Ramon Scott

January 9, 2010

First let me say brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.

This event sure lived up to it’s name! When we gathered at the starting line at 8 am, the temperature was about 15 degrees with winds out of the north from 10 to 15 mph.  I wore some running tights, a long sleeved compression top, and another thin top layer. Plus wool socks, running gloves with ski glove liners also, a head band, a thin running hat and an old fleece neck gaiter. I have to say this was about perfect.

The run started out going north through downtown Columbus, then back south on the Phenix City Riverwalk and then into Columbus again and along the Riverwalk toward Fort Benning. At about the 9 mile mark we turned back around on the Riverwalk and went straight back in to downtown.

I started out at a pretty reasonable pace (probably 7:45) running solo. After about  ½ mile I realized the headwind was pretty detrimental  and picked up my pace to get behind a largish group running together. That group stuck roughly together at probably a 7:30 pace for the next 3 miles. At that point I got behind to Army guys running side by side that were doing about a 7:20 pace. I was working pretty hard to stay there – legs were fine but breathing hard. I stuck with them and was feeling good at the 9 mile mark where we turned back into the wind.

Then of all things, they picked up their pace to about 7:10 – I stuck for about ½ mile but really was feeling like blowing up. I dropped off, hit my first water station and walked about 10 second while sipping to recover and then headed off again – probably at a 7:40 pace.

The last two mile were brutal – head wind picked up and we were totally exposed on the Riverwalk – really felt like my face was freezing. Thank goodness for the neck gaiter. I’d second guessed wearing it a little – but it really helped to cover my face and breathe some warmer air.

Ended up finishing in 1:37:47 (7:28 average) and got a Masters division win! Given the windy day and my 6 extra pounds from holiday food – I was very pleased. Good way to start off 2010.

The event itself was put on by the Columbus Road Runners track club (http://www.columbusroadrunners.com) and was very well run. Registration was good. They had excellent pre-race communications via email and Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Red-Nose-Marathon-and-Half-Marathon-Columbus-Georgia/181340854195). Packet pickup was fast and efficient. The course was well staffed with volunteers and plenty of aid stations. Post race food was a plentiful variety of carbs, fruits and a few sweets.

Looking forward to doing it again next year!