2019: A Year in Review

Finally, here is my long overdue recap of 2019. I ran the most miles ever in a single year, 4418 with an average of 12.1 miles a day. While is was a milestone for number of miles, it was a mixed bag race results-wise. It was the first year since 2009 that I didn't add a new state in my quest to run a marathon in every state. In 2009, I had only run 10 marathons and hadn't yet joined the 50 State Marathon Club; I didn't know it existed until 2011.

A few miles into the race

Finishing a loop

Running strong and having fun

My best marathon was the GW Birthday Marathon, put on by DC Road Runners Club. I ran a 3:01 on a very challenging course without a taper. I thought the race would be canceled due to snow, so days before while on work travel in Pittsburgh, I ran long. I was surprised the weather forecast changed and the race went off just fine. Maybe I could have broken 3 with a proper taper, but we'll never know.

Racing while pushing Miles

In March, I raced the St. Patrick's Day Double (5K then a 10K) while pushing Miles in a stroller. I did pretty well, even winning my age group outright in the 10K.

First stroller and first in my age group!

After my strong effort last year in Boston during the storm, I was primed for a big performance this year. Unfortunately, I sustained a left calf injury a week before the race. I thought I was good to go for the actual race, but within the first mile I knew it was 100%. Since my brother and Shawn were racing, I didn't want to drop out, so I hobbled to a 3:23 finish with a negative split.

The Brothers Ames run Boston

My leg healed in time for me to lead my work's team in the FEEA 5K. In fact, I won the race outright, with a respectable 19 minutes, with my nearest chaser dozens of second behind. It was a high point of my racing season.

Winning the FEEA 5K

First place overall

Another high point of my racing season was joining Rep. Conor Lamb's ACLI 3 Mile Challenge Team. Not only did I break 18 minutes, I also helped his team win top House team. As a bonus, I was the first Congressional staffer to finish (House or Senate).

First Congressional staffer and under 18 minutes

Team Lamb: Motion to Recommit to Running

I traveled to Green Bay, Wisconsin, and brought my son and pregnant wife, but the morning of the race they canceled the marathon due to "flooding" on the last couple of miles (seriously, though, it was puddles and we could have run around them). So I ran the half instead - I tried to PR, but I wasn't in half marathon shape. I would have run a very fast marathon, in my opinion.

Starting line

In July, I raced my club's 1 mile challenge. It was a very hot night. Miles participated in the kids' mile, running the first lap (he earned a DNF for his first race since I pulled him after the first lap - too hot and I want him to love running). In the master men's mile, I surprised myself with a 5:07 (a PR that will probably remain my lifetime PR), coming in first among my pack and fifth overall - first runner who didn't break the 5 minute mile barrier.

Start of the master's mile

I started running the Tidal Basin third Wednesday races. They were a nice change of pace. I even won a few of them.

Racing MCM along Rock Creek

I had high hopes of a solid race for the Marine Corps Marathon, but the weather was awful. It was rainy the whole time with a steady wind and warm. Unlike Boston 2018, it was too warm to post a great time. I sputtered out in 3:10, barely missing a BQ. It was the best effort I had in me that day, but it was disappointing since this was my final marathon before the baby's due date.

The agony of defeat

In November. I took Miles for a stroller race, the Veteran's Day 10K. I didn't break 40, but considering I was pushing a stroller, it was a fine effort, and I was the first stroller to finish. I also raced a 5K turkey trot on Thanksgiving. I was 51st overall and 6th in my age group.

DC Road Runners Club photo

With the birth of my son Aden on Boxing Day, 2020 will present new challenges to my running career. I'll likely cut back on mileage and have to figure out how to keep things fresh to stay motivated.

First stroller!

Run Into Peace: Sammy Ames, A Good Dog

Samantha Jones Ames

2002/2003? - July 17, 2020

Samantha Jones "Sammy" Ames

Sammy passed away peacefully on Friday, July 17, 2020, at 3:54 PM surrounded by her doggy mommy and daddy, Laura and Kenny Ames. She leaves behind her little brothers, Miles and Aden, who cuddled with her earlier in the day. She enjoyed a regal feast before departing our world: ribeye steak, grilled salmon, roasted potatoes, and Kenny’s birthday cake for dessert. She even finally got to taste chocolate. She is preceded in death by her cousin, Benny. Her death was non-COVID related.

Sammy celebrates a quiet Independence Day in 2020

Sammy was born sometime in late 2002 or early 2003. From what we know, she is an abuse survivor that was rescued after being left in the cold for a week tied to a pole. She was adopted through the Humane Rescue Alliance on New York Avenue in Washington, D.C.

Sammy lost a waggiest tail dog show contest in Old Town, Alexandria

We believe she was an English springer spaniel mixed with a beagle. She had a distinguishing long, undocked tail that was black from her rear then white to the tip. Her floppy ears and tongue were pushed back by the wind when she ran.

Sammy loved to run. For over 12 years, Kenny and Sammy regularly ran around DC together. Most runs were about an hour (7 miles) but some were longer. She had the heart of a runner, probably due to her hunting dog pedigree. One time she even ran a half marathon at the onset of a blizzard.

Sammy loved a good nap

She was a fast runner with explosive speed and a regal gait. She used to love chasing squirrels and kitties and would let out an audible squeal whenever she spotted one in her territory. She once caught a squirrel that took her entirely by surprise, and she released it quickly.

Sammy at the Ben & Jerry's factory in Vermont

Sammy loved to travel. When she was an only child, she would ride in the car either on the back seat or in Mommy’s lap on the front seat. She had many trips to Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York City. She also visited Virginia Beach, Vermont (where she chased Kenny as he finished a marathon), West Virginia (where she watched Kenny run a marathon), Ohio, and Connecticut, among others.

Sammy congratulates Kenny on finishing the Mad Marathon on his birthday in 2015 in Vermont

She was a great cuddler and always knew when to cozy up for a snuggle. Sammy was a sweet and gentle girl. She was adored by her human cousins, Molly, Drew, and Evan. When she became a big sister to human brothers, she loved and protected Miles and Aden. While she found baby-crying annoying, she looked forward to the scraps toddlers dropped.

Sammy cuddles with her family one last time

Burial will be by cremation. Donations can be made in her memory to the Humane Rescue Alliance.

Run Into Peace, Sammy. Rest well, diva dog!

Veterans Day 10K - First Stroller

Miles and I raced the Veterans Day 10K. I bundled him up, and we ran about 10K from our home in Brookland to the start of the race near the Lincoln Memorial.

DC Road Runners Club team photo

It was a fun day. I finished in 41:20, which is not a bad time considering I had a stroller. Miles loves these races. Along the race, we started in the middle of the pack. It was slow getting out that first mile. I went down on the bicycle and walking path and off the street to give me a clear lane. Miles yelled for me to get back on the road. When I had a chance and a clearing, I got back on the road. For the next 3 miles or so, I kept passing runners. One woman near the second mile marker asked if she could hitch a ride. Others cheered us or said how nice it was and impressive that I could run so fast and push him. I saw DC Road Runner Club mates ahead of us on the turn and behind us. I saw Ray from the House - he did a 1:01. It gave it a good race. And, toward the end of the race, one guy surged as he wasn't going to lose to me. I gave him kudos for that (but really, since I started so far back, my net time is likely better than his).

First Stroller Team

Miles loved the race. He waved as we approached the finish line at the fans who cheered louder.

Return of the Storm: 44th Marine Corps Marathon

For the 2018 Boston Marathon, the weather was cold with heavy rain and a strong head wind. I embraced it, earning the nickname, "The Storm." As the forecast for Marine Corps 2019 came into similar focus, I would have to summon the spirit of "The Storm" I relied upon to set my course PR of 3:08 in Boston in 2018.

My first two Marine Corps Marathons were my first two marathons. That was back in 2004 and 2005. I barely knew what I was doing, but at least I had pretty decent conditions. The 44th Marine Corps Marathon was my fourth and 47th overall (27 different states), and the conditions were was far from the perfect conditions I hope for each race (40s, overcast, no wind or rain). The rain came down in sheets, strong gusts blew me into a near running standstill, and there was standing water, especially around the tip of Hains Point.

The DC Road Runners Club Male Masters Team

I don't control the weather, but I would think I have slightly better luck in 2019: Boston in April was heavy rain prior to the race which I ran injured; and two canceled marathons. When they called for thunderstorms, I worried I would have a third marathon canceled on me (Green Bay in May, Omaha in September). But these are the Marines who call rain "Warrior Sunshine." What looked like perfect weather conditions a week ago devolved into heavy rain, wind, and warm temperatures for the race. How do you have a rain storm in late October that is in the 60s/70s? Doesn't rain makes the weather cooler? Climate change, I suppose, as a late season tropical storm passed through. At least there wasn't thunder or lightning as they predicted.

Running so fast I'm a blur?

This was my fourth Marine Corps Marathon and 47th marathon in my 15 years as a runner. By the numbers, I did pretty well. 3:10:37, 165th overall, 149th male, and 26th male 40-44. Yet, I felt sad because it wasn't good enough for a Boston Qualifier. An arbitrary time, I had a goal to at least get a BQ after my "fantasy" goal of 2:55 was quashed by the weather which produced heavy rain, wind, and temperatures in the 60s with humidity. Breaking 3 was not a reality. In retrospect, I should have just tried for 3:05, but I would rather set an audacious goal and miss than a reasonable goal and feel I could have done better. Yet, as I process my effort, I am starting to feel better. I went and looked at the last ten years of results, comparing how fast the 166th finisher ran and what place 3:10:37 was:

2019 165th place 3:10:37 = my finish
2018 165th place 3:01:22 / 3:10:36 was 293rd
2017 165th place 3:03:03 / 3:10:36 was 254th
2016 165th place 3:06:32 (hottest MCM on record 60s start/70s finish) / 3:10:38 was 217th. NOTE: My 3:08:31 was 186th place.
2015 165th place 3:02:21 / 3:10:40 was 298
2014 165th place 3:03:49 / 3:10:41 was 262
2013 165th place 2:56:26 / 3:10:37 was 467
2012 165th place 3:00:13 / 3:10:37 was 333
2011 165th place 2:58:21 / 3:10:42 was 375
2010 165th place 2:59:15 / 3:10:37 was 389

Also, to compare with others with whom I ran that I found through race photos:
Matt # 224 finished in 3:14:26
James # 870 finished in 3:08:02
Pedro # 805 finished in 3:10:31
William # 4494 finished in 3:35

Two marathoners and a 50K runner

It is funny that ten years ago if you told me I would race MCM or any race in 3:10, I would have been ecstatic. 3:10:37 would have been a BQ in 2009 as the Boston Athletic Association used to give you up to 59 seconds, but they stopped that in 2012. Now, with the tougher standards, even though I'm 40-44 male, it is 40 seconds too slow to qualify and I probably need a 3:08 to assure a spot into Boston 2021. Out of my 47 marathons, it is my 16th fastest, yet is faster than every single marathon I raced prior to September 2011.

Racing in a pack

I lamented my bad luck. I was stuck in my head with woe as me. I was primed for a big PR, but without perfect conditions, I was shooting just for a decent time. These conditions weren't even close to ideal.

The agony of defeat

As I warmed up on the start line, my right knee was creaking. Every ache manifested within the final few moments of the gun. And as I got my head in the right place, the howitzer went off and so did the race. The first two miles are directly uphill. I tried to just hold pace and not work too hard - I even tried to ignore the pace. In the second mile, I heard Coach Ed Grant call out to me. In the third mile, it was mostly downhill and I thought I found my pace. But, it was clear going through Georgetown and up Rock Creek that my effort wasn't smooth. In races where I run fast, the effort early feels relaxed and mostly easy. That didn't happen at all this race. It was a grind. I wondered how fit I really was and if I had the mental resolution to complete the race.

Post race

I don't have many memories from the race. I remember arriving in Georgetown and receiving a boost from the DC Road Runner Club water stop. I remember the out and back on Rock Creek where I saw Michael Wardian on his way to winning the 50K. I remember teasing a fan cheering us on as he wore a Flyers jersey - "Did you lose a bet?" He was a good sport. I caught up with a group of runners led by a 20-something male named Reagan (Do you have a brother named Ronald?). He was shooting for a 2:55, so I thought I could hang with this group. I stuck with them past the Kennedy Center and into Hains Point, but they pulled away around the "Wear Blue Mile," featuring "Faces of the Fallen posters and ribbons honoring service members who lost their lives during their years of active duty service." It was a quiet and somber mile along the most isolated stretch of the course. It was also by the halfway point, where I crossed in just under 1:32. I thought I had a good shot of 3:05.


But, I never found my groove. Between heavy rain, head wind that was strong at times, and overall soreness, I was slowing down. Running around the Mall, I thought I could hold a 7 flat, but it started to slip as I ran over 14th Street Bridge. I caught back up to Regan while still over the Potomac. He crossed the half in 1:28, but fell apart and claimed a 3:19 finish. I recall passing the 26.2 mark for the 50K on the bridge and joking with the volunteers as if I was crossing my finish line. In that moment, I wished I had signed up for the 50K. At least I wouldn't be disappointed as I would have been tackling a new challenge. But my race had a little less than 5 miles to go. The part through Crystal City was tough, with a headwind to the turnaround and a body that was getting tight and tired. Somehow, I stood upright. On the final two miles, I gave it everything but I had left it all on the course. When I got to the finish hill, I was barely able to move and didn't have a finish kick. Maybe if the finish were a straightaway, I could have gotten in under 3:10:00.

Family ice cream treat

While I was disappointed I missed a BQ by less than 40 seconds, I have no regrets. I know I left it all out on the course. I tried to hold the best pace possible the final stretch, even reminding myself "I think I can!" There have been races in the past where I left thinking I could have pushed harder at the end. This time, I have no doubt I pushed as hard as I could - I had nothing left. It is a freeing feeling. It was a rough weather day, so I just move on to the next one. Marathon 47 is in the books. When will that next one be? I don't know, but I cannot wait!


My mile splits:
7:00/7:16/6:56/6:29/7:00/6:52/6:53/6:45/6:57/6:55/7:00/7:12/7:05/6:56/7:06/7:10/7:12/7:14/ 7:22/7:36/7:30/7:42/7:31/7:45/7:46/ 8:30 pace for 0.44.

Course timing markers:
Distance Time (Difference)
5K 22:01
10K 42:01 (20:00)
Half 1:31:53 (49:53)
30K 2:11:50 (39:57)
40K 2:59:29 (47:39)
Finish 3:10:37 (11:06)

Strava race report


P.S. I am honored to know Ray Celeste. He spent 26 years as a Marine and has run 28 consecutive Marine Corps Marathons. He works for a North Carolina Representative as his military legislative assistant. He picked up my bib for me and has been helpful including me in the Capitol Hill Running Club. Friday before the marathon, they inducted him into their Hall of Fame. He is an inspiration and a general good guy.

DC Road Runners Track Championships - Kids Run and Masters Mile

Racing the one mile track race against other 40+ men

After last year's disappointment at the track meet (heavy rain and wind resulting in barely breaking 6), Shawn and I trained again for the mile. For about 5 weeks, we hit the track and attempted to get our speed down to have a shot at a low 5 minute mile. We didn't think we could break 5, but a good showing would be acceptable. Since the meet was the day after my birthday, I was able to successfully ask that Laura attend with Miles, that Miles run the kids race, and that they stay for my race. It was a hot day (90 degrees!) so I really appreciate the two of them dealing with the heat.

Finishing the kids race with Miles

Receiving instruction on the start line

The day of the race, we swam in the pool in the morning. After Miles’ nap, we went to Giant on O to pick up a couple of items and then onto the DCRRC Track Championship which started just after 5PM. Miles entered the kids mile and was the youngest entrant but he looked so cute on the start line with the other kids. He ran one lap before I told him “he won.” Then, he wanted to race me on the infield. I definitely made the right call only letting him run one lap because he was excited to keep running. Pushing him in that heat might have lead to him getting whiny. However, officially, he is listed as DNF. Maybe next year he can finish or at least get two laps.

The start of the kids race

After his race and our mini races, I handed him to Laura and warmed up with three laps around the school. The first two were slow, and Shawn and I ran striders the last lap. After some dynamic stretching, we checked in and got ready for our race. It was a pretty stacked race. Last year's winner was there, and Michael Wardian showed up too. We were slated to start at 6:15 PM. There were 3 heats of elite 800s before us (I thought there were supposed to be 4), and the race walkers, kids run, slow mile over 7:00 men, and slow mile of 7:00 women.

Miles on the starting line

Miles is ready for the kids race

The kids race begins

Miles chases the pack at the start of the kids race

On the start line, I looked back to wave one more time to Miles and Laura. I heard him whine and play tug of war with Laura as he pulled on his backpack. I shook my head and focused on the start of the race, moments away.

At the start of the race, I took off fast to get into the first lane. I was in the first lane at 100 meters and in third place, by mistake. I slowed to a reasonable pace and heard Wardian notify me he was trying to pass on the inside. I stepped to my right, barely into the second lane, to let him go. I settled into fifth place; the fast four took off, and I led the second pack for another 200 meters. Shawn and Bill passed me after the first lap, and I tried to keep them close. I was surprised they didn't take off on me. I remember hitting about 600 meters into the race and the clock showing 2:00. I felt strong and in control, but still a little worried about the heat and what I had in me. When I hit 800 meters to go, the clock was about to hit 2:40. I was about to catch Shawn and Bill. It felt too early to make a move, but my legs surged and I listened to my body. I caught him around 700 meters to go and passed him, perhaps a little too tightly because he kick the underneath of my left foot. I stumbled but didn't fall. I had my excuse if I didn't do well. Every race I collect an excuse just in case. But I wouldn't need it this race.

Shawn on the outside as I held lane 1

With 500 to go, I was asserting my place in the race and trying to put some distance. A good surge could discourage any chasers, I thought, and if someone was to make a move, I would be in position to try to hold them off. The roar of the crowd calling my name gave me the boost I needed to get around once more the lap. With 200 to go, I started my finishing kick. I loudly heard Big Guy cheer me the rest of the way. With 100 to go, I saw Laura and Miles standing at the entrance to the track that was just beyond the finish line.

Leading the second pack

I sprinted for the finish and beat Shawn, good enough to come in 5th overall and the first runner who didn't break 5. I didn't use my running watch, so when I looked at the clock I thought I won in a solid time of 5:17. It wasn't my PR, but I was pleased with my effort. A few days last, I was so surprised and excited to see that I officially ran a 5:07:44 in the mile - a PR by 6 seconds. It was good for 5th place in a stacked lineup where the first four ran sub 5. We can say that we participated in the same track meet where the 4 minute mile was broken for the first time in D.C.


A few days later, I ran the Tidal Basil race. I ran 5:20 in 1500 meters out-kicked my Lokesh Meena. I had led the whole race until the end. It was also hot, and I came out slow and got faster, setting the pace. But he sat on me and picked it up at the end. When he passed me with 20 meters to go, I slowed up, conceding the race and leaving something for the 3K. But, the race was delayed and I had to get back to work.

One last Boston note: I also learned that 705 people had a negative split in Boston, and I was one of them.

Pictures and results: