Mike's Running Log 2005-2009

Running Log 2005

Apparently, this was my year to run. I started training for Alaska's biggest marathon, the Mayor's Midnight Sun Marathon, in February. I trained for 18 weeks and recorded over 500 miles. I ran the marathon, my first, on June 18th in 3 hours 41 minutes and 31 seconds. I ran the Midnight Summer Solstice fun run, a 5k, the week after the marathon. I also ran the July 4th 10k & the Coast Guard Day 5k in August. I competed in Kodiak's 3rd annual Eco-Challenge, Race against the Rock August 20th. I participated in the local Ionman Triathlon team competition by running the 5k portion. My team finished first in the team category & third overall. I ran the Klondike Road Relay, a 110 mile race from Skagway, AK to Whitehorse, Yukon Territory Canada in September. Then on October 9th, I ran my second marathon in Victoria, British Columbia. I did 8.5 minutes better with a 3:32:54. And finally, I ran in the Chad Ogden Memorial Ultramarathon Relay here on Kodiak Island. Our 5 person team finished the 42.7 mile race in 5:01, placing third. I ran the "Middle Bay" leg, leg 3. It was 8.8 miles with some rolling hills and a 2 mile climb at the end. I managed a 7:09 per mile. The boys high school cross country team was stacked so they could attempt to break the 1993 record set by an individual. They finished first, breaking the record by 4 minutes, a $500 prize. Click the links above to read the articles published by our very own, the Kodiak Daily Mirror. I managed to sneak in one last marathon, the 34th running of the Dallas marathon. Here are a few pictures of my adventures.

My Running buddy, Lisa Blount also from Kodiak, giving me a hip-check before the Anchorage marathon.  Photo courtesy of Jennifer Eubank, my new friend thru Lisa, who showed us some awesome hospitality.  Special thanks to Jennifer.  She ran the half marathon.

The Anchorage Marathon was a very challenging course especially for a first time marathoner. From about mile 7 to 18, it was nothing but up, up, up. I thought the hills were never going to end. And the course during those miles was mostly on old gravel tanker trails. I like running on trails but for those that don't, it could be brutal. However, the scenery was spectacular even on a rainy day. The volunteer support was great. Tough on spectators though. I would definitely run this course again. And I probably would do it next year but I plan to run Kodiak's only marathon during the Crab Festival. I don't think 3 weeks is enough time to recover.

Here I am crossing the finish line.

It was a very tough run. 

Here are my stats:

Place overall  154/1705

by gender  131/724

by division  27/100

The Metcalfe & Friends Team Post Race Photo. We're missing Patrick who had to return to Juneau after his leg of the race. We were in the mixed team category finishing 40/65. I ran leg 6, the longest leg at 16 miles after being up all night providing support to the other "night shift" runners. I ran the last leg of the night shift from 4a.m. to 6a.m. I ran a 7:24 per mile putting me 22/126 for leg 6. We had a great time & the scenery was spectacular (on the drive, not the run - it was dark)

Pictured above from left to right: Me, Hollis French from Anchorage, Derrek from Whitehorse, Ken Hoff from Anchorage, Jake Metcalfe from Anchorage, Mac Metcalfe from Juneau, Patrice Metcalfe Parker from Anchorage, Michael LeeAnn Kohan from Juneau & Bonnie Cudnohufsky from Valdez. And not pictured: Patrick Gullufsen from Juneau. 

We stopped at a little joint in Haines Junction on the way to Whitehorse. Hollis noticed an interesting menu item - poutine. He said, 'on the way back through, we have to try this'. So here we are eating poutine, french fries smothered in cheese & gravy. It was a very comical moment & worthy of a kodak pose. Poutine will no doubt be a Metcalfe & Friends tradition. Hollis gets all the credit for this one! Thanks for a great time guys!

A scenic shot on the drive to Whitehorse, a beautiful

14 hour drive from Anchorage.

Looking strong at the Royal Victoria Marathon in British Columbia Canada. This picture was obviously taken near the beginning of the race. I was happy that I shaved over 8 minutes off my previous marathon time. I averaged a 8:07 per mile, 20 seconds per mile better than Anchorage. The course was rated one of the top 10 beginner's marathons. Not because it's easy, that's for sure. There were a lot of "rolling hills" which made the course a little difficult but no complaints. I didn't like all the turns through the residential areas though - I like to see where I'm going and who's in front of me. The volunteers were phenomenal and the spectator support was great making it a good marathon for beginners. Victoria is a beautiful city and a fun place to visit. We had a great time but I wouldn't run this marathon again. You can check out more race photos here.

Here are my stats: Place overall 335/1961, 
in gender 288/1086, in division 55/165

A post-race photo, sporting the hardware, with my running buddies, Lisa Blount & Margie Leary from Port Angeles, WA. Margie used to be our next-door neighbor here in Kodiak. I knew I wanted to run a marathon but Margie helped inspire me to start training. Lisa & Margie thanks for all your support & your friendship!

Beth was getting deployed down south for a couple of weeks, so I took the opportunity to fly home. I was able to spend some quality time with family, and get in one more marathon, the Dallas White Rock. Beth was able to accompany me on the flight down, enroute Clearwater, but the return trip was just me and the kids, 3 at the time. It was a bit crazy getting to the start: we were late, the traffic was jammed, and I jumped the corral barriers just in time for the gun to go off. It was another tough finish but I managed to post a 3:33:54, 50 seconds slower than Victoria. Thanks to my Dad, my sister Natalie and my uncle Adam for watching the kids. My Mom and my sister Shane helped also, but more importantly, they ran the marathon relay.

Here are my stats:
Place overall 391/3311
Top 12%
in sex 344/2173
in division 63/418