The following post is from BHRC member Teresa Verburg. She completed the Lean Horse 100 mile last week.

Gary

ItÂ’’s been one week since my completion of the Lean Horse 100 mile ultra marathon, and I feel itÂ’s a good time to put my experience down in words. ItÂ’s been long enough to not be completely bitter about the race, yet I can vividly remember the ordeal. It will sound similar to Joe RozakÂ’s experience in his 50 miler, only magnified.

This race has capped off a summer which in my memory was entirely spent training for, reading about, and thinking about the 100 mile event. I am emotionally and physically spent, but feel a sort of closure and pride in conquering the feat.

I went into the race terrified and feeling unprepared for the distance, but knew I couldnÂ’t back out. My summer of training was relaxed and not filled with 100 mile weeks. In the four months prior, I typically ran 5 miles, 3-4 times a week with a long run on Saturday. My longest run was 40 miles which took 8 hours (I always set my pace at a 12 min. run / 3 min. walk, averaging 5 miles per hour). During the last 3 long run weeks I ran both Saturday and Sunday 30/15mi, etc.

The weather was perfect for the entire race, mid 40Â’s to mid 80Â’s and back to mid 40Â’s, sunny and little wind. The pack of runners (105 in the 100 miles) started out in Hot Springs and headed out to Argyle Road. Everyone walked the uphills and jogged down, and I followed suit. The 13 miles of Argyle Road are very hilly and are the most feared part of the run, especially inbound. During the first 16 miles to the Mickelson Trail I was getting into the groove, making sure to drink 20 - 30 oz. of water between aid stations and eating a little every mile or two. This consisted of Fig Newtons, Pretzel/Cheese Combos, Powerbars, grapes, bananas, and pretzels. I was trying to consume 200-300 calories per hour for a long as possible.

Once I was on the Mickelson Trail I set my interval timer to 12/3min pace and started my run/walk, holding a consistent 5 mile per hour pace. The day was uneventful, although the heat was forcing some to drop out. I made sure to take a Thermotab salt tablet every hour and the heat did not affect me.

At the 50 mile turnaround I met up with Trevor Bryan, who paced me the 15 miles back to Custer. We passed quite a few runners up the hill to Crazy Horse (who would pass me later in the night). This was a nice break, since I was dreading the all too familiar uphill out of Hill City.

Once we reached Harbach Park aid station it was a little crazy. I was parting with Trevor, having Connie and Dennis Meier wait on my every need, being interviewed by SD Public Radio (at many stops during the day) and informing my husband (crew) that he should go back to the hotel, since I was doing OK. It was around 8 pm and I had to grab everything I would need to get though the night. I was hungry when I got there, but left forgetting to eat.

The next stop was at mile 64.5 Carroll Creek where I was getting cold and had chicken soup. That set surprisingly well unlike one of the three turkey sandwiches I had earlier. I headed on to Pringle aid station where Cindy and Dave Holte were assisting. I had more chicken soup and headed on. At Lime Kiln (mile 80) I had oatmeal, and overheard a runner telling the aid station worker that they were working “the wall”. Apparently this is the point in a 100 miler that is equal to mile 20 in the marathon. I would soon find this to be true. It was 1:00 am when I reached the 83 mile aid station which was the end of the Mickelson Trail. The oatmeal wasn’t digesting so I just had a cup of Coke.

Now I was on Argyle Road and my pace was dropping. The only light was my headlamp, so it was difficult to determine the uphill sections. I will also relate my hallucinations. Three times I saw a herd of deer about 30 feet ahead of me on the trail. They were walking around, looking and grazing, but I was puzzled that their eyes didnÂ’t glow in my light. Then they would just melt away.

It was 6.6 miles to the next aid station and my pace had fallen off so bad that I was to the point of a slow shuffle then a fast walk. I had hit ‘The Wall’ and it sucked since I had 15 miles to go. It took me 2.5 hours to get to the next aid station. My little hope of breaking 24 hours was fading (my first half was covered in 11 hours). It was 5.5 miles to Coldbrook Campground, our last aid station and it took forever. The sun was coming up and I eventually reached it at 6:00 am. I was weaving all over and could barely walk in a straight line, but was afraid to stop, since I would probably fall down. I hadn’t eaten anything since 1:00 am was afraid anything I ate now would come back up. I took another salt tablet, and continued drinking. My hands were so swollen they looked inflated and my fingers wouldn’t bend. (I was 5 lbs. heavier after the race, so I figure I was doing the wrong thing in taking salt when I was cold and not sweating).

I was almost out of it, but knew I couldnÂ’t drop out with four miles to go.

It was a horrible struggle into Hot Springs and all I could do is walk. I was nearly impossible to step off a 2 inch curb and I felt like I was ready to fall over. I made it to the finish in 25 hrs 39 min. My only thought in the last few miles was - “I just want to get to my motel before check out, get a shower and lie down”. I did that, but had to be carried to the car and assisted into the motel room.

My experience is very familiar to my first marathon, except it was drawn out into a nightmarish distance, with everything compounded. I’m sure, just as in the marathon, doing more ultras would make for a less painful experience. I’m so glad I had the opportunity to attempt the Lean Horse and would encourage anyone with a similar goal to give it a try. My ordeal was shared by many, but if your training is good and you run a smart race, you may have a ‘not-so-painful’ time. It’s amazing what your mind and body are able to deal with. It is an event that is very well organized and a good choice for a first 100 mile attempt.

Haven and I are back from the Beaver Creek Vertical Assent.This race was a short run up the hill at Beaver Creek,get on the chairlift and ride it down.Repeat it for 6 hours.To start with Haven had a Great Race.He did 6 laps and was 5th overall.If you tell him that I said He did good I’ll call you a liar.

My day wasn’t as good.It was the worst day off racing I have had in 4 years 51 weeks.I had dead legs from the very first step.It was Like at 24 Hour worlds when everything fell apart.You just don’t have any engery in your body.

I tried to push hard on the first lap.Sometimes my body will take the hint and start working.That wasn’t going to happen.The second lap I tried a different tactic.I slowed down and just put one foot in front of the other.Guess what that didn’t work either.By the end of the lap I was totally Bob Seegered(i gave away every oz. of enegy I had).

As much as I wanted to stop, I took off on lap 3. Well move out at a snails pace any.It was one of the ugliest hours I’ve spent running.It took a huge effort to pick up my feet. Damn near as much to put them down.The only saving grace was the 15 min. chairlift ride down each lap.I could eat and drink and think about cheeseburgers.

When I finished 3, I figured one more wouldn’t kill me,and I didn’t care if it did.So off I went at a pace that even Miller could have handled.I bummed a Gatorade from the gals at the midpoint aid station,it was for their lunch but I looked like I needed it worst.Finally I was at the top and riding back down.As I got near the bottom I had a horrible thought… I had time to do one more lap.But wiser Heads won out.I didn’t have the legs or head(yada yada yada) to go again. So I didn’t

The Moral of the story is sometimes shit happens.I felt good right up to the start,I was trained but not tired,it was a race that suited me,and I thought I would do OK. When those days happento you,and they will if you run long enough,make the best of it.At a minunum you will get a training day,and sometimes your body will kick in and you will have a good race

Randy

 

 

This just in from Joe Rozak.  

Gary

            After our “30hrs of failure” trip, I was a little timid about taking on the Lean Horse Half Hundred. We dubbed the run, the “redemption run” after the USA Men’s Basketball team, “Redeem team” as they attempt for a gold medal after embarrassment in Athens four years ago. Anyway, it was our turn to redeem ourselves. Race morning was cool at best. Temps were in the mid to upper 40’s at the 6am start from the Mueller Center in Hot Springs. Things started well and we actually went pretty fast. I was nervous about the quick pace, but Chris didn’t seem to be. Problems didn’t start for me till after mile 20. My stomach tightened up pretty goal almost in the same way it plagued me in the Mickleson Trail Marathon back in June. I’m beginning to think the Mick is cursed (for me at least). We made the turn-around in 4:26 which was too fast for me and I knew it. Chris started talking about breaking 9hrs when I was noticeably slowing my pace. Close to mile 30, I told him to go ahead because I saw he was good to go, so I didn’t want to hold him back from a good time.

            I made it to mile 30 still about 30mins ahead of my planned pace for a 10hr finish, but my condition was deteriorating fast. My stomach showed little improvement and my walking breaks increased. The next 10 miles were horrendous. My stomach was hurting so bad that I had to force a little food at each aid station. One of the kids at the Argyle aid station said I had 16 miles left. My response, “please don’t tell me until I have 1 mile left.” I thanked them for their help and chugged along. There were two items in my bag which would have helped, but I wanted to see how long I could go without them. Icy Hot and Motrin were the two items. The aid station at mile 40, “Morph”, was were I stayed for a bit to grab a seat and let things try to settle. I hit this station at 8hrs, so I was still close to my pace to finish in 10hrs. I filled on the essentials, water and Accelerade, and went on.

            Several steps past the aid station; I realized the rest didn’t help at all so it was time to tap into the forbidden items. I popped two Motrin and rubbed some Icy Hot on my crapping legs. It must have done the trick because the last ten miles went fairly good. My stomach was still unstable at best, but at least my legs were feeling a lot better and my pace picked back up. At mile 45, I thought I could get the 10hr barrier so I tried to pick up the pace a little. No matter how much Icy Hot you try to rub on your legs, they still cramp a lot after 45 miles and 9hrs on your feet. At times it felt like I was running like Frankenstein. It hurt. If my muscles locked up here, there was no one within 10-20 mins of me, so it would probably be bad if that happened. I regrettably slowed up again and took frequent walking breaks and let the 10hr dreams slip into distant memory and just got plain excited that I was going to finish my first 50 miler and a PR! I crossed the line in 10:22 and my GPS said 50.47miles. What difference does .47 make after 50 miles? Not much, probably like 5-6 minutes in this case.

            Chris’s time was 8:35, so he obviously didn’t have any problems and furthers my theory that I can’t keep up with him. As I write this; my legs are in deep pain and it’s hard to say, “Yes, I’ll do another” or, “maybe I’ll do a hundred-miler next.” If history is any indicator, then I would have to say both statements are true. It’s addictive, but I need to take time to reach my other goal of qualifying for the Boston Marathon, and 50 milers really aren’t going to help me achieve that goal. 2008 has been a weird year for me anyway in that I have had significantly slower times in all of my races as compared to last year and had stomach problems in two races. I did have two good race completions, the Leadville Trail Marathon and the Lean Horse 50 miler, so it isn’t a disappointing year at all.

 

“Whatever you think you can do or believe you can do, begin it. Action has magic, power and grace in it” – Goethe

“If you are going to win any battle, you must do one thing. You have to make the mind run the body.  Never let the body tell the mind what to do… the body is never tired if the mind is not.”

- Patton

First and foremost, let me say that Elaine Doll-Dunn is my hero! What an amazing woman. And it should go without saying that when she sets her mind to something, it gets done right. Last weekend, that meant the Leading Ladies Marathon, in it’s fourth year. Ninety-seven women ran 26.2 miles, and another 284 finished the half marathon, run on the downhill course in Spearfish Canyon.

Another amazing woman is Rapid City’s Amy Yanni. I know many of you read her column in the RC Journal, but she rarely tells you about how good she really is. The 54 year old public defender ran 3:25:03 (7:50 pace) to finish 3rd overall. To put it in perspective, the next 50 year old was Pricilla Romkema (Spearfish) who finished in 3:51:04. Amy was one minute per mile ahead of her. Charron Geigle, another Black Hills Runners Club over 50 athlete made the trip from Wall (of Wall Drug fame) to run a 4:13:20. Perhaps the most amazing run of the day (in my opinion) was turned in by Kristi Welsh, who at age 45 ran 3:41:03 in her very first marathon. To finish your first marathon is a commendable goal, to run a time like that is fantastic!

On the Half side, Mary Coordt traveled from Elk Grove CA to win the race in 1:22:25, a respectable time for any runner, made more impressive when you notice that she is 39 years old. That is 6:18 per mile pace. Fifty-two year old LeAnn Vette (Spearfish HS Cross Country Coach) ran a very respectable 1:37:48. Lorna Squyer (54) ran 1:48:41 to place second in the unofficial CC Coaches Division. Lorna coaches at Lead/Deadwood HS. Another “experienced” runner who turned in a commendable time was Rapid City’s Kathleen Welsh-Patterson, who finished in 1:52:40. Rapid City runner, Mary Sebert celebrated her 45th birthday with a 1:54:20 run.

Kudos to Elaine, and all the women who celebrated their athleticism with great performances. You are all winners!

Gary

A couple of the young guys (Joe Rozak and Chris Miller) in the Black Hills Runners Club are training for the 50 mile race this next weekend in the Lean Horse. Below is one of their attempts to get in some training.

Gary

30 hrs to FAIL!
Our Goal: hike the 109-mile Mickleson Trail straight through with minimal breaks and no sleep.
It might have worked but several things kept going wrong on the Friday we were supposed to start hiking (Fail). First, I got minimal sleep all week because of work, then on Friday work held us back almost 4 hours from our planned start time after being awake for 18hrs already(Fail X 2). Before we left to preposition the cars, I checked the website to learn the last 16-17 miles were closed b/c the bridge was out (Fail). We did persevere and kept with it and decided to try without the last 16 miles, so we would end up with about 95 miles. At this point it seemed all signs pointed to staying home for the weekend to catch up on sleep.
We started the hike at midnight in Deadwood and probably started out a little too fast to get away from the drunken bikers (Inevitable Fail). A few miles into it my left knee started hurting a little. “No big deal, just keep moving”, I thought (Fail again). About 7 miles into the hike the hallucinations began. “Is that a deer?” “What was that?” We could have seen deer, but we were not sure. After about 10 miles, we decided to jog a little to break the monotony. It helped believe it or not. A few miles later, I was dive-bombed by a bat (Fail). Closer to sunrise, during twilight, we decided to shut off the headlamps because we could see the trail a little (Fail). I sprained my ankle on a washed out section of the otherwise uniform trail (Fail).
We arrived at the Dumont TH, about 16-17 miles from where we had started, around sunrise and made the difficult decision to turn around (Win). Good thing we did because the 16 miles back were some of the toughest. Motrin wasn’t working, caffeine had no effect and sugar just made you even weaker after the initial effects wore off. To top it all off, the sun was out heating up the atmosphere. We valiantly made it back in 12 hrs only to realize that we needed to get the other car almost 2hrs away and then drive home another 1.5hrs from that (Fail) after being awake for 30hrs now.
No worries - we made it in one piece. The next day I couldn’t move my left knee at all and my right ankle starting swelling (Fail). So did we attain our original goal? No, but we did accomplish some secondary goals like staying on our feet for an extended period of time and sleep depriving ourselves. We are prepping for the Lean Horse 50 miler, so staying on our feet for 12hrs was excellent training (Win). We aren’t doing the 100, so the sleep deprivation wasn’t necessary, but it’s a starting point for training for a 100 in the future. I can always count on work for sleep deprivation training every now and then too.

After the Wednesday night race in Wilmington, I traveled to Pasadena MD (near Baltimore) to visit my friend Beth and her daughter Kelly. Mom had to work on Thursday, so Kelly and I hit the pool to cool off. We went to Timbuktu for supper. Enjoyed getting to spend some time with some of my favorite people. Friday morning I left for Gettysburg, PA to check out some history. They have a very impressive visitors site, and then you travel around the battle site in your vehicle. It is considered by many historians as the high water mark of the Confederacy. How would our world be different today, had that battle ended differently? I would only have to run in 40 states to get all the United States?

As I drove into Brownsville, PA later that evening, my first thought was that it could be a very hilly race. Brownsville is nestled up against the Monongahela River, about 50 miles south of Pittsburgh. After signing up for the race the next morning, I warmed up on the last part of the course. While it did have some rolling hills, it wasn’t to bad. Waiting for the start, a couple of guys asked me to take their picture. They were there running their first race. We struck up a conversation, and I explained what I was up to. 

I ran 19:55 to place 12th out of a field of 89. That was good enough for first in my age group. I had a young whip pass me right at the finish line, but other than that it was a good race. Afterward I found Kevin and Patrick to see how they had fared in their first race. 26:30, with Kevin kicking right at the end to take bragging rights. I thought that was a very respectable time for a first 5K. They were happy, wouldn’t be surprised if they did it again sometime. Funny how this running thing can get in your blood!

Put a check mark by Pennsylvania, number 46. I only have Nevada, Maine, Vermont and New Hampshire left. Anyone want to go on a road trip to the New England states next year?

After that I began the long drive home. Spent Sunday evening in Columbus, NE with my Aunt and Uncle, then drove to Howard, SD to spend an evening with my Mom & Dad. Finally, after driving over 4250 miles, I’m back home again. A fun trip! With lot’s of racing and lot’s of historic sightseeing. Hope to see you on the road sometime soon.

Gary

I spent Wednesday touring Wilmington, DE. Not much, but did eat dinner (noon meal) at Joe’s Crab Shack. That was good. They had a small gathering going on downtown at the Ceasar Rodney Square. Not sure what it was, but there was food and music, and a good way to spend the afternoon.

The Mayor’s Cup had only 41 runners last year, due to 105 degree temps. This year there were 71 finishers, and not nearly as hot. Results here! Pictures here! Good picture of me (Jeff Miller??) at the finish line. The out and back course started downhill, so of course finished back uphill. My legs are beginning to feel the strain. Five races in seven days is taking a toll I think. My first mile was 6:20, and I finished in 20:15. Ninth overall and 2nd in my age group, nice trophy! The mayor didn’t actually show, but had one of his “people” hand out the awards. 

Afterward I climbed into my traveling home and headed for Pasadena (Maryland) to visit Beth Bohn and her daughter Kelly. Beth is a longtime friend, and Kelly calls me “Uncle” Gary. First order of business was to get a shower and wash some clothes. My singlet had been standing in the back of the van all by itself. After a good night’s sleep, will spend a day with them. 

Gary Miller

Since Miller is out doing the road thing I guess it is up yo me to cover the Trail Runners.I recently got back from doing the Silver King Race in Leadville Co.If you are not familar with Leadville it sit in the center of Colorado at an elevation of10200,and goes up from there.Paulette and I have done a number of races there inculding 5 100 mile mountain bike races and the Leadville Marathon.This was to be a little different.

Saturday started with a 50 mile mountain bike race.350 riders started the course which has 7500 feet of climbing.What made it interesting for me was the fact that Sunday (22 hours later) I was going to do it again Running.Thats right back to back 50 milers.

I thought I knew how dumb this was,but when I found out that only 11 people were doing both I was Freaked.I thought there were way more stupid people than that around.I have a feeling that this may be the first but not the last race like this.

So Saturday was a day to try not to use any more engey than possible.We started with a 9 mile climb.I just spun an wasy gear and when it got to hard,off the bike.Even going reral easy and taking lots of food at aid stations and lots of stops for video,Istill finished in 6 hours 11 mins.I was pleased with that.

Then after a night of eating and hydrating,it was on again.

The start is up a STEEP 200 yard hill.There is a silver coin for the first man and woman.Most of us were smart enough to walk,even so at the top I was like”this could be a long day” Shortly I got in a groove and was pluging away at 8 and 2s.It was nice knowing the course. You knew how long the climbs would be.

At about mile 15 I ran in to a little problem.From there to the Finish I would have to stop and try to pee about 50 times.Probably caused by getting dehydrated on Saurday.I was concerned  for a while but I realized that I had lots of time to finish.

The area around Leadville is spectacular so lookingaroun was not a problem.I hit the turn around in 5:30.I planned on a 6:30 so life was good. When I got to the 40 mile mark I entertained the thought of trying to go uder 11 hours.But I was tired,had a bad blister,and Paulette would be at the finish until 12 hours, so why bother.I didn’t want to get greedy.When I started on Saturday all I wanted to do was finish both races.

I finished in 11:13. a PR for 50 miles.

You can tell how hard a race is by how long it takes up to forget the pain and think about next year.100 mile mountain bike races take a day or 2,24 hour mountain bike races take a week or so,50 mile runs a couple of weeks,Monday morning Paulette said she might like to do the run,and I’m like “ok I’ll do the double again”

Next up the Vail Hillclimb run. 2.8 miles up hill(2100 ft elevation gain) get on the chairlift and go downto the start.Repeat for 6 hours.

This is the Leadville Video

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f4HqKz2KZdM

Randy

Let’s see, when we last left our hero, he was stranded along the road with a flat tire. Fortunately, I was able to purchase 2 new tires the next morning. (Left front flat, right front badly worn) Then it was off to New Jersey. Of course that meant I had to fight my way back through the New York traffic.

Finally got to Jersey City and got on the ferry for Ellis Island. Really anti climactic there, but had some excitement when I got back on the ferry. I’m riding along, disappointed because the ferry isn’t going to the Statue of Liberty, and (oh-oh) it’s not going back to New Jersey either! I was on the slow boat to New York!! When everyone else got off, I hid away until people started coming back on, then found a seat topside. Off we go again, this time to Liberty Island. Now that was a bit more impressive. I hadn’t bought the ticket to go inside up to the viewing deck (who knew), but was able to walk around and get some pictures. (I’ll add some pictures to these blogs after I get home next week and can download them to my desktop computer) I was careful to get on the ferry back to New Jersey this time.

It’s only about 5 miles from Jersey City to Hoboken, but of course all the roads are one way - the WRONG WAY! Needless to say it took longer to get to the race than it should have. Another BIG RACE, 778 finishers. Results here!  Story here!  As I said earlier, I always hate the start of big races. I started in about row 10, with about 15-20 people across each row. Spent the first 400 meters trying not to get tripped, and spent the entire race passing people. I did run negative splits however, which I think is always a good thing. My mile splits were 6:34-6:20-6:19 with a final time of 19:36. That was good enough for 72nd. The last half of the race I had my eye on a guy with my hair style and color. He was about 40-50 meters ahead at the turn around. I closed the gap and passed him with about 200 meters to go. After the race he asked how old I was and was disappointed to find we were in the same age group. I finished 5th out of 42 in my age group. All in all a pretty good effort considering it was my 3rd race in as many days. I’m sure the elevation is helping as it was right on the waterfront, and very flat.

Headed down the Jersey Turnpike after the race (we should turn I90 into a toll road, let the tourists pay some additional taxes) and spent the night near Trenton. Then on into Philly today. Got some good pictures of the Liberty Bell, spent time in the Philadelphia Mint and went through the Independence Visitor Center. Also took a walk around the downtown area. Stopped in a small local eatery and had a real Philly Cheese Steak sandwich. Must say it was good, but I like Philly Ted’s in Rapid City better.

On to Wilmington, Delaware! There is a 5k here tomorrow (Wednesday) evening, so I ran the course when I got here. Very humid, and uphill the last half mile, could make it challenging. Then stopped in a local steak house that was recommended to me. They had a Filet Mignon for $22 that was the cheapest thing on the menu. After closer inspection I found out why their prices are so high. They get all their meat from cattle farms in South Dakota. The waitress assured me it was the best meat available anywhere, corn fed! When I asked her if it was Herford or Angus, she got this blank look?? When she brought my steak, she assured me it was Angus, the cook had never heard of Herford. Looking for things to keep me occupied in Wilmington tomorrow, maybe I’ll go to the zoo.

Check off New Jersey, number 44!

Gary Miller

Today started off great and ended bad. As I drove into the race area at the Run4Kerri in Wakefield, RI, my first thought was “I’m not going to finish in the top 10 today”! They had 3 guys directing traffic to get the cars parked. This is a big race, with 832 people signed up. Very well organized, the only glitch they had all day was starting about 10 minutes late because of people showing up late to sign up. 

As usual in races like this, there were many people toeing the line that had no reason to be up front. Many of them were kids. The starter asked them to back up and let the real runners up front, so they backed up about 4 rows. This put them right in front of me. I spent the first 400 meters dodging people who should have started back much further. Never seems to be a good way to get a big race like this going smoothly. 

Thought I’d go out easy today, because I thought I might be tired from the race yesterday. Went a bit slower at the start, but still went through the mile in 6:30. Felt good, wasn’t quite as hot as the past two races. This race was also a tad bit long (according to my GPS), 4.04 miles. The spooky thing was that my time through 4 miles was 26:39, the same as yesterday! Didn’t finish quite as high today however. I was 60th overall, and 9th in my age group. All in all though, I was quite happy with my time both yesterday and today. We will see how it affects my race tomorrow.

After the race, I hit the local beach for a couple of hours to cool off and catch some sun. Then as I headed down Hwy 1, I noticed signs pointing out the way to the “Seafood Festival”. Anyone who knows me, knows I couldn’t pass that up. Think “Central States Fair” with lots of seafood booths.

After that I headed down I95, planning to spend the night somewhere in CT. That was when I started to notice a funny whine coming from the vicinity of my left front tire. Yep, flat tire! I managed to limp to the nearest exit and get out of the main traffic flow. That’s when my problems really began. My jack wouldn’t go up high enough to get the tire off the ground, so I called my motor club to have someone come assist. An hour later the lady called back and told me they couldn’t find anyone in the area. My best option was to call 911 and get police help. Two and a half hours after getting the flat, I was still sitting there waiting, so I gave 911 another call. “Are you still there”? the lady asked. Someone finally showed up and helped get the spare on. Of course it was almost flat also. I was able to get to a station for some air. Hopefully I can get a replacement tire tomorrow.

I have now added New York, Connecticut and Rhode Island to my list of races, giving me 43. Going to Hoboken, NJ for a 5K tomorrow. Hope to stop off and see Lady Liberty on the way.