My pace was 9:29 which I was very pleased with. It didn't seem to be a problem to keep that pace until about mile 10-11. By then, my legs were getting pretty tired and I felt like slowing down. I was trying to beat my first half marathon time (of 2:11) and even if I dropped down to 10 min. miles, I'd still beat it. But, I really didn't want to do that..if I could keep going at my current pace I could smash that time. And, that's what I did! I was soooo happy with that.
The course was totally flat other than the bridge at mile 12. The bridge takes you over to Assateague Island. I've never walked on that bridge before (just drove). I didn't realize how high it actually is. They made us use the narrow pedestrian bridge (rather than the one that the cars drive on) which was a little weird. I felt a bit nauseous. I'm not afraid of heights at all, it just felt strange running on it.
Right after I got my medal and was just standing around in the tent talking, a man right behind me collapsed. He landed face first on the concrete. We yelled for help and medics were right there. Within a couple of minutes they started giving him CPR, but you could tell he wasn't responding. They eventually took him away in an ambulance. We couldn't find any news online or on tv about the race so we kind of assumed he must be okay...
My sister-in-law emailed the race director to ask about his condition since we were right there when it happened. She was told that he didn't make it. He was 40 years old. They said his wife was also running in the race.
I just can't stop thinking about that and how tragic it is. You do hear about runners dying in races, but it's actually not very common when you think about how many people are running. Still, it's kind of scary. It makes me wonder what this guy's situation was..did he train, was he experienced, etc. More than likely, he probably had some kind of heart disease or underlying (possibly unknown) issue. I've even been looking online for his obituary. I don't know why. I haven't found anything yet.
Went for a 4 mile run today to loosen up. My quads are pretty tight. Everything else feels good though. Not sure what my next race is going to be...possibly the Freihofers if I can get my daughter to run it with me. I'll keep you posted :)
5 comments:
I deeply appreciate all of your kindness through this entire ordeal and would love for you to send out my thanks to all the volunteers to include the EMT's and runners (specifically the Dr who helped with CPR, etc.). Please send them my appreciation and I would like you to send them this email from me.
To all the volunteers of the OC half-marathon that occurred on Saturday, April 24th:
My husband Kenny will be forever missed but please know that he truly loved running and no one should be discouraged from continuing on with this amazing race. I would like to personnally thank the runners who helped when my husband collapsed at the finish line; specifically the Dr who initiated CPR, etc. The EMT's and all of the staff at Atlantic General Hospital who helped in their attempt at reviving him. I know you all did everything that could be done, and I am forever indebted to you all. Kenny was a wonderful husband, father, son brother, and friend and I truly believe that there is a reason for everything. Thank you for having us in your prayers and thoughts and someday, I would love to run this race again, in his honor. I would also like to extend an invitation for anyone who would like to attend Kenny's visitation on Thursday, April 29th from 4-7pm with a service occuring at 7. It will be at Fellows, Helfenbein & Newnam's Funeral Home in Chester, MD. The website is www.fhnfuneralhome.com. Again, I cannot thank you enough and thank you to the volunteer who drove me to the hospital and most importantly to Chris and Allison Klebe for their genuine support and willingness to help us in anyway possible. I hope to meet some of you and again, thank you for your prayers.
Sincerely,
Liz Valdez-Miller
To Pops: thank you for that information. My thoughts and prayers are & have been with this family since the race. Even though I did not know this person, it is something that I will always remember. It was so kind of you to send me that. Thank you.
Dear Cindy,
I also ran the OC half marathon on Saturday. It was a beautiful run and liked your write up about it. I have a question though, did you notice the discrepancy between gun and chip time? The smallest difference is 59 seconds? That means nobody crossed the start line until at least a minute after the gun? Were you wearing a watch? I forgot mine at home but am beginning to question the timing chips on course. Any info would be appreciated!
RIP - Kenny Miller
Chris: the chips are definitely accurate. Always go by the chip time. Sometimes I don't know what's up with those gun times. I don't know why the top finishers had a 59 second difference between the chip & gun times, but then again I never know what's going on up at the front of the line ;-) I'm more of a back of the pack runner so my difference was 1:30. Anyway, I was wearing my garmin. It said my time was 2:05:33 & my chip time was 2:05:31, so that's pretty close!
Thanks for your comment.
I agree..RIP Kenny Miller
From: http://www.octrirunning.com/Our-Deepest-Sympathies-to-the-Miller-Family
Our Deepest Sympathies to the Miller Family
OC Tri running is extremely saddened to announce the loss of Kenny Miller, age 40, who died on April 24, 2010 competing in the Ocean City, MD Half Marathon. Immediately after crossing the finish he was stricken with a heart attack. Despite valiant efforts from the medical staff on site he succumbed to heart failure and could not recover. Our sympathy and condolences go out to the Miller family over his unexpected death.
He was a family man with a loving wife, Liz Valdez-Miller, 18 year old daughter, Alyssa Jacobs, and 9 year old son, Kenny B Miller. Liz who was participating with him in the race stated, Kenny truly loved running and no one should be discouraged by this very sad and unfortunate incident.
We never know from one day to the next who will be with us and who will not. We can only take comfort in knowing that Kenny is not gone, but only moved on to the next level, and he’ll be there waiting for his loved ones.
The entire family at OC TriRunning Sports sends our deepest condolences to the Miller family and will continue to keep them in our prayers.
For funeral services, or sending their sympathies and/or flowers please send to:
Ken Miller Family
c/o Fellows Helfenbein & Newnam Funeral Home
106 Shamrock Road
Chester, MD 21619
Phone: (410) 643-2226
Fax: (410) 643-6236
Email: chester@fhnfuneralhome.com
For donation contributions, flowers, cards, etc. please send to Ken’s Family at:
The Miller Family
502 Caspian Drive
Grasonville, MD 21638
In leiu of flowers, donations may also be sent to Ken’s son (Kenny B. Miller) college fund:
Payable to USAA College Savings Plan
P.O. Box 55354
Boston, MA 02205-5354
with memo of Kenny B. Miller
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