The Tobacco Road Marathon: once more, I am coming back to this event dear to my heart as it was my 1st Marathon. This year, unfortunately, due to the weather, they moved the cut-off to only 4 hours. Given that I was going to pace the 4:45 pace group, there is no longer a need to pace. Also given that I am currently struggling with a right leg issue, I was actually glad that I could actually just help with the half marathon option.

It was a perfect a tad on the warm side for running with the temperatur starting around 66 degrees. Similar to every time I have trained for Umstead 100, this will be my last long run in preparation for the event and also being a taper week. 

The Expo at a new better location, had a smaller amount of vendors compared to last year. It was great talking to BD and many other friends and runners at the pacing table. I spent some time at the pacer’s table talking to other pacers and runners who were having questions about what to expect at the event. I walked around and looked at the different booths and picked up the event shirt and green belt.

The morning routine was the same as any long event. No changes to the breakfast and morning prep. The venue was very nice, and the open area was very nice. I was able to talk to some of the runners and catch up with many friends who were doing the half and full marathon while others were volunteering. For pacers, BD always wants to have a couple of people per time slot. This year, I got the opportunity to run with Josh, another experienced ultra runner. We had the opportunity to meet with the TUFF group. Many of them were training for Umstead and using TRM as part of their running plan.

After a few words from BD, the pacer’s coordinator, with some advice and instructions and the group picture, we headed out to the main corral, where the runners were gathering to get ready for the start of the event.

After the National Anthem, they had the Elite Runners and the 1st wave of runners ready to go. With plenty of space and plenty of distance, everyone was very excited to get started.

Mile 1-3:

Sugars were in control from the start. These first miles were good, steady miles. We took our time during the first mile to warm up just a tad faster than the target of 12:48. The next couple of miles were on the faster side pace as the Marathon veered to the right to enter the trail and we went right. I was conscious of the form and checked the cadence and where I was landing on my feet since I was still concerned about my right leg, which started giving me problems a few weeks ago.

I needed to keep an eye on drinking at the aid stations, as I tend to really become dehydrated when the temperature goes closer to the lower-70s. I planned to get water at all the aid stations. Similar to other events that I have paced in the past, I was carrying my energy drink and fuel with me just in case, and with these temperatures, I just needed to pay attention so I do not get in trouble, and I am able to help others running with our group. 

Miles 4-8:

Now, we were just the Half-Marathon runners on the trail; We kept the conversations very light but entertaining. We were also doing a 2:1 run-to-walk ratio. Something I welcomed as I knew I needed to take it easy. Also a first for me as a strategy for the event. We also guided them when oncoming runners or cyclists were heading our way, making sure we all stayed safe.

We always provided information and kept the runners well informed about how long the rolling uphills and downhills were coming ahead. To this point, we were all just ahead of the target pace. But knowing that this was going to be a long event and that it was early, we held the faster pace just for a few miles more to be able to slow down at the water stations and give them a break in case they needed a bathroom break.

Great to see all the leaders and the other pacer groups that were ahead of us, especially reaching and after the turnaround. The whole group encouraged each other when they saw the passing runners. It was great to see that, for the most part, we were having great conversations and fun. Seeing them chatting about different topics was fantastic; I was running with a smile. We continued then to pass the turnaround, always providing a good shout-out to the volunteers and officers, making it safe for us to cross the intersections and all the runners passing by.

Miles 9-11:

At this point, we were feeling good; the weather was in the low-70s, and we kept the same walk run ratio. Holding a solid pace. To my surprise, we could see many runners struggling already along the way. Perhaps due to the heat or the lack of electrolytes. They were mostly people suffering from cramps. Close to the mile 12 mile marker, Cassidy zoomed by in her way to claim victory in her event.

Miles 12-13.1 (Finish): 

At the final stretch, we were doing good. The group was feeling fantastic, and most of them pressed on the pace to finish strong. We encouraged them to continue ahead, as we had a job to complete, and that job was to finish at 3:00. I stopped to help a runner that was struggling on the sideline, and walked with him for a while until he was able to get back into the event. From there I went up and down picking up a few runners and making sure they were having a safe and fun event. 

The last downhill towards the finish line is a nice long one; with the newly joined runners, I picked up the pace just a tad and have them run strong toward the finish line. Most of the runners were happy, although perhaps, in pain from the effort, they were very proud of what they had accomplished. We spend some time with them, talking and chatting about recovery and perhaps other events in which we will see each other again. It was a great event; it was a perfect day for a great run.

As for me, the leg held ok, once in a while letting me know it was there but definetale nothing compared tot he last coup[le weeks. Now for some super shorter mileage runs and lots of rest

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Once again, the medal for this year was a very cool medal. The next event on deck in a couple of weeks is Relentless to 100 at Umstead 100. 🙂 I know, I know, I am insane. Wish me luck!

Month/Year	Event	Location	Type	Time
Mar-25	Tobacco Road Marathon Half	NC	Full	3:03:00

Highlights:

Course: Great ample road right of the start, narrowing a bit at the entrance of the trail close to mile 3. Except for a couple of small hills during miles 1-2 and 12-13, the course is mostly flat with long rolling hills.

Venue: At the finish, excellent, with plenty to drink and a nice bag of goodies.

Expo: Expo in new location with just couple vendors, it was nice talk to other friends and runners.

Weather: Warm weather with cloud coverage at the start followed by storms at the end, 66º with just 80% humidity at the start.

T1D: Sugars were good at the start, a tad on the high side. For the mid-event portion, they were stable.

Fueling: Pre-Race: 1 serving of Hot Cereal and Latte. Half of the banana about 10 minutes before the start time.

Race: Water and Gatorade at the water stations. Babyfood pouch followed by additional Tailwind and E-fuel that I carried.

Post: Protein shake and lots of water.

Learning Points:

• As always, it is so great to hear the stories and meet new runners in all these events. So inspiring.
• Volunteering to pace a race is a great way to force yourself to a specific pace that will enable you to help taper, easily running a specific distance.