Even thought the course was pancake flat, the wind was a real issue. This from the race results e-mail: "For your records, the weather that day was sunny, 19 degrees F, wind WNW 17 mph with gusts to 30 mph, wind chill 2 deg." Since it was an out and back course, the wind should have averaged out, but the strong gusts were amazing at times, and definitely could have helped or hurt depending on timing! I started with a comfortable pack and fast leg turnover, breathing about 2/2 in and out w/my steps. I let that gradually increase as a I went, keeping an eye on my HR. I stayed under 170 to the half-way point. I felt pretty good so far, so I decided to just run based on feel and see what I could do after that. HR went up to 172-174 until final stretch to finish when I stopped looking. I was breathing pretty hard and around 1/2 in and out w/steps. No sprint to finish line, but never slowed down either. I think this was about the best I could get out of what I had today.

Nothing. I was thrilled with my results in spite of the cold and the wind. I dressed perfectly for it, and there was nothing more to be done.

I walked around and drank some water for about 5 or 10 min. Eventually finished a 20 oz. bottle. Then I changed clothes and put stuff in the car. Back in the gym around 9:50 times were already up, and I was thrilled to see that I ran 8:00/mile avg!!! I ate half a cinnamon raisin bagel, stretched, and drank the sample of Muscle Milk Light that they were handing out.


Just my current fitness level and weight. This was my best for today.


This race was among the best organized local 5K's that I've done. The online registration was easy, the communications were excellent, the packet pick-up had no line, the start was promptly at 9:00, there were plenty of volunteers giving direction on the course, times were posted almost immediately, and my results were e-mailed to me by 10:20. There were nice award trophies for the top 3 in every AG, and plenty of raffle give-aways. It all made me really glad that I showed up in spite of the sub-zero wind chills! I will make a point of doing this one again.