Who The Hell is Mike

Marathon Mike

Southern culture, cajun food, craft beer, traditional jazz, a little history, and a nice run

After a short Friday afternoon hop on Allegiant Air from Tampa we arrived in New Orleans, Louisiana, birthplace of Louis Armstrong and the home of jazz. Founded by the French in 1718, it became part of the Spanish empire in 1763, reverted to France in 1803 and was immediately sold by Napoleon to the Union along with the rest of the state at the “Louisiana Purchase”. An unexpected upgrade at the hotel to the “Presidents Suite” (it said it on the door) boosted our egos, not sure what that was about unless they mistook me for Mr. Trump, however certainly not looking forward to the Travelodge again after that. Then it was out for some Creole cooking in the French Quarter, Jambalaya washed down with the local amber ale from Abita Brewing Co. followed by more amber nectar and a couple of hours of traditional jazz in Bourbon Street.

                Beignets and coffee were taken for breakfast on Saturday at Huck Finn’s café, followed by a walk around the French market and a look at the buskers and artists in Jackson Square; tarot card readings were tactfully avoided. Afterwards we hit the road for a 2 hour drive through the bayous to Baton Rouge and packet pickup for the Louisiana Marathon on Sunday.

                Baton Rouge is the state capital of Louisiana, situated on the mighty Mississippi and although it is 230 miles down-river to the Gulf of Mexico, ocean-going vessels are able to get there. The port is the 8^th largest by tonnage in USA and mainly handles petroleum, chemicals, bulk ores, timber and sugar. The city name dates back to 1699, when French explorers noted a red cypress tree stripped of its bark that marked the boundary between Houma and Bayou Goula tribal hunting grounds. They called the tree "le baton rouge," or red stick.

                The race started at 7:00 a.m. in front of the Capitol building, dawn was just breaking, it was slightly foggy and about 15C. The marathon course was very pleasant with only a few short inclines and so it was fast (for some). After a couple of miles of city streets the route went out through some upscale neighbourhoods and thence to the LSU (Louisiana State University)campus, meandering through wide tree-lined avenues with some fine- looking buildings. We passed around the college football stadium, an incredible facility; it looked of equivalent stature to our top premiership soccer stadia. The next 8 miles meandered on a smallish road littered with affluent properties round a large lake with good views across to the university. The event included a half marathon and at about 11 miles the half-marathoners broke off and turned for home. The second half of the run passed mainly through well-to-do suburbs with the last 3 miles in the city returning to the Capitol. Crowd support was excellent throughout, some residents had put out additional aid stations here and there with water, oranges, bananas, pretzels, beer, and someone even set up a champagne stop with pigs in blankets.

                Not such a good run for me physically, never felt strong from the off, but after 5 miles I was drenched in sweat and shoes already squelching every step, hadn’t realised the humidity was so high. At about 14 miles the sun came out, the temperature went up 10 degrees and hope for a decent time vanished. Walk/jogged the last 4 miles, ankles hurt, hips hurt, muscles ached, completely exhausted but did manage 2nd in age group. There followed the best free after-race party ever by the finish line. Several city restaurants were serving hot local foods including jambalaya, red beans and rice, andouille po-boys, pasta, pizzas, salads, even a vegan one Catherine, and we had vouchers on the bib number for up to 6 local beers. Good alternative to tea and cake. Sleep came easily.

Feeling good

        Feeling not so good

How to climb this 9 inch kerbstone?

A belated Happy New Year to all at YTRRC

Hill Reps

Good night on Plantagenet Chase and Cherry Tree on Wednesday with hill training (which doesn't just help you climb hills but improve your overall running speed). We did a mix of shorter sprints and longer gruelling suffer fests (I think they may be good for you & still not much more than 2 mins). We were too busy weezing to take photos so see this non artistic impression if you want to know what you missed.

Thanks everyone who came :D             Next week it should be Wednesday but think quite a few of the regulars could be missing so let me know what day appeals.

Marks Runs

PUB RUN - SOUTH PETHERTON

I enjoyed Garath's pub run tonight from the Brewers Arms. The night was cool, and clear, and the stars were easy to see. From the pub door we went right, right, and right. This took us southwards heading towards the A303. Another right turn got us onto a dark country lane lined with trees on both sides. The very bright star/planet was up ahead between the trees. It was without the moon tonight. This lane followed the A303 and took us through Moor and past two farms coming back to the village. We then went right and headed back in towards the church. We turned and came up Carey's Hollow. This lane continued under bright stars across a hill top taking us to Fouts Cross. Two right turns took us to Compton Durville. The last leg was up slippery inclines and down into the village, past the church and pub to the car park. 5.5 miles of good running.

GOLDENSTONES LONG RUNNING

The run this morning from Goldenstones at 8:45 was a great one. Around 13 or 14 of us set off together in the cool sunshine, following the course of the old Yeovil half marathon. We later split off into faster and not so fast, with some going a little bit shorter as well. I enjoyed this training, and was pushed along by Paul leading the faster group. The route was changed a little due to a road closure, and 12.7 miles was clocked. Others did a complete half marathon distance. Glad I talked my way out of adding on Yeovil Marsh and Stone lane. Perhaps on another day?

Club Events

1. Tuesday Club Night is at  YTFC  6:15 pm 24th Jan

2.  Thursday Pub run is at Dinington Docks Dinington at 6:30pm 26th Jan

3.  Track night on Friday at 6:15pm  

4.  The Sunday Run will be Goldenstones  29th Jan 9:00 am

5. The next Championship race is  Sun 5th Feb 10k Longleat 10.00 am