TVR Run Report

Unless some other group decided to do a midnight run, or arrived at a track when it was still dark out, I'm pretty sure that our team was the first to complete the 2011 Titus van Rijn Run. At 6:20AM, we began to congregate at the Martin Middle School track... coffee cup in one hand and water bottle in the other. We stretched, set our water bottles by the start, and at 6:30AM began running. We had just about made it a lap when Brad said, "Ready?". Wait, we hadn't started yet? Apparently not... that lap was just a "warm-up"... we didn't start exactly at the numbers. So, we re-started, and Brad kept the official time on his watch.

Within a lap, Brad, Keith, Mark, and Jennifer had formed a nice pack, while Mike, Dave, and I had formed another (no use running alone for 60min... that would just be torture!). Oyler appeared, jumped in with the "B Team" on the second lap, and caught the "A Team" by the third lap. Walt soon joined us, and we continued on our merry little way. I know I was still asleep through at least the first mile (judging by the pace at least), and I'm pretty sure most of the rest of us were too.Jennifer paced the "A Team" through the first 3 miles before splitting off to stretch (good to have you back running again... we missed you!). Oyler stayed with them through 5 or so miles, before doing the same. They also continued to cheer for us and hand off water bottles, which was great after we started to wake up 45 minutes into our circle running. Each year, the "3/4 mark" seems to be the point at which the true monotony of this exercise sets in, making the next 12 or so minutes somewhat challenging.

With between 2 and 3 minutes remaining, everyone's pace started to pick up to try and eek out 1+ more laps. With 60sec remaining, the true acceleration began, and we attempted to make it to the next logical marker before time ran out. Finally, Brad called out "Stop", and we all did (save for Walt who was keeping his 1-hour time). We all made our way back to the bleachers by the start line, and Brad handed out black cherry sodas. Mmmmmm... wait, it's ONLY 7:30 in the morning?!? Good times, and thank you Brad for organizing everything, and congrats to all of those who participated. The official results for the RRO / FAST Coaching 2011 TVR Run are:

• Brad Smythe (31M): 14,540m
• Keith Fergueson (26M): 14,540m
• Mark Newton (47M): 14,200m
• Mike Chappell  (42M): 13,400m
• Meghan Hegarty (27F): 13,200m
• David Meyer (47M): 12,900m
• Walt Fulcher (44M): 11,900m
• David Oyler (45M): 8,690m
• Jennifer Hannen (24F): 4,800m