So, here's a mapmyride link of the race, a PDF showing the route and an elevation map as well.
During dinner, Jokingly (or not), I said that I need to talk to Josh's parents to see if they will re-sched the party so I can run my race.
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I actually was glad we got invited so I didn't feel that bad about missing the race. Meanwhile, at the YMCA, one of the Gymnastics Mom told me about a local, not being heavily advertised 5K. Douglaston Manor of all places...I'm only there every weekend! Printed out the map and talked to the family.
Sunday before the race, Jim, Matt and I ran 4 in AP, then we picked up Gail and ran to the water. Once we got to the 5K start, we previewed the race course. Total was 17.11 that day and we all felt good.
Race course description is as follows: Starts at Memorial Park (uphill) into Shore road. While we usually run with the water on our left, this time it was on the right. Take it all the way to the end (uphill at end) and make a left on West road back to a little past the start for another water on right loop. At the end, make a right this time to Bay street. From there it's a right (3 blocks), left (5 blocks) and a left (2 blocks) straight to the finish at the LIRR.
Mostly flat tho mapmyride said that those little hills were about 40 feet climbing for each. No big deal.
Fate sucks...Lee was on board to do this race and so was Jeremy and then I found out about a trail marathon (Fat Ass event) in the Bronx on the same day. Oh well. Family first.
I didn't pre-reg us so...We left the hosue at 7:30 to register. Then Jeremy and I hung around while Lee took Jessie to a playdate. Plan was for her to get back ASAP, find parking and run. Playdate ETA was 8:30 and race start was 9am. Too close for comfort for me. Jeremy did his usual I am not cold routine and got annoyed that Lee forced him to wear a sweatshirt while registering. Once she left, the sweatshirt went with her. Meanwhile, luckily I am not that stupid. I had my usual winter running gear and I knew we would have a long wait with no protection from the elements so I brought my hand warmers. In fact, I brought 2 just_in_case. He asked for it. Yes he did and hell did not freeze over.
While waiting, I noticed Karen Pompay who was gonna warm up at her car. Asked her if we can warm up with her and she said ok. Excellent. Hung there until 8:15 when she went for a warm up run.
When we left her car, we ran into Len and Francois. I thought they were racing but it turned out they were just running the water. Francois wanted to come back or stay but Len had to get back since he had his kid so off they went.
Ran into more people like Madison's father and brother. Met DD's friend Ray and of course said hello to Jamil and DD.
Told Jeremy I had to use the porta-tree which he couldn't believe until I told him to hang out for a second. Lee got there at about 8:45 and parked. She had to pee too and didn't want to repeat her Quantum Feet 5K experience where she asked some little old lady if she can use her bathroom so I took her to the porta-bush. Unbelievable and yet again hell did not freeze over.
They were running late being a first time event but that's ok. One of the sponsors was the owner of Peak Mountain Bike Store who is a hell of a nice guy.
Now these guys were pretty smart. Didn't advertise heavily figuring local runners and residents. Also, they decided on kids doing the 5K would be free. What a smart idea? I mean 2 parents and 3 kids could well run you over 100 dollars. Highest bib number we saw was 166. Awesome. Their plan is to advertise a lot more next year.
Finally called us to the start line. Narrow stretch with a hill to start with. I went to the start and noticed to my dismay that all the little kids were in the front. And no one did anything about it. Jamil was in the middle instead of the front. Grabbed him and put him in the front. Then I did the same for Karen. When it got to Madison's brother I put him in the front on the left side. I actually had a kid in front of me. Sucked.
I love kids but slower runners and walkers and I don't care how old you are belong further back! That's just common sense.
The race started and a kid fell. No real suprise there. Running and it was good. Eventually DD who started back caught up to me and we ran together for the 1st loop and part of the second loop. All in all ran about 2 miles with him which was great because I was pushing it. At the second loop, we came across some of the walkers and they were trailed by an ambulance - how cool is that?
Passed them and I was wondering if I would see Jeremy and Lee but then realized that if things were going well that I wouldn't see them. A fire chief was running in front of us. Dude looked good out there. DD broke away and I managed to keep him in sight. He finished about 30 seconds in front of me.
At the top of the hill, at the end of the 2nd loop, he had a kid on a bike on his right side riding next to him. At the top, the kid stopped and DD almost crashed into him. I could swear DD said something to him tho later he told me "being the only black guy there, I didn't want to start anything". Can't believe DD not opening his mouth but I'll give him the benefit of the doubt. Ran the flats to the finish and tried to kick hard.
One thing that really sucked is that they didn't have mile splits. On the other hand maybe it was good. I sort of knew where they were but didn't look at my watch tho I knew a good time was gonna happen. Crossed the finish line at 21:33 passing some guy at the end. Got water and then I realized everyone else got something at the end. Went to get mine...It was a cigar that was loved by Dick Lynch and a keychain kaleidoscope for Jessie.
Started going back looking for my gang.
Found Jeremy being dogged by Elizabeth. Apparently for the first 2 miles or so she didn't see him at all but then 2 women with dogs passed her. She then thought of LC and picked it up. So there is Jeremy running forward and constantly checking his SIX. Brought him in and she followed.
I decided to go get the car as opposed to all of us going later because I wanted to buy a raffle ticket. Started walking and I noticed a couple getting into a car driven by somebody else. Asked them if they are going to the start and they said "Get in" and I didn't need more than that.
Well, results are sketchy at this point. They are NOT posted and a little disorganized. Apparently, Jeremy came in twice, the first time at 25 minutes (NOT). His time unofficially due to me was 32:30ish.
I came in 13th overall and I am pretty sure I would have gotten an age group award maybe down right winned it. Oh well.
