I have been to Michigan numerous times over the years. But never to the western part of the state. Western Michigan is roughly the westernmost third of the "palm" of the Lower Peninsula of Michigan. The exciting part is that this section of the state includes most of the Lake Michigan shoreline. According to the reviews of this race, we will be running along the lake and getting some beautiful sunsets and sunrises during the race. It will be a big change from the "fall colors" here in Scottsdale. I am looking forward to the crisp fall air and the fall colors.
I have been given Runner #2 for this race. I will be covering the most mileage of all the runners on my team. I start out in Muskegon and run a total of 8.1 miles. The route is along the Muskegon Lakeshore Trail. Muskegon's Lakeshore Trail is said to provide scenic views of Lake Michigan and Muskegon Lake, while also passing among beautiful sand dunes, lively parks and the city of Muskegon itself. The trail follows part of the old corridor of a railroad that once served the former Sappi paper mill. It sounds like a really nice way to start my race.
My second leg starts in Hart and finishes in Pentwater, MI. The route will cover 7.9 miles. The finish is located in the village where there is supposed to be numerous boutique shops, art galleries, outdoor restaurants, and a mast filled marina. It is said that it will remind me of a New England coastal village. The actual exchange is in Mears State Park right on the edge of Lake Michigan. It should be a really nice run as most of it will be along Pentwater Lake. I am hopeful there will be some light so I can see the sights.
My final leg starts near Pierpoint and runs straight north crossing over Arcadia Lake. The leg is 5.1 miles and finishes at Arcadia Lookout. I will be running this leg in the very early morning hours. This will allow me to watch the sunrise as I run along the route. I am looking forward to a very peaceful and beautiful morning run. I believe it will be like my favorite 3rd relay leg from the Bourbon Chase. I hope this route will top that one.
The weather is a little dicey right now. They are predicting rain on both days. It is a low chance at this point but rain is in the forecast. I am not worried as I ran in all sorts of weather when I lived in New England. The good news is that the temperatures will be perfect for the race being in the mid-60s. Overnight will only be in the mid-40s. This should allow me to have a quick pace. My goal is to average right around 9 minutes per mile for the entire 21.1 miles. I want to have a good race as this will be my last big race this year.
What I do know is that I will have a fantastic time in Van 1 with 5 of my best friends, cheering for each other and running through gorgeous scenery in Michigan. I know there will be a lot of laughter, lack of sleep, a few drinks and even some running in between. I think this will be one of the best relays I will have had the chance to participate in out of the 13 I have run. I'll post a race report when I get back. On to Michigan!
Sept 4 – 5.20 miles (58:14, 11:12 pace) - Hill Repeats
Sept 5 – 7.60 miles (1:07:35, 8:54 pace) - Mile Repeats
Sept 7 – 8.20 miles (1:13:26, 8:57 pace) - Tempo Run
Sept 8 – 5.10 miles (46:10, 9:04 pace)
Sept 9 – 9.20 miles (1:36:34, 10:29 pace) - Trail Run
Sept 10 – 8.20 miles (1:16:02, 9:16 pace)
Sept 11 – 5.50 miles (1:05:53, 11:59 pace) - Hill Repeats
Sept 12 – 5.20 miles (44:49, 8:37 pace) - Speed Work
Sept 14 – 5.10 miles (48:06, 9:26 pace)
Sept 15 – 8.20 miles (1:13:15, 8:56 pace) - Tempo Run
Sept 16 – 8.30 miles (1:41:18, 12:20 pace) - Trail Run
Sept 17 – 8.30 miles (1:19:02, 9:31 pace)
Sept 18 – 3.10 miles (33:57, 10:57 pace) - Hill Repeats
Sept 19 – 3.10 miles (26:07, 8:26 pace) - Speed Work
Sept 21 – 8.20 miles (1:17:27, 9:26 pace) - Tempo Run
Sept 22 – 5.10 miles (46:10, 9:03 pace)
Sept 23 – 8.10 miles (1:12:29, 8:57 pace)
Sept 24 – 7.30 miles (1:07:08, 9:12 pace)
Total Miles: 119.0 miles
2017 Total Miles: 1,383.9 miles
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