Two Cities
Marathon (Clovis Half)
Fresno, CA
3 November 2019
“Every time I fail, I assume I will be a stronger person
for it. I keep on running figuratively
and literally, despite a limp that gets more noticeable with each passing
season, because for me there has always been a place to go and a terrible
urgency to get there.” – Joan Benoit Samuelson
The
days have gone quickly and it’s that time of year – the Two Cities Marathon –
and Central California’s premier autumn tradition. Runners have a choice between a 5 km run, the
Fresno or Clovis Half Marathons, or the full marathon that takes runners along
a “looped” course incorporating both the Clovis and Fresno half marathon
courses.
Most
of the Fresno Half course takes runners for an out-and-back trek up Friant
Road; whereas, the Clovis Half treats runners with an out-and-back journey along
the Sugar Pine Trail, aka the Old Clovis Trail (an abandoned railroad
right-of-way) into the city of Clovis.
Two
Cities Marathon (2CM) is a USATF certified course, attracting hundreds of
runners from around the country to compete in this mostly flat and fast course
(depending on the course, there are some minor hills and one noteworthy hill to
some degree).
The irregularly shaped looped marathon course starts and
ends among the autumnal colors of Woodward Park through some upscale scenic
neighborhoods, along a substantial section of the Fresno-Clovis Sugar Pine
Trail lined with brilliant autumn foliage and through historic Old Town Clovis spectators
cheer and inspire runners. Then, runners
retreat back the same way to Friant Road for a ten-mile out-and-back section,
capping the return trip with a morale busting hill at Marathon Mile 21.
 |
| Marathon and half marathon pace team |
Over
the past twelve years of 2CM’s existence, I’ve run the full 2CM thrice, the
Fresno Half once and the Clovis Half five times, but my preference lies with
the Clovis Half chiefly for the flatter topography and the spectator support
along the Sugar Pine Trail.
As
I’ve done for the past few years, I had the pleasure to serve as a 2:10 pace
leader for 2CM (Clovis). I consider that
pace to be my happy pace giving me time to enjoy the run and allowing me to
converse with other runners counting on me taking them home while having a good
time along the way.
Running
a 2:10 half marathon equates to a 9:55 pace.
Knowing that the Clovis Half course tends to measure long and running
the shortest possible route is an unlikely feat, I actually have to sustain a pace
window between 9:45 to 9:50 per mile to meet my goal time.
The Expo/Packet
Pick-up
Fresno’s New Covenant Community Church near the corner of
Maple and Nees plays host to the event expo and packet pick-up. Numerous vendors and other purveyors of
merchandise pack themselves onto the church’s sanctuary floor. The aura of excitement and anticipation fill
the room as visitors weave their way around the serpentine-like pathway before runners
procure their goody bag, tech shirt and personalized bib number before exiting.
As a way to express my appreciation for being invited to
serve as a pacer, I happily volunteer a few hours of my time at the expo’s pacer
booth, answering questions while meeting a variety of runners – from the first
timer looking to finish to the dedicated and steadfast runners aiming to
qualify for Boston or New York or to those simply hoping to set a personal
best.
Holding an expo in a church building is somewhat
unusual, but seems to work well with the size of 2CM. Upon entering the sanctuary, the room was
dark, lit with rather poor inefficient spotlighting. In my opinion, whoever the light designer
was, he/she needs to go back to school.
The pacer booth was tucked away in a dark corner at the
foot of the dais. Very little light
illuminated the tablespace and all preparations were done in a dimly lit area. We even had to utilize our iPhone flashlights
to set up shop. Luckily, I stumbled upon
a burning spotlight behind a hidden staircase which I mounted atop the
staircase banister that served as the booth’s only light source. It wasn’t the best, the shadows were
irritating, but it worked.
Let’s do this
2CM begins on the day we reset our clocks back one hour
as daylight time ends and the slow disappearance of early-evening sunlight
begins. I’m sure that extra hour of
sleep is welcomed by most runners as race morning approaches.
Each
of the three races begin with staggered starts on Friant Road on the south side
of Woodward Park. The marathon begins
promptly at 0630, followed by the Clovis Half at 0715 and the Fresno Half at
0730. It was a cool crisp morning, not a
cloud to be seen, as the sun began to rise above the high Sierra through the
smoky haze courtesy of Sonoma County’s Kinkaid fire. The temperature hovered around 45°F with the
hint of a cool morning breeze, perfect for running.
 |
| Ready to go! |
Well after the marathon runners cleared the starting corral,
Clovis Half marathon runners began to filter into the starting corral aligning
themselves corresponding to their estimated pace times. I stood about 50 yards behind the inflatable starting
line banner holding my pace sign high above my head hoping to attract a cluster
of runners. Several enthusiastic runners
asked about my race pace. Some seemed to
think it was too fast and moved further back, while others decided they would
join me. Of course, that’s easier said
than done and I don’t count on those with me at the start to finish with
me. But, I do my best to provide the
needed encouragement to help them along the way – from first-timers to those
who want to improve upon a previous time.
Armed with my chic, trendy, fashionable and durable handmade
pace wristband accessorizing my Garmin, I was ready to get this show on the
road. More than seven hundred runners
lined up behind the inflatable gantry eager to get moving.
The Clovis Half started on time with very little pomp or
circumstance. There was a slight uphill gradient on Friant Road to
contend with for the first third of a mile but flattened out as we turned onto
Shepherd Avenue. I spent the first few minutes weaving in and around slower
runners who did not place themselves properly in the corral. Soon after as I joined similar paced runners,
I discussed my race strategy, monitoring and gauging my pace, enjoying the view,
talking with other runners, checking my Garmin and mentally calculating the
first mile split.
When the starting gun goes off, there’s a drive in each
and every one of us to hit the pavement with force and never look back. Most of us have visions of grandeur of
leaving the rest of the pack in the dust.
Based on my experience, that’s a poor strategy and does not work with
the majority of runners. When I pace a
group of runners, I hope that those who join me have trained at least the pace
I plan to employ, but that’s not always the case.
My strategy was to go out a little fast, in the
neighborhood of 9:40 to 9:50 pace. My
Garmin clocked the first mile at 9:33, but I passed the first mile marker flag
in 9:40, over-exuberance perhaps, but everyone began to settle into a
comfortable ride. Given the Clovis half is the most popular of the two
half marathons, I wasn’t overly concerned if I would garner enough runners to
warrant being a pacer.
As if trying to furtively evaluate the allure of someone
sitting behind me at a restaurant, I turned somewhat awkwardly to see that
there were about ten or fifteen runners all bunched up immediately behind me.
Sure, it was still very early in the race, but it looked like my pace sign’s
gravitational effects were working. I couldn’t help but smile. I was soon talking to some of the runners
around me, leisurely getting to know my 2:10 harem.
After the first five kilometers were under everyone’s
belt, runners deviate off Shepherd Avenue, through the PR Farms parking lot and
merge onto the Old Clovis Trail, aka the Sugar Pine Trail, paralleling Willow
Avenue. Contrary to what the trail’s
name implies, there are no sugar pines along the pedestrian trail/bike path –
but rather lined with live oaks, sycamore, maple, ash and ornamental Chinese
pistache trees to name a few.
 |
| The tunnels |
I steadily drifted near my pace window, doing everything
possible to quell the urge to speed up to bank additional time. Sure, I
picked it up down the inclines leading to the trail’s first of four tunnels,
but the increased pace balanced out the decreased pace going up the opposite
side.
When I pace, I’m not the type to be much of a
cheerleader. I just can’t bring myself to be that pacer who hoots and
hollers and yells inspirational things rallying the troops into battle.
It’s common for me just to eavesdrop on people talking about a race or an
unrelated yet colorful story, or telling stories of my fifty-state journey, my
favorite marathons or simply the lessons or advice I learned along the way.
Fresno, unfortunately, is not a mecca for mountainous
scenery or breathtaking views. Pointing to landscapes of snowcapped
mountains, dew-drenched rocks or a roadside waterfall is non-existent on the
valley floor and on the infrequent days without the valley haze, the high
country of the Sierra Nevada Mountains deliver spectacular views. But,
this was not one of those days. The
smoke-laden air of the Kinkaid fire served to validate my observations. On some occasions, I’ve reminded out-of-town
runners that we flatlanders don’t have such monumental vistas as other parts of
the country may have.
 |
| On the Sugar Pine Trail |
I was having fun enjoying the perfect weather as I led my
group down the Sugar Pine Trail near Mile 6 into the city of Clovis. In
both training and races, I tend to be a solo runner. Even on the rare
occasion that I join a pace group, I don’t really do much talking and unfortunately
bailing on the group in some sort of fashion. But the fun demeanor of my
little pod was making for a singularly unique running experience. It’s
one thing to run in a group where you’re the follower, but in this case, I was
leading the group, setting the pace, and everyone was having a good time.
At this point, runners veer off the trail and momentarily
venture into a Clovis residential neighborhood along N. Pollasky Avenue before looping
back around at First Street, thence turning back to rejoin the trail at Sierra
Avenue. I still had a few runners with
me, likely some pick-ups who went out too fast, for the final ten-kilometer
push to the finish line. As always,
there are some who cannot keep the pace and eventually drop. I know the feeling. I sipped a couple cups of water and
electrolytes at the aid station to prepare myself for the journey back to the
barn.
I gradually approached two runners somewhere between
Miles 7 and 8. By judging their form, I
sensed their paces were beginning to falter.
As they perceived me coming from behind, they didn’t allow me to pass or
drop them, but instead, used me as a guide.
I kept a steady pace at around 9:50 encouraging them to stay with me and
not to give in to the temptation to relax the pace. I casually mentioned, “Yes, it’ll hurt, but
in the long run, it’ll be worth it. Stay
with me to expect a finish time in the realm of 2:09.”
The heavy breaths gave away their strain and anguish but
with determined grit plastered over their faces. I let them focus on their task at hand and
didn’t want to strike up any conversations to kill their impetus.
We made the left turn back onto Shepherd Avenue for the
next 2.5 miles and probably the dullest part of the course. I compare it to running on a treadmill (as
one doesn’t seem to make any progress), keeping a steady pace of around 9:55. If I slowed, they slowed. If I accelerated, they reciprocated. They were not going to let me go. I felt happy and privileged that I was helping
them carry out a mission and temporarily becoming a part of their life.
I had some extra time in my reserve bank so I proceeded
to slack-off a bit, but the overzealous pacer in me eventually got the best of my
intentions. Because of their desire to
meet their respective time goals, I couldn’t shake the need to slow too much. I was with them. I know the desire to finish strong. I also know what it’s like to bonk and fail
miserably.
We made a left turn back onto Friant Road just after Mile
12. Woodward Park was to my right, my “running
mates” to my left. With less than a mile
to go, I told them to give it their all and pick up the pace for the
homestretch. I maintained a slightly
relaxed pace, but they stuck with me ignoring my advice.
 |
| Finish line |
Being slightly ahead of my goal pace, I thought, “Oh
well, a minute and a half too fast is better than being too slow.” Following a right turn onto Audubon, it was a
short jaunt into Woodward Park, where the finish line came into view. Without any subtle clues, my two running
mates stepped up their pace heeding my earlier advice, seemingly leaving me in
the dust. Without giving away my
intentions, I slowed my pace on the small but perceptible incline leading into
the park as an excuse to kill some of the extra time as I advanced closer to
the finish line. As I slowly approached
the finish line with the timing clock leisurely ticking away, the finish line
announcer let it be known to everyone, “Here comes the 2:10 pacer! Perhaps a little fast, but a great job
nevertheless.” I cruised in through the
barn doors with a great, but not-so-great time of 2:08:18. I knew I was fast, but I was proud of the two
who stuck with me for the final ten kilometers.
They also provided me with the incentive to keep moving.
 |
| Into the park |
Before I had a chance to obtain my finisher’s medal, one
runner grabbed my shoulder and thanked me for being an inspiration and leading
her to a personal best. Likewise, the
other runner was also very happy and thanked me while insisting I take a selfie
with him. I obliged and told him how
proud I was, and being able to assist with his personal best made my day
worthwhile.
Still reeling from the runner’s high, I handed off my
illustrious pace sign to another pacer as I left the finish line area, who
already sported a collection of signs from other pacers. With thirty-five minutes to kill before my
wife crosses the finish line with her pace group from the Fresno Half, I
enjoyed the traditional 2CM breakfast of champions – pancakes, scrambled eggs
and sausage links – baking under the bright sunshine as sweat unceremoniously
dripped off my running cap, shirt and shorts into the grass or onto my plate.
Finally, on that note, if you’ve made it this far, thanks
for reading. 2CM is always a great half
marathon event on a California classic weekend, with good food, drink,
camaraderie and a race I won’t soon forget.
For now, it’s time to relax for a couple of days, decompress and
celebrate another successful pacing adventure.
Now, I just have to stay strong and structurally sound for the next half
marathon in Bakersfield.
 |
| Finishing the race |
RACE STATS:
Distance: Half
marathon (13.1 mi). My Garmin measured
13.15 miles.
Date: 3
November 2019
Bib No.: 2126
Weather at
start: 45°F, clear sky with a slight westerly
breeze
Gun time: 2:08:47
Chip time: 2:08:18
Average pace: 9:46
per mile
Average
cadence: 163 steps per minute
Overall rank: 277
of 761
Gender rank: 187
of 340
Division rank: 15
of 28
Elevation: 151
ft gain / 141 ft loss
Age graded
score: 54.41%
Age graded
time: 1:48:38
Garmin splits: 9:33, 9:33, 9:38, 9:42, 9:41, 9:45, 9:40, 9:53, 9:56, 9:48, 9:53, 9:56, 9:53, 9:50 (remaining
0.15)
LIKES / WHAT
WORKED:
·
Very well-organized event from packet pick-up, immediate
online results, the well-stocked aid stations along the course to bag drop and
pick up.
·
Great expo. Nicely
organized and lots of freebies and merchandise.
·
November’s cool weather.
·
Flat course and a Boston Qualifier.
·
Attractive finisher’s medal, personalized bibs, hot post-race
breakfast, free beer at the beer garden, live post-race entertainment, long-sleeve
event tech shirt.
·
Super friendly volunteer support.
·
Great spectator support.
·
Great traffic control and course monitors.
·
No significant climbs (at least for the Clovis Half).
·
Easy parking race morning.
·
An all-around great experience!
DISLIKES / WHAT DIDN’T WORK:
·
It can be a long walk back to the car post-race.
·
No more ice cream brownie sundaes? ☹
·
Final three miles may feel a little boring and long, but
the final 0.1-mile makes up for it.
I’ve said it before.
I’m always honored to volunteer as a pace leader. I take the job seriously and I try my best to
commit to my assigned time.
Putting
it simply, I enjoy pacing, or I wouldn’t do it.
It’s a very rewarding experience.
I don’t do it just for the complimentary race entry. I don’t do it to run my race. I do it to run the race for others. It makes me happy knowing I had a part of
some other runner achieving a milestone.
It comes with a huge responsibility and the last thing I want to happen
is to disappoint some other runner counting on me for motivation and encouragement.
Helping someone achieve a goal certainly outweighs coming
in too fast (as long as it isn’t excessive).
It’s one of the highlights of being a pacer and it’s very gratifying.
Now that I’ve put crisscrossing the country running
marathons behind me, I realize I’m beginning to set my sights more towards the
half marathon distance than with full marathons. Frankly, they’re easier, put less strain on
the body and recovery time is much less.
2CM is a great local race, whatever course one may
choose. The autumn weather usually makes
for fantastic running. The great race
organization and finish line festivities (live music, food, drinks, beer,
massages) put this race over the top.
I have faced time and time again the difficult truth that
strength and confidence in long-distance running exist in a waveform. There are months where nagging pains and tiny
setbacks make training feel like a chore. But there are also spans of time when
everything feels easy, effortless and that the body’s limits can easily bend to
your will.
At the conclusion of the Clovis Half, I felt strong,
powerful, and incredibly optimistic about the Bakersfield Half Marathon in two
weeks. The last few months have had
their aches and pains, and my training showed, but as I finished my half
marathon weekend, I felt incredible. Now
I just have to make sure to not overdo it; however, if I can bust out a
marathon weekend double, I’ve come to realize that running two half marathons
in two weeks is certainly not overdoing it.
And the best part is, there are no painful miles where everything aches
and you can feel your vitality escape with each hot breath. Got to love it!
Onward and upward.
