10th Annual Rock and Roll Half Marathon Virginia Beach

Today was the 10th Rock and Roll 1/2 Marathon in Virginia Beach.  I ran the first one and several others since, but unfortunately today I was a spectator.  This race will always be special because it was my first distance race, but the "draw" has faded for this old timer.  Two main reasons really - first the course seems so limited especially for what Virginia Beach can offer in terms of routes and scenery.  I love the bands and live music, but running a good chunk on one road and a military base is "BORING"!!  That plus the price of this race is absolutely insane at around $9 dollars a mile.  Those two items were really turn-offs for me.  I'd would much rather run the Williamsburg Half for 1/3 of the price.

Regardless I will always support the local runners that use this as the springboard to longer distances and events!  Rock ON!

Inaugural Run for the Dream Half Marathon Review

One thing I now know!  Williamsburg has a lot of rolling hills!  Last weekend I had the opportunity to run in the inaugural Run for the Dream Half Marathon held in Williamsburg Virginia.  I was very happy with the experience and here is feedback about the event:

This event spanned the etire weekend with two races.  An 8k on Saturday (21 May) and the 1/2 Marathon (22 May).

Proceeds from the event benefited "An Achievable Dream", which is a nationally recognized K-12 school dedicated to the belief that all children can learn and succeed regardless of their socioeconomic backgrounds, and that education can break the cycle of poverty.

The race also benefitted the Wounded Warriors Program, which is dedicated to assisting and advocating for the severely wounded, ill and injured members of the armed forces and for their families.

So running for two good causes made it even more of a pleasure hit those hill's I'm going to talk about.

I participated in the 1/2.  

Packet pickup was at the Colonial Williamsburg Visitors Center.  It was an easy stop and they had just the right amount of vendors to load up on free gear, taste test and GU for the race.  The race shirt was a short sleeve moisture-wicking tee that was pretty nice. I had noticed from studying the map earlier in the week that they had a "ton" of water stops planned.  So I decided to not go with my Nathan fuel belt and picked up a SpiBelt to run with instead.  (Review coming soon) I was in and out in about five minutes. My kind of packet pick-up!

The start was very relaxed.  It didn't feel like a race at all even though they had some top runners from the region trying to establish primo times for this inaugural event.  About 2000 runners were present at the start.  Several shuttles were running from the visitors center where the bulk of the parking was to the start line.  Or your other option was to be dropped off.  The finish was about a 1/2 mile away in the William & Mary Track and Field Facility (aka Zable Stadium).  I was fortunate enough to be dropped off so I didn't experence the shuttles however I didn't hear anybody complaining about them during warm-ups.

And promptly at 7:30 am we were off!  To my surprise about 1/2 mile into the race I found myself in Colonial Williamsburg.  It was very cool needless to say.  Flanking us was the old courthouse and armory all while we were being cheered by people on bikes and locals all along the way.  It was a great way to experience all the sights.  

The race opened up to some rolling hills along some of the major roadways to Williamsburg. Down to a turnaround point near the water. Around the eight mile mark a steep hill presented a little challenge, but the motor was running fine with all the waterbreaks supporting us.  The hills did challenge many runners and I saw a good number walking past the 8 mile mark.

The end brought us back into the rear area near Zable Stadium.  A quick run up the hill and a 1/4 mile around the track and your done!  13.1 in the books - for me this was a PR.  Not sure if I was jazzed up from posting a good 10 mi time or what, but I felt compelled to push it.  

The after festivities included two beers, a bunch of food and live music.  It was a great time and again very relaxed atmosphere.  My family was able to find me quite easily and we enjoyed the rest of our day hanging out.   

When its all said and done I would definitely do this run again.  I just wish I took advantage of the free Bush Gardens and Colonial Williamsburg tickets.  Next time I'll spend more time and make a full weekend out of this event.  You won't be sorry if you do the same.  Enjoy!  

Ready for The Run for the Dream Half Marathon Williamsburg Virginia

Just a few more days to go and I'll be hitting the road to take part in this years first 1/2 Marathon.  This weekend is the Run for the Dream 1/2 in Williamsburg, VA.  Looking forward to the race as it's the inaugural event.

We may camp or hit a cabin the night prior to.  Just to make it easier the day of the race.  Ether that or I'll just drive up that AM. All depends on weather and whats going to be easy for the group I'm running with.  Wish me luck!

Run for the Dream Half Marathon Williamsburg Virginia

I just registered for the inaugural "Run for the Dream Half Marathon" being held on May 22, 2011 in historic Williamsburg, Virginia.  I'm hoping it will be a start of a good thing in the area.  More importantly are the charities this races benefits.  It also shows close ties the military has with the local community.

Proceeds from the Run for the Dream will benefit An Achievable Dream, a nationally recognized K-12 school dedicated to the belief that all children can learn and succeed regardless of their socioeconomic backgrounds, and that education can break the cycle of poverty. The race will also benefit the Wounded Warriors Programs, dedicated to assisting and advocating for the severely wounded, ill and injured members of the armed forces and for their families.  More detailed info on those two charities below:

The Wounded Warrior Programs provide individualized support to this unique population of soldiers who were injured or became ill during their service of our country.

Wounded soldiers in this program are eligible for a wide array of benefits to aid in their recovery, both physically and financially. The organizations help veterans and their families become connected with these benefits, no matter where they are located or their previous status in the armed forces. Recovery and rehabilitation is not constrained by timelines in the program and soldiers receive individualized support for their specific needs.

An Achievable Dream has a 15 year relationship with Fort Eustis, the Army base in Newport News. Each morning, 15-20 troops spend the first two hours of their morning at An Achievable Dream Academy. Each soldier is assigned to an elementary school class on a four to six-month rotation. During that time they build close relationships with their students and serve as positive role models, working with them on character development and academic motivation. Many An Achievable Dream graduates have gone on to serve in the military.

Also visit http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org

Marathon Recommendation Needed

I'm trying to link up with a buddy who lives about 3000 Miles away to run our second marathon together. Time is limited for both of us so we're trying to nail down a marathon for the year. Ether road or trail races will work. Here is a list that I sent. Any others you can recommend?



Trail Dawgs Stumpy's Marathon
Newark, DE USA
September 11, 2011

Air Force Marathon & Relay, Half Marathon and 5K
Dayton, OH USA
September 17, 2011

Odyssey Trail Marathon & 40-Miler, Half-Marathon
Millboro, VA USA
September 17, 2011

Adirondack Marathon & Marathon Relay, Half Marathon, 5 & 10K, Kids 1K Fun Run
Schroon Lake, NY USA
September 25, 2011

The North Face Endurance Challenge - Atlanta & 50 Mile, 50K, Relay, Half Marathon, 10K, 5K, Kid's Run
Atlanta, GA USA
October 15, 2011

Triple Lakes Trail Race & 40 Mile Run, Half Marathon, Relay
Greensboro, NC USA
October 15, 2011

Under Armour Baltimore Marathon & Half Marathon, Team Relay, 5K
Baltimore, MD USA
October 15, 2011

Philadelphia Marathon & Half Marathon, 8K
Philadelphia, PA USA
November 20, 2011

Honolulu Marathon
Honololu, HI USA
December 11, 2011

MauiParadise Marathon & Half Marathon
Kihei, HI USA
January 15, 2012

It is Done!

Just got this message.  "YOU HAVE SUCCESSFULLY REGISTERED FOR THE 35th MARINE CORPS MARATHON!"  Time to kick it into gear!  Two other buds of mine are running this year as well.  Should be a good time.