Friday, November 22, 2019

Two Cities Marathon (Clovis Half Marathon)


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.

Final thoughts:

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.












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