RAY FRYAN

Posted on by

March 22nd, Wrightsville Beach 1/2 Marathon
1:25:14 1st age group, 30th overall out of 1869
It was a good race, steady pace & catching other runners throughout the race. Nobody passed me from middle of the race on, and as far as I can tell only 1 guy who did a major progression run passed me from 3.5 miles to the end (started at 6:45 pace through 3.5 and brought his overall average down to 6:27). Now that is negative splitting!

We did hear a pre-race pasta dinner presentation from Kathleen McCartney and Julie Moss – the famous Ironman competitors from 1982 that put the race format on the front page. What an inspirational presentation – it reminds me of why I’m a distance athlete and it inspired me because of the courage that Julie showed in those last 50 yards of the competition. Youtube it if you’d like to relive that moment. Very special – like Meb winning Boston last year!

Speaking of which, Boston 2015 is coming up this next Monday. I’m stoked! We leave Friday.

Paul Lenz … Ray Fryan 1/2 Marathon

Posted on by

3/1/15
Mill Creek Distance Classic
Half Marathon
Youngstown, OH

Ray Fryan 25th OA/204, 2nd in AG-1:44.47
Paul Lenz 32nd OA/204, 4th in AG-1:47.03

What a winter for training! With that in mind, how fitting for this race to greet us with about 3-4 inches of fresh snow and a nearly 2 hr car ride east. In was comforting to see about 200 other friends toeing the line with us and no guys in white straight jackets waiting to haul us off at the finish. Throw in 19 hills over 13.1 miles and it makes for a fun, survival, stay on your feet and road without crashing type of race. Many wore Yak Tracks for this one. Fortunately the temp was mid 20’s with no wind helping make conditions quit a Winter Wonderland of sorts! No thoughts of pre Boston race pace type work out today. Overall, pretty slow go with a high perceived effort. Hopefully come warm dry temps, this race effort pays off. For now, it is simply March is “in like a lion” as we train through another NE Ohio Winter with hopes that spring will eventually come!
Paul