Vermont City Marathon

This was a great race again this year. Although there were glitches, they ran out of hats and metals for the later finishers, I love this race. My 2 pet peeves were not so bad and I do think there were adequate number of porta potties this year. The pacers are still somewhat annoying.  The 4 hour pacer was energizer and energizing. A great choice as a pacer. I hope he is back next year. I had a lot of fun this year and felt strong throughout. The weather was great and the fans and runners were the best. I had one of my strongest finishes and in the Hoka Clifton my feet/legs felt perfect at the end and after.  

My 10th Vermont City

I so look forward to this marathon. My kids, spouses and grandkids come with my wife, Annemarie and I and we have family time together. The race is my time but the weekend is always great to be with the family. I get to see my brother and his wife Jan and his kids and grandkids too sometimes. Just a special time.
This year I have run 2 races longer than a marathon and I loved them and had a great time running both. So even though I am not 100% it is only 26.2 and I will have a fun time despite the pace groups.

Rock the Ridge 50 Endurance Challenge

I had a blast at Rock the Ridge! I met so many nice people and talked to several at length while we were running. I ran with a local women for probably about 20+ miles of the race which definitely helped get me through to the finish.
My wife, daughter Kelly and I stayed in Poughkeepsie for the night about 25 minutes from the start. They had coffee at the start which I couldn't get before and was thankful they had plenty.
I packed too much stuff in my drop bag and I used a white garbage bag which was distinctive but I would have been better off with a gym bag.
The start was delayed about 20 minutes which helped and we went off down the hill at about 6:20.
Lots of hills which I walked for the most part and lots of down hills which I tried to take fast to makeup for the walking. I probably walked a little more than I had to but since it was my first 50 miler I really just wanted to finish w/o injuries.
The metal is awesome! The food was good and plentiful. I ran the last 5 miles with people I had seen throughout but really by myself. Had to walk a lot in the last 2 miles but ran up hill to the finish.
Definitely would run another 50! Hoka Clifton life saver because the ground was rough on the feet. 10 gels taken during run along with cookies and the baked potatoes at one stop were awesome! Chocolate chip Clif bar helped ease my stomach near end.