Resolution Run

What a great way to start the year...running. Really, I mean that. It did mean that New Year's Eve was an early night. We toasted with sparkling apple cider when the ball dropped and then quickly decided that it was time to get some sleep. While that might sound like a late night, we celebrated the ball dropping in New York - so by 9:30 we were ready for a visit from the Sandman. He didn't disappoint.

Granted I wasn't completely convinced that this race was a good idea. I've been fighting off a bit of a chest cold and the thought of running wasn't having the charm it normally does. "Run for fun" was the mantra Sharon sang. It's easy to hear but not easy to do. I'm at the point in my running where I want to beat my previous time every time. You can't do this running for fun. The time clock is your enemy. At any rate, Albert and Sharon were all in and I enjoy running with them so there you go.

It was a bit on the cold side. Better than the Jingle Bell run but I do look forward to a warm Spring run. Needless to say it was another hat and gloves race (I made the mistake of wearing a coat too). This run gave you the option of taking the "polar bear" plunge at the end. As I was signing up (yes, race day registration - big mistake) John Curley from Evening Magazine was next to me. He asked if I was going to take the dip and I replied that only crazy people do that. He told me he was going to take the plunge - it'll feel good! He certainly didn't seem crazy to me and likely was thinking I was a bit of a girly man. I just straightened my skirt and walked away.

The course was not so great. Lot's of puddles, bumps in the asphalt, and mud. It wasn't all bad but mix that with cold weather and it has a stronger impact. Oh and least I forget, I'd like to thank all the SLOW runners who refused to line up according to their running ability and clogged up the first half mile. It was fun running around you which meant more puddles and mud than I and others would have experienced. Thank you yes, I do feel better now.

I struggled on this run and it was my slowest time in a year. 25:13 or an 8:08 pace. Not a proud moment for me and I could easily blame it on my cold or my sore ankle that put me out of running for seven weeks. In reality, I've not pushed myself hard enough in my training. I've taken the easy road a few too many times and I tell you right now that will change. I have a revised training plan (thanks Sharon) that starts Sunday and my next race will be better. I did manage to finish 12th out of 40 in my division.

How did my buddies do? Albert (the fastest 5Ker of the gang) ran an incredible 21:16 (6:52 pace) and finished 6th out of 40 in his division. I'm always amazed at how smooth he looks when he runs. Seems effortless yet cruises. Sharon did very well also. She ran a 22:30 (7:16 pace) and finished 8th out of 68 in her division. As usual she wasn't happy with her time. How can someone be 3 minutes faster than me and not be happy? I must have really sucked. Now where did I put that dress....