Lake Placid played host to a marathon and half-marathon again this year. To prevent confusion they’ve named the event: The Lake Placid Marathon & Half Marathon.
It’s tough to be a prosy writer about marathon running. It takes a biased mind to look past the sweaty crowded field of runners, often exploding snot and spit from their pained faces.
The sport is not romantic; it’s a test. (I prefer the personal test of golf myself, where at your worst moments you may emerge from the woods with not only your errant shot, but some free golf balls as well.)
I do however recognize the achievement that is finishing a race; having pushed yourself to the point of fumes and the need to collapse.
Several friends of mine made a pact to participate in the 13+ mile Half Marathon event in Placid… again, that’s 13 miles and then just a little more, to stretch the pain out just a wee bit longer.
This isn’t the story of their battle and it’s not a chronicle of the overall race; this is a recap of their wit while preparing to battle 13 miles of asphalt.
The following was pilfered from Facebook. For those of you unfamiliar with Facebook: Al Gore probably invented it, and as far as we know Anthony Weiner hasn’t embarrassed himself with it… yet.
January 19, Kristin Helmer: Archie and I train Rocky IV style… that is until my iPod dies.
March 22, Karra Detrick: 7 miles. And nobody was chasing me.
March 27, Brita Down: 12 mile training run…CHECK! (*grin*)
March 28, Monique Masters: have spent more time on making a running mix than the actual running……oops
April 6, Kristin Helmer: I will not let the snowflakes win… running with Archie:)
May 6, Katie Langworthy: next time I think we should all get together, rent a big house and skip the whole running thing 🙂
May 6, Erica Murray: my goal is to beat Brita…yes, I know she is running the marathon…still it’s my goal
May 12, Karra Detrick: 12 miles. Wut up?!
May 12, Erica Murray: to run or not to run…the couch is so comfy
May 15, Katie Langworthy: Ahhhh… To run or not to run???? I think I’ll have a donut and then decide 🙂
May 21, Christine Morgan: Beautiful day in OF, 11+ mile run (thanks Monique Masters and Kristin Helmer for joining!), inhaled a ton of pretzels and a few chicken wings when I got home, now time to make a pitcher of daiquiris and sit in the sun with a book… Just like the pros!
May 24, Kristin Helmer: Woohoo ADK Ladies… way to rock Route 28;)
June 4, Christine Morgan: Finally defeated my nemesis! In your long, steep face Dump Hill!
June 11, Kathy Rivet: Lake Placid or bust!
June 12, Christine Morgan: SO PROUD of my running buddies!! When’s the next one?!
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The cast of “Adirondack Runner Girls” is: Karra (Clark) Detrick, Holly Armendola, Elisha Bartlett, Kristin Helmer, Katie Langworthy, Monique Masters, Christine Morgan, Erica Murray, and Kathleen Rivet (White Water Champion).
These girls raised $2,270 for the LiveStrong Foundation and are still accepting donations through the LiveStrong.Org site.
As Karra put it on her status before the race, “In honor of my mother, my brother, and my sister in law (+ countless others) who have battled cancer, I will be running the Lake Placid 1/2 Marathon on Sun. Every donation has been a testament to that fact that I am surrounded by loving, generous people. Thank all of you who have given to this cause. Live STRONG!”
Team Adirondack Runner Girls would also like to mention that Liz Russell, Kristie Lawrence and Kelly Christy filled out the group of Lady Forgers who put the hammer to the Lake Placid event.
The story may not end there:
January 21, Monique Masters: “Boilermaker is a month later…….any takers?!?!?!”
