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Team Santa Fe Newsletter
December 2002
Ole Man River Half Marathon
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| New Orleans, LA
November 24, 2002
Barb Durtrow, 5th/122 overall female, 2nd masters female
TSF member Barb Dutrow ran the Ole Man River Half Marathon on a perfect
fall day; cloudless blue sky with temperatures at race start in the forties.
The out and back race course runs atop a levee adjacent to the intercoastal
waterway in New Orleans. This fabulous view is aided by a flat and fast course.
About 400 runners lined up to start, which was a bit tricky running across
40 yards of grass to reach the small two-lane asphalt track. Runners quickly
dispersed and the race was on. Times out are usually fast, aided by the slight
early morning breeze at your back. At six miles, runners make a hairpin turn
to race back. Then, as usual, pace begins to slow as you run head-on into
the wind. My pace was irregular, but about mile 10, the wind began to pickup,
and my pace slowed. Fortunately I was able to catch a couple of guys ahead
of me for a mental boost. Not being in very good race shape, my time was
1:35:57 (7:19 page), and that even hurt. It was sufficient for 5th overall
female of 122 and 2nd masters female.
This is a great race! The scenic, flat, fast course allows for good times,
if you are trained! And, at a perfect time of the year. Directed by the New
Orleans Track Club, it is well marked and well staffed with aid stations
every two miles and plenty of announcing, food, drink and music afterward.
Thanks to Thorlo socks for padding my feet and my Polar HRM system for keeping me informed.
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