The Four Miler Part 2

After my initial success of running the Virginia 4 Miler in 2010, I said to myself "I can't wait 'til the 4 Miler in 2011." After having times where I have stopped running, starting me back, really makes that training hard. But, I was determined to do it and I had set some goals for myself.

1. Finish
2. Don't walk. Jog/run the whole thing
3. Don't finish last (overall or in my age group)
4. Have a time 56:00 or under

I thought these goals were realistic. I had trained and ran the Blackwater Creek Trail with Todd Colinger, Lauren Compton and my running coach for this race, Marissa Wilterink (she was never compensated for having that title, but she was just given that title, because I'd always go to Marissa with my questions and she would never brush me off and always give me advice and answers. I would also run in my neighborhood which had some moderate hills, which I felt would also give me good preparation for the course.

The week of the race, Marissa, Lauren and I ran the course. Todd Densmore joined us, even though he wasn't running in the race, which was a motivating factor to me. This is somebody who hadn't even signed up for the race, who was willing to run, and did a great job on the course and is going to set the world on fire at the 2012 Virginia 4 Miler. The night we ran the course, I somewhat struggled. I don't know if it was the fact that I was confined to the sidewalk (on Saturday, I could have a decent portion of the road to do my running) or what, but I struggled. Marissa, Lauren and Todd outdistanced me quite a bit (which was fine, even when running a race, I treat it like golf. I know I am not the fastest person out there, but I am running against myself and the course) to which Marissa turned around and came back for me on the 3rd mile. I always had them in sight, but her turning around meant a lot to me, because she didn't just become running companion, she became running motivator. So, we made the turn on Rivermont and she said, "We're almost there. The finish is right up here." We were almost there about four times, because each time I knew we had a little bit more to go, but I knew she was pushing me, so I was giving it my all. I forget what my time was that night but I knew I had done pretty good. Also, I learned something when running my first 5K back in August. I ran the course along with Lauren and Todd Colinger a few nights before and I did awful. I probably did worse then awful, and I felt like I was going to run terrible on the race, but I actually ran really well clocking in at 40:01 (for me that was really good). So, I have come to the conclusion, that it is always good for me to try and run the course before the race.

I had planned on eating a good sized pasta meal on Thursday before the race. However, that day I wasn't feeling well, I had fallen asleep at 5:00 and didn't even eat dinner, so I did my pasta dinner with Todd on Friday at Vinny's on Wards Road with a helping of Baked Spaghetti. Todd and I went and road the course, just so he could get familiarized with it again. Friday night, I relaxed at home, while doing the updating of high school football scores for ABC 13's Football Friday facebook page. I got in bed about 11:30 and I would wake up around 6:30, Todd would pick me up at 7:15 and we'd head to the start line at E.C. Glass. Before the race, I chowed down on my breakfast of a granola bar and banana, so I was ready to go. Also, when I went to bed on Friday, I was a little nervous. Last year, there was no nervousness, but I think I was nervous because I really wanted to do better this year then I did last. Todd and I were going to start with Lauren Compton, and we knew we'd see her at the finish line because she was going to have a much better time then us. Well, Lauren and Carly Stephenson (a new friend, who is not only a very good runner, but a very nice person) started with us, but they got separated from us real quick, with the sea of humanity that was at the start line.

As we started, Todd commented how fast I was going, and I really wanted to slow my pace a little bit, because I wanted to stay consistent, because I didn't want to come out of the gate so quick that I wasn't going to be able to have a strong finish. We went down Langhorne and I think we both felt pretty good. Down at the bottom of Langhorne, right past the Farm Basket was the first opportunity for water, but I elected to pass on this, as I felt that it would kind of slow me down and I had practiced running without water, so I didn't need it now. I tried to keep running with Todd to encourage him and have him get a good finish. We were on the same pace for a lot of the time, but there were times where he said, he didn't know if he was going to make it and stuff like that, but my goal was to be like JJ Johnson was to me last year and be there to encourage him just as JJ had done for me the year prior. Anyways, we finally get up the hill and make the turn on Rivermont and I turn around (not stopping running) but just yelling, telling Todd that he's got it, no problems. Then, we are running down Rivermont and all of a sudden, he was next to me. My personal belief system for me is to run that last .1 or .2 miles like I have stolen something, so at that point I kind of took off, trying to pass people along the way. When I crossed the finish line, I didn't know my time because I had forgotten to wear my watch but I figured I got in a little under 56 minutes. When the results were posted on the website later that night, I found my time was 52:25. At this point, I wanted to look up my time from 2010 to see how much I had improved. My 2010 time was 58:37. I was pretty stoked to find my time had improved by 6:12.

I took Sunday off and went back to the Blackwater Creek trail and I decided to run 4 miles again and got in at 48:42. So, now my goal is just keep improving my time and my endurance, and I think as I sit here on September 27th, 2011, my goal for next year's 4 miler is 48 minutes or under.

Now, onto the Thank Yous. My biggest thank you goes to Marissa Wilterink. She was always there to answer my questions, some of them she probably even answered twice! She always was encouraging was always motivating, and never made me feel slow or an inadequate runner. She was my JJ in 2011. Also, big thank yous go out to all those people who ran with me on a consistent basis leading up to the race, Lauren Compton and Todd Colinger. Also, Heather Miller belongs in that class. We ran together one night on the trail as well, and Heather, Lauren, Todd and Marissa all deserve thanks as well for motivating me with their words and conversations as much as they did for their running companionship. Big thanks to my wife Suzanne for coming to the finish line with my 2 daughters, Anna and Katie. I couldn't wait to get across that finish line to see my precious girls (all 3 of them). Also, thanks go out to other people I ran with and people who encouraged me including Todd Densmore, my mother and father, Kyle Hoehne, JJ Johnson, Carly Stephenson and others. Also, big thank you to all those people who I knew or knew of that yelled encouraging things, or gave me a thumbs up while during the race. They include Nate Day and his sister, Elisa, Dr. Scott Garrett, and runners on the course, Jennifer Captain, Danner Morrison, Marissa Wilterink (and I think her sister) and I am sure other people who are just not coming to my mind right now. Also, thank you to Sarah Bloom. I always remember her around race time, because if it weren't for her, Marissa Wilterink and JJ Johnson, I would continue being a lazy, non running, weight gaining slob. But, because of them, I am an active, running, weight losing, stud! Also, thank you to all those all those who liked any status or commented on any status I had to do with running during my whole endeavor on Facebook.

Finally, I don't mean to brag about all my running, which it may seem like I am doing sometime on social media websites, but I do that to encourage. Because, if I can do this, anyone can run a race and I hope more people who don't think they can, will try and run a race. It's an amazing feeling you have about yourself afterwards.

The 4-Miler

Never did I think, I'd be a runner. I mean in high school, I was not one who was the most athletic or most physically fit (I will pause, so you can regain yourself, because I know that is very shocking) but I always tried. I don't know that I can be classified as a runner now, but I have found something that I enjoy (even though it hurts at times when you are running a long distance and you think you can't run anymore) because it is making me feel better and I think look better (or at least as good a guy like me can look).

How did me running in the 4 miler come about? I don't remember the exact day, but picture it the production headquarters at WSET, commercial production account executive Marissa Wilterink comes in, talks to me, she knows that I have been walking (as does everyone else that I am friends with on Facebook) since about March, so she says something to the extent of "Hey, why not try the four miler". I replied "I'll do it if J.J. does it" (J.J., aka McKinley Johnson Jr., a fellow production assistant of mine, J.J. responded "Okay, I'll do it." I never thought J.J. would do it and thus I wouldn't be running, but J.J's declaration meant I was going to have to step it up.

The first few times we went running was pretty much hell for me. We did in's and out's on the track at Sandusky Middle School. I never thought I'd be able to make it, just running the straightaways for a mile and walking the turns were rough on me. Anyways, we started running on break at work at the Blackwater Creek Trail when time allowed. One mile was still kicking my butt. (I should have kept a better journal of this, but I am reverting back to old Facebook posts for some info) Then came September 8th, we stated doing 2 miles. One mile was getting easier, and I thought it wouldn't be that bad but the 2nd mile kicked my tail.

September 10th was a Friday, I believe that was when another friend Todd Colinger started to run/walk with us. He had decided he was going to join the 4 miler too. That day we ran 2 miles and I decided that with Todd's declaration to run the 4 miler that I needed to step it up a little bit. I mean I had been training for like 2-3 weeks prior, and Todd was just joining our training, so I didn't want him on the first day to outperform me (call it ego). So, that day I ran (when I say ran, I mean jogged, in no way was I, nor am I now quick or fast) and didn't stop the whole 2 miles. It felt good, J.J. was with us that day and never left Todd's side wanting to motivate him, and I wasn't trying to leave anyone in dust or anything, but towards the end, I just started widening the gap. September 10th was the last day of two miles. The next day, J.J. was increasing our distance to 3 miles! I was nervous, I didn't think I was going to be able to do it. J.J. picked me up sometime around 2 or 3 and we went to Blackwater Creek Trail. We were going to run to the 1.5 mile mark, and then turn around and run back. The whole time, I never stopped to walk! I couldn't believe it. I thought "Has Suzanne or my mom slipped some performance enhancing drugs in my Egg McMuffins or did they tamper with the bananas that I had been eating?" I mean, weeks ago I was having trouble running 1 mile without stopping. Now, I did 3 miles and didn't stop to walk?

There were a few very important things that J.J. taught me. One was to go at my pace. I think I had been starting too fast and was getting winded and cramping and then I would have to walk more then I wanted to walk. The second thing, and I will use this the rest of my life, was the Old Man Shuffle. Basically, on the OMS, you just shuffle your feet and have your arms swing limp, and there you go. Granted, it's not fast, but it's not walking either. So, the Old Man Shuffle and I became good friends over the last two weeks (and we will probably continue our friendship for a while).

Last Saturday, September 18th, was the longest I had ever ran. 4.1 miles, We ran all the way up from my house up to a friend's apartment complex, back down all the way to my house and then 2 loops in the 1 mile trek we had been going. I had to stop and walk about 3 times, but the thing that encouraged me is when I was walking, my walks were getting shorter. So, after last Saturday, I knew I could do it. We didn't run Sunday or Monday. So, Tuesday I was well rested as we ran about 2 miles. It went pretty well, I was feeling good. Wednesday, we both had to work late, so we couldn't run. Thursday was going to be an easy day with a little bit of hill work to prepare for the hills that we'd be facing. Thursday, I was terrible. We ran after work at 1:00 so it was a little warm in Lynchburg on Thursday. But, I felt like I had regressed terribly. I had walked more then I walked in two weeks. I knew I was going to finish on Saturday but I wanted to finish running and doing very little walking.

The day before the race I decided not to run. I felt like I should run, but I called and talked to a good friend of mine on Thursday night and he told me he didn't think I should run. My friend, Anthony Moreno, had been a great encourager of mine on Facebook, told me he didn't think I should run, use that day as rest, and if I was going to do any activity for me to just ride a bike, take the kids for a walk, do something small. So, I did nothing. I walked a long way with J.J. to pick up our packets downtown, but other then that no physical activity. I did load up on carbs that day with some pasta (and a little pizza) at CiCi's. Suzanne, the kids and I took J.J. to lunch, our treat. I feel like I can never repay J.J. enough for sticking with me this whole way, and motivating and encouraging me, the least I could do would be treat him to a meal.

Friday night, I had to work "Football Friday", so I wasn't going to be getting out of there until about 11:00. When I left, my friends Len Stevens, Justin Feldkamp, Dennis Carter and others said good luck tomorrow, we know you can do it. I almost felt like I was going to be on the surgical table on Saturday, with everyone wishing me well on Friday night. I got home and couldn't fall asleep until about 12:05 Saturday morning. J.J. was going to pick me up at 7:15 A.M. My alarm went off a few times on Saturday and I finally rose at 7:00. I had gotten everything ready the night before, so all I needed to do was put in my contacts, shave and leave. Oh, and when I woke up at 7, it felt like I had slept for about 10 minutes. I was ready to go.

J.J. picked me up, we stopped by WSET first, so J.J. could write an e-mail and get some things done. I used that opportunity to stretch. Finally, we met our friend Todd, and talked to ABC Meteorologist Matt Ferguson (friend and fellow 4 mile runner). I knew we wouldn't see Matt for long, as we would have a much better pace then me, and he's been running much longer then me. The 10 miler started at 8, us 4 milers started at 8:15. The thing that I was most nervous about was the start. I have always run with no more then two people at a time, the start of the 4 miler was a ton of people with me at the start. So, I was worried about getting knocked down, pushed, trampled, something that would rattle me and really mess me up at the start. Thankfully, nothing like that happened. Immediately people spaced out, and I was determined to keep my pace. I was not going to get out of their like a jackrabbit, when that was not part of my plan. As we proceeded down Langhorne Road, one of my former teachers from Jefferson Forest, Troy Doss standing in front of Hardees. He spotted me and said something to the effect of "Go Bob", I said "Why don't you come run with me?", he replied he was going to get a biscuit from Hardees.

As we proceeded farther down Langhorne, we had began to split from Todd (Todd did an excellent job on his pace), I kept asking J.J., "Do you see Todd?", J.J. responded he did not, as their was a sea of yellow T-Shirts behind us. Fast forward as we proceeded up and down the hills of the 4 miler route. A couple of times, I stopped to walk for 15-20 seconds mainly to catch my breath and see if the cramp that was in my right side would go away. I had been doing a good job in the weeks leading up of not stopping to walk. I had a feeling if I did stop to walk, I'd beat myself up. I brought this concern up to my friend Anthony on Thursday night, and he told me don't beat yourself up for it, that it's not failing if you have to stop and walk. At one point, I felt like I needed to stop and walk, but J.J. said "No, Old Man Shuffle." So I OMSed it for a bit until I could regain myself. One thing I did find funny most of the way, is there were people we would pass and then we'd slow down and they'd pass us back. I just found that interesting. As we would run the 4 miler, the people were returning for the 10 miler, I saw Marissa pass us on the way back, as I did with Sarah Bloom (WSET Danville Reporter), Sallie Ford (former E.C. Glass runner whom I interviewed for my old radio show "Talking High School Sports") and George Beam (father of one of my oldest friends from back in pre school, Ashleigh Beam). There were many others I am sure that passed us, but as we got into about the 2 1/2-3 mile mark, I started focusing more on my running and breathing to the ultimate goal, Randolph College.

Finally, J.J and I reached Rivermont and were running down. J.J. would get encouragement from his friends who went to L.C. with him, where he was a true BMOC (Big Man on Campus). I hope these people didn't think J.J. was hurt or sick, because he was being a true friend, and was holding back for me. J.J. could have finished that race in probably 35 minutes if he wasn't concerned with getting me across that finish line. Anyways, we hedged onto Rivermont Avenue. As we ran, I heard someone say "Go Bob, Go J.J.", I was so focused and that person was with about 4 or 5 other people. I said to J.J. "Who was that?", J.J. responded by saying that it was Noreen (Turyn). Then as we trudged down Rivermont, I saw the Farmers, Josh and Leigh walking their dog I believe, on the sidewalk and they yelled encouragement. All the encouragement that I received before the race, during the race and after the race meant the world to me, but I'll get to that later. Finally, I could almost see the finish line, I picked up the pace like I have all the times when I have been running in m neighborhood and seeing the finish line. On the way right before turning into Randolph College, I saw one of my favorite coaches from my managerial days at Jefferson Forest, current E.C. Glass Head Coach Richard Trent, I slapped Coach Trent's hand then motored to the finish line where my mom was waiting with Suzanne, Anna and Katie. I crossed the finish line with J.J. and then walked down and grabbed a water and a banana and received a blue towel drenched in water. I have never been more proud of myself in my life when crossing that finish line.

I have been asked if I will do the 4 miler again next year, and the answer is an easy one for me. Most definitely. I feel I have become a runner now. Do I ever think I will win a race? Not unless I am racing against 90 year olds who have never ran. But, the reasons I am doing it aren't to beat others, it is to push myself and just continue to stay healthy. The only thing that I hope I can do is to motivate others and maybe inspire others. If I can run a 4 mile race (or any kind of race), then anyone can do it. I was just an overweight, out of shaped guy when I started to train and I struggled at first, but I pushed on, persevered and didn't quit!

The list of thank you's I have to give are long. First and foremost, I have to thank Marissa Wilterink. If she hadn't suggested running the 4 miler, it would have never crossed my mind. Right up there with Marissa, I have to thank my coach J.J. Johnson. I would have never been able to do this without him. He was always encouraging and positive with me, and stuck with me the whole race when he could have probably finished in the Top 10. J.J. and I were good friends before the race, but I feel the caring attitude he showed towards me has made us better friends. I also have to thank my wife, my mom and my kids for being there at the finish line for me. I have to thank our ABC-13 team captain as well, Sarah Bloom. Sarah and I are kind on opposite ends of the world (she's in Danville, I am in Lynchburg) and we don't know each other that well, but she was an inspiration for me. Just her cheery attitude and disposition and the fact that she seemed genuinely happy for me that I was able to start and complete the race. That really means a lot to me.My friend Anthony Moreno from my high school days and now living in Arizona was their for me also. His advice to me of what to eat and the pace I should start with and all that was incredibly helpful. Plus, Moreno's message of "call me anytime" really meant a lot to me. Others I have to thank for their encouragement in person that were encouraging on the race, they are Scott Garrett, Troy Doss, Noreen Turyn, Richard Trent and Leigh and Josh Farmer. There are many people that I don't know that were encouraging as well. Then the facebookers and texters, there are so many, it would also most take a separate blog to list all of them, but I just want all of you to know that all of your comments and "likes" on Facebook meant the world to me.

I am already looking ahead to Thanksgiving morning when I hope to run the "Turkey Trot", it's a 5K. I guess I am officially a "runner" now.