So, I’ve been waiting, probably not too patiently, for the results to be posted for this past Sunday’s Bataan. Yesterday, they finally posted a notice that results are available, but not official, as there were a large number of DQs… disqualified people. How that impacts the results, I am not really sure, but oh well.
They did, however post, in yellow font against a yellow background, the unofficial results of the event. And there I am… filed under “Civilian Male Light”:
| Place | Name | Gun Time | Chip Time | Pace |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 789 | Eric Hays-Strom | 10:34:10 | 10:26:26 | 23:14 |
For those who may not be able to follow that, here’s what it means:
- I came in 789th among all Civilian Male Light marchers.
- From the time the Starting Gun (a cannon) fired, until I crossed the finish line, 10 hrs, 34 min, 10 seconds elapsed.
- Because there is a huge mass of people, I didn’t cross the starting line for several minutes. We are issued timing chips which we affix to our shoes. We cross a pad which records our start time, and again at the finish, recording our finish time. Using the time from that chip, I did the walk in 10 hrs, 26 min, 26 seconds.
- I walked an average pace of 1 mile every 23 minutes, 14 seconds.
Some more information about the Bataan. Marchers are broken down into various military groups and civilians, male and female, and Light or Heavy. Heavy Marchers wear a pack weighing a minimum of 35 pounds, not to include water. Many carry packaged food products which are, after the march, donated to the local food banks. This year, 21,679 pounds of food were donated to those in need! This apparently equates to 18,740 meals.
And there you have it!
One more thing, though. I received two emails from friends interested in walking next year’s Bataan. I’m responding publicly:
Yes. I am going to walk the Bataan in 2016! And no, I don’t know if Scott will or not.
Yes. I would be willing to work with any of my friends/family who would be interested in walking with me.
Yes. I would be willing to give pointers as to how to train for it.
Yes. I would be willing to tell you what my “Lessons Learned” are. See below.
No. I am not qualified to TRAIN you, just to give some advice.
And finally:
Yes. If you want to walk with me, I will put you up for a few days on either side of the walk, and if too many take me up on this (ha!) I will find places for you to stay, if I can’t handle you all myself.
In fact, I’ve already agreed to work with two people from work.
I do intend to attempt to improve my times next year. I don’t know if you would consider increasing my pace from 23 minutes to 20 minutes to be substantive.
Now, for those “Lessons Learned”
1. Hill hiking is beneficial, essential, really; keep it up, but put in more long distance hikes.
2. Take Body Glide on walks. Oh, and USE it!
3. Learn foot care, specifically use of moleskin as preventative.
4. NEVER wear brand new socks for long hikes.
5. Change socks frequently, no matter how good feet feel! (Every 6 miles) Incorporate into training walks.
6. Take a good lip balm (preferably one with good SPF)
7. Don’t forget Sun Block. (No, I didn’t get sunburned, but I could have.)
8. TAKE FUEL! (That means high carb foods, like “Power Bars”.)
9. Cross training is vital. Focus on Core.
And now, THERE you have it. My results, an invitation to anyone interested in joining me, and some lessons learned.
Oh, one more thing: No, I was no where NEAR the oldest person out there! That would be a person from MN who was 83 years old! He finished…
FOUR HOURS FASTER THAN I DID!
On The Road II 