Hi all, Sunday was the inaugural running (or walking, in my case) of the Half At Hampton in Hampton, NH. I had to enter and compete in it because I regularly train on much of the course, and because the course went right by our house. Because of weather and travel commitments, I hadn't had a workout over 9.5 miles in months: I knew I would finish, but not how strong I'd be when I got there. We've had a bit of snow here lately, and the race organizers set up a plan to let people know on race morning if it was canceled due to weather. Fortunately, the 2-4 inches of snow that were predicted for Saturday night turned into nothing more than flurries. Heavy winds and snow showers were in the forecast for Sunday, but were not scheduled to arrive until at least an hour or two after the race should have been completed. FR - I brought a bunch of stuff with me, but wound up wearing a long-sleeve moisture-wicking T with a short-sleeve shirt underneath, tights, lightweight gloves and a lightweight hat. It was about 33 at the start, with almost no wind and a bit of sun peaking through the clouds. About 40 walkers started at 10:30 - half an hour before the runners. Dot Zullo (she does this every time) got off the line amazingly fast, and had the lead after about 5 steps. I was second, and was just focusing on maintaining my form, keeping my turnover rate high, and not losing sight of Dot. She got a good lead in the first half mile or so, but then backed off her sprint and only slowly pulled away from me over the next 6-7 miles. I knew Chris Luck was behind me, and he was far enough back that I couldn't hear him, but I refused to look back to see how big (or small) that gap was. I had decided that I was going to walk my own race, and let the chips fall where they may. By mile 5, Dot had about a 10th of a mile lead on me, and I was wondering why we hadn't seen the lead runners yet. Sure enough, two runners came along about half a mile later, with their police escort, and slid on by. My wife decided that it was about time she came to one of my races to cheer me on, so there she was, at the end of our driveway. She took a couple of photos (yiikes!), told me the things someone wants to hear in mid-race, and then I was gone, and so was she. By mile 8, my right foot was starting to slap every once in a while, telling me that I was not holding my form real well. So I tried working on more accentuated leg lifts and thrusts, and succeeded in stopping the slapping. Good. At this point, I could only see Dot on longer straights, but was still trying to minimize the speed with which she was lengthening the gap between us. As I turned onto the road that goes along the ocean, at about mile 8.5, it started to drizzle. In the next mile, a head wind kicked up, and it started to snow with flakes the size of quarters. The snow didn't last too long though - it changed to rain. Between miles 9 and 10, my left hip started to hurt. I ignored it as long as I could, but it refused to be ignored. With about a mile and a half to go, I slowed for a second, and gave strong consideration to just strolling to the finish - slow but pain-free. However, I was still in second place, and I had come to far to give it up without a fight. So I kept pushing as hard as I could, trying as hard as I could to hang on to some semblance of respectable racewalking form. Finally, the finish! I went across, looking as sloppy as any racewalker had ever looked, but I had held onto second place! Luckily, there was some youthful, limber person to help remove my chip, because there was no way I could bend over that far or bend my leg that much without many muscles cramping up. At the awards ceremony, they had Dot as the second place finisher - another woman with a faster time said she had walked the entire race but it was clearly a lie. Dot protested and the results were quickly made right. I got my award as the first-place male walker, and slowly made my way back to the car and to home. I never heard my time at the ceremony, and when I checked the results on CoolRunning later in the afternoon, my name was nowhere to be found. So this morning I sent an e-mail to the race scorer, who said he'd check it when he gets home from work tonight. For the time being, I'm sticking with my watch time of 2:27 - not my best, but not as bad as I thought it'd be, based on those last few miles. On the other hand, if my results aren't posted anywhere, did I just dream this race? Sad notes: An active member of an area running club collapsed and died of a heart attack at mile 6. It shouldn't have happened to him, but it did and it was quick. It is a sad reminder to us all to live each day to the fullest because you never know what is going to happen. Also, there was a scaffolding over the finish mats that held the FINISH banner, and made the finish line visible from some distance. Just a few minutes after I crossed the line, the scaffolding collapsed on a woman runner. I learned this morning that she suffered a broken leg. Not that a broken leg is a minor injury, but I hope that is the extent of her injuries. Not a good day for a new race. Jay

Hey Coastwalker, Congrats on your great results despite some pain and less training then you planned. I was supposed to run in this and the weather forecast kept me home. I realize the race went off in the window of decent weather, but my drive home to Massachusetts would have been a tough one. I was sorry to miss it all ---and I could have cheered for you---but I'll be back for the Eastern States 20 miler in March. Will you be there for that? I am so sad to hear of the challenges and heartbreak during the race. It does indeed remind us that each day is a gift and ever so fragile at times. I am also glad you got the results worked out. Race walking is incredible and I was always in awe of my high school teammates who would seemingly glide over the track without their knees and hips going completely out of joint. The race officials were always so intent holding a card out to ensure that a portion of the walkers foot was always in contact with the track. It looked odd from afar and fascinating up close. Great work Coastwalker! CNYrunner

Jay, you are awesome. I read every word of your reports, as it fascinates me that you can do this. You know I am injured, and I have been doing a lot of walking. Another old guy in my club compares notes with me about our walks. I can get down into the 12's but no faster and I can't hold it for long, as I lose concentration. I am sure I couldn't go that fast for a half, and yet you must be in the low 11's. Do I have that right? I can't imagine it. Very well done and great report. Spareribs

great race coastwalker!! so sorry for to hear about the tragedy and accident during the race......sending prayers to all.

CW, Great race performance, I can't help but be impressed by your perseverance and tenacity. Congratulations! Very unfortunate about the two other runners. Hopefully the woman runner recovers quickly. Terrible about that woman claiming to be the winner. Good thing they cleared it up right away. Thanks for the report!! huskydon

Congratulations on your finish. Very sad about the runner who died and the one that was injured. It is all too true you never know what day will be your last.

2:27 is an awesome time! Wow! Congratulations. What division is that again?