Dayton River Corridor Classic – Race Recap

October 12, 2014

I added this event to my calendar once I was informed that Rock ‘n’ Roll Cleveland had been cancelled.  While I would have gotten bonus medals at the Cleveland event, I wasn’t looking forward to driving 5+ hours and needing a hotel room so this was a good option.  I was able to drive over THAT morning and since the race didn’t start until 9:00AM, I didn’t have to get up crazy early.  Mapquest estimated that it would be a 2 hour and 24 minute drive to Moraine, OH where this race was taking place so I planned on leaving my house 3 hours prior to allow for bathroom stop(s) and construction.  I was able to mail in my registration so the total cost was $50.00.  This event offered the half marathon as well as a 10K. 

I set my alarm for 4:30AM and as planned I was out the door by 6:00AM.  I needed to top off the gas tank and fill up my water bottle so a quick stop at my local Ricker’s was the first order of business.  I really wanted to get my usual coffee but wasn’t sure how that would play into the day so I passed.

There was a little bit of construction on I-70 but at THAT hour - with not much traffic - it didn’t really factor in.  As predicted, I had to make a bathroom stop about 1 1/2 hours into my drive.  I arrived at the Payne Recreation Center around 8:10AM.  I guess I made good time even WITH that bathroom stop.  Walked in to the Rec Center, got my bib and race shirt, changed into the shirt, took a few pictures and then went back out to the car for a bit.

I had layered a short sleeve shirt over a long sleeved one so it was easy to switch out my top shirt to their event shirt.

While sitting in my car, I think I missed the fly-over!

Back in the Rec center for one last bathroom stop and then it was time to go to the start/finish area.

The weather was almost perfect for a day of running.

 

Mr. Incredible showed up to do the half!

The National Anthem was sung and then it was time to go.

I was told prior that there wasn’t too much to look at along the course but I kept my phone in my hand during the “out” and put it away as we headed back in.  I noticed the 13 Mile Marker sign before the race since it was by the Rec Center and thought it was funny that the runner looked like they had gone 13 miles so I was curious to see if they changed as the race went on.  Yep.  Miles 1 & 2 show runners looking fresh and happy but miles 12 & 13 show them sweating.  And they alternated between a female runner and a male runner.  I meant to get a shot of the 6 Mile Marker to see what the middle of the race runner looked like but forgot.  These were GREAT mile markers.

Some scenes from along the course.  A few of these I went back and got later.

There were a few rolling hills on this course and I did walk up them a time or two.  I’m finding myself walking a lot more lately.  I will admit that am tired both physically and mentally.

I only remember having one girl that I was chasing during this race and thankfully I did finish before her.  Once again I also had the opportunity to run up to the very last participant and give her a HIGH 5 and some encouragement.  She was still going out as I was coming back in. 

After the race, there was a pancake breakfast for all the participants so I stayed for that.  The pancake maker would not let you walk up and get your pancakes, he insisted on flipping them to you.  Fun yet odd.  There were a lot of pancakes on the ground.

Look at all those pancakes on the ground!

I was a little chilled so I took mine to my car to eat.  Plus I had skim & chocolate milk in the cooler waiting for me.  But while walking back to the car – since no one was coming in – I asked someone to take a finishers picture of me.

After eating I went back in to the Rec Center and put on dry clothes.  I could have taken a shower but just getting out of my sweaty running stuff was good enough.

On my way out of town I stopped and took a few more pictures.

I had gone 60 half marathons and never gotten a short sleeved red tech shirt.  This race was the second in a row to do so. Funny.

I would recommend this race but doubt that I will do it again.

 

You're welcome Ohio but I think we are done for 2014.