Last year, when I ran this race, I was ecstatic that I was running sub-11 minute miles. This year, sub-10 minute miles. If I continue to improve at this pace, I will beat the world record in only 6 short years.
Okay, maybe that's not happening. But I'm glad to see that, although my marathon times might not be where I'd like them, at least I'm improving somewhat, somehow, at some distance.
Short recap: the race is five miles in Prospect Park. They gave participants arm warmers (nice touch). The course is fairly standard slightly rolling hills, with one notable exception: a giant, mile-long hill (mile 3 of the race). The grade isn't too bad, but it just goes on and on. It starts subtly, and (if you're me), you don't realize that you're in the middle of the hill and you can see how much it continues. There was one point where I turned to the woman next to me and said, "I feel like I'm running in place!" It just never seems to stop. But then it does, there's a nice downhill, and you're almost done.
In case you're someone who's into statistics.
I'm not disappointed with my performance; in fact, I'm quite pleased. However, I do wish that I'd warmed up some before the race. I could tell from how sluggish I felt and how low my heart rate was for the first mile that I was working harder than I needed to (for slower return). That first mile in particular should have been faster.
Open road tolling: Rod Blagojevich's gift to IL drivers.
T, that is awesome. Super awesome. Congrats!!!!
It is not the same medal. Go take a better look!