3 + 3 = 8

Riddle me this. When is a 5K not a 5K? Answer - when a certified course turns out to be 3.21 miles instead of 3.1 miles. What's the big deal anyway, it's just an extra .11 right? Get over it....Sure. No problem. Except that the extra distance adds about a minute to your time. Except when you've worked hard over the past six weeks to hit every training goal. Except when your goal is to record a PR. My initial disgust has waned. I feel better today than I did when I saw the time clock yesterday. Mistakes happen. I'm not perfect either. I mean really, have you ever seen my toes? That's another story....

Proceeds from this race went to Children's Hospital in Seattle. That was my driver for signing up. We became very familiar with this hospital earlier this year. My youngest son Taylor had a brain tumor which was successfully removed by the surgeons at Children's. Everyone we met there made us feel like Taylor was the only patient in the hospital. Believe me, when you're in uncharted territory and you can't even be sure your son will live through the experience, you need a lot of hand holding and reassurance. They were incredible. Today they are our charity of choice. If you are looking for an organization to give your hard earned money - go Children's. Better yet, go spend a day there - you'll give more.

My goal for this race (other than a PR) was to improve my ability to maintain pace. I've gone out too fast in the last few races and mile three kicked my butt - hard. I ran a 7:07 mile one which was right on. Miles two and three were at my best pace in the last three races. Not exactly on the mark but I'm moving in the right direction. The course was out and back which is always nice. Unless your memory is real bad, you know exactly what to expect once you round the corner. It wasn't the most scenic - a sea of orange cones that seem to go on to the horizon. At times it was like eating a bowl of spaghetti. You eat and eat yet the bowl still appears full. You run a half mile and it seems like you haven't moved at all - yet your heart rate has jumped 30 points.

When I was about a quarter mile from the finish, a young kid running to my right stops, doubles over, and pukes his guts out. I felt for him. He must have been giving it everything he had and was so close to the finish. I'm sure he finished. While I felt bad for him I didn't stop to check on him. Apparently that is becoming my MO....When did I ever claim to be a Navy Seal? I'm a goal focused, self motivated, driven, no short cut, don't expect me to change my plans, ridged, selfish, get out of my way, stuck in my ways runner....person....but you love me anyway don't ya?

Speaking of focused, Sharon ran. Recall a previous blog where she ran as a bandit (doesn't register, doesn't pay, doesn't get her time posted). Same deal here. She was being nice and invited a young man to run with us. Short story is that based on meeting time, distance to the course, etc, she didn't get there in time to register. Me? I drove myself. If you wonder why, re-read the last part of the last paragraph...Sharon didn't feel like running but Albert pushed her into it (good for him). I'd like to run as fast as someone who doesn't feel like running. I had her in my sights through mile one. Ok, that makes it sound like I was right behind her doesn't it? Let's just say I was behind her....I saw her blocked in behind 4-5 guys. Before I knew it, she hit another gear, pushed through them and that's the last I saw of her. Wonder what those guys were thinking? They never caught her. Her "Garmin" time put her first in her age division by over two minutes. She creamed most people and I believe finished in the top 10 overall. Wonder how she would have done if she felt like running...?

Albert didn't run but came and showed his support for us. He's struggling with a bit of an injury. He'll come back fast. Physically he's in great shape and has the attitude to match. Sharon's playing doctor with him and as long as he follows her advice, he'll be back faster than ever. He's focused on qualifying for Boston. He'll do it.

So at the end of the day I did have a pretty good race. I finished 3rd in my division and 40th overall. This was my 23rd race. It's strange but I still believe that I can do better. Run faster. Smarter. It'd be nice to feel that way during a race. I'll continue to listen to my coach as I embark on a new adventure - The Seattle Half Marathon in November. I wonder if they'll measure that one right.