SEASON

SOUTH WEST CHALLENGE SERIES

2012 Southwest Challenge Series Schedule Online (preeliminary and subject to change)

2012 Southwest Challenge Series Schedule Printable PDF (preeliminary and subject to change)

PRESIDENT’S DAY DUATHLON
FEBRUARY 18, 2012 - Saturday

5K Run / 30K Bike
Brent Jones (575) 678-3374
brent.k.jones.naf@mail.mil
www.wsmrmwr.com/bell gymnasium.php
Bell Gymnasium / PO Box 400
WSMR, NM  88002
Registration Deadlines: (Mail - Postmark NLT) January 23;
(E-Mail & Fax)  February 8 (Midnight)
NOTE: RACE START AT 0730
MILITARY SECURITY: ADVISE EARLY ARRIVAL

WIND TRIATHLON
MARCH 3, 2012 - Saturday

7K Run / 35K Bike / 400M Swim
Brent Jones (575) 678-3374
brent.k.jones.naf@mail.mil
www.wsmrmwr.com/bell gymnasium.php
Bell Gymnasium / PO Box 400
WSMR, NM  88002
Registration Deadlines: (Mail - Postmark NLT) February 15;
(E-Mail & Fax)  February 22 (Midnight)
NOTE: RACE START AT 0730
MILITARY SECURITY: ADVISE EARLY ARRIVAL

 1 Half Marathon, 1 Marathon, 4 Theme Parks, 2 Day and 39.3 Mile, by Melissa Alfano - Jan/18/2011

That is the Goofy Race and a Half Challenge. 

This sounded like a really great idea when I signed up for it in August. 

Saturday January 8 my alarm went off at 2:50 am, some people were probably just getting in as I was getting up.  Off to Walt Disney World we went since I had to be ready at 5:00 am for my 5:45 am start time.  It was a very cold morning but at least it was not windy.  As the gun went off I ran through my game plan for the day.  My goal was a 2:25 which does not sound all that ambitions but I still had a marathon to run the next day.  The first few miles were very uneventful as we were just running to the Magic Kingdom.  I felt really good and was on pace to hit my goal.  Now racing on Saturday you have to make sure you don’t get dehydrated and keep on top of nutrition.  Easier said than done.  As we got closer t the entrance of the park different Disney characters were along the route to cheer you on.  I think along the way I got a high five from Pluto….. Bella the Wonder Puppy would be so jealous!  The course was lined with people cheering you on and calling out your name since it was printed on the race bib.  There is just something the gives me a little extra spring to my step when I hear a complete stranger saying “Way to go Melissa.”  The aid station volunteers all had smiles and words of inspiration to offer as you ran/walked though.  Once I hit the Magic Kingdom I was really ready to up the pace and go but the thought of 26.2 the next day made me slow it down a bit.  Running through the park was a great feeling and the crowd was amazing.  I remember running though the castle and thinking this was pretty darn cool.  It is closed during park hours so that made it really neat.  Out the back of the park we went and before I knew it I was at mile 9 and headed back to Epcot and the finish line.  The last 2 miles are through Epcot Center and the route was lined with more cheering crowds.  I pushed the pace the last mile because I felt so great and wanted to stretch my legs a bit.  Pretty sure I ran a negative spilt on this one.  Crossed the finish line in 2:34.  I was a little bummed that I had not hit my time but with a few pit stops I took it as it meant I was very hydrated for Sunday.  13.1 down and 26.2 to go. 
 
Off to The Waffle House for several waffle and then a shower.  Feet up for the rest of the day.  Carlo was running his first and probably last marathon with me so we had a very uneventful afternoon.
 
Sunday January 9 the alarm went off again at 2:50 am and I was really thing “Are You Kidding Me.”  What was I thinking when I thought this was a great idea and sounded fun?  Same drill as the day before but out start time was 5:55 or something like that.  With 10,000 less people the traffic was not as bad and things move a little faster.  It was COLD, much colder than the day before and the clothes check is a half mile from the start.  In other words you check your clothes and walk to the start and stand around.  Did I mention it was COLD?  My goal today was a 5:15 and to finish without injury or being totally spent so I could not enjoy the rest of my vacation. Once we finally got started I figured I would warm up pretty fast or at least was hoping since I really could not feel my hands at this point.  Other than being cold I felt really great.  Carlo was quickly out of my sight and was looking to run a sub-4 hour marathon.  I laughed to myself a bit knowing he had only done a 14 miler 2 weeks earlier and thought there was no need to worry about taking GU or Shot Blocks.  A few of my co-workers had even taken bets as to when he would hit the wall.  My guess was mile 15 and that his race would be very humbling…… I soon found out mine would be too.  Even though I was feeling great and running strong the battle with my body/mind and my stomach started before I hit Mile 2 and the truce was finally called about Mile 21.  This was going to be a very long day.  The course was pretty much the same as yesterday but they added a few out and backs to add mileage.  The crowed and volunteers were great and that did lift my sports a bit.  I hit the Mile 13 in 2:56 and found myself in a place I had never been before….. It was dark and lonely and I was not sure how I was ever going to run 13 more miles.  Other than  a feeling of defeat because I was WAY off pace I was still running strong or maybe it was the fact I was about to start my trek through the Animal Kingdom and had thoughts of a Lion or Bear chasing me.  This was actually a very nice part of the course and I was starting to get out of my funk or so it seemed.  The park was open so they had created a “path” for runner only with pedestrian crossings every so often.  I was a refreshing view to see kids and parents taking time out of their vacation to cheer the runners on and to offer up a “Good Job” or “Keep Going You Look Great!”  Through the park we went and out of the parking lot to Mile 18.  The part of being a flat course is a lie, a complete lie.  That little uphill grade to Mile 19 was a beast (at least in my mind) but I battled on and before I knew it I was at Mile 20.  I have never been so happy to have a 10k left.  At this point I started walking and the battle with the demons in my head started.  I was running on empty and refused to take in GU in fear that there would not be truce.  I knew I could do it  but it was going to take a little longer than planned.  I struggle to Mile 22 but once we got into the Hollywood Studios I got a second, or third, or fourth wind, not sure I must have lost count.  The cheers from people lifted my spirits once again and I knew the end was near.  At Mile 24-ish I was determined to run it in and get this over with so with a shuffle as my stride I did just that.  The last half mile seems to fly by or maybe everyone was just going really slow but I did it! 
 
6:06 and a Goofy Race and Half Challenge Finisher!!!!!
 
I made my way through the finish area and collected that coveted Goofy medal that I will always cherish.  Once I made it to the reunion area I found Carlo laid out on a space blanket not moving too fast.  In his marathon “debut” as he calls it clocked a speedy 5:05.  He admits that is was tougher than he thought it would be and is now a bit humbler about all I do with running and triathlons.  All in all I felt great after except for the very swollen ankle that was turning purple and the blister on my little toe.  We celebrated our finishes with an extra large pizza and a 6 pack of very cold beer and an ice pack on my ankle. 
 
The entire race experience was great as was the volunteer support, aid stations and everyone who came out to cheer the runners on.  I would highly recommend doing this race or at least one of the races to anyone. 
 
The Goofy Race and a Half Challenge was probably one of the hardest things I have ever done.  I can’t wait to do it again…. Maybe next year!
 
I really want to thank Maritza, Gabriela, Greg, Karim, Christy, Leslie, my close friends and coaches Brian and Tiedji  and Bella the Wonder Puppy for either running with me the last several months or giving me words of encouragement along the way.  Last but not least Carlo for letting me do this crazy race and supporting an insane training schedule.

Gretchen's official race report from Buffalo Springs 70.3 - Jun/27/2010

This is a good race to get to a day in advance and Greg G.,  Laura Bernal and myself drove to Lubbock Friday night.  It is important to train right for this race because it's a tough course by itself and weather can be all over the map until monsoon season starts.  As it was, we had sun, moderate humidity and windy conditions.  It had been so warm that the lake barely made wetsuits legal (76.3*) and that was a call made at 5am race morning!  the water was perfect and  swim race times were fast.  Out on the bike the winds were every way and steady 25-30mph.  Choose your wheels carefully as I ran a 100mm on the front and almost lost it on the first downhill outside the park with the crosswinds;  I was very conservative on upcoming descents.   Lots of water/aid stations well stocked on the bike course and due to the conditions it was important to drink early and often and stay on top of electrolytes.  Onto the run it was really heating up and humid around the lake.  The first hill had everyone around me walking but I was determined not to loose my cadence and groove.  The winds now had a nice cooling effect and the aid stations provided lots of water, gatorade and ice of which I put down my top and shorts and under my cap.  Staying cool is at a premium for racing 13.1 miles.   After the finish it was time to find the food and the lake to cool off in.  Laura came in, then Greg and we visited the med tent for cold towels and then it was time to find the shade while we each broke down our race.  Finish times and age group reports were coming in and it showed that the field was stacked this year all the way around.  A race of this caliber brings in the best when Kona and Clearwater slots are to be had.  I was stunned that my race time this year didn't put me in the top 5 as it would have won my age group last year by 4 minutes. At the awards ceremony, the food was great,  Kona slots went fast, and Clearwater slots rolled way the way down.  I was offered a Clearwater 70.3 slot but declined it as I didn't want something I hadn't earned outright and  the race has gotten extremely bad press.   I was happy to be over 18 mins faster than last year under very different weather and physical conditions.  Will I go back?  I always say give me 24hrs to think about it!  I've decided there is lots of room for improvement IF i focus soley on this race and I think I've found the method to do just that so see ya at next year's race!

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