This was the first time I'd run two marathons so close together. Normally they would be months apart, sometimes a year. Tobacco Road was two weeks before RNRR. I decided to run it when I heard about jackets. RNR races are also well put together and have live bands throughout the race. Long after signing up (during the TR marathon), I heard how hilly it was. I was also nervous about getting done in the time limit. I'd come in under that time before, but a strict limit made me nervous. This race was in downtown Raleigh and other close by areas of Raleigh. It was cold starting out, but that's nothing new. Many thanks to the Marriott and Sheraton for letting random folks crash their lobbies. I was in corral 13, so a pretty good ways back. By the time I reached mile 1, the race had been going for over 25 minutes. Many runners can complete a 5k in just a bit more time, so I was way back. I started with the 5:30 group. My body felt comfortable going a little faster, so I did. I figured I would at least be with them when I slowed down to walk. It was quite a while before I saw them again. There are some turnaround points on the course, so I remember seeing some pace leaders then. One of them had not paced before; I told her she'd lose the whole group, which I think she did. The run ended up being warmer than TR, so I pushed my sleeves up and took off my gloves. As usual, I ate Butterfingers. I also had a doughnut hole (that girl was an angel) and some Pringles stix. I took Tylenol before and during, which was customary. As usual, I dropped it off the ground. Who knows what germs I consumed from Avent Ferry Road? My legs got tired, but my knees never gave in. The meds and supporters on each knee are something I always do (and with good reason).
The music and other entertainment was much-appreciated. I may or may not have done a little Cha-Cha Slide. On a course as long as this, there were a lot of staff and police. Some of the police were particularly sweet and energetic...way to go y'all. So...the hills. In spite of the hills, the course had some good, local scenery. We ran on or around NC State, Peace, Meredith and Shaw. Shaw had a jazz band on a bridge that we ran under. I could have used them later in the course; they were a lot of fun. State had some of their sports med students staffing an aid tent. Along with some of the professional bands, there were some good community bands. I found myself reaching the point of, how am I going to finish, this is really hard, still a lot left. But you go on, because you want the swag and really, what choice do you have? All runners got a medal and marathon finishers got a Brooks windbreaker branded with RNR Marathon Even though I didn't chat much around the race, there was a good camaraderie just by having the same people around. I'd pass them, they'd pass me, etc. I crossed paths with another runner after and that was a nice moment. We both agreed we would not do the full marathon again. Maybe the half, as the beginning of the race wasn't so bad. Not a bad race, just a challenging one. But that's just the way marathons are.
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