Hovises disappointed by OBXperience

Ben and Megan Hovis, who I billed in a blog entry last week as "The fastest couple in Charlotte," succumbed to nagging injuries Sunday and both fell short of their goals at the 2009 OBX Marathon.

Megan, the 2008 women's champ, was favored to repeat but was hampered by knee issues that cost her the win by 74 seconds; Ben lost a battle with Achilles pain and dropped out of the race at Mile 19.

First, Ben:

"What can I say? It wasn't a good out there on the roads of Kitty Hawk and Nags Head. I have been dealing with an Achilles/calf issue for a little over two years now and it chose to play a major role in my attack on the 2:30 barrier.

"Early on, I felt great. ... The first two miles were easy, 6:02 and 5:50. Then a few Africans and myself surged to 5:33 and 5:35 over the next two miles. I let them go a little as I realized I didn't need this kind of pace yet. I settled into running 5:40s until I hit the trail section of the course. I covered the first 10 miles in 57:27.

"The next three miles were my favorite, but at the same time, it was where my Achilles began to act up. I covered the rolling, soft trail section in just under 6:00 pace, which is pretty solid through there. I had gained on the fourth-place runner, one of the Kenyans, and was right behind him at the halfway point, 1:15:48.

"However, the next few miles back on the roads began to create a more throbbing, pulling feeling in my Achilles. I noticed I was slapping the ground as I landed on my left foot, which meant I was compensating in a major way. The pain continued and I was passed by Ryan Woods, the [eventual] winner of the race. I stopped at 17 to get some Tylenol, and then quickly jumped back in. I was still running 5:40s and the rest of my body wanted to go, but my Achilles was screaming. I decided it was best to call it a day. So at the next medical table, Mile 19, I pulled off. I got some Biofreeze and ice, laid down and elevated my foot. I was miserable at this point and definitely teared up some.

"This wasn't the race I was hoping for. I'm optimistic that this was just a minor setback and that I can get right back into training and racing. I'm looking to run something in the next month that allows me to use my fitness."

And here's Megan's recap:

"The last few weeks leading up to the race, I have had knee problems -- my knee clicks and eventually gives out. The pain becomes unbearable and I have to stop my runs short. Anyway, I thought that a lot of Icy Hot and Tylenol would mask it the day-of. I WAS WRONG!!

"The first few miles were around 6:10 pace. Didn't feel great from the start. At six miles, the pain set in. I have never had a bad feeling in a marathon before the half, so this was something new. Aerobically I was fine ... the legs not so much.

"I hit the half and was slowing down. I thought about stepping out and calling it a day, but I am too stubborn and figured I may be able to shake the pain out and get in a groove. It didn't happen. My goal time for the half was 1:22. I was at 1:23 and change -- I was in trouble. I dragged myself a few more miles just hoping to make it to the next water station. I missed the GU tables and did not drink enough, so that was a mistake as well.

"I got to Mile 19 and saw Ben there. I was very confused. I actually asked him 'Did you win?' He looked at me like I was crazy. I was so out of it that I didn't realize the time was still under two hours and there was NO WAY he had finished. So then I was scared for him. I knew I had to finish even if it meant crawling. I continued on, getting slower and in more pain. The last 800 meters of the race, I was passed by one girl. There was nothing in me to go faster. I finished in second [in 2:56:54], and really was just happy to be done.

"I am very disappointed at how this marathon went. I had very high hopes and was feeling great from some quality workouts and training. I am not going to dwell on this, but instead get some rest and start looking towards the Gold Coast Marathon in Australia."

Megan plans to try to qualify for the 2012 U.S. Olympic Trials Marathon at the Gold Coast Airport Marathon, set for July 4, 2010, in Queensland.

Curious about the Turkey Trot?

Got questions about the SouthPark Turkey Trot 8K?

Whether you're a first-timer or an experienced veteran, if there's something you want to know about the popular Thanksgiving Day race, e-mail me at tjanes@charlotteobserver.com and I'll make sure to get you an answer when I interview the race director later this month.

Odds + ends for my running friends

A few interesting nuggets to pass along on this gorgeous fall day:

Some smaller races to consider this weekend, all in the outer reaches of the Charlotte area:

• The Got Monks? 5K and Fun Run takes place on Belmont's tree-lined Brother Paul Trail, which is named for longtime Belmont Abbey College cross country coach Brother Paul Shanley. Course is said to be "challenging but suitable for all abilities," a "dirt path that features gently rolling hills and bending curves." Details here.

• Out further west is the Spencer Mountain 10-Mile & 5K Road Race in Ranlo, just north of Gastonia. According to the race site, "The 10-mile course starts with 4 miles of flat, open road, continues with 3 miles of rolling hills, and concludes with a steep 3-mile climb." If you're up for the challenge, click here.
  

• The Redhawks 5K in Monroe is a very small race that starts and finishes at Monroe Middle School. Details here.

• And don't forget the first of Run For Your Life's Thunder Road Marathon Course Preview Runs (details here). A $10 registration fee gets you a technical T-shirt, a wristband giving you access to the water and Powerade stations along the route, and a large group of other runners to keep you company. If interested, e-mail Dexter Pepperman at dexter@runforyourlife.com.

• One update: The Rumble in the Woods, a brand-new event at Lake Norman State Park that features trail runs of 12.6 miles, 6.6 miles and 5 kilometers, is sold out after hitting the caps for all three races last week.
  

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Marvel at this story about how hard it is to get into the ING New York City Marathon, read a long-winded recap of my recent experience in the NYC race, then head over to the official race Web site and throw your name in the hat for 2010. Online applications for the 2010 ING New York City Marathon are being accepted now through March 5, 2010, with the lottery drawing scheduled for mid-March. (Note: There's a non-refundable processing fee of $11 just to enter the drawing.)

If you're planning to make a run at qualifying for Boston in December, something to be aware of: According to a Washington Times story published Sunday, "Word from the [Boston Athletic Association] is that the race is within 1,800 runners of filling its 25,000-runner limit. Those spots are expected to be filled within three weeks." Meanwhile, a friend of mine said he spoke with someone in the registration office this morning and learned that registration for Boston 2010 is "around five weeks ahead of last year, so they are sure the race will be filled before the end of December." Apparently, if you're planning to try to qualify at Charlotte's Thunder Road Marathon or at the Kiawah Island Golf Resort Marathon, my friend was told "there may be slots available still ... but they were not confident that there would be."

On Oct. 25, 300 Marines competed in a marathon in the Afghan desert to coincide with the Marine Corps Marathon held the same day in Washington, D.C. Reader Vince Esposito reports that his brother-in-law, First Lieutenant Leonard Niedosik (MAG-40, USMC, Camp Leatherneck Afghanistan), finished in 3:27 to place 24th overall. Niedosik, a graduate of Charlotte Catholic High School, is stationed out of the Marine Corps Air Station in Cherry Point; his wife and child live in Charlotte.

Top locals at the OBX Marathon

Several area runners had strong finishes at Sunday's OBX Marathon. Bill Shires (who I profiled back in August) was the top Charlotte finisher, placing seventh overall with a 2:43:44. In doing so, the 44-year-old locked up several awards -- including the top N.C. USA Track & Field and N.C. Road Runners Club of America masters titles -- and took home $1,200 in prize money.

In an e-mail to me Sunday night, he wrote: "Heading into the OBX Marathon, I had a lot of concerns about a small injury in the week before the race. But the injury never posed any issues. In fact, the heat and moreso humidity and wind had greater effects on my race as well as other runners in the race." (Bill celebrated this morning by running six miles, extending his staggering streak of running at least a mile every day since October of 1986.)

Three other local men also came in under three hours: Douglas Rappoport of Charlotte (2:55:10), Stephen Ahrens of Charlotte (2:55:22), and David Audet (2:58:12).

Meanwhile, Megan Hovis (who I profiled along with husband Ben last week) was the No. 2 female finisher in 2:56:54. Haven't heard from either of them yet, but here's an excerpt from the Charlotte Running Club's weekly newsletter, which went out Sunday night: "Last year's overall female winner of the race, Megan Hovis, battled an aching knee the whole race, but held on strong. While it wasn't a PR, Megan finished ... with a solid time ... The injury was more severe for Ben ... [He] trained hard, and could have easily run 2:30, if it weren't for an Achilles [injury] that caused him to pull out of the race."

Also worth noting: Four Charlotteans broke 1:30 in the OBX Half Marathon Sunday. Daniel Matena was eighth overall with a 1:13:57; Chris Lamperski was 13th with a 1:15:15; Kent Morris finished right behind him in 1:16:35; and Caitlin Chrisman was the third overall female finisher in 1:20:24.

In a recap she e-mailed to me this afternoon, Caitlin wrote: "The first mile was right at the pace I was aiming for -- 6:05 -- and I felt relaxed. For the next 6-7 miles, I was running 5:59s, but that glorious pace slowed down once I hit the bridge that has a killer hill in it."

She says the next mile split clicked off at 6:30, and that she contemplated dropping out. But "after I crested the hill, I got my mind back together and, with three miles left, I continued to drop my pace back down. ... My goal going into the race was to run sub-1:20, so initially I was slightly disappointed. [Then] I realized I had over a two minute PR and also won some money [$650]."

For complete OBX results, click here.

Preview the Thunder Road course

Anyone could look at the Thunder Road Marathon map and go run the course between now and race day on Dec. 12.

But here's a way to get to know the route that also doubles as a way to get to know some other local Thunder Roadies: This month, Run For Your Life will lead a pair of group runs that cover the first and second halves of the course, over two weekends. A $10 registration fee covers both sessions, and it becomes a better deal when you consider RFYL will throw in a technical T-shirt and drinks from Dasani and PowerAde along the way.

The first 13.1-miler will be hosted on Saturday, Nov. 14, and the second is Saturday, Nov. 21. Runners will meet at 6:30 a.m. at the Dowd YMCA (400 E Morehead St., on the edge of uptown), and begin running at 7.

Click here to register, or e-mail Dexter Pepperman at dexter@runforyourlife.com if you have questions.

The fastest couple in Charlotte

Regular readers of Runner's World have probably seen Pearl Izumi's cheeky series of ads in recent months. Using the tagline "Breed like an animal. Run like an animal," the upstart shoemaker essentially encourage runners to hook up with each other and make babies.

If Pearl Izumi ever needs a poster-couple, they should give Ben and Megan Hovis a call.

Megan (maiden name Hepp), a 27-year-old registered dietician and a personal trainer, has won the women's titles at the Thunder Road Marathon in 2007 and the Outer Banks Marathon in 2008; last year she also put up a 2:37:29 at the U.S. Olympic Trials Marathon in Boston. Ben, a 31-year-old teacher and head cross-country coach at Providence Day School, is a 2:33 marathoner (at the 2006 Twin Cities race). In May 2008, though they would not be engaged for four more months, they made headlines as the top male and female finishers at the Biltmore 15K.

In other words, Megan and Ben go together like ... well, a right running shoe and a left running shoe.

They were married on June 20th of this year, and their place in the world -- or in Charlotte, at least -- as "those runners" was cemented. Two and a half weeks ago, Megan won the LungStrong 15K women's race in 55:40, while Ben was the second overall man with a time of 50:09. Next up: Sunday's Outer Banks Marathon, a race Megan won last year and a place where Ben hopes to PR.

So, these two run like animals. Will they breed like animals? Read on to find out.

Q. When and how did you two meet? Was it love at first sight?

Ben: Megan and I first saw one another in November of 2007. We didn't talk then, but I definitely noticed her sporting her cute jean jacket. A few weeks later, after her Thunder Road victory, (we found ourselves part of the same) group run. Over the next couple (group runs), we started talking and flirting, and then I asked her if she could help me with my "nutrition." We set a time for a "nutritional meeting." A couple days before, I told her that I really just wanted it to be a date, and it was. After two weeks of dating, I knew that Megan was the one for me.

Megan: I actually wrote a silly e-mail to a friend right after running with him the first time saying, "I think Ben is cute."

Q. Did the wedding or the honeymoon incorporate running in some fashion?

Ben: Our wedding had multiple running themes, little chocolate sneakers as favors, "training" advice put together by my parents at the rehearsal dinner, wedding party entrance to "Chariots of Fire," calf sleeve toss instead of garter ... I think you're probably getting the point. So of course our honeymoon was based upon somewhere that would lend itself nicely to our passion for running. We decided on Sedona, Arizona, and woke up every morning for an awesome run on trails right from our resort.

Q. Describe each other's passion for running.

Megan: There is not a single day that goes by that he does not tell me how one of his kids did in the workout that day, or how he thinks he can train a certain kid to race as his number five and win conference. The best is when we go for a long run -- 18 miles-plus -- and for over two hours he has told me about his kids' times from years past. I have to tell him "you can tell me three more times, then you are done" or else I will get a headache!

Ben: Megan has a HUGE heart. She is one of the most unselfish trainers I've ever known. Megan has so many clients, and she would rather wake up and run at 3 in the morning than tell one of them she doesn't have time to meet with them.

Q. OK, let's talk about the big race Sunday. Why'd you guys pick Outer Banks?

Megan: We picked OBX because of the experience last year. I really enjoyed the course and I want to try and defend my title. Last year, I ran injured. In fact, I was running for 20 minutes on a soccer field the entire week before the race. My knee and right hamstring were in terrible condition and I just had to try and get through the race. I held it together enough for the win, but my time was nothing special. I would like to try and get a better time this year.

Ben: There is good money since it's the state championships, which also makes it an easy decision. My goal is to PR. I'm hoping for something in the 2:29-2:31 range and just to finish in the money. Megan is hoping to set a new state record, 2:44:13, and of course that would mean defend her state title.

Q. Do you get nervous before big races?

Ben: I don't think you're normal if you don't get nervous. I used to get really nervous, but realized that was probably just making things worse and I probably wasn't running to my potential because I was too tense. Now, I truly just run and trust in my training.

Megan: If anyone knows me, it is best to not try and take my port-o-potty spot as I may chop your head off. I usually am found jogging from one bathroom to the next due to nerves. I put a lot of pressure on myself and don't like disappointment.

Q. How many miles a week do you two run?

Megan: My average mileage is about 100 miles per week. Heavy training weeks have gotten up to 140, but I try to limit it to 110. Light weeks are usually around 85.

Ben: Over the years, I've had quite a range. I've been as high as 100, but I'm not sure if my body really likes that. During this marathon training I've gotten up to the mid-80s. Anywhere in the 70s and 80s seems to be just right for me. I believe in most cases, quality is more important than quantity.

Q. Megan, we know you're hoping to qualify for the U.S. Olympic Trials Marathon in 2012. Tell us what has to happen to get you there... and, come to think of it, could you tell us how the Olympic Trials relate to the actual Olympic Games? I don't think people always get it.

In order to qualify for the trials, I have to run 2:46 to meet the B standard. You can start qualifying in 2010. The A standard is 2:39. Once the time has been run on a certified course, then you can run in the trials. The Olympics on the other hand, is a bit more difficult. You have to be in the top three finishers at the trials to make the team. Honestly, the Olympics is not the goal; to run well at the trials and hit a new PR would be ideal.

Q. Last month you won the LungStrong 15K, which was your first race in the CLT area since ... last year's LungStrong 15K -- which you also won. You've told us before that you don't race around here very often because it makes you nervous. Why??

Megan: For some reason I feel extra pressure when I race in Charlotte. It is almost as if I am afraid of letting people down if I don't run what I "should" be able to run. I also don't like to race at all unless I am healthy and fit. I have battled many injuries over the past year so I used races outside of Charlotte to get myself back into shape. I don't like to step on the line in front of people I know unless I am prepared to run a quality race. It may be a silly thing, but I am this way in many aspects of my life. If I have a speech or presentation in front of others, I have to practice a million times to make sure I am completely ready. I am not good at "winging" things.

Q. Ben, you don't race in town very often either, do you?

I'm not able to race as much as I used to in the late '90s and early 2000s because of coaching. When I was an assistant XC coach I could race on Saturday mornings and then head to our meet, but with more responsibilities that just doesn't happen anymore!

Q. What's been the most rewarding part of coaching at Providence Day?

Ben: I love coaching so much ... watching kids do things they thought they couldn't do is the most rewarding part. I tell the kids all the time "impress yourself" and I mean it. It's awesome to watch my kids' reactions when they go beyond where they thought their limits were.

Q. Now, let's bring it back to the relationship for a sec. Do you realize that when you have kids they'll probably be running circles around everyone else's kids?

Megan: We are definitely planning on starting a family, (but) we want some time to enjoy being married and to continue to train before we have an extra body to take care of. In fact, we are not even quite ready for a dog. The PLAN is to have kids after the 2012 Olympic Trials ... but we know how plans can change. All I have to say is watch out baby joggers -- the Hovis team will be coming after you soon.

Q. Obviously you both have a serious competitive streak -- otherwise you wouldn't be pursuing the goals you're pursuing. How competitive are you with each other?

Ben: (Laughing.) We compete over EVERYTHING! I proposed to Megan over a game of Scattergories.

Megan: We are probably the most competitive people you will ever meet. I am almost more competitive outside of running. When it comes to games, I HATE to lose to him. I have to say, I have yet to lose at Scattergories. ... We make everything into a game and enjoy the challenge from one another. Life with Ben is NEVER boring.

Q. Any silly pet peeves in this relationship?

Megan: Ha. I am not sure how he will feel about me telling this, but he is terrible at cutting his toenails. They are so long that even I get cut by them sometimes. Also, he is slightly addicted to running results and I get overwhelmed by hearing numbers day and night.

Ben: Hmmm ... Megan is a one-stepper! It kills me at times. I'd much rather run with Megan on single-track trails than at McAlpine or on the roads. She's got to constantly be one step ahead!

Q. Didn't mean to bring up a sore subject. So tell me: Where do you guys see yourselves when you're 50? What do you hope your lives look like then?

Ben: I hope we're still running. We're hoping to have two kids, so by 50 they should be middle school or early high school? I definitely want to still be coaching and teaching at Providence Day. I love Charlotte, so I'd assume that we'll be right here in the Q-City.

Megan: We both love it here. I think I have the greatest job in the world and don't ever want to change. ... When we are 50, Ben promised me I could run an ultra marathon. I have always wanted to do this. ... Maybe at 50 we will be taller.

Dowd Y Run offers magic number: 13.1

If you want to run a half-marathon within the city limits, there's Thunder Road in December, Corporate Cup in March, Charlotte RaceFest in April, and then ... well, that's it -- for more than six months.

So by the time fall rolls around, fans of the 13.1-mile distance are chomping at the bit for some action.

Enter the Dowd YMCA Run, which offers a 5K Run/Walk, but is far more beloved for its fairly challenging half-marathon. Earlier today, we got the scoop on Saturday's highly anticipated race from Erin Morris, YCommunity special events director:

Q. OK, first things first: On a hilliness scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate the half-marathon course – with 1 being flat and 10 being superduper challenging – ?

I haven't actually run the course (but) I am told that our half marathon course is about a 5 or 6. [Blogger's note: If you've run the course and can elaborate, please do so in the comments section!]

Q. How about the 5K course, on the same scale?

This one I would give a 4.

Q. It seems like the half-marathon would be a great tune-up for runners who are doing the Thunder Road full next month. Do you hear that feedback a lot?

The Dowd YMCA Run Half Marathon is a great training run for anyone doing the full marathon at Thunder Road. The Dowd YMCA Run and Thunder Road have actually teamed up to offer the opportunity of a Double Medal. So, if you run the Dowd Y Run ½ Marathon and the Thunder Road Half Marathon, you will receive a 26.2 medal when you cross the finish line on Saturday, Dec. 12. A 39.3 medal and a Thunder Road Marathon medal will be given to you as you cross the Thunder Road Marathon finish line if you complete the Dowd Y Run Half Marathon and the Thunder Road Marathon. So, by participating in both events you will receive a total of three medals – all different.

Q. Does the half-marathon course cover a lot of the same ground as thefirst half of the Thunder Road course?

There is some similar territory in the races – the Providence Road area. It’s another reason why it’s a good training run!

Q. Given all the recent debate about "plodders," I've gotta ask: What's the cutoff time for the half-marathon on Saturday?

There is a three-hour time limit for our half marathon.

Q. The half-marathon is unique simply by virtue of the fact that it exists, given that there aren't many halfs at all each year in Charlotte. Anything, in your mind, that makes the 5K unique?

In my mind it is the scenery. The course is through beautiful Dilworth.

Q. How many runners do you expect in the half, and how many runners and walkers do you anticipate for the 5K?

I’m expecting to have around 900 half-marathon participants and 400 5K participants. Possibly more – we are getting A LOT of race week registrations.

Q. There's a blood drive Saturday morning, too, right? Sorry if this is a stupid question, but if runners are interested in donatingbefore/after ... medically speaking, is it safe/OK for them to do that?

I don’t think so. The Community Blood Center of the Carolinas is hoping to pull in spectators, volunteers and members that day.

Q. What can you tell me about the perks – the race tee, the pre- and post-race festivities and food/drink?

Runners will receive a long sleeve T-shirt – who doesn’t love a long sleeve tee? They will also receive a goody bag with items generously donated by our sponsors. Pre-/post-race we have local support by Kiss 95.1, Trader Joe’s, the YMCA Fitness Bar and Restaurant, Dilworth Coffee, Great Harvest Bread, Crave, and Sub Station. We will also have the Coke Zero Interactive Truck.

Q. Finally, tell me about the charitable beneficiary for the race. Where will the proceeds go?

The Stratford Richardson YMCA is the beneficiary of this race. The dollars raised provide mentors for teens, send children to summer camp, help teach valuable job skills, offer health screenings for seniors and much more. Outreach programs such as after-school, photojournalism, summer camp and swim lessons have touched and improved the lives of thousands of Charlotte-area residents. Sponsorship dollars and race entry fees help to continue this support in our community. It’s a great event for a great cause – and the weather should be perfect for running.

Online registration for the Dowd Y Run is available until midnight Thursday -- cost is $35 for the half-marathon or $20 for the 5K; prices go up to $45 and $25 thereafter. For more information on the races, visit www.runforyourlife.com or click here.