Since I’m on vacation (running), thought I’d let everyone in on what I’m doing. If you don’t like it, keep it to yourself. If you do like it, I would appreciate comments! 

One of my goals in life is to run a race in every state. I know, there are CRAZY people out there that actually run a marathon in every state. I decided to pursue this goal about 10 years ago when I realized I had run in over 20 states. Since then, I’ve tried to pick up at least 2 or 3 each year. Last year I ran the Anchorage Half Marathon to put a notch on Alaska, I also traveled to Kansas for an 8k. Those got me to 40. Decided to do this years vacation on the east coast, as most of the states I still need are there.

Today (July 31) I find myself in the Big Apple. Been driving my van for 3 days to get here. Stopped in Sturgis (Michigan) on the second night. No motorcycles there. However, I digress. Van Cortland Park is famous (to me anyway) as the site of the NE Footlocker Cross Country Meet. There are only 4 in the nation, ours is in Kenosha WI. I’ve taken kids to the meet many times there, and actually travelled to the national meet twice. The last time was in 1999 with Erik Grumstrup, the RC Stevens standout. I digressed again, didn’t I? Anyway, when I was looking for a race in New York, I came across one in Van Cortland Park that fit my date. 

I showed up early and was promptly given race number 1. I explained that in SD we have our runners finish in the order of their race number. Makes results so much easier. The director assured me that he would mention that to everyone before the race. Very early after the start, I realized he must have forgotten to tell everyone. However, I did my best to get to the front. 

It was hot at the start, but my GPS said I was only 45 feet above sea level. That must account for my fast first mile split of 6:15. Oh, and it was very flat for the first mile. Then we headed into the trees, and the hills. I remember thinking I should be better on hills than all these flatlanders, but someone forgot to tell them. Did I mention how hot it was? And humid! It was like someone dumbed a bag of cement in my shoes. Then to make matters worse, as I came down the last hill, out of the trees, something bit me on the thigh! Ouch!! Oh yea, that is when the heat got me also. I did tell you it was hot right? I managed to stumble across the line in 21:37. Well off the 6:15 pace I started out at. That was good for 41st out of 141. Now in SD, I’ve been known to finish 5th overall and get 3rd in my age group. Imagine my surprise when I finished 2nd in the “old guys” group.

Tomorrow I’m off to watch my Yankees play the Angels. It will be my last trip to THE Yankee Stadium. I’ve got races planned in Connecticut and Rhode Island. Stay tuned and I’ll let you know how they turn out.

Results from the Cross Country Speed Series in Van Cortland Park.

Gary

Is it just me, or are others getting tired of the rude people using the bike path. I guess because it is called the BIKE path, they figure they own it. I ride on it occasionally, but am usually found out there pounding the pavement. Nothing bothers me more than someone coming up behind me and flashing past without warning. Sometimes it simply startles me, but often it scares me.

When I pass, whether running or riding, I always try to let people know I’m coming up behind. A simple “passing on your left” usually does it. If you have a bell or horn on your bike, that would do also.

I would like to hear from others out there. Am I the only one this happens to?

Gary Miller

Three of the oldest and best races in the Black Hills area are held in July. The 38th Annual Mystic Mountain Run is Sunday, July 13th at 9:00. Only the Jackrabbit 15 in Brookings has been running longer than Mystic. This race is about 8 miles of mostly trail. It starts with a mile down the road, about 20 yards on the Mickelson Trail, then turn up a very steep single track trail for about another mile. The last 5 - 6 miles are on rolling terrain, mostly two track. If you are looking for a fun, challenging trail run, this one is just right. Not to long, anyone can do it, but long enough to be able to brag about.

The Heart of the Hills run began in 1980 and runs from the 1880 Train Station in Hill City to Keystone following the old Keystone Road. At 10.4 miles, it offers a challenge for any runner, but the course is mostly downhill. The July 19th, 6:30 pm start time allows for varied start weather. It can be unbearably hot, or cool and crisp at the start. Usually cools off by the finish however, which helps. Both these races are put on by The Runners Shop and are well organized and fun. You can find more info about the history of the Heart of the Hills Run on the Black Hills Runners Club website:  HOH History

The third race on the July agenda is the 22nd Annual Spearfish Canyon half marathon/5K. They bus you up Spearfish Canyon, and run back down, so a good time is guaranteed. If you are looking for a fun half marathon this summer, this one might fit. The Northern Hills CASA sponsors this race, and they do a very commendable job. This race is held July 26, you can find more information here:  Spearfish Canyon Half info
I’ve run all three of these races at one time or another and can recommend them all. If you have more questions, check out the calendar at blackhillsrunnersclub.com

Gary Miller

July bring very warm weather which adds another element to running.  Now many runners move their workout to early morning or evening.  The question is what other strategies work to cope with the heat?  I have read hats and collars with cooling devises are now offered but know little about them.  I would be interested in any readers experience with things that work to keep cool when one has to run in hot weather.  This bring us to racing in hot weather.  My experience in 90 plus degrees is not good.  For the most part my performance fell off considerably.  How do runners prepare for summer racing or even winter racing in warm places?  I would like to hear what runners in Western South Dakota do in the heat, please share your experiences.  Thanks,

Tim