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SRRC Race Reports
National Capital 20 Miler: Mount Vernon, VA—September 25, 2005
by Ted Comeau
As the alarm clock went off at 5:30 a.m., I asked myself this question,
why am I doing this? However, as I stepped outside I soon realized--what a
great morning to run. The temperature was in the 70's, low humidity and the
sky was overcast. I then started the 20 mile drive to Mount Vernon to run
the National Capital 20 miler. I was familiar with the course since I also
ran this race last year in preparation for the Marine Corps Marathon. I
arrived at the race 30 minutes prior to the start. I stuffed two Cliff Shots
in my pocket along with my car key (this will come into play later). After
picking up my bib and T-shirt, I proceeded to stand in line for what would
be multiple visits to the Port-a-John.
The race started promptly at 7:30 a.m. from Carl Sandburg Middle School. No
sooner did I press the start button on my watch when I heard a lady behind
me say, "Sir your key!" I looked behind me and saw my car key rolling across
the street in front of everyone. I quickly maneuvered myself between the
crowd of runners and picked up my key and stuffed it back into my pocket.
(Obviously I did not learn my lesson the first time, this will come into
play later). The first two miles of the course consisted of running through
the local neighborhood in the direction of the Mount Vernon bike path. Along
the way, I kept checking to see if my key was still in my pocket. The key
seemed secured and I was looking forward to the views of the Potomac along
the bike path. The first water stop was located at Fort Hunt and the bike
path. I've learned from other races to always take water, so I grabbed a cup
of H2O and headed south on the bike path to Mount Vernon.
I was feeling great, pace was good, and breathing was under control until
I reached into my pocket to check the status of my key. This time there was
no key. I thought through all the logistical scenarios during the next
couple miles including turning around. I finally decided that I would
continue running and worry about how I would get home after the race. The
race continued to Mount Vernon where the course then did a 180 degree turn
and headed north to the Wilson Bridge. As I continued to run I was faced
with a dilemma. I was still feeling great but I had this nagging concern
about the "key". I then remembered the course would take me pass the first
H20 stop where I was convinced the key fell out. As I approached the water
stop I asked the first volunteer if they happened to find a car key and my
prayers were answered.
She said that "Bob" had the key and he was positioned somewhere at the water
stop. As a ran through the water stop I was asking everyone if they were Bob
and continued to get blank stares until a older gentlemen spoke up and said,
"I'm Bob". Bob handed over the key like a baton in a relay race, and I was
off. This time the key never left my hands.
The course continued on the bike path passed Belle View and then headed back
south. I kept checking my time and was pleased to see I would beat last
year's time if I was able to keep my current pace. About mile 17 the hills
started to take their toll, and I could feel my calves starting to cramp
slightly. I kept thinking--only 3 miles, only 2 miles, only 1 mile. The race
ended on the track back at Carl Sandburg Middle School. As I crossed the
finish line I looked up at the clock and I had beat last year's time by 11
minutes. I was pleased with my 3:15.18 time! Here's hoping for a 4 - 4
1/2 Marine Corps Marathon in October.
September 2005
The SRRC would love to hear about your running, racing, or crewing experiences! If you would like to submit a race report, to be posted on the SRRC website, please email srrunner@srrunners.org.