Ashley Holman ran the Chapin Navy JROTC 5k and finished this distance in the time of 19:53.
1st OA person! Fun morning with friends and the hubby. I was hoping for a little faster time, but the wind was pretty strong and I had to run from the front the whole race. Dropped the guys around mile 1 and continued to gap them. Some of the XC kids I coach were ROTC members on the course. It was a boost to hear “Go Coach!” As I ran by them.
Roderick Clark ran the Florida Shamrock Distance Classic Half Marathon and finished with a time of 1:42:00, which was a PR!
This training block has been one of the most challenging of my running journey. I faced a significant injury at the peak of my training, which not only set back my physical progress but also tested me mentally as I worked my way back to running. I had to reassess my goal time, and based on my most recent quality sessions, I settled on a more conservative goal of 1:40:00.
The race started off well, with a 7:30 pace feeling comfortable and a 7:20 pace seeming doable. However, as this was my first half marathon, I didn’t want to push too hard and risk crashing later on. Around mile 7, I began to experience crippling cramps in both legs, to the point where I had to stop. For a brief moment, I wondered if I should turn around or even call for someone to pick me up. But the thought of having my wife and kids—who were waiting for me at the finish line—see me in that state was unbearable. I was determined to finish, no matter what, even if it meant limping, walking, or crawling.
I managed to jog to the aid station at mile 8, where I made a conscious decision to stop and properly consume my energy gel and water, instead of trying to take them on the move. The cramps continued, affecting what felt like every muscle in my legs. If I pushed beyond an easy pace, my legs would lock up, so I had no choice but to hold back.
When I reached the aid station at mile 12, I took some Gatorade, hoping it might help. Whether it was the Gatorade or something else, I found some relief and was able to finish with a decent kick. I don’t think my cramps were due to a lack of sodium or electrolytes. Given my injury that sidelined me for three weeks in January, coupled with easing back into running in February without pushing my mileage and intensity too much, I believe muscle fatigue played a bigger role. I missed several key race-specific workouts that likely would have better prepared my body for the demands of the race.
Despite the struggles, I still managed to finish 5th in my age group and 35th overall out of 357 runners (top 10%), all while having to stop twice. It’s still mind-blowing to me. A huge shout-out to Coach Hayley, whose empathy, support, and encouragement during my injury were invaluable.
Rob Cruz ran the HOKA Trilogy Run Asia Leg 1 – 16K and finished in a time of 1:22:38, which was a PR!
I felt great. This race was special because I also got a 10K PR (50:56mins) which was almost sub-50. And I’ve never thought of running a sub-50 a year ago, let alone do it in a 16K race. Also, I’ve managed to hold my pace throughout the race. Usually at the last 4km of the race, my pace slows down, not this time. I was consistent. This is maybe my best race ever.
Bob Ferguson ran the Coast Guard Half Marathon with a finishing time of 1:58:47.
Hit my goal of getting back under 2:00 hours for the half and also got an Age Group 1st place in the process. Ran with the 2:00 hr pace group until mile 11 and then slowly increased pace to about 8:30 or so to make up some time. I ran almost the exact time I ran 2 years ago on this same course – which may not seem like progress – but after the last 5 halfs I ran over the past 2 years that were disasters this was actually really good progress and I feel like I am back at a place I can build on. Conditions were also perfect today 40F, no wind, and a flat course, and the last mile or two took all that I had so running with the pacers and having a reasonable goal worked out well. Thanks to the coaches and especially Ruairi Moynihan who told me I should focus just on getting back to running under 2:00 and we then can focus on bigger goals from there. It turned out to be spot-on perfect coaching. Thanks Coach!
