I wasn’t ready for a marathon.  Not knowing how different in person (who would have thought we have to specify “in person”) racing might be during this COVID-19 pandemic had me put marathon races on hold.  After the REVEL Mt. Charleston NV was cancelled for early April, I decided a half marathon might be just the thing to test out the “new normal” of racing. My running coach John @FixYourRun suggested the Two Rivers Marathon Festival in Lackawaxen, PA.

All race distances offered at Two Rivers were along the same course, route 590, a total elevation gain of under 200′. For some reason on Saturday the elevation read a difference of 149′ and Sunday 214′.  Also, Saturday Garmin read 13.1 miles and Sunday, 13.08.  I believe there was a dead zone due to the sketchy GPS signals.  The marathon would be a two loop challenge while the half, 10K, 5K were out and back.

We began and ended in the Lackawaxen Town Park off Scenic Drive. The aid stations were set up at 1 1/2 miles, 4 miles, and 5 1/2 mile points which meant we had them again at 7 1/2, 9, and 11 1/2 mile points.  There was traffic along route 590 both days, cars, big rigs, and farm tractors which passed at slow speeds so it didn’t get uncomfortable. Lackawaxen River ran on our left all the way out.

Saturday cool but nice.

COVID plan was in place so masks and social distancing was required. Packet pick up was Friday and Saturday before races. As a half marathoner doing the double (Saturday and Sunday races), I received my bib, a nice jacket, and “I Did The Double” shirt.  The medals were pretty cool as there was one for Saturday, a bear, and one for Sunday, an eagle which interlocked for double day racers.  Nice!

There would be a staggered start time which meant the runner/walker was able to leave the park from 6:30 am to 10 am. The latest start for half marathoners was 9:00 am. There was no award ceremony simply get a print out of your time and if it reflected an age group placement or other, take it to the award table after 10 am to claim a plaque.

Now for my race recaps.

Saturday was the best day weather wise and for the number of runners on course to motivate that competitive mind set.  45 degrees, sunny with a 3 – 6 mph wind. I got up at 5am to eat a Clif Bar and move around. Went for a mile warm up at 6 am to make sure what I chose to wear was going to be comfortable.  The Nike Next% ended up bruising the top of my foot and were very loud when running but I still liked the way they felt.  I started my run at 7:38 am after doing a mile warm up around the resort where we stayed, 15 minutes away.  More on @Woodloch Resort later.

As usual that first 1/2 – 1 mile was uncomfortable but I soon fell into pace.  The incline on the way out was barely detectable. I was glad I had my earbuds because there were no spectators on the course.  You notice how valuable people cheering runners along is when they aren’t there.  The turn around came about quicker than expected at mile 6.55. My splits were 8:12, 7:55, 7:56, 7:53, 7:59, 8:05.  The decline heading back was noticable AND enjoyable.  Splits were 8:05, 7:51, 7:51, 7:55, 7:52, 8:00, 7:35-7:22. Finished under my goal pace and clocked a 7:56/mile in 1:43:57.  Not a PR but what I wanted and I felt great.

Ted and I waited until 10 am to get the print out of my time which indicated a 2nd place finish.  While waiting, I was interviewed by @Wally Life, a monthly YouTube review of the goings on around Lake Wallenpaupack.

The interview by Wally Life

We didn’t see any post race food/refreshments and due to restrictions, no social gatherings.  I got my award plaque then we left to pick up breakfast at the resort.

Saturday at Woodloch

A visit from a local on our arrival at Woodloch

It was such a beautiful day we walked and found a couple of activities to enjoy.  We went to the batting cages to hit balls.

We went to the shooting barn to shoot .22’s. I’m not a fan of guns but for kicks this was fun.  Woodloch reminded us of being on a cruise yet on land. There are multitudes of activities to do which change daily with indoor and outdoor swimming, water parks, lake swims, theater, games, etc.  Meal plans are set up so you simply go between certain times and if it isn’t convenient, order take out to enjoy in room.  The staff is so amazingly helpful.  I don’t think there is one thing we asked that wasn’t accommodated.

On a rock overlooking the lake. So nice!

After dinner walk at sunset

Friday dining we opted to eat at The Overlook at Woodloch Springs. This restaurant is at the 18th hole 4-5 star golf course.  They offered meal plan dining but the atmosphere was more stylish than our other options. I had an Asian Noodle dish which was very good.

Saturday dining we at at the Inn, just a short walk from our room.  This was family dining, not quite the nice atmosphere of The Overlook but the food and service were very good. I had salmon, my usual go-to pre race meal.

Sunday Race Day #2

Since I felt so good on Saturday, I adjusted Garmin Pace Pro plan for a more aggressive pace.  We were going to get rain and wind so I decided to do my run as early as possible, at first light. I got up at 4:30 am, ate another Clif Bar then went for a short 1/2 mile run. The top of my foot was very achy from Saturday.  I would wear my new Nike Zoom Flyease on this day and hope the foot issue wouldn’t manifest into anything more than it already was.

We left the resort at 6:10 am.  I wanted to get started by 6:45 at the latest. It was still dark driving into the park.  It would seem my stomach decided to give me a bit of grief so there was more time than planned in the porto potties but I managed to leave by 6:46 am.  Music and Pace Pro Pacer on, I would do my 2nd half of the weekend and get Marathon Manica’s Half Fanatic status. Yay!

I definitely over estimated my ability.  My foot hurt, I noticed the incline heading out, the road camber was annoying my achilles, and I began to wonder if this was going to be a 2 hour run.  I saw Ted head up the road and thought if I had to drop out it would be pretty cold waiting for him to get back as he was giving me an hour 45 min to get this job done.

Sunday’s run never got any easier. The down hill on the way back wasn’t really appreciated because we had 8-11 mph head wind.  I saw Ted heading back to the park at mile 10 1/2 and just wanted to get it done.  It began to rain.  My splits on Sunday:  8:26, 8:08, 8:12, 8:08, 8:15, 8:14 and heading back, 8:21, 8:12, 8:18, 8:26, 8:15, 8:23, and 8:08.  8:15 average pace for 1:47:53. This secured me a 1st place finish and plaque.  Not as many runners on this rainy day.

We left the venue to have breakfast, check out then returned at 10:30 am to check results which is when I found out I had finished first.

Racing two half marathons in one weekend was a new goal for me.  Day one resulted in a stronger run than I thought I was able and day two resulted in a bit of a disappointment because I didn’t achieve the pace I wanted but a bandaide was applied by securing an age group win. This was a fun weekend with no regrets. The weather turned out good for us and Woodloch Resort was such a treasure find.  Nice quick getaway and highly recommended race weekend for runners looking for a variety of challenges.

 

Joanne

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