1L Ran There: Cleveland Marathon and Half

This past weekend I had the pleasure of joining many of my fellow running mates in running the Cleveland Marathon and Half. The race timing always seems to bring "warm, humid" weather and once again, it did not disappoint. Good thing we had our new "uniforms" to make us look "hot" as well.

Chris, Christine, and I had the plan to run easy through the half (10K for Christine with her wonky foot) and then we were set to drive back to mile 21 on the marathon course and run in Elaine, Elyssa, Mike and anyone else who needed the help. A friendly face is always welcome at that time and the Cleveland course can be lonely (and very warm!) over those last 3.2 miles on the Shoreway.

As per the crazy weather day to come, it rained as we were getting ready for the start and then the humidity lingered as the hot sun came out. Thank God for the breeze for most of those early miles as they miles went along well for Chris and I, but we could tell that it was going to be a tough one for the marathoners (especially for those who don't like the heat and those who might let the weather get to them). We were glad that we had already run our Spring races and we were just hoping that our friends fared well out there. We came across Anne around mile 8 of the half and Chris stayed with her for a while as I caught up with Mike, Michelle, Laura and Leaghanna before all but Laura turned for the full. Everyone looked pretty good at mile 9, but it was still a tough 3 miles for Laura and I as we climbed over the last hilly section to the finish of the half. It was great to see Coach Tim, Sara, Katie and Bill as we crested the second to last hill, but I think the last down ramp to Lakeside and the finish was the best site of the day.

My half splits were pretty even hovering around 8:50-8:55 with a slow first mile (9:20) and a slow last two miles with Laura. I finished just over 2 hrs - my slowest recorded half, but this race wasn't about speed just about a run and lending a pacing hand.

Quickly, Chris, Christine and I met up and walked to our cars (which we all conveniently parked next to one another in the garage) and we headed out to mile 21. While we were in the garage, it rained yet again and that was the foreshadowing of more rain showers and then sun and heat to come. When we got to mile 21.5, we saw Zoe fly by on her way to a PR and waited for our runners to arrive. Tracking the runners we were waiting for became an obsession, and before we knew it, Elyssa's husband Joe rode by and told us that Elaine and Elissa were fine and that Mike was struggling. Raj and kindly stayed with him until they reached us and then I took charge. When the three of them reached us, Chris and Christine took off with Elaine and Elissa, and I stayed with Mike.

Now Mike is a fighter and a survivor. His story is incredibly inspirational and what he did over those last 5.2 miles as he fought off dehydration and heat stroke was nothing short of amazing. As we walked and laughed and met up with Victoria, we persevered and made it to the finish. (You can read Mike's inspirational story at www.mikepistrino.com). Mike rushed his wife and youngest daughter and then we got him over to the medical tent where he was placed in a kiddie pool of ice to bring down that 105F temperature. Not sure if Victoria and I did the right thing but he wasn't quitting and was already talking about his next race in the fall. Note to Cleveland Marathon: there was not enough water/sports drink out there for the heat and humidity (especially when we cannot possibly be acclimated since we had a frost on Thursday night); the last medical - 3 folks who couldn't help - was at mile 22.5 - really?

All in all, it was a terrific time spent with all. Elaine an Elissa finished strong and excited to do another one. Many PRs were recorded by Zoe, Sara, Ian, and others and for the most part, Sole Train represented once again.