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GaRebelRunner
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Joined: 26 Sep 2003
Posts: 1095
Location: Tucker, GA
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 Posted: 04/26/04 - 21:41 Post subject: OKC Marathon Relay Report
After the Myrtle Beach Marathon in February, I just couldn't get the energy up to do the necessary preparation for the Oklahoma City Marathon that I run every year. I put a thread in another running board that I knew had some people from Oklahoma asking if anyone wanted to run as part of the 5 person relay team. We got a team together ranging in age from 9 years old (the daughter of one of the Cool Runner's to myself at the age of 50.
As none of us had run a relay before we met at the expo Saturday afternoon at the relay instruction seminar and then went to dinner at the Sphaghetti Warehouse. Although we knew which distance each person was running we decided at the dinner who was going to run which specific relay. The relay consisted of a 10k, 5k, 12k, 5k and 10k leg. The race started at 6:30 Sunday morning.
The weather was outstanding, in the low 50s at the start and would only get into the 60's by the time we finished. The sun was out, the winds at Lake Hefner which last year sported 35mph head winds were very smooth this year. As always the volunteers were outstanding at the support stops.
All of us met our goals we had for running this event. The most exciting runner of all of us was the 9 year old. She ran the last leg of the relay, doing her 10k in 55 minutes. She came racing down the street into the finish shoot as strong and fast as any runner I've seen. She regularly races 5k's and has done runs up to 9 miles, but I was very surprised she could maintain her pace in a 10k to finish under an hour. If I could only inspire my niece and nephew to emulate her dedication.
The relay race was very motivational. I've already registered for the 2005 OKC Marathon (registration opened this morning - www.okcmarathon.com) and will probably run the Dallas White Rock 1/2 marathon as a good speed test in December. And I'm redoubling my efforts for the ADT Marathon on Labor Day to do well and see how close I can get to my Boston QT. I don't stand a chance of making it in Colorado Springs, but if I can stay under 4 hours there, my chances for BQ'ing at OKC in 2005 where my family can watch me should be excellent.
I had never considered doing a marathon relay before but it was a lot of fun and as I've ran the full OKC Marathon the past 3 years I knew exactly what each runner could expect on their portion of the relay. Not to mention I got to meet some really nice runners from Oklahoma on my team. So if you don't want to run a full marathon consider the relays. You still get the excitement of the event as well as running parts of it.
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rolling rock
The Pinball
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Joined: 15 May 2002
Posts: 16217
Location: unknown zone
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Posted: 04/27/04 - 08:05 Post subject:
amazing kidlet there!
sounds like a really worthwhile effort. good job.
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spongebob
Former FFL Champion
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Joined: 15 May 2002
Posts: 3602
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Posted: 04/27/04 - 11:05 Post subject:
Yes, you can get your BQ in Colorado Springs.
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Ms. Jenn
Fresh, Hot & Wild
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Joined: 14 Feb 2004
Posts: 7935
Location: Suite 550
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Posted: 04/27/04 - 22:12 Post subject:
The Oklahoma delegation thinks you're pretty nice too and we had a great time!
The relay was a lot of fun. I will do it again. The hardest part is finding enough partners!
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kattzoo
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Joined: 28 Feb 2003
Posts: 3812
Location: Happily at the back of the pack
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Posted: 04/27/04 - 22:23 Post subject:
Sounds like a great time, and I'm fairly envious of the kid. I'm penciling you in for White Rock!
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GaRebelRunner
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Joined: 26 Sep 2003
Posts: 1095
Location: Tucker, GA
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Posted: 05/13/04 - 14:58 Post subject:
| kattzoo wrote: | | Sounds like a great time, and I'm fairly envious of the kid. I'm penciling you in for White Rock! |
You can just about put in stone now. I'm paying for the hotel and plane tickets this afternoon. I'll be staying at the Hyatt Reunion, which in the past has served as the host hotel.
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The Running Wolf
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Joined: 07 Jan 2003
Posts: 56
Location: Cowtown (Fort Worth, Tx)
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Posted: 05/14/04 - 08:55 Post subject:
I ran the first OKC Marathon--great race and GREAT support!! Sounds like you had a great time doing the relay this year. Look forward to seeing you in December here in Texas...TRW
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TriBob
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Joined: 29 Aug 2002
Posts: 5771
Location: Lost in Transition
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Posted: 05/14/04 - 10:08 Post subject:
Cool, glad trying a new format worked out. And, props to your closer. It sounds like she will have a bright running future.
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shelee
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Joined: 23 Oct 2002
Posts: 2408
Location: IN
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Posted: 05/14/04 - 10:48 Post subject:
Nice report! The 9 year old is a pretty fast kid!
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sonnylax
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Joined: 30 Sep 2003
Posts: 2942
Location: Living in a lollipop and unicorn world
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Posted: 05/17/04 - 13:17 Post subject:
Good job GRR! 
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