Sunday, December 7, 2014

CIM Relay (Troy & Karen)

Date/Location:
December 7, 2014 - Sacramento, Ca
Distance:
12.9mi (Marathon Relay - 2nd Half)
Time:
1:27:49 (3:06:44 total relay time)
Place:
3rd, Coed Open

Relay Teammates:

FCA Endurance
Karen Nickel & Troy

Other Teammates:

Relay
*CIMfast: Stephanie Holloway & Friends
*Catch Us If You Can: Robin Soares, Leonie Alesci, Megan Sebra
*First Big Run: Jason & Hope Shykowski
*Sovereign Sandals: Todd Osterberg, Nick Elcock & friends

Track/Local Friends

*Pacers: Jim Kepfer, Lee McKinley Michael Cook, Jamie Frink & Tim Twietmeyer

*Racers: Bailey Shykowski, Beth Bourne, Melissa Penwell, Sandy Baker, Scott Eckhardt, Troy Outman

It's a tradition. We do the CIM Relay every year.  Robin does it with her UC Davis buddies and I do it as a FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) Endurance team.  This year I'm a 2-person team with Karen Nickel.  I'm doing the 2nd 1/2.

My goal is 7:00 pace for a 1:31 1/2 marathon.  But that's 30 secs a mile faster than my last marathon pace.  I'm hoping my achilles and hamstrings issues will hang in there.  But mostly I want to run with my focus on the Lord.  I know in that case, it will turn out just as He wants it.

The weather is great.  Ariel and Anna are with me scooting around while I wait for Karen to arrive at the exchange.  She's probably going to run a 1:37, her previous best.  Robin is also doing the first 1/2 of the marathon on her UC Davis Team so I'm expecting to see her and Karen come in together.

I see Dave Campbell go by on the EliptiGO bikes leading the pros.  I also see the rest of Robin's team, Leonie and Megan here.  I get a good warm up in.  Achilles and hamstring feel good.

141207_3381Here comes Karen!  Ahead of pace.  Hand off goes great but she tells me Robin's hamstrings have flared up and to pray for her.  As I take off I immediately pray for her.  I know how uncomfortable that can be for her and it's a bummer because she's been working on them so much lately.

Mile 1: 6:47.  I figured the first mile would be under my 7:00 goal, so won't assess until a couple more are behind me.  I'm trying to run tall, efficient and relaxed.

Mile 3: 6:56, 6:45.  After a few miles, I'm surprised to be maintaining a sub-7 pace.  I see friends along the route like Reed, Sean, and others.  I hope they realized I'm only running the 2nd 1/2.  While surrounded by many runners, I look to my side and see Bob Erhardt from work!  We're both amazed to be running side-to-side in this crowd.  He's doing the whole marathon and going for 3:19.

Mile 5: 6:52, 6:51.  Bob settled back as I pushed forward.  Still so happy, and thankful to God, to be averaging sub-7 pace!  Another marathoner (Jacob) matches my pace and says it's really helping him to stay with me.  I encourage him and even pray for him.

Mile 7: 6:47, 6:53.  At the famous 20 mile mark.  The "Wall".  But fortunately for me it's only mile 7.  I'm amazed Jacob (the guy I met) is still with me.  He's negative splitting his marathon which is really hard to do.

141207_3409Mile 10: 6:54, 6:46, 6;47. 3 miles to go and so happy and appreciative to be at sub-7 pace.  Maintain I can even pick it up a little bit…

Mile 12: 6:40, 6:39.  This is going great!  After the bridge I picked it up.  Jacob held on for a mile before dropping back.  With 1 mile to go, I'm really sore but try to pick it up even more.  That's when I feel the hamstring start to go and quickly slow it down a little.  I hear Dylan Cook and Nicole cheering for me.  It really makes my day.  Now I just have to run as smart as possible to keep up the pace without blowing a hamstring.

I come around the corner and thank the Lord as I finish. imageMile 12.9: 6:37 pace.  Actually was able to negative split!  Thank you, Lord.  Our team finished 3rd in 3:06:44.  Thanks, Karen!

2014 CIM Relay–“Catch Us If You Can” (Robin)

Date/Location:
December 7, 2014 - Sacramento, Ca
Distance:
Marathon Relay - 26.2m (My leg is over 13m) – Legs #1 & 2
Note: The CIM Relay Races started in 1991.
Time:
3:27:15
Place:
8th, Coed Female

Relay Teammates:

Leonie Alesci & Megan Sebra

Other Teammates:

Relay
*CIMfast: Stephanie Holloway & Friends
*FCA Endurance: Karen Nickel & Troy
*First Big Run: Jason & Hope Shykowski
*Sovereign Sandals: Todd Osterberg, Nick Elcock & friends

Track/Local Friends

*Pacers: Jim Kepfer, Lee McKinley Michael Cook, Jamie Frink & Tim Twietmeyer

*Racers: Bailey Shykowski, Beth Bourne, Melissa Penwell, Sandy Baker, Scott Eckhardt, Troy Outman

I meet 6 friends (2 pacing and 4 racing) at Maidu Market at 5:30am to drive them to the start.  We load up and head down to Beal’s Point which is less than a mile from the start.  It’s a fun ride down.  I drop off the group at the camp bathrooms and park the car. After the pit stop, we run to the start for a warm-up.  The weather really couldn’t be better!  2 years ago was torrential rain/wind and last year was extremely cold. 

Once at the starting area, we all begin to go our separate ways but not without encouraging each other first.  Karen Nickel and I run to the start and get some strides in.  My hamstrings are tight and I feel like I cannot go as fast.  I’m hoping once the race starts, I’ll loosen up.  I’ve been trying some new things to help the hamstrings like myofascial exercises with a lacrosse ball and trying to get some consistent massages…though this week I skipped it as I got too busy.  But, the hamstrings have been much better lately so I’m hoping it will go smoothly.  I give Troy and the girls a call to pray with them.  It is a critical part of any race!

I find Karen and we look around for some of our other friends racing up near the front: Bailey Shykowski (17 yr old, 1st marathon), Melissa Penwell (first marathon) and Troy Outman (marathon veteran).  We cannot find them so we find a spot on the starting line.  I run into my friend Beth Bourne.  I pray with her and Karen. 

It’s time to go.  Our friend Eric Gilsenan is announcing and counting down.  Go!  We are off!  As usual, it’s a fast start.  People are everywhere and the elites are off in their own world. I see the 3:05 pace group go by and try to stay close.  I was thinking about trying to run 7:00 pace but that seems a little fast at the moment

Mile 1 is 7:07.  Good start!  There are so many runners ahead of me, I’m amazed!

Mile 2 is 7:03..  Feeling good!  My hamstrings seem to be okay.  My right shoe seems to be too tight and it’s hurting the top of my foot.  Should I stop?  No, I decide to press on.

Mile 3 is 7:05.  Wow, this is great!  I can even see the 3:05 group coming back to me!  I might really be able to run close to 1:30.  The top of my right foot is still bothering me.

I hit the first aid station and see Rob Myer and Jesse “Santa” Ellis handing out water.  I say hi and grab some water.

Mile 4 is 7:12.  Both hamstrings (the whole hamstring on each) are starting to feel tight!  Okay, just hang in there!  The 3:05 group is fading away.

Mile 5 is 7:10.  I’m able somewhat hold the pace but these hamstrings are getting worse.  The course rolls quite a bit (forgot about that) and that seems to be aggravating the hams.  The top of my right foot is no longer an issue…I’d take that though over the hams!!

Mile 6 is 7:20.  More pain/discomfort!  Ugh!  The 3:10 pace group goes by.  I know this means Michael Cook’s 3:15 group is coming soon along with Karen, Troy O and others.  It’s hard not to be frustrated.  My engine is ready to go but these legs are not.  Lord, please help me to keep a good attitude.

Mile 7 is 7:16.  I’m hanging in there!  Man I’m just barely over halfway.  Lord, please help me get through this!

Mile 8 is 7:31. My hamstrings seem to be going through periods of “cramping”.  It won’t hurt for a moment and then it really hurts.  At those worst moments, it feels like my legs want to give out on me!  It has never been this bad before! 

Mile 9 is 7:34.  Lord, help!  I’m just trying to go as fast as I can.  When the cramping stops briefly, I try to push it…but these moments are so short.

Mile 10 is 7:47.  Getting harder!  I contemplate slowing down but I know I cannot give up.  Today is all about persevering!  We are going downhill through a small twisting part of Fair Oaks.  It’s a cute area with a lot of energetic folks cheering.  I try to smile through the pain but it’s hard.

Beth comes by and encourages me.  She could tell that something was going on.  I tell her to keep going for it.

Mile 11 is 7:54.  Ugh!  Karen comes alongside and prays for me.  I really appreciate her slowing down to do that…she is such a great friend!  I tell her to go for it and that I’ll see her at the relay finish.  I’m doubting that the Lord will turn things around…but at that moment, I feel some relief! 

Soon Troy Outman is alongside me and praying also.  He’s going for a 3:15 today and seems to be running great!  I appreciate his prayers and want to pray out loud for him too but let the pain consume me.  I say a prayer for him in my mind.  I start to feel even better!  Thank you Lord!  How can I doubt you?!  I tell Troy I’m going to try to catch up to Karen.  He tells me I need to go now.

Mile 12 is 7:25.  Wow, prayer does work!  Though the hamstrings still hurt, I no longer feel like my legs are going to give out!  I can move them a little better too!  Thank you Jesus!

Michael Cook’s 3:15 group catches up.  I tell him about the hamstrings and he encourages me to get some electrolytes.  I thank him and try to get some aid at the next station.  I'm unable to get through the many runners and miss my opportunity.  At least I’m almost done!

141207_cim_relay_robinMile 13 is 7:21.  Better!  Thanks Jesus!  I make it through the half marathon. I can see now that the relay finish is after the 1/2 Marathon…and it’s still down the road!  I’m giving it my all to catch Karen but she is strong.  I see her head into the exchange area and hand off to Troy.  I hope she tells him.  I wish I can talk to him but I’ll see him at the finish. 

I finally get there and see Leonie ready to go.  She grabs the chip and I tell her she can do it!  She takes off and I find Megan Sebra my other teammate.  Time for her to head to the last exchange.  I then find Karen and the girls.  I’m in major pain but am so glad it’s over!  Thank you Jesus!!

Go Leonie!  Go Megan!

141207_cim_relay_leoni141207_cim_relay_megan

 

RELAY HISTORY

Year Team Name Relay Div Place Time Teammates
2014 Catch Us If You Can Open Female 8 3:27:15 Robin Soares (Leg #1 & #2), Leonie Alesci (Leg #3), Megan Sebra (Leg #4)
2013 Catch Us If You Can Open Coed 10th 3:31:23 Liesbeth Magna (Leg #1), Kevin Magna (Leg #2), Robin Soares (Leg #3) and Megan Sebra (Leg #4)
2012 Catch Us If You Can Open
Coed
6 3:32:57 Leonie Alesci (Leg #1), Robin Soares (Leg #2), Kevin Magna (Leg #3) and  Liesbeth Magna (Leg #4)
2011 Catch Us If You Can Open Coed 3 3:05:14 Robin Soares (Leg #1), Troy Soares (Leg #2), Liesbeth Magna(Leg #3) and Leonie Alesci (Leg #4)
2010 Catch Us If You Can Open Coed 2 3:13:32 Robin Soares (Leg #1 & 2), Richard Alesci (Leg #3) and Leonie Alesci (Leg #4)
2009 CATCH US IF YOU CAN Open Coed 3 3:08:47 Kevin Magna (Leg #1), Robin Soares (Leg #2), Richard Alesci (Leg #3) and Leonie Alesci (Leg #4)
2008 CATCH US IF YOU CAN Open Coed 21 3:27:28
Robin Soares (Leg #1), Courtney Loveday (Leg #2), Richard Alesci (Leg #3) and Leonie Wynhoven (Leg #4)
2007 RIONIE AND SOARES Open Coed 3 2:58:55 Robin Soares (Leg #1), Troy Soares (Leg #2), Richard Alesci (Leg #3) and Leonie Wynhoven (Leg #4)
2006 CATCH ME IF YOU CAN Open Female 1 3:00:54 Robin Soares (Leg #1), Megan Canova (Leg #2), Liesbeth Brouwer (Leg #3), Leonie Wynhoven (Leg #4)
2005 DAM GIRLS & GUYS Open Coed 2 3:00:36 Robin Soares (Leg #1), Dick Kirkpatrick (Leg #2), Liesbeth Brouwer (Leg #3), Leonie Wynhoven (Leg #4) (?)
2004 DAM GIRLS & GUYS Open Coed 14 3:32:15 Troy, Robin, Liesbeth Brouwer, Leonie Wynhoven (?)
2003 DAM GOOD RUNNERS Open Coed 21 3:06:50 Troy-Robin-Leonie Wynhoven-Liesbeth Brouwer
2002 DAM GOOD RUNNERS Open Coed 76 4:13:14 Robin, Dave Funston, Kristin Funston, Leonie Wynhoven
2001 DAM GOOD RUNNERS Open Coed 21 3:56:56 Robin Heidt, Dave Funston, Kristin Funston, Leonie Wynhoven
2000 Un-Named Open Coed 49 3:48:04 Kristin Matthews, Liesbeth Brouwer, Leonie Wynhoven, Robin Heidt (?)
1999 DAM GOOD RUNNERS None 88 3:44:09 Kristin Matthews, Liesbeth Brouwer, Leonie Wynhoven, Robin Heidt

FASTEST TO LEAST FASTES TIMES

Year

Time

Teammates

2007

2:58:55

Robin Soares (Leg #1), Troy Soares (Leg #2), Richard Alesci (Leg #3) and Leonie Wynhoven (Leg #4)

2005

3:00:36

Robin Soares (Leg #1), Dick Kirkpatrick (Leg #2), Liesbeth Brouwer (Leg #3), Leonie Wynhoven (Leg #4) (?)

2006

3:00:54

Robin Soares (Leg #1), Megan Canova (Leg #2), Liesbeth Brouwer (Leg #3), Leonie Wynhoven (Leg #4)

2011

3:05:14

Robin Soares (Leg #1), Troy Soares (Leg #2), Liesbeth Magna(Leg #3) and Leonie Alesci (Leg #4)

2003

3:06:50

Troy-Robin-Leonie Wynhoven-Liesbeth Brouwer

2009

3:08:47

Kevin Magna (Leg #1), Robin Soares (Leg #2), Richard Alesci (Leg #3) and Leonie Alesci (Leg #4)

2010

3:13:32

Robin Soares (Leg #1 & 2), Richard Alesci (Leg #3) and Leonie Alesci (Leg #4)

2014

3:27:15

Robin Soares (Leg #1 & #2), Leonie Alesci (Leg #3), Megan Sebra (Leg #4)

2008

3:27:28

Robin Soares (Leg #1), Courtney Loveday (Leg #2), Richard Alesci (Leg #3) and Leonie Wynhoven (Leg #4)

2013

3:31:23

Liesbeth Magna (Leg #1), Kevin Magna (Leg #2), Robin Soares (Leg #3) and Megan Sebra (Leg #4)

2004

3:32:15

Troy, Robin, Liesbeth Brouwer, Leonie Wynhoven (?)

2012

3:32:57

Leonie Alesci (Leg #1), Robin Soares (Leg #2), Kevin Magna (Leg #3) and  Liesbeth Magna (Leg #4)

1999

3:44:09

Kristin Matthews, Liesbeth Brouwer, Leonie Wynhoven, Robin Heidt

2000

3:48:04

Kristin Matthews, Liesbeth Brouwer, Leonie Wynhoven, Robin Heidt (?)

2001

3:56:56

Robin Heidt, Dave Funston, Kristin Funston, Leonie Wynhoven

2002

4:13:14

Robin, Dave Funston, Kristin Funston, Leonie Wynhoven