With just two days to go, excitement and anticipation is growing as runners prepare for the Mid-State Mile, a unique and grueling challenge set on the infamous "Murder Mile." wear blue runner, Mike Gilmartin, one of these dedicated participants, is tapering his training, focusing on stretching and hydrating, as he gears up for one of the most challenging endurance races.
Mike’s Preparation: Tapering, Strategy, and Weather
As Mike prepares for this intense race, he’s focusing on tapering his training, ensuring his body is rested and ready for the challenge ahead. With just 48 hours to go, he’s dedicating time to stretching and hydrating, crucial steps to avoid injury and maintain peak performance.
The forecast predicts hot and humid conditions, with temperatures soaring to 92-96 degrees on both Saturday and Sunday. This adds an additional layer of complexity to the race, making hydration and heat management vital. Mike and his support crew have been strategizing ways to combat the heat and ensure he consumes enough calories to sustain his energy throughout the event.
The Course: The Murder Mile
Nestled on private land just 20 minutes from Downtown Franklin, the Murder Mile lives up to its name. The course is a one-mile loop with a staggering 340 feet of elevation gain per lap. Runners face two significant climbs interspersed with fast, runnable sections. Runners might be able to catch their breath on the downhill stretch through a field leading back to the start/finish area.
The course itself, an old logging road, provides a wide double track that allows for some maneuverability, but don’t be deceived by its simplicity. Completing this mile in under 20 minutes is essential, as the Mid-State Mile is a Last Man Standing event. To remain in the race, runners must return to the corral and be ready to start the next loop within the 20-minute timeframe, setting a pace of three miles per hour.
The Why: Honoring CPT John Hallett
As previously shared in Honoring CPT John Hallett: A Tale of Friendship and Support, Mike Gilmartin’s choice to conquer the Mid-State Mile is a testament to John’s character and sacrifice. The Mid-State Mile is not just a test of physical strength but a journey of mental resilience and this embodies the spirit of who John was.
Every runner has their “why”– the driving force behind their endurance. For Mike, this race is to honor the life of his good friend, the commitment to keep John’s legacy alive, and to take purposeful steps in memory of service members who gave their all.
Mike is using this race to share the mission wear blue: run to remember, and collect donations to aid the wear blue’s mission of uniting and supporting military members, veterans, their families, and Gold Star and surviving families.
The Challenge: Last Man Standing
This race is about more than just speed; it's about endurance, strategy, and mental fortitude. The format demands consistent performance with no margin for error. The idea is straightforward—keep running until only one person remains. But the execution is far from simple, particularly as fatigue sets in and the cumulative elevation gain begins to take its toll.
Race Day: The Journey Begins
The race kicks off at 8 AM CT on Saturday morning. As Mike stands at the starting line, he’ll be fueled by his preparation, his crew’s support, and his personal motivation. The Murder Mile awaits, and with it, the opportunity to test the limits of human endurance.
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Stay tuned for updates as Mike takes on this monumental challenge. Whether he emerges as the Last Man Standing or not, his journey will undoubtedly be a testament to the spirit of endurance and the relentless pursuit of personal limits. Good luck, Mike—we're cheering for you every step of the way!