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The St. Jude Memphis Marathon Saturday, December 7, 2002 This may have taken a little longer to load because I offer three versions. You can pick the level of detail: (1) a bare-bones summary; or (2) a fairly thorough task-oriented report (standard hard copy would print out a little less than two single-spaced pages); or (3) the Directors Cut (about 3.5 pages printed), with all the jokes (OK, some of those you may prefer to avoid) and all the nuances I found interesting, including a few unique touches -- even a few that did NOT involve Elvis! -- that really helped boost my spirits during the last few miles. Most of the faster participants may not have even noticed some of these things, and they certainly couldnt really enjoy them if they did see them.
(1) THE VERY SHORT GOTTA-GET-BACK-TO-WORK BARE BONES VERSION St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital took over major sponsorship and added a half marathon. The race production team has done a great job. The new course tours many of the citys main attractions. It provides gently rolling terrain, a few creative surprises along the way, entertainment, and some very, very friendly and encouraging people.
Temperatures started in the low 30s and peaked in the high 40s under clear skies. Major first places in sequence: Terry Blackwell, hand cycle, 2:12:55; Jonas Holdeman, male overall, 2:34:47; Tatiana Maslova, female overall, 2:46:38; Jerry Forde, wheelchair, 3:42:59. Having settled for too many marathons at well over six hours (my right leg is amputated below the knee), I set a goal for 5:50:00 and beat it with a 5:45:20, according to my chronometer from when I crossed the start line. Thats my best in five years.
Other features: a nice goodie bag, very attractive long-sleeve shirt, well-stocked aid stations at just about every mile, three live bands that I recall, cash prizes for major places and proportionate awards for age group winners. Only one serious concern: lead runners had to battle finishing half marathoners and first loop marathoners during the final couple of miles or so. Otherwise an exemplary event that I gladly recommend. Memphis, take a bow. (2) THE MEDIUM LENGTH FAIRLY THOROUGH TASK-ORIENTED VERSION After a years absence, the Memphis Marathon came back stronger and better on the invigoratingly crisp morning of Saturday, December 7, 2002, thanks to the new major sponsorship by St. Judes Childrens Research Hospital. Given what Ive heard of the previous course, and my own experience today, Id say its made a remarkable recovery and it has an excellent prognosis for coming years.
Chilly air, clear skies. Wheelchair and hand cycle competitors set out at 7:45 a.m. Fifteen minutes later some 2900 runners (full and newly added half marathon combined) took to the course. We passed the Gibson Guitar Factory, made our way over to Riverside Drive along the Missississippippissipy River, and got a good view of Mud Island before we grunted up a short but serious hill on Beale Street. I stopped to photo the Elvis statue, thankyuh, thankyuhverymuch. Then we passed through one block of the streets many little clubs and bars, a centerpiece of Memphis musical nightlife. The crowd had thinned out as I headed through downtown and met a reincarnated Elvis cheering us. In this section we found more of the typically gently rolling hills that typify the course. We passed directly in front of The Pyramid and turned right to begin an almost four mile mostly straight stretch east on North Parkway.
Id set a goal of 5:50:00 (my right leg is amputated below the knee, and my weight would suggest that I equal two elite marathoners.) At mile 5 I found Id built up a cushion of over four minutes compared to the target on my pace band. So far, so good.
Mile 7 took us along the Zoos north border until we entered Overton Park and got a little boost from live music by Greased Lightening . This aid station offered the usual water and Powerade, plus plenty of Gu packets (and all this would remain available when I pass it again as mile 17). The park led us through the Memphis College of Art, Museum, and other fine arts buildings.
Checking my ten mile split on Poplar I found Id built up a reserve ofgasp!over twelve minutes. Id obviously worked hard this morning, and to make 5:50 Id have to keep doing so. Good. Im actually meeting the challenge more suitably.
While I made my way down Poplar, hand cyclist Terry Blackwell crossed the AutoZone Park finish line in 2:12:55. Jonas Holdeman ran in for his winning time of 2:34:47. (Later I would learn that the final two miles down Union posed problems for the faster runners as they had to negotiate their run through the congested crowd of half-marathoners and first-loop marathoners.)
Headed down Union the reincarnated Elvis Id met downtown provided a magnificently cheesy photo op in front of the legendary Sun Studios. I passed the finish area and began my second loop. Had I reached this point maybe four minutes later, Id have seen Russias Tatiana Maslova zip past me on her way to take the womens first place in 2:46:38. This falls marathons have proved profitable for her: with Octobers Mystic Places in Connecticut, and Philadelphia just 13 days ago, this made her third victory in two months.
I turned up Third Street and my back-of-the-pack status became evident. The race crowd had drastically thinned as I began a five mile stretch of déjà vu. I felt some discomfort in my stump and, oddly enough, I couldnt quite figure out what sort of sock adjustment would best provide relief. Conveniently enough, running mitigated the discomfort. Meanwhile, Jerry Forde won the wheelchair category in 3:42:59.
As I made my second trip through Overton Park, my stump discomfort had increased enough that I decided to change prosthetic socks and apply a Compeed blister prevention to the pressure point below my kneecap. Doing so ate up probably four or five minutes of my ample time reserve, but neglecting this would cause more serious problems later. It did alleviate the discomfort.
Still I found at the mile 20 ChampionChip checkpoint that my time buffer had dropped to two minutes and twenty seconds. I resolved to regain some of that margin. Picking up my pace along the southern end of the Libertyland Fairgrounds, I turned in toward the Mid-South Coliseum and then to the Liberty Bowl. Surprise: the course led directly into the stadium, along the sidelines, where I got a high-five and cheers from both a Memphis University football player and some sort of mascot. A funky little feature, very much appreciated at this fatigue-prone stage.
Continuing up Hollywood Street and turning left down Union, I rebuilt my time advantage by about 20 seconds over each of the next few miles. Growing confident that I could sustain what Id done since mile 20, so Id certainly make my 5:50 goal, I began to speculate: how about 5:45?
I pushed ahead into the series of loooong ups and downs, including another Elvis offering donuts for the final 2.5 miles, until I turned right for a little jaunt to the entrance into AutoZone Park. According to my personal chronometer, started when I crossed the start line, I finished in 5:45:20my best since Cape Cod, five years ago (5:42).
Finishing in the park allowed access to the team showers. I even had the pleasure of a ten minute massage. Then I checked out the post-race food. Powerade, water, bananas, apples, blah blah blah--and--Krispy Kremes!The souths most delectable deep-fried decadence in carbo-reloading. Ohhhh, baaaaby...
Apart from the one concern of front runners crowded in the final two miles on Union, I found this event exemplary for a mid-size event. It offers a well-designed course that provides moderately varying terrain and a decent view of some the citys most popular attractions and resources. Further, it provides a well-supplied goodie bag; nice hotels near the start/finish; and smooth execution with the starts, course management and support, finish line, and post-race facilities, services, and refreshmentsample even without the (God bless them) Krispy Kremes (but DONT DARE take them away!)
The St. Jude Memphis Marathon benefits from one more vital resource beyond the responsibilities and the control of the race production team: the fine people of Memphis. Though not many spectators lined the course, most of those who did come out gave generous support and applause. Memphis impresses me as exuding an honest sense of welcome.
and finally (3) THE TELL-ME-ALMOST-EVERYTHING, INSOMNIA-CURING, ANAL-RETENTIVE DETAIL VERSION After a years absence, the Memphis Marathon came back stronger and better on the invigoratingly crisp morning of Saturday, December 7, 2002, thanks to the new major sponsorship by St. Judes Childrens Research Hospital. Given what Ive heard of the previous course, and my own experience today, Id say its made a remarkable recovery and it has an excellent prognosis for coming years.
Weather-wise, I grew concerned three days before the marathon as I watched reports of freezing rain in Memphis and across the south. This Saturday morning we welcomed clear skies and bracing (read: freezing or freezing-wannabe) temperatures as we gathered downtown at Madison and Second.
Wheelchair and hand cycle competitors set out at 7:45 a.m. Fifteen minutes later some 2900 runners (full and newly added half marathon combined) took to the course, also right on time. We passed the Gibson Guitar Factory to the left and made our way to the first mile aid station. Then we made our way over to Riverside Drive along the Missississippippissipy River. Our northward downhill used the left hand lane to avoid construction in the right.
We had a good view of Mud Island and river bridges connecting Tennessee and Arkansas before we took a right up a short but serious hill on Beale Street. Id read that Beale Streets cobblestone surface bothered some runners. Unlike the rounded cobblestones I expected, Beale consisted of flat, evenly laid bricksno problem at all. This early in the day I still had plenty of energy to stop for a reverent hip-shakin at the Elvis statue, thankyuh, thankyuhverymuch. Then we passed through one block of the streets many little clubs and bars, a centerpiece of Memphis musical night life.
By the time we turned left at the W. C. Handy Park to head up Third Street through the city center, the crowd had thinned out. I took a photo of a reincarnated Elvis as he cheered us. In this section we found more of the typically gently rolling hills that typify the course. It starts at 240 ft. above sea level, then undulates up to its 330 ft. peak at about mile 20. Then it gradually descends to its finish at 215 ft. Along the way most of the hills provide just enough topographic variety to keep us changing our muscle groups. I cant recall any that Id call difficult climbs. All in all the course provides what I consider an almost ideal balance.
Just after passing under I-40 we turned left toward the River during mile 4. We passed directly in front of The Pyramid arena with its statue of Ramesses. Then we turned right to begin an almost four mile mostly straight stretch east on North Parkway.
I normally dont check my splits along the way; I prefer just entering them on my chronometer without knowing them, and trying to force myself to keep up the pace regardless. But today I checked them at key points because Id finally set a goal of 5:50:00 (my right leg is amputated below the knee, and my weight would suggest that I equal two world class marathoners). Over the last few years, Ive finished most of my street thons in 6:15 to 6:45; regardless of circumstances, ultimately it comes down to my wimping out and just grinding through to a mediocre finish.) To help me keep on target, I printed up a pace band (thanks, marathonguide.com!) and taped it around my wrist. By mile 5 Id built up a cushion of over four minutes. Encouraged, I kept running more than usual as the temperature crept slowly up the 30s. However, I also worriedas I hadnt truly prepared for the extra effort, and I did do Philadelphia just thirteen days agoI might end up truly bonking toward the end. I did already feel a little more tension in my quadsbut I had to try. If I should crash and burn (or freeze), that would tell me decisively that Ive got to train still more seriously.
Mile 7 took us along the Zoos north border until we entered Overton Park. Though only a few obstinate brown leaves hung tenaciously on the mostly bare trees, I still found this one of the nicest sections of the course. I definitely appreciated the respite from auto traffic moving right alongside us virtually nonstop after the first four miles, and ever increasing for the rest of the day.
Seeing the 8 mile sign I expected music from Eminem; I felt relieved instead to hear live music from Greased Lightening . This aid station offered the usual water and Powerade, plus plenty of Gu packets (all this would remain available when I would pass it again as mile 17).
As I passed the turnoff point for lead marathoners, I saw the third male lead runner having trouble knowing where to go. The few traffic cones didnt extend very far into the parking lot and no one stood there directing runners. The route seemed evident enough to mebut I had the luxury of a 13:00 pace. These front runners guys were cranking out their miles at about six minute pace. If I moved that fastand I wanted to stay in contention for prize moneyI also would feel irked at having to waste even seconds about exactly where to go.
Though I still sustained more running than usual, some of the tension in my quads seemed to have diminished a bit. I moved along into the section that passed the Memphis College of Art and related buildings. The mile 9 aid station still kept up the rah-rah attitude (I began wondering if maybe each station included a squad of high school cheerleaders.) I also noticed how many Police and Sheriff personnel managed to offer encouragement even while carefully controlling the growing weekend traffic.
Eventually I headed west on Poplar for a couple of miles through a commercial district. The long gradual ups and downs continued. Checking my ten mile split I found Id built up a reserve of about twelve minutes. That sounded greatalthough I knew Id inevitably slow down somewhat in later miles. Id obviously worked hard this morning, and to make 5:50 Id have to keep doing so. Good. Its about time I met the challenge more suitably.
About this time, hand cyclist Terry Blackwell crossed the finish line in 2:12:55. The two others finished before Jonas Holdeman, a University of Memphis assistant track and cross country coach, ran into AutoZone Park and clocked the winning time of 2:34:47. For the last eight miles hed played leapfrog with Ruben Hinojosa, who finished just over a minute later. (Later I would learn that the final two miles down Union frustrated some faster runnersespecially those in contention for cash prizes!as they had to negotiate their run through the congested crowd of half-marathoners and first-loop marathoners. Fixing this aspect of the course, perhaps by providing an additional running lane for, say, the first hour of marathon finishers, and then releasing that extra lane to auto traffic, provides my only significant suggestion for improvement.)
I turned south on Dunlap through the medical center area before I took my left on Union toward downtown. I stopped to pet the Official Course Basset Hound (so designated by me) who gave me a hearty bark of encouragement. A few blocks later the reincarnated Elvis Id met downtown posed in front of the legendary Sun Studios for a photo op with marathoners. I never bother buying overpriced official photosbut this ones just SO magnificently cheesy that Ill almost certainly shell out the bucks for it. Then I began to cruise down the final westward stretch toward AutoZone Park. Wellfinal for the half marathoners, and some very fast marathoners, at this point. Instead of turning in, I had to follow the sign indicating, Full MarathonersSecond Loop.
A little discouraging. Ah, well. 5:50, 5:50, 5:50
Had I reached this point maybe four minutes later, Id have seenRussias Tatiana Maslova zip past me on her way to take the womens first place in 2:46:38. This falls marathons have proved profitable for her. After winning Mystic Places in Connecticut in October, and Philadelphia just 13 days ago, this made her third victory in two months. Now decisively free of having to worry about what to do with prize money, I turned up Third Street, hit the ChampionChip checkpoint, and noted that Id officially entered the back-of-the-pack zone. The race crowd had drastically thinned as I began a five mile stretch of déjà vu.
On North Parkway I found the aid stations still perky. Plus, a band now played across the street. By this timeabout 11:00 a.m.temperatures must have eased up to 40ish. Still felt great. I noticed some discomfort in my stump and, oddly enough, I couldnt quite figure out what sort of sock adjustment would likely provide relief. Conveniently enough, running mitigated the discomfort. I didnt yet feel the need to apply a Compeed blister prevention below my kneecap, and I worried that changing my prosthetic sock might result in greater discomfort, so I just kept moving. Meanwhile, Jerry Forde won the wheelchair category in 3:42:59.
A few miles later I jogged into Overton Park and found Greased Lightening still kept crankin out the tunes. I picked up two more Gu packets. My stump discomfort had increased enough that I decided I needed to change socks and apply a Compeed. Exiting the park, I stopped just before the mile 18 sign to make the adjustments. This ate away probably four or five minutes of my diligently-built time reserves, but I knew that if I didnt make the change, Id probably pay more for it later, not only in the race, but in likely blistering that would take a week or more to heal.
As I headed down East Parkway I heard from downtown what sounded eerily like an air raid siren. Before September Eleven Id have just ignored it. Today I admit that it gripped my attention. But no one in the many cars to my left showed any concern, nor did the traffic control officers at the next intersection, so I inferred that it meant nothing. (Later I learned that the sound did in fact come from an air raid siren. Memphis tests the system at noon every Saturday.)
I foundto my pleasant surprisethat I could still jog much better than I expected along this stretch. Crisp temperatures, headed for their peak in the high 40s certainly helped keep my energy up, but I remain convinced that the abundance of cheering, applause, and other encouragement from volunteers, spectators, and law officers has done just as much to keep my spirit buoyed. The mile 19 aid station featured a Think Warm Hawaiian Christmas theme, including an inflatable palm tree and volunteers wearing grass skirts over their warmup suits. The welcome humor deserved a photo.
Veering off the parkway I found at the mile 20 ChampionChip checkpoint that my time buffer had dropped to just two minutes and twenty seconds. I resolved to regain some of that margin. I picked up my pace along the southern ends of the Libertyland Fairgrounds and turned in toward the Mid-South Coliseum. After a 20-30 second chat at the aid station, I realized I couldnt afford to keep socializing as much for the duration if I wanted to make 5:50 confidently.
I jogged across the parking lot to the Liberty Bowl. Surprise: the course led directly into the football stadium. Approaching the field I met a race volunteer with a sign pointing to the right and reading, STAY OFF GRASS. I didnt quite understand the point of posting an anti-marijuana message right here but anyhow I continued with the course along the sidelines, where I got a high-five and cheers from a presumably Memphis University football player and some sort of mascot. Another funky little feature, very much appreciated, especially at this fatigue-prone stage.
Continuing up Hollywood Street and turning left down Union, I found that Id increased my time advantage by about 20 seconds over each of the last couple of miles. During mile 22 I took a little zig up to Madison Street, past Overton Square and a little stretch of a few mostly unique and independent restaurants and shops. Here I passed Mollys La Casita, the site of a get-together planned for after the race. At the 23 mile sign just past Mollys I found Id boosted my time even more. Now confident that I could sustain what Id done since mile 20, so Id certainly make my 5:50 goal, I began to speculate: how about 5:45?
I zagged back onto Union to face a dead-ahead of loooong ups and downs to the finish. A sports stores banner read, Get a donut from Elvis, 2.5 to go and sure enough, another reincarnated Elvis offered us late-stage carbs. The laugh this gave me did more good than the donut would have. Again I passed the first Elvis at Sun Studios and then jogged over I-240 and Danny Thomas Boulevard before the final downhill to the mile 26 sign, where I turned right for a little jaunt to the entrance into AutoZone Park. I got a final boost from the brief downhill ramp that took me onto the fine gravel track bordering the baseball field. According to my personal chronometer, started when I crossed the start line, I finished in 5:45:20.
This one I can take genuine pride in.
But then I had to climb the stadium steps to the main level to retrieve my drop baguhnnngh. After taking advantage of the showers I was fortunate enough to still have access to a ten minute massageahhhhhh. Then I checked out the food: Powerade, water, bananas, apples, blah blah blahandKrispy Kremes! The souths most delectable deep-fried decadence in carbo-reloading. Ohhhh, baaaaaaby...
Seriously, apart from the one significant concern of front runners crowded in the final two miles on Union, I found this event exemplary of how well a mid-size marathon can come off. At its heart, it offers a well-designed course that provides moderately varying terrain and a decent view of some the citys most popular attractions and resources. Further, it provides: good hotels near the start/finish for those willing to pay the slightly higher costs; a very well organized packet pickup, including a nicely-stocked goodie bag and a very attractive long-sleeve shirt; on-time starts; friendly law officers providing expert traffic control; decent prize money for top finishers and a nice chunk of change for age group winners; recognition for Shelby County runners; enthusiastic and supportive volunteers at well-stocked aid stations at just about every mile, including candies and/or Gu at selected stations; excellent after-race facilities, services, and refreshmentsample even without the (God bless them) Krispy Kremes (and DONT DARE take them away!)
I didnt pay the extra $10 to attend the Saturday night party/concert so I cant comment on its value (Id gladly have paid to see Al Green, the originally scheduled performer).
The St. Jude Marathon benefits from one more vital resource beyond the responsibilities and the control of the race production team: the fine people of Memphis. Though not many spectators lined the course, most of those who did come out gave generous support and applause. Many of these folks gave us such warmth and good cheer that I suspect just about any of them would have gladly invited me over for dinner if Id hinted for it. This makes my 41st marathon (#35 for 50&DC), and Memphis impresses me as exuding a truly honest, down-home sense of welcome.
I hope the directors can handle the growth that this event will likely experience.
Freshly showered and massaged, I didnt need to return to my hotel (about 15 minutes east of downtown), so I headed straight to Mollys La Casita. There I met Lou from the Runners World on-line forum, with his wife and 16-month old daughter. We enjoyed visiting over some good Mexican food. After they left I also visited with Wendy, from Nashville, at the next table; today shed completed her first marathon. As I exited, another table of customers cheered when they saw my medal. Most of them had also done the race, so of course we had to chat a few minutes as well. Finally I got into the car and got some good laughs from Prairie Home Companion as I headed back to the hotel to relax and feel very, very satisfied.
Thankyuh, Memphis, thankyuhverymuch.
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