Race (Review) to the Rocker

By Jill Berron

I had been hearing fellow DRC members talk about what a great run Race to the Rocker was, so I was really excited to sign up for it this year. It’s a unique race, a point-to-point course with easy, rolling hills that runs down Old Route 66 (they close the highway for the race) from downtown Cuba to the World’s Largest Rocker in Fanning. The timing was perfect—it fell right in the middle of my half marathon training, so I knew I would be prepared for the distance and it would be a great opportunity to scale back my long run mileage for an “easier” weekend. I had several goals for the day. My overall goal was to stay under 40 minutes (10:00 pace). My next goal was 38:30 (9:30 pace) and my ultimate never-gonna-happen goal was 36:00 (9:00 pace).

The morning was absolutely gorgeous, although a bit cool before the race began. I got to Cuba early so I would have plenty of time to find parking and relax. I picked up my race packet and got assigned bib # 911. The lady who gave it to me thought that would be a good omen (spoiler:  it turned out to be!). After meeting up with fellow DRCers and taking a few pictures, we made our way to the starting line. We lined up at the front of the second group (non-competitive runners), which turned out to be a mistake.

As the race got started, there was a lot of traffic to fight through: kids who sprinted the first few hundred yards, then stopped, groups running three or four wide across the highway, walkers, etc. I spent the first half mile weaving in and out of traffic trying to find an open space where I could get into a comfortable pace. Finally, I caught up to Tracie and got into my groove. I checked my time at the first mile marker: 10:06.  OK, but not great. I was going to have to kick it up a little to meet my goal.  

Around 1.5 miles, I was starting to get loose and feel good. I finished mile 2 in 9:11, which is fast for me! I didn’t want to burn out, so I just started picking out runners ahead of me and trying to gradually catch up with them. There were spectators along the route, both people who had parked along the road to watch and people who were sitting in their driveways watching. They were awesome cheerleaders!  

When I hit the third mile marker, I couldn’t believe it: I had run an 8:54 mile! I think I ran a sub-9 mile one time in middle school almost 20 years ago. I was feeling fantastic, so I picked up the pace a little bit.  There was a lady in her driveway cheering people on, telling us we were almost there. She said the finish line was just around the corner and when I hit the ¼ mile sign, I gave it everything I had. I crossed the finish line in 36:44, and my last mile was 8:33, my fastest ever! I was so pumped! It was such an amazing feeling!  

I joined Mackenzie and her mom at the finish line and we cheered on the rest of the DRC members as the crossed. DRC had a stellar day: I think almost all (if not all) of our members who raced that day PR’d or tied their PR.

Here is Amy Crow’s experience from the day: My Race to the Rocker experience this year was great! Not only did I have my fastest overall pace ever, but I beat last year's time by over five minutes. I was thrilled with my results. I know it's because of those Union hills! I never ran hills before I started running with the DRC, but now I'm convinced hills are the key to gaining strength and speed (at least in my case).

I can’t wait until next year!

Want to get to know Jill better? Check out her Runfie Questions!

What brought you to DRC? I saw a friend posting to DRC on Facebook (before the group was public) and I needed some motivation and accountability. I was really just getting started and wanted a place to ask questions and learn a little bit.

How long have you been a runner? After a few failed attempts to start, I've been running consistently for about 2 1/2 years.

What is your favorite running quote? I have two favorite running quotes! "It's very hard to understand in the beginning that the whole idea is not to beat the other runners. Eventually you learn that the competition is against the little voice inside you that wants to quit." -George Sheehan

"If you run, you are a runner. It doesn't matter how fast or how far. It doesn't matter if today is your first day or if you've been running for twenty years. There is no test to pass, no license to earn, no membership card to get. You just run." -John Bingham

When Running Becomes Something More

A Skunk Run Write-Up by Rae Hedlund

We all started our running journeys somewhere, whether it was in school on the track or later in life; for a health-related reason, or just for fun; to lose something or to gain something. These journeys have as many uphills and downhills just as the runs we set out to conquer.  The thing is, running can stop here. Running can become a habit that we enjoy, something social to add to our days that also improves our lives. And that’s wonderful!

Running can stop here, or it can become something more. It can become your passion, the fire that pushes you to do more. It can become the thing that makes you dig deep and discover not only what your body can accomplish, but also what your mind and spirit can endure. You’ll find yourself asking, What’s next? What more can I do? The word “can’t” will fade from your dictionary.

A while back, I wrote my marathon race report that went something like, “That was really f*ing hard!” I am still proud of that accomplishment, but I need to be honest and say that I spent some time afterward doubting my abilities. I hadn’t gotten the time I’d hoped for, had bonked for more miles that I expected, and wasn’t sure if I’d ever run another. Trail running clicked with me through this doubt, and though I was still unsure about certain aspects of running, I knew I still loved the sport.

When the Skunk Run (hosted by the wonderful Idiot’s Running Club) was brought up, I was in! Eight hours to run as much (or as little) as I wanted sounded great! Little did we know, the running conditions would be unexpectedly... damp.

Stacey at one of the numerous creek crossings... okay, okay, skunk & alligator NOT included!

Okay, it was pretty saturated. But you know what? It was incredible! The atmosphere was more that of a party where people also happened to run: there was a massive “aid station” complete with a delicious array of sweet and savory options, a fire pit, and tons of fun people to hang out with and cheer for.

Oh, it was a beautiful sight to behold!

After the national anthem was sung by a very talented young lady, the word “GO!” was yelled and people got on their way. My goal for the day was anywhere from 16-20 miles, just because I didn’t know what the trail conditions would be like, or what terrain to expect. Those first 11 miles were tough, and I was ravenous when we got back from the challenging climbs, fast-moving creek crossings, and rocky, muddy downhills.

Focus, determination, HUNGER.

Arriving back at “base” after the first loop, Stacey and I took a little time to get drinks and some food. Oddly enough, I felt a little concern about grabbing food and heading back out; though I knew I wanted more miles, I didn’t know what food would sit best in my stomach. Some peanut butter sandwiches called my name, though, so I scarfed down half a sandwich and an orange slice. We headed back out to brave another long, laborious loop. We weren’t too far in before I had a little grunting and complaining to do.  Stacey reminded me that we had about five hours to do this loop- in her words, “We could sit and have a freaking picnic if we want!” We had all the time in the world! Later on, she reminded me that none of the DRCers attending had specifically trained for this run; we were just out here, logging major miles, un-tapered, after our regular week of running (which included a six-mile hill workout for some)! With that thought, my level of awe went up and my complaining went down. I was humbled by this thought, but also floored—completely ecstatic!—about our abilities as runners!

During the second loop, Stacey pointed out we would be at 23 miles, and that just didn’t seem right. 26.2, right? But why not 27, to get me my first “ultra”?! We had time, right? Yes, we did! I wasn’t sure, and took my time thinking about it until we got back to base. At this time, I informed Stacey that we “might as well” head back out to get those last few miles! She was so excited and I was, too! A little ways into this, she realized I was in for 27, and then we were more excited!

Running into Andrea and Mackenzie was a special gift as we headed into this last part of our endeavor. There was some screaming and excitement before we took our selfie and continued on our way.

Running into each other gave new life to tired legs!

We kept hoping we’d run into Meghan as well, but didn’t know where she was at on the course, or in her mileage. To our pleasant surprise (after coming across one woman we thought was Meghan but wasn’t), we found her! We didn’t stay with her for long, but she had PR’d her 50k time- what awesome news! We told her I was getting my first ultra-distance, got all psyched up again, and we continued on our way. Hitting our distance we needed to turn around and head back, we enjoyed the sound of some peeper frogs as we took another pic...

And the my watch died! It was incredible that it waited until we were on our way back before it died, so we knew we would get those 27 glorious, well-earned miles! It felt like we were flying on the way back (mostly because it was more downhill than up), and we made it to base feeling way better than I would have ever expected! It was done! I received my medal and began happily stuffing my face.

Finished! Stacey was incredible, her kind encouragement and foul mouth kept me going! Ha!

I received my medal and was dubbed an Idiot-- hooray!

 Stacey, however, had more in her! She headed out for a mile with Mackenzie, who ended up with a whopping 22 miles, and then back out again with Meghan! Stacey finished out with 29 incredible miles, Meghan with a whopping 38.33 for the course record! All the while, Frank was patiently running his own loop to get his longest distance of 32 miles. Dan, who had run with Stacey and I for a while, crushed his distance PR of 11, getting a whole 23 miles! Kristin went in for 12 and ended up with an amazing 16! Andrea, who snuck in and ran with Mackenzie, got 16 in the 4.5 hours she was with us!

These numbers are huge accomplishments for everyone, and I really believe that there is something in the DRC “water” that lends itself to an encouraging, uplifting environment that helps us all to push past what our perceived boundaries are. On Saturday, March 14, eight members of DRC lost the word “can’t”, at least for a day, and thought, “What more can I do?” Running became something more; it became what we did for the day, what we loved doing in the company of others or on our own, reveling in the beauty of nature and a community of runners kinder and more energetic than anyone could ever ask for.

One Year Runniversary

by Stacy Allen

My name is Stacy Allen. I am a runner. You may know me as the DRC Selfie Queen. Why selfies? Because they’re fun! Who doesn’t love a selfie?! Check out my Instagram account for more fun pics (follow me! @runner_mom_of3). Selfies have also been a great way to log my runs, have fun with it, and see for myself how much I’ve changed.

"Selfie, just cause I know you love them!"

My running story began when I found myself newly single raising three children. A year ago, I left an abusive relationship/marriage and found myself desperate to find meaning and confidence. I really didn't consider running as something I’d ever do, but I needed to make big changes in my life and I had a few "runner" friends on Facebook who I had always admired for their athletic abilities. I figured I'd give it a shot!

My first recorded run was on the high school track on March 27, 2014. I ran 1.28 miles at a 14.18 /mile pace. Wow! I felt amazing, I did it! I got out and did something for myself, a big step toward healing. No one could take this from me, it was mine alone. Looking back now, it was the beginning of more healing and change in my life than I could’ve imagined. By the end of April, just one month later, I had run a half mile at a 9'20 pace. That was such and improvement for me. In May, I was introduced to DRC through David Beaty. I really enjoyed all of the positivity and encouragement everyone received, and all the goofiness that goes on. I felt like a part of the group from my first post, which made it even more awesomesauce!

My first run is at the bottom!

 Being a single working mother of a 14, 12, and 2 year-old is difficult, so getting everything I need done in a day doesn’t always happen. Add a run into this mix, and it can be a real struggle! When I first started running, I would wait until my two year-old was in bed and leave my 14 year-old to keep an eye on her. This meant that I would hit the streets around 10pm, and that’s what I had to do to get it done. These runs were normally two miles, but when Greg joined me, he would encourage me to keep going and we would run three or four.

Over the summer months, I ran as much as possible. Being a single mom doesn’t give me the time I would like for extra things, but running was important, so I stuck with it. On September 7^th, I ran my first 10k around the streets of WashMO. I couldn’t have done this without my running partner and biggest believer. Greg has really encouraged me through this journey and believes in me even when I haven’t believed in myself.

In November I had my first DRC group run experience at the “Thaw Your Turkey Trot”. It was my first group run of any kind and it was a wonderful time! I managed to keep just about in the middle of the group the whole run, which was awesome considering I figured I'd be dead last. Once the weather warms up I can't wait to join you all on some more evening runs!

"Absolutely loved everything about this run, even all the hills :)"
"Thaw Your Turkey Trot" with DRC peeps!

Eventually, I got a treadmill and was able to start running on it after Karlee was in bed. I was still tired, but I had made the choice to have running in my life and stuck with it. My mom got me the treadmill to help me get in more miles, which was wonderful of her. I couldn’t help but think, “Yeah right, like I can really put a treadmill to good use!” I gave it a shot, though, and beyond the first few runs sucking, it got me even more addicted to running!

"For all of you hardcore runners who are out there braving it while I'm nice and cozy on my treadmill."

That treadmill helped me get ready for my next race, which was the Hot Chocolate run in St. Louis in December. It was my longest run to date, a 15k, and I was terrified! Greg was kind enough to run the whole thing with me, and we were able to meet some DRC peeps as well! Around mile 6, I started doubting whether or not I could finishing. Pushing through to the end, while dealing with some knee pain and stomach cramps, was incredible—I finished! I wasn’t fast, but I finished. I was so grateful to Greg who stayed with me the entire time, that was wonderful because I know he could have run it faster on his own. Crossing the finish line was beautiful- not to mention there was chocolate waiting at the end!

Greg and I earned those awesome medals!

I continue to use my treadmill for training, and have worked up to running not one, but TWO, half marathons on it! Thanks to a very generous gift, I will be running my first half marathon race in May at the River Town Run. I am again terrified but very excited to be part of such an amazing group of people. Runners are a whole different breed, I love being a part of the crazy and I am addicted to the run. This is my life now, no one to hold me back, only love and support. My passion has spread to my little Karlee, who wants to do what her momma does. When the weather is nice, she runs outside in her Minnie Mouse (aka Nike, to her) shoes; when it’s colder, she likes to walk on the treadmill. I am so proud of the changes I have made for myself in my life, and excited to see how it’s changing the lives of my children!

Karlee's first runner girl picture

Want to get to know Stacy better? Check out her Runfie Questions!

What is your favorite running quote? "If you run, you are a runner. It doesn't matter how fast or how far. It doesn't matter if today is your first day or you've been running for twenty years. There is no test to pass, no license to earn, no membership card to get. You just run." - John Bingham. I love this because whenever I doubt myself, this quote is a reminder that I'm good enough as a runner.

What is the "strangest" thing you listen to while running? The goofiest music I listen to is county love songs- they are upbeat and inspiring and but I'm a sappy old lovey-dovey kind of person.

Do you have favorite running shoes? How many pairs of shoes do you have? I have three pairs of running shoes, two are retired but my shoe of choice is Nike.

Group Run

By Meghan McCarrick

Originally Posted in Terrain Magazine

I mean, really, who gets to have this much fun as an adult? 

Sure, everybody likes a solo run. Hit play, tune out the surroundings, wave to fellow runners…if you feel like it. Or blow past them quickly enough that you don’t even have to acknowledge anyone else is out there with you at all. Just me and my mountain or dirt road or four-lane highway. Solo run, I got love for ya. But, there’s a need for that running camaraderie, that pack mentality. To be able to hit a rock wrong and warn the person behind you instead of feeling like an idiot when you look around to check that no one saw.


Group run. Just saying it invokes the anticipation and thrill of stretching your legs, feeling out your leader, playing your roll within the tribe. Stretching it out in the beginning, talking about the latest conquests, hitting those first (often uncomfortable) steps as a unit, warming it up, pulling out the stops, helping each other along the way, racing to the end, and finally a finish of delirious contentment. Runners know how to tap into that childlike bewilderment and that untethered push, where we don't feel pain or limitation or obligation.


Group run. Your chance to feel whole.


When I think, “Let me sing to you the song of my people,” I hear grunts, run steps, slipping gravel, rustling leaves. I schedule these runs for myself as much as anyone else. Some runs are on challenging singletrack trails, some on winding dirt-packed forest floor, a few along rail-to-trail and once a month, through town. I cherish the opportunity to have access to invite “my people.”

Turnout is typically between eight and 16, and the consensus is always that “this was the best time ever.” It doesn’t matter if we have a fall along the way or gear failure or sore muscles or a run-in with a wild beast. Always, the sense of tribe is the end result. Your filter is removed when you push yourself physically, and what you’re left with is honesty. “This is as fast as I go.” “This is as far as I go.” “I’m going to throw up.” The people I run with probably have better insight as to who I am and what I can take at the core than members of my own family.


A group run is a thing of stress and worry for me a few days or hours beforehand. Not only do I feel jacked up by the whole process, I simultaneously feel tired and anxious and kind of like I’d rather do something else. Weird stuff. Within the first few seconds of hopping into the car, I decompress and feel that everything is right with the world. I leave the stresses of home behind and realize THOSE were the weights that made me think the run was a problem. I sometimes have to crack a window just to keep sweat at bay. I crank up the stereo and think over whatever gear I might need to pull out of my ever-ready run bag, a fixture in the trunk, when I arrive. As I drive closer, the music is turned down, and I find supreme focus.


My dedication to these runs never ACTUALLY waivers, but it’s very much just a piece of a clustered life. When I schedule, prepare and even struggle getting my shoulders through the teeny-tiny openings of a sports bra (you know what I’m talking about), these are all just more “means to my ends.” The kids’ voices never stop, the need to have everything prepared for myself AND for abandoning the household, those are all weights that I get the opportunity to run out from under for that hour or two.
 

Group run. Where you shed the preconceived notion of individual and find your place amongst a mass. I think a lot of people race for this very reason. That united feeling of fatigue and exhilaration is unlike anything you can experience otherwise. So, group run. Go find your people. On a whim, albeit a strong one, I found my people at a trailhead in a strange place just before dark. I wasn’t sure if I’d even be able to keep up. It has changed my adult life. I never had this kind of fun at a bar or home watching TV or even vacationing. Group runs give me “self recharge” and primal recognition to my part in the whole.

Channel the inner ninja.  Stealth runs, in the dark, in the woods, dependent on your group, there's nothing like it.

If you don’t run, start. If you do run, group run. At least once a month.

Meghan McCarrick lives in Washington, Mo., eats copious amounts of kale and runs 30 to 50 miles a week, usually with her dog, Magpie.