Mississippi Blues/First Light Double - 10/11 January 2015 - 2015 Marathon Maniac Reunion Double

Mississippi Blues Marathon - Jackson MS - 10 Jan 15
3:44:11 Chip and 3:44:51 Gun
95/806 Overall and 16/76 M40-44
First 26.2 of 2015 and 22 Career 26.2
13th US State

First Light Marathon - Mobile AL - 11 Jan 15
3:57:01 Gun
88/475 Overall and 13/49 M40-44
Second 26.2 of 2015 and 23 Career 26.3
Second Sub-4 Alabama Marathon

52.4 Miles Raced in 2015.

After deferring my 2014 Marine Corps Marathon bib, I had been looking for a travel race (preferably a double) in Dec 14/Jan 15.  With 2015 Marathon Maniac Reunion being held in conjunction with the Mississippi Blues/First Light Marathon double, it was an easy choice for my first races in 2015.  My primary goal going into the races was to ensure I picked up Mississippi as my 13th sub 4 state.

Vicksburg National Battlefield

Mississippi Blues Pre-Race and Marathon Maniac Reunion Dinner.  My flight down to Jackson from Toronto early on Thursday 8 Jan was uneventful except for the minor issue of American Airlines losing my suitcase in Dallas for 36 hours.  Luckily I had packed an extra change of clothes and my Saturday race kit in my carry-on but I wouldn't see my suitcase until I was leaving my hotel on Saturday morning for the race.  I took the opportunity on Thursday to drive to Vicksburg and visit the Civil War battlefield. 

Vicksburg National Battlefield

Friday morning I headed over to the Jackson Convention complex for packet pick-up and race expo.  The race expo was fairly good for the size of the race and with my suitcases location remaining unknown at that point became a little expensive.  The Marathon Maniacs/Half Fanatics had strong representation at the expo including a gear desk and check-in for the reunion medal and dinner.  The pre-race Maniac/Fanatic reunion pasta dinner was held at the Mississippi Museum of Art across the street from the Convention Center and was a great evening.  Organized by the reunion coordinator Angie Whitworth Pace, it was a great opportunity to meet Maniacs from across North America. 

Flat Maniac ready for a crisp
Mississippi Blues

Mississippi Blues Race Day.  Race day dawned relatively cold for Jackson at 25F and the wind chill  was down in the teens.  I got to the race start in plenty of time before the start and was able to take advantage of free parking within a quarter mile of the start/finish.  After a couple rounds of the Maniac photo, it was time to get started. 

Some of the Maniacs and 50<4 -="" angie="" before="" blues.="" nbsp="" pace="" photo="" td="" the="">

Another Jackson Hill

I headed out with the 3:40 pace group onto a fairly rolling course and held with the group until about the half way point when I slowly fell back a little.  The initial portion of the course was a quick loop through Jackson State University then back downtown through the start/finish area before heading north into more residential neighbourhoods.  Most of the course was on residential streets and despite the cold conditions it was well supported.  By the mid-way portion the rolling hills did drain me a little and from then on it was hard work to stay under a 3:45 pace.  I was able to roll through the finish line, just under my targeted time for a 3:44 finish. Garmin Connect is attached here.

Mississippi Sub 4 Achieved

 
Transition.  After race finish, I enjoyed a couple of cold beers, slices of pizza and then headed back to my hotel for a hot shower before heading down to Mobile.  The trip down took around 3 hours and I was able to get to checked into my hotel and then to expo just before closing. 




With Mobile Azalea Queens

Flat Maniac for First Light

First Light Start - Old School Gun Time Only

 

Plenty of Maniacs in the Crowd

First Light Race Day.  First Light was a little old school with only gun timing.  I felt decent at the start and got off to a solid start in the fairly flat initial portion of the course.  Although the first section of the course was flat, the middle third around University of South Alabama & Spring Hill was definitely not, which led to some really solid work through that section.  The last third was fairly flat again.  As I hit the last five miles, it was clear I wasn't running near a 3:45 again and I decided to coast my in for a 3:57.  Garmin Connect is attached. 

MS/AL Sub 4 Double Complete

Bling and Travel.  Mississippi Blues included a cool medal and the race premium was a decent running vest, while First Light had a tech t-shirt and medal decorated by the sponsored charity.  Completing both races earned an additional Back2Back medal.  I travelled down by American Airlines through Jackson which worked well (minus my luggage's 36 hour delay).  I wasn't able to get a hotel in downtown Jackson but did get one in Mobile which worked well.  The rental car in Jackson was reasonable. 

Final Thoughts.  I had a great time at both races and the Maniac's reunion.  This is a really well put together double and I highly recommend it for anyone.  I enjoyed the Mississippi Blues somewhat more to First Light but both races are solid.  Now on to focussing on training for my spring goal race, Laurel Highlands Ultra (70.5M) on 13 June.