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Kings Mountain Marathon - A day of records and memories

4/29/2012

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On a foggy Carolina morning, Saturday, April 21, 2012, 137 runners toed the line to race the 3rd annual Kings Mountain Marathon and Half Marathon.

The sun soon burned through the haze and the temperatures topped out at a warm, but tolerable, 77 degrees. The beautiful race day weather assisted in the smashing of course records in all events.

Kevin Eagle of Gaffney, SC won the mens half marathon in a record time of 1:26:53. And in the full marathon, John Van Steenbergh, a native of Flowery Branch, GA, ran his 100th marathon, and earned his sixth career marathon victory! His time of 2:52:33 trounced the old course record by nearly 45 minutes.

On the womens side, the race champions in both the half and full marathons represented an enthusiastic group from Gardner Webb University. In the half, Whitney Swanson raced to victory in a record time of 1:45:10. Her pal Megan Croft smashed the previous marathon record, running the 26.2 mile course in a time of 3:40:11. This was Crofts first time tackling the marathon distance.

Smiles All Around 

Croft was joined by several other first time marathon finishers. Many were overjoyed to meet their friends and family at the finish line, where all racers were honored with hefty finisher medals and custom arm warmers. 

The race field also included many veteran athletes, including several Marathon Maniacs who were able to check South Carolina off their lists. Mr. John  Gillis, 70 years old, of Greensboro, NC was dubbed Kings Mountain Marathons  Geezer Jock, the oldest finisher in the field.

Challenge  Answered

Of particular excitement on race day, was the challenge between Adventure Geek racer Jared Campbell and the marathon field. Campbell, making his marathon debut, promised any racer who beat him cash prizes and a refund of
the  entire race entry fee.

Along with champion Van Steenbergh, marathoners Brian Kistner 3:00:31 (Florence, SC), Eric John 3:01:37 (Covington, GA), and  Adventure Geek racer Trevor Albert 3:04:26 (Arlington, VA) all defeated  Campbell, giving him a literal run for his money!

Kings Mountain Marathon & Half Marathon 2013
Next years race plans are already under way. Race Directors Jefferson Nicholson and Kristen Thomas are gathering feedback from this years event and planning several improvements for 2013.
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King's Mountain Here We Come

3/12/2012

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Hello Adventure Geeks,

King's Mountain Marathon and Half Marathon is less than 40 days away! I'm pretty excited, and I hope you are too.

I ran an 18 miler on trails and some pavement this weekend. That's my longest yet. It went pretty smooth, but the terrain wasn't quite as challenging as Kings Mountain. All in all, I'm still nervous about my first marathon, but ready for the challenge.

Race sign-ups are on record pace, and there is still a small chance the event will sell out all 400 entries. If you're running and haven't signed up yet, just click here to register.

Use the comment box if you have any questions about the race, or if you just want to say "hi" so we know each other come race day.

Be well,

Jared
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Fly with the (frozen) Eagles Half-Marathon Race Report

2/17/2012

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I was awake before my alarm went off at 6:30 last Saturday morning.  I have had trouble sleeping the past couple nights in anticipation of my first road race in two years.  The thought of long, flat, open stretches of road are daunting in my mind.  For those unaware, I’m an avid trail runner.  I am at home covering technical single-track, climbing mountains and exploring new paths through the woods.  This skill-set will be less beneficial in the Fly with the Eagles Half-Marathon which begins in a few hours.

Much to my surprise as I look out my bedroom window, there was an inch or so of fresh snow and ice on the ground.  The forecast calls for 20 degrees with 20+ mph winds at the race start, resulting in a wind-chill of 7deg F!  Our winter has been rather mild here in south-central Illinois; that is up until the day before the race.  The gun is set to go off at 9am and I need to be ready to toe the line, I have to forget the snow and continue my race-day regiment.  After coffee, yogurt and granola I’m suiting up to make my way to the race.

Upon arriving at the race venue, I find runners sitting in their cars soaking up the heat as they pin on race numbers and make last minute decisions on attire.  The race directors have indoor/unheated warehouse space available, but I forgo this to warm-up with a jog to locate the start line. 

10 minutes to the start.  I remove my warm-ups and jacket, exposing myself to the energy sapping winds.  A short jog to the start and it’s time to get this show on the road.  There are a few runners with only shorts on; many making comments on their insanity as final race directions are shouted over the freezing crowd.

Bang!  We’re off.  The course began with a 1/8th mile of frozen dirt road, leading into the first paved section.  As the first mile marker passed, everyone had found their pace and was well on their way.  After 3-4 miles we hit gravel and were crossing a lake as those 20mph winds hit from the right.  Up to this point I was strong, maintaining my pace.  Once across the lake we ran a loop of gravel roads covered in snow, shaded from the sun and wind.  It has been hard to hydrate, as it is so cold.  Once past the half-way point, we were back into the wind.  This is where I began to feel my energy diminishing.  Needless to say the remainder of the race was difficult, but I pushed through the fatigue and stiffness to avoid the dreaded DNF.  Ultimately finishing with a 1:39.45, 10 minutes shy of my PR in the 2010 Clemson Easter Bunny Run.  I crossed the finish line stiff from the cold and dehydration.  My hands were numb, resulting in a major loss of dexterity; I couldn’t even remove my own race bib tab!

Needless to say this race was a learning experience for me.  Having never run in weather below 28 degrees, I was unprepared for that cold of weather and wind.  While I had all my skin covered (except my face), I should have worn more.  This would have helped make it easier to hydrate and maintain pace.  A simple bandana could have covered my face and warmed the air before entering my lungs.  A wind-breaking layer would have also been a huge help!  While I was plenty warm the first 1/3 of the race, the heat was eventually sapped out; remember to plan for the long run!

Not every race, or even training run, will necessarily go as planned.  While a poor performance may be difficult to deal with at times, remember it’s how we bounce back from those days that’s most important!  Personally, I’m back at home running my trails working towards longer and longer runs.  I’m looking forward to the King’s Mountain Marathon in April where all my hill training will be quite beneficial.  I hope to see you and many others at the start in a couple months!!

Keep setting those goals and pushing yourselves my fellow runners!

-Brandon

P.S. I’m coming for YOU, Jared.

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Myrtle Beach Marathon

2/17/2012

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Just wanted to say good luck to all of you running Myrtle Beach Marathon this coming weekend. I hear it's a fun race.

You know, Adventure Geek's own Kings Mountain Marathon got its start in 2010 when Myrtle Beach canceled due to freak snow storm. Unbelievable really, when you consider how nice the weather typically is at the Beach this time of year. Perfect for a marathon, because you very rarely have to worry about freezing or overheating.

I have heard that Myrtle Beach has gotten very crowded in the past couple years. That's made parking a little difficult, and more importantly, it's made it hard to get out and get moving at the start of the race. The congestion doesn't last long. Just enough to be annoying. Keep in mind, though, that you're running 26 miles, and consider it a blessing in disguise. I also heard a few complaints from folks about the race's NO-headphones policy.

No worries, though! There's still plenty to look forward to. My good friend Granny T always sends me the newspaper clipping of the race recap from the local sports page. Can't wait to see it this year!

rock on,
Jared
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Get Faster with Days Off

2/13/2012

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Hello Adventurers.

Sometimes it's tough to take a day off. Especially when you're in a good rhythm and working toward lofty mileage goals. But rest is a necessary "evil," and I encourage you to build it into your training plan. And I'll try to do the same!

See, so far in 2012 I've gone on a run every day except January 29, when I was struggling with some knee tendinitis.

On one hand, it feels pretty good for my ego to have been so consistent. On the other, I'm certain I'm straining my legs a little too much when I should be taking a day here or there.

What should we do with our down days? I don't think it hurts to sit around and be a lazy sack. There was a successful female runner who relatively recently said during an interview that she takes completely down days where at most she simply stretches for a few minutes. You could also do a little cross training if you like, but go easy, my friend. Don't be an excercise-aholic. Life's too short to be an addict.

The reward for deliberate rest is fresher legs and prolonged health. Though it isn't possible to be scientifically sure, I'm 100% confident you will ultimately be faster if you take a day off now and again. 

Happy running and resting,
Jared

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Adventure Geek Racing: Trevor Albert

2/1/2012

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Trevor Albert
Age: 26
Location: Arlington, VA

    All day, every day, Trevor is rad to the bone! Like any Adventure Geek, he runs, he bikes, he climbs and occasionally he swims, but not by choice. It is our pleasure to have Trevor and his magnetic personality join us for the 2012 racing season.

What are your 2012 Goals?  
   I approach racing with a fun outlook, not the quintessential type-A personality that many team racers seem to exhibit, while at the same time still having a competitive edge. Training doesn't have to be all work and no play. Racing doesn't have to be like that either! So I endeavor to make my training and racing exciting (dress up for a race? Yes Please!), which for me drives productivity! 
I'm gunning to compete in and finish my first full iron-distance triathlon in 2012, place at the Blue Talon Bistro 5K again, and volunteer at at least 4 races to give back to those who help me when I race.  

Likes:
Bikes, short running shorts, and goldfish crackers. And the Oxford comma. 

Dislikes:
Chafing, flat tires, and fat-free mayo.

Did I mention that I'm allergic to clothes?

Activities:
Adventure Racing, Road Races 5k's - Ultra's, Masters Swimming, Triathlons Sprint - Ultra distance Tri's.
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Adventure Geek Racing: Andy Sheriff

1/29/2012

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Andy Sheriff
Age: 25
Location: Irmo, SC

   Running back into endurance sports over the past 2 years and looking to take it to the next level; Andy was delighted to see that one of his H.S. XC buddies, Jefferson, was helping people do just that. Just go for one run with this guy and you'll find yourself becoming as eager to get more connected to endurance sports through training, competing, and volunteering as he is!
 
What are your 2012 Goals?  
   My main goal is to complete AT LEAST two marathons (Myrtle Beach in Feb and Columbia in March) then to see what else I can Adventure Geek out with. While fundraising for Team In Training I will probably complete 1-2 Sprint tris, 1-3 International tris and hopfully complete 1-2 Half Iron distance races in 2012. A lot of my training will be focused on improving my swimming technique, endurance, and speed. My 2012 season will serve as my base endurance training to complete an Ultra distance triathlon in 2013. Finally I want to get involved with more Adventure Geek off road races  

Likes:
New running shoes, going farther (swimming, biking, or running) than I've ever gone, muddy trails, high 40/low 50 degree weather, scars, achievement tattoos, racing myself, mantras of any kind, quotes, a beer after a 20 miler, and many more...

Dislikes:
Sub 40 degree weather, blisters, dehydration, taking a few days off and losing everything you gained, heights (extreme heights) and swim drills.

Activities:
Road Races 5k's - Half-Marathon's, Masters Swimming, Triathlons Sprint - Ultra distance. 
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Adventure Geek Racing: Jascia Redwine

1/12/2012

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Jascia Redwine
Age: 40 (going on 22)
Location: Hamilton, OH

   Excited by how many concentric circles that are created when one person decides to live a healthy lifestyle; Jascia [J-Aska] was drawn to the Adventure Geek Mission and was one of the first few to apply to the racing team. Actively engaged in activities ranging from skiing, swimming (poorly), mountain biking and ballet lessons, there is no doubt Jascia is an Adventure Geek!
 
What are your 2012 Goals?  
   At the end of 2011 I became a Newton Natural Running Form coach. In January 2012 I am taking a class to become a RRCA Running Coach. I am taking these courses partly to become a better runner myself, though I do hope to work with people in my community.
   When it comes to training and racing, 2012 is going to be my year to actually train. My boyfriend teases me that I don't train for races; I just go do them (typical Adventure Geek problem). That statement is definitely true, and while I do fine, this year I am going to set up a semi structured training plan and compare the results.

Likes:
-Sunny, warm days in the winter
-Traveling
-Reading
-Watching my pit-bull, Angel, run as fast as she can 
-Improving my half marathon PR without training (cant wait to see what training will do!). 

Dislikes:
Bully Breed bans!

Activities:
5k - Half Marathons, Masters Swimming, Adventure Races, Downhill Skiing, Ballet, Rollerblading
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Adventure Geek Racing: Brandon Smith

1/10/2012

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Brandon Smith
Age:
26
Location: Resides in Murphysboro, IL. But, he's most likely trying to get lost in the woods right now. 

    Also known as the Shaman of the Appalachian Trail; Brandon is a living embodiment of the Adventure Geek Spirit. Having raced (and won) with Kristen & Jefferson a few years ago, he was the first to ask how to join when we announced the team. We're excited to be reunited with this season veteran and to add him to our ranks!

Goals:   
   I am training to compete in marathon and ultra distance trail runs and I am going to take a fighting shot at the Chattooga River 50k in June 2012. I feel like I have a solid base of 50ish/week and will continue to build and adjust as I compete in more races because I generally only compete a few times per year. I learned a lot about my body after trekking the AT and enjoy learning how to adjust my hydration/nutrition approach from race to race. I'm trying to find some training partners (having trouble with that in south-central IL, not many avid trail runners I'm aware of) and would love to lend a hand coaching the Adventure Geek Racing team to share what I've learned.

Likes: 
-being on two wheels (motorized more-so as of late)
-cajun spiced eggs (scrambled), bacon and honey on wheat
-filling out electronic forms and the cursor automatically goes to the next field when the expected number of digits are entered without me having to hit Tab
-OJ poured into water

Dislikes:
-water poured into OJ
-bad drivers who don't see motorcycles or runners/cyclists
-loosing toenails after races
-ketchup

Activities:
Trail Running, Off-road Triathlons, Ultra-light Long-Distance Backpacking, Paddling, XC Running, Adventure Racing, Mountain Biking, eh well pretty much anything outdoors.
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Adventure Geek Racing: Melissa 'Supernova' Hibdon

1/9/2012

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Melissa 'Supernova' Hibdon
Age: 20
Location: Clemson, SC

     This gal is a powerhouse! Seriously, she has been weightlifting since age 13 and is currently rocking a max leg-press of 350lbs! As a current Pscyh major/Bio minor (aka getting her B.A. In Getting People Pumped Up!) at Clemson University she brings a whole new level of energy to the Adventure Geek team. We're thrilled that she will be racing with us this season. 

2012 Goals:  
   Complete a 10K by April 2012, and then a Half-Marathon by December 2012. Start a jogging clinic open to all interested Clemson University students. As chief motivator of my Greek organizations, it is one of my goals to motivate my peeps to become more physically active and/or to expand their fitness horizons through participating in various activities such as weightlifting, distance races, and mud runs. 


Likes:
   The Atlantic Ocean! Sunrises! Sunsets! Exclamation points! Being excited! Pushing myself to what I thought were my limits, and discovering that I have more to give. 

Dislikes:
   RAIN- Cannot stand taking a cold shower anyway, so why would I want to take one with all my clothes on?! 

Activities:
5k's, 10k's, Half-Marathon's, Weightlifting, Mud-Runs/Obstacle Courses.
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