Official Time: 20:45
Actual Time: 20:38
The idea was to get in a nice relaxed little run here a fortnight prior to the marathon. No pressure. No strain. Just enjoy the thing.
So, of course, I found myself pushing it. The pace works out to 6:40 per mile or so. The first one was relatively slow so I'm a bit nervous to think what the mile two split actually was.
I headed out a bit early due to my uncertainty about the New Year's Eve traffic and unfamiliarity with the location. It turned out to be no problem at all so I got there almost an hour before the race. I got my bib and my t-shirt and just sort of waited around.
It was pretty chilly. I wore my gloves and chullo as well as a long sleeve shirt over my running shirt. It was not quite enough for standing around but that meant it would be perfect for the run itself.
One runner showed up dressed like Father Time so I got a pic with him to prove I was there. Ended up beating him too, an effort I am desperately hoping is rife with symbolism rather than irony.
Folks were pretty laid back. Lotsa kids. They mixed the walkers with the runners due to the small field and the use of chips for timing. Even though there were more than 300 of us it really gave the thing a more relaxed atmosphere in comparison to most races where the runners tend to be uptight prior to the starting horn.
I started completely cold. No warmup whatsoever. The idea was to get a marathon start - since every guide I have read says don't waste energy on the warmup. The result was a pretty rough first half mile as my sore legs reacted to every single step.
After mile one I began to warm up and, sure enough, found myself pushing the pace due to the race situation. at almost the two mile mark problems showed up. The right knee ache that makes it sort of lock a little showed up and the soreness in the upper left quad in the hip area was rather acute.
I tryed fiddling with the pace and after about half a mile it eased up enough for me to give it a good stride for the last mile. I didn't kick super hard for the end but tried to stay on that steady quick pace that I fell into on the final mile.
Afterward they gave us a pretty decent bowl of chili, or what they called chili (sorry guys, real chili doesn't have beans.) They also had a raffle and awards presentation afterward but I just got in the truck and headed back to my sister's party for the turning over of the calendar.
Typically, I can't stand New Year's Eve but, I have to say, this was not a bad way to spend it. You finish the year with a sense of accomplishment and you start the next one with sore legs rather than a sore head. I can't argue with that.
Conditions:
Start: 10:30 p.m.Surface: concrete/asphalt
Weather: night/clear
Temperature: 47 degrees
Humidity: 68 percent
Wind: calm
Location: Phoenix, Arizona
Shoes: Adrenaline GTS 6