzy and nauseous . All of the tale tale signs. I struggled to get my morning fuel down that normally taste so good. I knew right off, that I shouldn't be suiting up for 26.2 , but I had never failed in a race, and I be damned (or so I thought) that I was going to let this one be the one. 

So, after forcing some fuel down, we loaded up and headed out to race site at biltmore. Unlike the previous morning, no where warm to huddle up. We were exposed from moment 0 to the elements. Then we were met with an hour delay. GRRREEEAATTTTTT! By this point, I felt awful, but was determined. I hid in the heat of the restrooms till almost time to go. 

Once we left the start line, I had planned a 3:1 interval to survive and get me to the cut. I knew it was gonna be a LONG ASS DAY when 90 seconds in I was already having to come out of my first interval . 

By the end of the first 5K, I was struggling. I was well behind the cut time. By 10K, the gap had widned. I got to where the 15 K was and the sweeper caught me. He could see I was in perril. He told me I had 2 options, I could trudge on and be allowed to finish, or I could quit. I said HELL NO to quitting, and proceeded on. I got to right at half, and I was growing weaker and hurting all over.

Finally, I had to put my pride aside and say enoughs enough. I had to drop. They got a cart and got me back to the start finish line. I was so devistated. 

No jacket , no medal, no quilt. Nothing. But. ANGER. AND. DISAPPOINTMENT. 

I texted coach. Once I got to the hotel, I called her. Unnanounced. to appologize for disapointing her. and our team. for blowing our training. We had a nice long long chat that went on for almost an hour while i sat in the hottub and tried to warm my self back up . Once we proccessed the greif, it was time to come up with how to get back and get revenge. 

Seeing as how I had already a high base, the next logical step was Knoxville. It was in 2 weeks. I could come home, recover, and run a half, and be ready. If you want the re-cap of that , follow this link.... http://oneidiotsjourney.blogspot.com/2017/04/operation-ss-rocky-top-aka-knoxville.html

So, there you have it. In a nutshell, thats what happend last year. Now that its been a year, and I can see outside of it all, it was a learning experience. While I am done running marathons for a good while now, I will never forget this race, as it allowed me to close the book on 365 days of marathoning the only fitting way .... ON ROCKY TOP!!!

Until Next Time- 

JOHN 

IRC#2148