The DevilsTurn 500

The DevilsTurn 500

Running, just like NASCAR, can be boring, so that’s why most people run in groups. And most NASCAR fans associate with one particular driver and instantly identify in shared success or misery with other fans.

Running on a track, just like NASCAR, is extremely boring. That’s why in NASCAR they script rivalries, bumps, and crashes to make the 4 hours of left turns to have some variety. Just like NASCAR, we scripted some variety with the “floats” on the track. No watch or exact distance necessary. Just accelerate on the straightaways of the track (a.k.a. Strides) and jog or “float” the curves. You could do this to average a 6 minute pace or to just run 2 miles continuously while not focusing on pace. Effort is the key, and it is a way to get more ability levels to stay closer as a whole.

The way it actually worked out this morning was perhaps a little different for the pack staying close.

After the first mile to stay together through Bevington and make sure some new PAX knew where the key turns were for the way back, all of the PAX picked it up on Coburn (after a mile) to settle in. Gerber gave chase to Frasier and held on until the track. Would prove to not be the last time Gerber chased today.

Once at the track, a quick regroup and then we were off. Key instructions to 1) leave track for the 2+ miles home by a time that would get you back by 610-615. and 2) float the corners. Noticed most PAX seemed to grab on to a buddy or two #drafting. Even with Frasier laying down the pace and YHC tagging along, not many opportunities to pass out there, which means everyone was giving an honest effort. When a pass would occur, there was definitely no putting the guy into the wall in order to make the pass. Guess we weren’t quite all NASCAR today.

Hairball gets kudos for staying on the lead lap with Frasier. There may have been more PAX to do so, but if you don’t show up on Strava Fly-by (our activity here), you don’t get credit (unless YHC can identify you because he’s chasing you)!

Edit – several hours after publishing, Gerber was peer-pressured into joining Strava and posting his workout.  Upon further review – credit has been given to Gerber for also staying on the lead lap!

Tuck and Bunker were laying down PRs on every lap today. It may have been because it was their first time running this course, but they were still PRs!

Leaving for the 2 miles home just before 0600, the PAX didn’t let up and kept the momentum going.

While StrangeBrew tried to pit at one point (despite his own instructions to look for the Stop sign before turning – he just turned at the wrong sign), he broke the pit road speed limit because he didn’t want to let the Prohibition pace car go by and then be a lap down. Broke his own PRs for the segments home – https://www.strava.com/activities/470093091

Prohibition, leading the chase pack on the way back to COT, was setting PRs (https://www.strava.com/activities/470088780). These were well-earned, not just given.

Ironsides was motoring on home stretch, fuel tank nearing empty, but watching the rear view mirror. That’s what happens when you set a ton of PRs (https://www.strava.com/activities/470088419) and go a full 10K at DevilsTurn. He coasted across the finish line on fumes.

Is Gumbo really that new to Strava, or why does his results say best 1 mile, 2 mile, and 5K of all time? That’s pretty strong following a great performance at the JoeDavisRun 10K.

News alert – Mr. Brady didn’t wring out his shirt at COT. Must have been near Absolute 0.

Gerber once again ran down Frasier, and Frasier pulling over to fix a flat tire certainly helped that, but it was pure honest effort by Gerber to keep reeling in the leaders.

Getting back well before 0615, everyone followed pre-run instructions. We had enough time to shame those not planning to participate in the BRR, make some announcements about da Vinci tomorrow, and head on our way pretty quickly.

Godspeed to Honeybee and Haggis in the Charleston Marathon on Saturday the 16th – track them at http://georesults.racemine.com/Harris-Teeter-Neighborhood-Food-Pharmacy/events/2016/Charleston-Marathon/track
Bib 231 and 318. May they be Swift, may the right muscles Twitch well, and may they avoid taking a Turn for the worst.

Bis wir uns wieder treffen,
Bratwurst