Connemarathon: Running in Ireland

by Josh Albrecht

It only took me one day after my first marathon to sign up for the Connemarathon, but the trip to Ireland was not really a decision as much as an inevitability. To best understand, we need to go back in time about 34 years in the old DeLorean (made in Ireland),  to Saint Pat's Day 1981. As fate would have it, that was the day that I entered this world and every birthday celebration after that would be full of leprechauns, corned beef, cabbage, green beer, Flogging Molly and four leaf clover tattoos.  Since the destination was already chosen for me, all I had to do was find the right race. Upon searching marathons in Ireland, I came across the Connemarathon, a race that boasted having more sheep than crowds of cheering fans and an amazing view of the Twelve Bens. It was love at first sight and I knew this was the race I would run on the Emerald Isle.

Six months after signing up, I made the journey to Ireland. I had read that when running a marathon overseas, you need to arrive there an extra day early for every time zone crossed. I showed up a mere two days before the race (not enough time for my body to adjust—oops!). The days leading up to the marathon, I learned how to drive on left side of the road, had very little sleep, and did not eat enough (a recipe for a magical race). The real icing on the cake was side swiping a parking sign on my drive to Connemara.

When I arrived in Connemara, I got my first glimpse of the Twelve Bens. I was in complete awe of the mountains and I was beyond excited knowing that I would be running 26.2 miles with a most amazing backdrop. I stayed the next two nights at the Peacockes Hotel, which was very convenient since the finish line was right outside and there were buses that went to the marathon start. The staff was extremely friendly, as it seems all Irish people are (I didn't meet any mean or rude Irish).

I didn't sleep well the night before the race, but I was able to keep my mind occupied by reading updates on fellow DRC member, John Cash, as he ran for Team USA in Italy. When race morning came, I got all my gear ready, including my trusty Bubba Gump Shrimp hat has still not been washed (I don't know how I got it through customs). Although the temps were in the low 40s, I decided to go sleeveless to show off my four leaf clover tattoos. I went to the lobby and got some breakfast, but still had 3.5 hours before the marathon start. Time slowly passed by as I watched and waited for the start of the ultra marathon portion of the race.   When I got on the bus that would take me to the marathon start, I could see that it had snowed on the mountains that morning.

At the starting line, I only saw one other person starting the race without sleeves; it was cold and obscenely windy. All of those long training runs in sub-freezing temps made me more than ready for a little cold, so I made a point not to shiver or look like I was even slightly cold. This would be the only time of the race where I got a chance to look like a hard-ass. After jogging a few laps, I lined up with the 3:30 pacers. Going on almost no sleep and not eating right, I knew that pace would be suicide, but that was the pace I trained for. 

At the start of the race, my legs felt great and my body showed no signs of impending doom. I was easily running between a 7:30 - 8:00 minute pace, but I knew it would not last. I was knocking back GU and Endurolytes right on cue, just like those long training runs. It was somewhere around mile 9 when my left calf cramped up and I had to slow my pace. The cramp went away pretty fast, but by mile 11 I could feel that my stomach would soon explode. I made it safely to the ONE port-a-loo at mile 12, but when I sat upon its throne nothing came out. I could hear other runners waiting to use the loo so I decided to leave and start running again. After only a few strides, I thought about running back to the port-a-loo cause it felt like I was going to fertilize my compression shorts, but somehow I continued going forward. As I closed in on the half, I saw what appeared to be an oasis.  It was a whole row of port-a-loos. I hopped in the first open loo and pushed so hard I gave myself a hemorrhoid and made sure my pipes were empty. A good 10 to 15 minutes passed before I left the Oasis of Loos and I would never be the same again.

I ended up walking a lot of the second half because every time I ran I felt pain in my stomach. Though my body was in shambles, there was a silver lining. The first half, I was unable to really take in my surroundings; when I slowed down, I saw every sheep, horse, stone wall and mountain (though I didn't really have to slow down to see the mountains). After all, I was running in Ireland! The miles seemed to last an eternity, but that did not wipe the smile from my face as I was in awe of the Emerald Isle. As I approached mile 22, I could see the 2 mile hill infamously known as the Hell of the West. Though I had not run much in a while, I made sure to run on the hill as much as my stomach would allow. I could only run for extremely short bursts by that point. I thought for sure I was going to have a finishing time above 6 hours, but when I started running to the finish line I saw that I was just over 5 hours. Had I been able to run another full mile at the end, I would have beat my first marathon time. 

    

I had a delicious steak sandwich with chips (fries) at the food truck set up outside the finish line, but skipped out on the after-party because of my stomach. Instead, I went back to my room and passed out. I spent two more full days in Ireland before leaving and made sure to explore a lot (the Cliffs of Moher are a must-see!), so I never really got depressed over having a poor race. Though I had a lot problems during the run, given the opportunity again,  I would do it in a heartbeat. If I run the Connemarathon again, I will have take some other DRC members with me and maybe I should think about entering the country at least several days before the run.

Want to get to know Josh better? Check out his Runfie Questions!

What is your favorite running quote? "That day, for no particular reason, I decided to go for a little run. So I ran to the end of the road. And when I got there, I thought maybe I'd run to the end of town. And when I got there, I thought maybe I'd just run across Greenbow County. And I figured, since I run this far, maybe I'd just run across the great state of Alabama. And that's what I did. I ran clear across Alabama. For no particular reason I just kept on going. I ran clear to the ocean. And when I got there, I figured, since I'd gone this far, I might as well turn around, just keep on going. When I got to another ocean, I figured, since I'd gone this far, I might as well just turn back, keep right on going. " Forrest Gump

What is your favorite piece of running advice? When I told my non-running friends that I would be running a marathon I was advised, "Don't get blown up."

What's the strangest thing you've seen while running? While running on the WashMO River Front Trail I saw a guy walking on the trail with a crossbow. Now, I figured he was probably going to shoot some fish in the river or he was afraid of zombies, but I couldn't help but think that I might be the one getting shot. I'm pretty sure I can't outrun an arrow, but I went ahead and sped up and kept looking back. Somehow I made it safely back to my car.

Good Will Running

by Tegan Schmidt

I started back into running a few years before I had my son, Will. Though I am far from being fast, I do love to run. A goal of mine was to complete a marathon (something I NEVER thought I would say), and I was actually in the middle of training for my first marathon when I found out I was pregnant! Needless to say, I had to scale back the training and I ran/walked the half distance instead come race day, but I was perfectly fine with that (this was Will’s “first” race).

After Will was born, we got outside and walked around as often as we could. We live near downtown Washington, so it was super easy for us to just get out and walk around town. I was so happy when we found a gently used Bumbleride stroller (aka “the wheels”) on Craigslist – the “jogging stroller” we had purchased before he was born was not actually made for “jogging” and that just wasn’t going to work. We love our “wheels” and we’ve put many, many miles on them!

I knew that I wanted to get Will out and introduce him to running at an early age to see if I could get him interested in it. I think it worked! He has his own “running shoes” (shoes we ONLY wear when we go for a run), he knows what my Garmin is, likes to get “necklaces” at the end of races, knows what I mean when I ask him if he wants to go for a run, and knows what he needs to do to get ready to go.

Sometimes, you just have to go in what you're wearing-- but don't forget the Garmin!

One of the things that I love is that he’s gotten to know our little town while running these last three years. He knows that the Y is where “I go running” since most of the run we do are there. He also knows that as we’re going up the final hill to the Y that he gets to get out of his stroller and finish the run with me. He knows how to get to three parks, the gas station (to see our friend Sherri!), the Redbox rental at the Dollar Store on 5^th (yes, we’ve often gone for a run in summer just to get a movie from the Redbox), and back home from all of these locations.

Of course, he’s gotten harder to push and now that he talks he likes to “direct” where we run and also to tell me to “go faster” or “go up the hill, momma”. He used to just fall asleep during a race or run. Some days I wish he would still fall asleep, but most days I enjoy the company and the conversations we have! We both have good and bad running days, and will cut our run shorter or go longer depending on our moods on that particular day.

Our Runs

I’ve lost count of how many runs and races we’ve done together, but I’ll recap some that stand out.

Our longest run together to date is 8 miles and it was the last long training run I did for my marathon training last fall. The marathon was a HUGE deal for me and I needed to include him somehow because he’d gotten left for many of the training runs simply because of the distance that I needed to run, so this was my way of doing so.

Will and I after our 8 mile run around town

Crossing the finish line of my first marathon with my #1 fan!

Of course I had them place the "necklace" on him.

Our favorite run to do together is the Y’s Run to Read. I like it for several reasons. 1.) It’s the only run we’ve done together every year since he was born. 2.) We like to books, so getting to pick a book at the end makes it a little extra special! And 3.) Will gets to run in his own race, which makes it a little bit easier to get through the 5k without him wanting to get out and run.

Three years of Run to Read

Will loves races where he gets to run as well. Most of the time, I let him get out of his stroller and we cross the finish line together. Some races, though, have a “dash” option for kids, so he gets to run his own race! (As you can see, he also likes to dress up – December 2014 was so fun for us because we had three jingle bell runs we got to dress up for!)

Jingle Bell Run for Arthritis 2014

My favorite run with him was the Glow Run St Louis. So we could be seen (and because the run was in the dark), my husband zip-tied glow sticks to each spoke and around the outside of the stroller. It was really neat seeing the wheels turn with the glow sticks on there – we got several compliments! And Will got his first “necklace” that night!

Glow Run 2012

But it’s not all rainbows and unicorns. Our worst race to date is the first 5k that I decided I would take Will along. It was the Union Founder’s Day 5k. My. Worst. Race. Ever. Not only was the course poorly marked for the 5k (I had done the 10k the year prior and it was great), but it was HILLY and though I knew I wouldn’t be where I was before I had him, I was still sad about my time and that because it was poorly marked, we didn’t even get to do 3.1 miles. But I was just ready to get back into running so this just gave me an extra push I needed to get back into the swing of things!

We used to be able to run with our boxer Chloe as well, but she's older now and can't go very far.

We even enjoy getting out in the cold weather sometimes! The rain shield for the stroller not only protects from rain/snow, but it keeps it nice and toasty inside so we don’t have many excuses for not getting out!

Keeping warm at the Thanksgiving Day 10k 2014-- no excuses!

 Last summer, we also got a bike seat for our bike so that when mom doesn’t feel like running but we need to get out, we can go for a ride instead! Maybe if I can find someone to teach him to swim (as I don’t know how to), I can make him a triathlete!  

Will and I at Cranksgiving 2014

If you have a little one, I highly recommend getting them out and getting active with them – especially running! It’s a great bonding experience! I also think it’s helped me keep going with my running and setting new goals for myself. If I ask Will if he wants to go for a run and he says “yes” there’s no turning back - we are headed out to run! Sometimes I ask him knowing that I don’t want to go yet knowing he’ll say yes just so that I get out and go. He is my accountability.

So if you’re ever out and see us running, give us a wave or thumbs up - especially if we’re going up a hill – sometimes I need some extra encouragement to keep going – as most of us do at times! And if you’re out running and you’re bored and you see us, come join us! We’re slower, but I’ll even let you push the stroller for a little while. Will can tell you all kinds of stories, sing you songs and ask you a MILLION questions. I guarantee you won’t be bored! And you’ll get an extra workout from pushing him!

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

What brought you to DRC? I actually saw that one of my friends had posted on the DRC page. I was curious and interested in getting to meet other runners in the area. And I'm glad I did. This is the most active winter I've had! Even though it's been mostly on my treadmill, the treadmill has been in the same spot since we bought it about five years ago, so I've had no excuse not to use it.

What is the strangest thing you've seen while running? When we were training for our marathon, my friend and I decided to take a long run on the Katy. Several miles in, we noticed these small piles of what looked like animal poo. Every so often. Right in the middle of the trail. Some looked like berries but we're pretty sure they weren't berries. We never did figure out what it was. (If you know - please let me know).

Favorite running quote / mantra? "No matter how slow you go, you're still lapping everyone on the couch."  I like to remember this because I'm far from fast. I'm far from where I hoped to be at this point. But, when I get going, I'm going and not sitting around!

"When someone tells you you can't, turn around and say 'watch me'" - I like this one because my husband knows one way to push me to do something he knows I can do but I am doubting myself is to tell me I can't do it. That lights my fire!

Always a Runner

by David Beaty

I have been running now for more years than some of you have been alive. With the exception of the last 15 years, my running was relatively pain/injury free. My first “running” experience was in the 6th grade at Veale Elementary School in southern Indiana. The School District had a track meet for all the 6th graders from the surrounding grade schools. I was the fastest in my class and got my first taste of track running the 660 yard dash. From there it was Jr High track and the 440 and 880 (before metric), then High School track and the 800 meter race. On one of the walls of my High School was a mural of Mark Lutz, an alum who had run in the Olympics. I played basketball and tennis in college for coaches who believed in running hard and long.

I ran on and off for several years until my son was born, which for some reason inspired me to start running the streets. My first big race was the Tulsa Run, a 15K. That was followed by more years of on and off running, a lot of 5K’s and 10K’s. My first marathon was in ’91, the old St. Louis Olympiad Marathon, run in February. From there a string of Chicago Marathon’s, then Disney, another St. Louis marathon, and a bunch of half-marathons. (I lost track after 30.)

But what changed my running life was driving down Hwy. 50 and getting hit by a drunk driver in 1999. My car was totaled. Even though I had my seatbelt on, I sustained bruising to my abdomen, which would later lead to two hernia surgeries. What I did not know at the time was the damage it had done to my lower back. The pain showed up a few weeks later. The diagnosis was that two vertebrae had been smashed down onto each other and the “goop” in-between was now pushing on my spinal cord. Up to this point I had simply taken a few days off when things really hurt and then got back out running. Everything changed from this point on. Having now gone through 17 surgeries and procedures over the past 15 years (back, shoulder - 2, hernia - 2, eyes - 3, abdomen - 4, 1 kidney stone removal, 1 lithotripsy, and knees - 3), I have come back and started running again each time. There was always the recovery time, the “can I run yet” time, and the “I’m going to start, just don’t tell anyone” time. I continued to run marathons and half-marathons.

Only one time did I seriously entertain the idea of quitting. About four years ago I had reached the point where the back pain was constant and severe. The neurosurgeon sent me for an MRI. When we went to his office to see the results, he showed us what my lower back looked like. Where you would normally see vertebrae L4, L5, and L6, there was something resembling a giant balled up fist. Arthritis has now mis-formed my lower back. Upon seeing the pictures, my wife Aleta started crying. Until that point she did not know how bad it had gotten. At that point I quit running, believing I had no choice. The surgeon suggested therapy. We tried nerve killing procedures, cortisone shots, PT., and pain killers, but after several weeks of inactivity, in which I was driving myself and everyone else crazy, I decided I had to get back out on the road. So I went back to running. I have been told by several doctors to give up running or choose another form of exercise. For me there is only running. I have always loved to run. How do you explain that to someone who doesn’t run?

Over the years I have run for many different reasons. The truth is I love to run… fast or slow, alone or in a group, 5K’s or marathons… I love to run. And getting to run with my wife for the past 16 years has been one of my greatest joys. Getting to coach her now through seven marathons, only the last one without me running, has been a blast. There are times when I miss being able to keep up with her, but I love watching her develop as a runner.

There is also the contemplative side of things as running is the place where I work out deep thoughts and life direction. It’s amazing that Aleta and I can run together and still allow each other space as we run. Running is also literally a spiritual experience for me. Eric Liddell, whose life the movie Chariots of Fire chronicled, said, and I agree: “When I run I feel His pleasure.” The countless sunrises and sunsets, running on roads and trails and through cities all over the US, being the first set of footprints after the new snow, have kept me in touch with my Maker. All that to say that the reasons I keep coming back to running are the same reasons I run at all.  

I admit that at times I like doing something that someone tells me I shouldn’t be able to do. I hurt and I get tired. But I never get tired of running. I would run farther and faster if I could figure out how to get this body to cooperate. My current challenges are knees that have no cushion left between the bones. We’re working on that. My other challenge is that after four abdominal surgeries in 18 months I literally have no muscles in the area where most of you work so hard to have a flat stomach. Needless to say, I’m still at it. Plan to be as long as I am physically able. John Bingham made a statement that means more to me with each passing surgery. He said, “Everything changed the day that I understood that if I was to become a runner, I would have to run with the body I had.” After each surgery or procedure I take stock of what I’ve got and I get back out there and run.

Want to get to know David better? Check out his Runfie Questions!

What is your favorite distance to run & why? The half-marathon is probably my favorite distance. Because the marathon is so much harder for me to run now, the half gives me the opportunity to run, recover and enjoy the rest of the day with family and friends. However, I still like the marathon distance because you really feel like you've proven something to yourself when you run it.

What is the strangest thing you’ve seen while running? I don't know how funny it will seem to others but while running the Katy Trail we had to stop because the trail was covered with what seemed to be hundreds of baby frogs. They were jumping everywhere. We were afraid to go forward because we couldn't take a step without stepping on the baby frogs.

What is your favorite running book? My first running book was Jim Fixx's "The Complete Book of Running". It was from an offer on a Quaker Oatmeal box, way back in the day, but it started me off and got me running regularly. Second book was Dean Karnazes' "Ultramarathon Man". We had the opportunity to meet Dean as he was running across the US. He was actually running down Hwy 50, outside of Union. We (Aleta and I, Drew and Stephanie) stopped along the road to cheer him on. He insisted on stopping, talking to us, allowed a couple of pictures, and then headed on. The way he writes a story is very inspiring and just down right fun. I also recommend anything by Dr. George Sheehan.

Run. All. The. Races.

By: Mackenzie Stallmann

A goal is defined as the object of a person's ambition or effort, an aim or desired result. At the end of 2013 I made a goal for 2014 that I wanted to run at least one race each month. To say that my goal was achieved would be an understatement. After completing 25 races in 2014, I crushed my goal!

There is something about running races that I love. The excitement of signing up and putting a set goal date on the calendar, the training plan that holds you accountable each run day, the push and drive to become the best you on race day, and the nervousness that occurs when the day finally arrives. Getting up early to travel the distance to the start line, lacing up those shoes that you have put many miles on, the comradery of other runners waiting for that anticipated "go" makes it all worth it as you cross that finish line and realize you just achieved another milestone!

January

What better way to kick off my goal than to sign up for a race on January 1st. The Commitment Day 5k started at 10 am.  It was a chilly morning so we stayed inside the vehicle until the last possible moment.  Either I'm really good at talking my friends into races or she is just as crazy as me, but Casey joined me to kick off the year in the best way. The race started at Soldier's Memorial as you will see that many races do.

February

After a night of major snow storms and freezing rain, we were waiting for a decision to be made on whether the Run For Chocolate would happen. It did, so we layered on multiple articles of clothing to run in 9 degree weather. The race was cut down from 4 miles to about a 5k but Casey, Jamie, and I still ran and earned the finish line party. They had chocolate candy along the way and a chocolate fondue bar at the finish line. Thankfully the after party was inside!

A destination race was next in line for the year. This was a race that Ashton, Casey and I had paid for almost 6 months in advance and had been planning and anticipating for so long. We were flying to Florida so that Casey and I could run the Disney Princess Half Marathon and Ashton would run the Enchanted 10k. We each chose a princess to replicate and I picked Jasmine. Tutu and all, I was ready for a magical experience! The race took us on an unbelievable journey through parks, passed Magical Kingdom, and with sightings of many Disney characters along the way. The option for pictures with all the characters were available but we just chose to save time and take selfies with them instead of waiting in line. Disney makes it easy to function at the finish line by giving you a bag for all your belongings and a box that includes all the finish line foods. The rest of our days were spend exploring the theme parks until the very last minute before we unfortunately had to board a plane back to reality.

March

The fourth race of the year was the Race to the Rocker. This was a point-to-point race that started in Cuba and finished at the World's Largest Rocking Chair. Four chilly miles with several of my friends. With pretty much an entirely flat course, my friend Nick and I paced each other and pushed each other to finish with a 9 min per mile average.

April

The Go! St. Louis organization is one that I'm very fond of, so signing up for the 5k was no question. The plan was that Ashton and I would run the Go! STL 5k on Saturday and then volunteer with my mom at the marathon/half on Sunday. By this time of the year I was already tired of wearing pants and long sleeves to race, but it was another chilly morning. It was a nice course that looped through Forest Park. Handing out medals to the finishers on Sunday was just as rewarding as crossing the finish line myself. Being able to give a medal to my cousin and to my chiropractor was pretty awesome. I love being on the other side of it all and experiencing what it takes to make race day possible.

The Color Run is a race I have done many times, but when anyone asks me to do a race I usually do not say no. Thankfully, it was not raining like it had in past times and wasn't scorching hot either. This race is essentially just a large party with a 5k added in. Sweatbands, tattoos, color powder, loud music, and dance parties make for a very colorful and fun experience.

May

Almost every race has a charity attached to it but this hometown race, The Ray Day 5k, held a little more meaning because the charity dealt with breast cancer. Breast cancer is very common and I've had relatives battle it. The survivor that started the race had a very touching survivor story that made it easy to want to help out by signing up. It was a 5k around Hermann and I was slightly afraid I might get lost if there were not very many people. I ended up finishing in the top 10 and 1st in my age group! I won a bottle wine and a Hungry Girl Cookbook for my age group win.

I was slightly hesitant to do the Rivertown Run 5k because I knew that I would be celebrating a friend's birthday the night before. It turned out to be a beautiful morning.  With a slightly rough ending to the course and little sleep from the night before, I still finished 3rd in my age group despite not feeling the best. It is not possible to have a race in Washington without some hills along the way.

I love a good holiday run because it usually allows me to fit in a race on a weekday. This past Memorial Day I decided to sign up on a whim for The Grape Run at Chandler Hill Vineyards. I knew absolutely nothing about this race or even actually where it was located. There was a 5k and 10k option, but reading about the hills I opted for the 5k. Man oh man were there some hills and some heat! Surprised as all get out I won 1st in my age group here as well. As anyone could guess the prize was wine! The finish line food was pretty fancy as well with a buffet of fruits, danishes, muffins, breads, champagne, and the normal water and Gatorade.

June

Everything about this race started out as a fantasy and quickly became reality thanks to some frequent flyer miles from a friend of my mothers.  My mom would travel with me and we would take an extended weekend trip to Boston!  As an avid reader of Runners World magazine, I always see so many amazing races and dream of traveling to them. This particular issue I was reading all about the Heartbreak Hill weekend. It's a race stocked with multiple distance races and even races for children and dogs.  I had read that you could do the 5k followed by the 10k, which they called the Five & Dime.  I was sold.  I did what I could in the cheapest way and next thing you know all the plans were set.  Back to back races were tiring but my spirits were so high with all the excitement that my only regret of the weekend was not doing the half marathon the next day to make it a Hat Trick as they called it. Highlights of the weekend were passing Shalane Flanagan on the 10k course, running Heartbreak Hill which is also in the Boston Marathon, and getting to see Boylston Avenue. A medal for each distance and one for doing both, I came home with three medals to hang on the wall.

The All-American 5k still stands as my fastest 5k to date. This was my third year running it and my finishing time was 24:59. That time was the exact same as the first year. I will break that time eventually on the point to point course that is known for its downhill elevation. A highlight of this finish line food is the ice cream you are given and this year it was Ted Drewes Frozen Custard!

My first Y Series run was probably the most memorable one I would run because it was the I Run 4 "Buddy Run".  I run all my races in honor of Colby but this one especially was for him. Since being paired with him on Marathon Monday in 2014, he has helped me see life in a different way. Almost all YMCA races finish on a hill and I didn't know that until this day. I received first in my age group and was able to send an extra medal to Colby as I do with all my other races. This was also my friend Josh's very first race ever. He and I were both signed up for a marathon in October and this race would actually kick off my training season.

 July

The Fourth Of July is my favorite holiday and another chance to get in an extra race. This time I traveled to Kansas City to stay with my best friend and her husband and run the Stars N Stripes 5k. The finishers medal was about the size of my head! The course wasn't all that exciting as it just circled around a shopping complex, but it was a different experience for sure.

August

Honestly my main drive for signing up for the Fair 5 Miler was that my gym, Snap Fitness, was one of the main sponsors. By signing up I also received a Snap Fitness tech tee in addition to the one given from the race. Just like any other race in Washington, it was hilly. It was a foggy morning, but many of my new running friends were there to run as well. They offered fair foods after finishing which were pizza, ice cream, and beer.

KT 82 was a lottery drawing race that we had entered months before and found out we got into in February. It was a team of six, 18 legs, and a total of 82 miles. It took us about 14 hours and covered both technical trails, KATY trail, and some road running. It was one heck of an awesome and long day that I hope to do it again. My three legs got progressively easier and my average pace got faster as well. I loved the push that each leg gave me trying to do better than the one before it. They gave you almost a full meal at the finish line with two beers and wine tasting. We recieved finishers medals and finishers hats along with a t-shirt! We are in the lottery for 2015 already and keeping our fingers crossed.

September

Labor Day weekend I traveled to Kansas City again to run the Plaza 10k with Ashton and Nick. This race would begin the training for her first half marathon and my fifth. I was in the middle of marathon training, so two days before this race I had run 19 miles. My knees were kinda shot, so during this race I aimed to keep a comfortable pace, not pushing myself. It was a nice downhill course finishing in a shopping plaza with another large finisher medal.

October

This race kicked off four weeks of racing every weekend. My kind of party.  It began with the Run to Read 5k. The course was set by the Washington High School cross country team and the race started and finished at the local library.  The course went up one of the most dreaded hills in Washington. You were allowed to pick out a book after the finish. I won first in my age group. I don't recall there being too many people in my age group.

Next for Casey, Jamie and I, was the fourth annual Halloween 10k.  This year we decided to dress up as Brains, Beauty, and Brawn. The costume part of the race is always the favorite part and most years it's a last-minute decision.  It was a cold and dreary morning and misty the whole run, but the course around downtown STL is always a good one. Chocolate is always given at the finish line and this year there were full size candy bars. The pretzel roll was my favorite after-race treat. Beer is always given at this race too, but we were all too cold and wet to enjoy it. Unfortunately, we didn't win or even place in the costume contest. We will try again next year as this is a race that automatically goes on the schedule each year.

For three years now I have gifted myself a race entry into the Rock 'N' Roll race that takes place the weekend of my birthday. This year I decided to celebrate 26 years passed by running 26.2 miles on my 27th birthday! Months and months of running more miles than I ever could imagine came down to one morning. I had no set goals in mind but to just have fun and enjoy every step of way. The morning felt colder than expected, but sure did warm up fast and I could have dressed a little differently. When the corral I was in got to the start line I shed a few nervous tears. After a hug and some encouraging words from my mom telling me she loved me and I could do this, I was off. Everything felt good. I tried not to pay attention to my Garmin and just run by feel and keep it nice and slow to begin with. I was actually running below 10 min miles and it barely felt like I was moving. The people, cheering, and bands helped along the way. Next thing I knew, we were at the separation point of the course. I knew once I went right and everyone else went left there was no turning back! The crowds and cheer stations became fewer and farther between and my knees started hurting. At mile 17 I saw a friendly face. Stephanie, who I had only met for the first time ever two days before marathon day, was there with her husband cheering me on. She joined me for short bit asking how I was feeling. Just seeing her there and encouraging me put a little pep in my step. I was told that mile 20 - 22 were the hardest and I was determined to make it past that point. At mile 23 my pace had definitely slowed, my knees were aching fierce, and I realized I had been holding a tinkle since the start line. I decided I didn't care about finish time so I made a pit stop at an empty john. With very few people around there was no waiting in line. After that stop I knew my time might suffer but I did more running and walking intervals. The whole race my spirits were so high and my endurance felt wonderful. I never hit a wall and always carried a smile on my face. With about a half mile from the finish I caught up to Josh. I was sad to see him at first because that meant he didn't make his time goal but it was also amazing to see a friendly face. I assured him we were too close to the finish line to walk now and so we took off running together. We chatted all the way to finish line and just before crossing we saw our friends and my mom. It was the most rewarding thing to see all those people there cheering for us. As my feet crossed that finish line my hands went in the air and I yelled "yes...I did it" and tears streamed down my face. I allowed the kind volunteer to place the medal around my neck and posed for some pictures by the race photographers before handing off all my gear and going through the finish line for food. The pumpkin spiced cake Dunkin Donut that followed the race could never have tasted more delicious than after 26.2 miles.  The rest of the day was spent wearing a huge smile on my face.

With just a week having passed since my marathon, I wasn't sure I would actually be able to run the Trunk or Treat 5k at the YMCA. It was set to be a practice run of our GOTR race so I thought it would probably be a run/walk and I could muster through. I ended up running alongside Belle and we ran almost the entire thing. She did such an amazing job and pushed herself at just the right times! We were all so proud of the girls because each one of them finished with a smile on their face. We knew that on race day they were going to be ready. Belle finished with first place in her age group and because of her I finished with first in mine as well. Many of the other girls also placed. It was a wonderful evening.

 November

After weeks of after school practices at Clearview Elementary it was time for the 3rd through 6th grade girls to put all their hard work to good use. It was very chilly morning but we all bundled up with just the right amount of clothes and headed to Soldier's Memorial. The girls were going to run the official Girls On The Run 5k that they had been waiting for and practicing. Once again all of the girls did so absolutely wonderful and we couldn't have been more proud. It was a nice course around downtown with people cheering loudly almost the entire way. Their support for those girls was so touching and the cheer stations were very encouraging. Following the race there was a very large dance party in the middle of the street, which was a perfect touch to add to the excitement.

This would be my first year participating in an official Turkey Trot and I chose the local 10k at the YMCA. I had wanted to run a turkey trot both of the years preceding, but at the time I didn't have running friends who wanted to join me and I was hesitant to do it myself. Also, I do not like the cold weather so getting out there alone was a stretch. But this year was different and there were so many people I knew who were participating! My heart jumped with excitement knowing I would get to do my first trotting on Thanksgiving Day. Another hilly course as expected, but my average pace was just at 9 minutes per mile and I was shocked. Was I actually getting faster or was it just a really good day? The finish line was on a hill which I don't particularly like but for some reason it makes me feel a little tougher having to climb that last hill to get to finish. With everyone watching, you can't help but try to push yourself a little harder to reach the top and then sigh with relieve as you cross that line. They had all the fixings of a turkey dinner afterwards and winners in their age group even won pies. I can't think of a better way to kick off another holiday.

December

Months before this day would arrive, my best friend Ashton had decided she wanted to run her very first half marathon. I was so extremely happy for her and I told her to pick one and I would be there right alongside her. She decided on the St. Jude Half Marathon in Memphis, Tennessee. Shortly after picking the race we decided we wanted to be St. Jude Heroes and commit to raising at least $500 for the hospital. Between the two of us, we raised over $1400 for St. Jude Children's Hospital. Although the entire week before the race I had a cold that turned into a sinus infection, I tried to keep my hopes up that when race day came I would feel 100%. Race day came and that didn't happen, but I changed my mindset and decided to just fully enjoy every minute of this race. The temperatures did not get as warm as we expected and the wind was blustery. We made the best of everything and enjoyed all of the spectators. There were more people on this course than in any other race I've done. I shed a few tears multiple times out of joy for running, excitement and proudness for my friend Ashton, and for all the children that we were helping out and the children we saw along the way. It was the most inspirational and moving race I've done.  I'd love to be able to do this race every year. The finish line was stocked with lots of goodies including pizza, Krispy Kreme donuts, soup, iced tea, beer, and the normal banana, Gatorade, and granola bars.

My last race of the year would be a new one for me. It was a 12k and I had never done one of those before. This race was the first weekend of a series of races that occur every other weekend as part of The Frostbite Series. Casey, Tyler, Danielle, and I drove down that morning a tad early to pick up our bibs. Danielle was going to do the 3k and the rest of us, the 12k. The course consisted of two loops around Forest Park with lots of hills that needed to be conquered twice and came out to be about 7.6 miles. I started out super fast for me and worried about the rest of the miles but was able to hold a decent pace and finish in 1:09. It was another chilly morning which seems to be a reoccurring situation here but we rewarded ourselves for a job well done with Strange Donuts afterwards.

As the year draws to a close, I pause for a minute or two and reflect on the year that has passed with a huge smile of accomplishment. There is only so much time I can enjoy the completion of this year's goals before the clock strikes midnight and it becomes 2015. I can't help but ask myself:

What are my goals for 2015? Will I meet or exceed them as I did this year?

Further, I ask you: Did you meet your 2014 goals? Do you have goals for 2015?

Mackenzie Stallmann is a DRC member and avid racer in Washington, Mo.  

This is her collection of bibs and medals from 2014.

Why We Run

By Drew Beaty

It is a hot and humid Saturday morning, one best spent in a cool comfortable bed.  It's still an hour earlier than most people even consider moving on a day off. My mom comes in the room and wakes me just enough to get into the car.  I was 8. I remember this particular morning was extremely hot, which to me meant that my neon yellow Super Soaker 150 would be my tool of choice, so I filled it up with cold tap water.  Mom and I loaded into our baby blue diesel Tempo and set out in search of my dad.  He had been up hours ago lacing his worn out running shoes and wrapping his frozen Gatorade bottle with a towel and a rubber-band before heading out on a 20+ mile run.  A support car dropping off fresh supplies in the middle of a long road to nowhere in "small-town" Illinois was unusual. I didn't realize that then, I was too excited about using my Super Soaker to surprise attack dad with an impromptu cooling station!  This is how I remember many Saturday mornings growing up.

Before GU was a thought, when running shoes were nowhere near "gait-specific", and cotton was king fashion next to spandex, my dad was the ultimate ROAD RUNNER!  I can say with absolute distinction, my childhood was filled with uncommon memories thanks to his passion.  For instance, most would never get to see their dad melting the beard-cicles after a cold Indiana winter run.  

While my dad is no Dean Karnazes, whom we both got to meet during his run across the country, my dad has been the most consistent runner that I have ever known.  Knee problems (supported by mondo-braces), kidney stones (more than I know he wants to count), major and minor surgeries have all fallen in his path multiple times, but nothing has deterred his need to get in a good run.  While most would see any of those on the aforementioned list as a reason to give a good pause on running, I've seen my dad sneak out well before the doctor's approval.  You don't want to be the doctor foolish enough to tell my dad not to run.

Why does he run so much?  His usual response to anyone who asks that is "Because I want to!" or "Because I still can!", but I tend to think there is a deeper reason to it all.  My dad has been running for so long now that the act of running is a part of who he is, running isn't just something that he does for his health or to be prepared for the next race, it is as common to him as sleeping at night or brushing his teeth in the morning.  Think I went to deep there?  I've seen the look in his eye after a long (doctor forced) break from running, it's much like the look of an African lion patiently waiting, yet with full anticipation, while stalking prey.  

While I have your mental image in full focus, it's important to also acknowledge the supportive role that he has played in getting our entire family running.  I reluctantly joined him on some of the shorter runs when I was in grade school.  Still convinced that I didn't want to run, I never really did anything that could be considered "regular running".  That all transitioned in middle school when I got the wild idea that I was a sprinter and would be great at track.  Not missing a single beat, my dad jumped on board as my biggest fan!  All the way into high school he would be at every meet possible even volunteering to be a timer if needed just so he could be there and cheer.  As the distances that I raced got longer, he was there with off-season training plans to keep me moving.  Throughout my high school years, I'm a firm believer that my dad would have been the best track coach in the history of coaches.  He even helped coach my sister into running in the Chicago Marathon!  Not to mention my mom, who went from not running at all to now having just completed her 7th marathon all thanks to morning and afternoon "run-dates" with her main squeeze!  I can't imagine any of us having these experiences without his dedication and passion to running.

When my dad came to me with an idea to start a simple Facebook group with the sole purpose of getting others motivated to run, I was immediately on board.  It seemed simple enough, challenge people to run everyday from Thanksgiving to Christmas and see if it would create a habit.  The challenge then became a daily shout out about a workout or run, which garnered the attention of someone else wanting to get started, which sparked another's desire to get back into running.  I'm proud to be a part of something that has now grown to quite a large smathering of like-minded, sometimes a little "out-there" individuals!  The group runs and challenges have been met with enthusiasm that is absolutely contagious and I can't wait to see what the future holds for this fun little group!  But I can't read a single post and click the "like" button without being reminded that this is because my dad has stayed dedicated to running throughout his lifetime and my own to spread the joy that we get from running.  So, as we hit the 2 year mark, our most excellent DRC, I just want to say "Thank YOU" dad for everything!


Drew Beaty is a proud son and an occasional ultra runner.