Run the Bird!

Cute, huh? I saw that on a t-shirt today at the Akron Marathon sponsored by, who else, Road Runner high speed internet. Hence the name. I really wanted to get the t-shirt but I already have many t-shirts with cute stuff written on them. Besides, I got a very nice blue long sleeve shirt with my packet. So, at least the event is covered by apparel! :-) Here's the link: http://www.akronmarathon.org/
My day started at 3AM. Got up and took a shower. Had a breakfast of bacon and an omlet and headed to Akron at about 4AM. Met up with the rest of the relay team around 5AM and headed into Akron to get ready for the race. The race started at 7AM but since I was running the last leg I didn't have to do anything at the start but watch and cheer.
About an hour later we took a bus to the relay point at mile 18.6. Here is where the final 7.6 mile leg of the relay starts. We arrived at the relay point in time to see the marathon leaders pass that point in the race. Over the next two hours or so while we waited for our 4th leg runners the number of runners passing that point in the race became larger and larger.
Finally, I was just about to make one final trip to the port-a-potty when I heard the race number of our team called. So, I toward the hand-off point and grabbed the bracelet to start the final leg of our relay - still needing to go to the bathroom. Happily, it wasn't too far along that I was able to take a bathroom break at one of the many stops proveded along the course.
Well, I was able to complete the 7.6 mile final leg in just over an hour - an 8 minute pace for that distance. Our relay finished in a respectable 4 hours and 5 minutes. Everyone seemed to enjoy the race which was very well organized. I will certainly consider doing it again next year. I'm feeling pretty well as I write this. A little bit sore, and very tired but I had not problems with leg cramps and felt very strong during the race.
Bottom line. I had a great time with a great group of "Team in Training" people. We had two relay teams and they are the nicest people you will meet anywhere!