Actual: 5k + 9mi.
I had a really late start this morning, because even though we had a fairly tame New Year's Eve, I was up far later than normal last night. After sleeping in, we decided to drive down to McAlpine just in time for CRC's inaugural Hangover Run 5K instead of logging the warm-up miles from the house to the course.
Just after approaching the starting line, "Ready, Set, Go!" was shouted by el presidente Aaron Linz, and the runner's were off. Of course the front of the pack was led by Paul, Stan, Caleb Boyd, Ben Hovis, maybe Mike Beigay and several others I couldn't see, but I decided to just catch up with Allen and stick it out with him. Kicking off 2011 with an 90% effort 5K without a warm-up seemed to be a recipe for injury, but I survived with a comfortable 21:12 only getting passed by Michael Kahn with the dual stroller and Todd Capitano who was gracious enough to let me draft off him for a few seconds and not complain. I finished 12th this morning, but I don't really know what value that would provide. I was just glad to be out there with such a great group. I got to catch up with Leonard briefly.I finally met Larry and Kathy Seavers, Charlott'es Co-Runner's of the Year. Great couple, but I'm pretty sure Kathy managed to mistake me for Leonard somehow and all of Larry's Red Sox attire made me a little queazy, but great couple. After the race, I was sure to pick up another great cold-weather layer from Jordan by Craft of Sweden. Looks and feels great.
After chat-chitting with a few other runners (Lauren Tilton and her husband Dan, Emily Barrett, Jay Holder, et al) Christi, John Fillette, and I took off for more miles with Leonard and Allen quickly pulling away. I wanted to be smart and not forget that the Frosty 50K is exactly a week away so John and Christi were sure to take it easy with me. I enjoyed the early mileage company leading up to Boyd Park, but that's as far as it lasted. I proceeded to log more miles looping around back to Old Bell and few other varied loops around the XC course. I tried eating a Nutri-Grain bar on the run per Aaron Linz's advice and I still don't have the technical aspects of this task down pat with very little time to experiment before the race. It was horrid. With only a couple miles to go before my hilly ascent back up the road to my place, I saw Christi and Layla who had come back just to show me some support for my lonely miles. After stopping to show some love for my love, I realized how difficult it would be for me to restart, so I called it a day at twelve miles.
Though I only logged 12 today, I still feel pretty good knowing the long run I plan in the morning too will put me at higher mileage for the new year than most of my comrades in the community and I know I started the year off right head and shoulders above my training a year ago.
