Blue Ridge Marathon

Ready or not, race day had arrived. Despite all my excuses (not enough training, travel, injury, etc.) I was excited. Due to work travel and a desire to sleep for at least a few hours in my own bed, I decided to make the DC - Roanoke drive the morning of the race. Luckily, there was no traffic (leaving at 3:00 AM will do that) and I made it in plenty of time to park, get my race packet, make one more trip to the potty, get changed, and find my way to the starting line. I slid into the race corrals for my expected finish time just as the national anthem started. My Garmin found its signal 10 seconds before the race started – whew! Before I knew it, the canon had fired and the race started.

The first mile was a slight uphill out of the Roanoke valley before getting serious with the first of many climbs. The weather was not ideal - humid, 64 degrees and rising, and overcast. I reminded myself to take water at every stop. Over the next 5 miles, we climbed approximately 1000 feet, quickly getting above the clouds for a gorgeous view. Despite all the uphill running, I was having a great time.

Mile 6 along Blue Ridge Parkway

After a steady diet of switchbacks, and a little walking, I finally made it to the highest point of the race, Roanoke Mountain. Another amazing view and some awesome volunteers at the aide station kept a smile plaster to my face. The next mile plus was some steep downhill. Probably the first and only time I will run a sub 7 minute mile in a marathon (gravity assisted).

Still smiling at the top of Roanoke Mountain - 2150 ft

Somewhere around mile 9 the rain started in earnest as the course turned uphill (again) ascending to the top of Star /Mill Mountain. For the first time, I started to doubt my sanity between the rain and the hill. I was saved by my fellow runners. In my experience, road racers are typically more focused on hitting PRs than being social, but not this race. This race was more like a trail run, with a mini party at every aid station. For example, a bugler around mile 8 took requests and when I asked for Taps, he happily obliged my dark humor. It was with a little help I made decent time up Mill Mountain. Before I tackled the switch backs on the other side, time for another selfie.

Star /Mill Mountain - 1725 feet

The long downhill did a number on my calves and quads – I definitely felt the effects later in the race. I was very thankful to reach the bottom and level out for a few miles. Things were really clicking as I settled into a steady pace on the flat section. At least I did until the course turned back up again, this time through scenic neighborhoods. On the plus side, the residents turned out in full force to provide encouragement despite the rain. Unfortunately, there is a local joke (aka Peakwood Conspiracy) centered on lying to the racers by yelling encouraging phrases like "its the last hill", “turnaround just ahead”, and "looking great." People, I have seen the photos. I looked like a drowned extra from the Walking Dead, and that is not a great look.

Peakwood Mile 17

I shifted to a run/walk strategy to conquer the final peak. Turning the last bend, I was greeted by a huge party in the middle of the cul-de-sac, complete with champagne, strawberries, music, and dancing (by the spectators, not me). I stayed just long enough to gulp a few cups of water before starting a zombie shuffle / stagger down the mountain. My legs cramps were in full force now. I don't remember much of the last 6 miles through town other than some very nice volunteers. The final mile was a gradual downhill, a very short uphill, and finally a turn and ‘sprint’ for the last 0.2 miles. With all the cheering, I felt like I was winning the NYC marathon. My final time of 4:52 was nearly a full hour off my PR, but I was still pleased with it.

Overall, how would I describe it? Let's just say it lives up to its name as the hardest road marathon with more than 7,430 feet of elevation change. As hard as the uphill portions are, it was the downhill sections that tore me up. Would I do it again? Absolutely – it was the most fun I have ever had running a marathon. If you run, add this one to your bucket list.