Akron, OH.
State #25
Everything about this race just seemed... common -- with a few exceptions... OK, so that makes no sense. Let me start over. Many things about this race just seemed common. I have now run 25 of these races -- You might think, "Halfway! That is great!", but no. I decided to add Washington, DC as a "bonus", so not exactly halfway... but closer -- and there were not too many things that were special about this race. To be fair, that is not the fault of the race. Much of it has to do with how I have set up my routines. This was a fine race that was well organized and had good support.
I did not have any family with me and I did not make a production or vacation out of it. I flew in, raced, flew out. Done and done.
The race was on Saturday, so I flew out on Friday. Easy flight to Hotlanta, then another easy flight to Akron. I picked up a Lyft ride to the convention center for packet pickup for $20. There really was nothing special about packet pickup. There was no expo or anything much going on. I simply gave them my bib number, they gave me my packet and shirt and "Have a good race". It was about lunch time so I decided to walk the 2.5 miles to my hotel and stop at a restaurant on the way. As it turns out, I did not see anything that interested me -- only fast food joints. I was Face timing with Valerie the whole walk, showing her "downtown Akron". About a mile from the hotel, I realized that I had not yet run for the day, so I just started running with my back pack, t-short and cargo shorts.... while still Face timing of course. I ran my mile and got to the hotel. It was pretty funny to see the look of the hotel employee who checked me in. Who knows what she must have thought about this man who wanted a hotel room and was visibly sweating beads of sweat from his forehead, a wet ring around his neck and shorts, breathing heavily. "He must have that condition I keep seeing on TV, hyperhydrosis!"
Once I checked in, I still needed food, but the restaurant was closed, so I walked a mile to the grocery and a mile back with my groceries. I just decided to purchase my lunch, dinner for later, and breakfast for the morning. There was a mini fridge and a microwave, so it was not too bad. I spent the rest of the evening in the room watching old episodes of Fixer Upper.
The race started at 6:30am, so I got up at 4:00 and ate my breakfast. Made sure everything was working properly and headed over to the race. The start was inside the Goodyear test track and about 1.5 miles away. I was there about 45 min prior to the start. Weather was about 65ยบ F. There were no corrals, only pace signs. I was very near the front, which was a little unfortunate simply because it was right next to the speaker, and it was loud. The poor lady singing the National Anthem forgot the words, so in mid song.... she started over. I felt bad for her. The race started 6:30 and a few seconds with a two car escort. I think they were Camaros, but I am certain they were riding on Goodyear tires. We were in the infield of the track, then made our way around the track for a quarter lap or so, then out and around Akron. I really don't remember anything special about the course.
The aid stations were plenty. The volunteers were nice and eager and in sufficient number. There were spectators clapping and cheering us on. Several, around four, homeowners were out with hoses sprinkling the runners. I thought that was nice of them. The roads were all blocked off from traffic and there was plenty of police support. That is always nice, because the runners are able to run and feel safe. Although, I often run down Hwy 60 and anything would surely feel safer than that.
The finish was outside the test track and down Goodyear's Innovation Hwy -- I think that is what it was named. It is the street that runs through and between the Goodyear buildings, which were closed for the weekend and the entire street was blocked off and and elaborate finish area was constructed with a band and refreshments, etc. for the after party. I crossed the finish, took my medal, a banana, a water and some sports drink that I have since forgotten what kind and just kept walking to my hotel. No fanfare, no pictures, no awards ceremonies, just kept walking.
The medal was nice. The shirt is a cotton polyester blend that I cannot find right now, and we were even "given" a pair of running socks. In all, it was a decent race. My performance was fair. My first 5 miles and the 7th mile were all sub 8:00. Overall I finished 1:46:11. My goal for this race was 1:40. So, I watched a few more episodes of Fixer Upper and then got an Uber to the airport. Just a quick trip without a lot of excitement.
Next month I have two races, New Mexico 9/16 and New Jersey 9/30. That has to be better than Mexico and Jersey, since they are New... lol. (dad joke).
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