Looping the Hen

Go Me!

I didn't hit my goal of 26:24 (I don't think, will know tomorrow when they post official times), but I came darned close! I think I clocked in at under 27:00 on a course with a pair of hills (not as bad as I had heard, but still), one light and one pretty steep. In 30 degree weather. In the dark. Wearing an Enhanced Santa hat. (Thanks to the very artsy and talented AKBar!) And three layers of clothes.

Thanks goes to three very cool ladies from work. One who helped me step up my pace on the first big downhill, which gained me a good 15 seconds over just jogging it down. The other two helped me finish much stronger than I would have. We were at about 2.15 miles and I was already burnt (out of 3.11) when the first passed me, and then about 30 seconds later the other did. The first was about 5 seconds overall up on us at that point. I wasn't sure I had it left in me, but I pulled into pace with the 2nd, ran with her for about a minute, then pulled and passed the first one also. I even had enough to outkick 3 people at the end. (was a good sized race of about 900-1000 folks) I think they may have beaten me time wise (They started after me; people run with 'chips' now that track when you cross the start and finish, so it doesn't matter if you start at the back of the pack (other than trying to get through the crowd)), but they definitely pushed me to a time 30 seconds to a minute better than I was headed for. Go competitive nature!

I read an article in Runner's World a few weeks back that said runners always beat themselves up after a race, no matter how they do. I don't think that's right. I ran a pretty good race, even if I did get passed by 3 Santa's, 5 girl's with antlers, and an elf (ears and all), but still I am extremely happy with myself, unlike my last two races. I held in check one of my bad habits, which is to save too much for the end, and I crossed the line wobbly, crispy and out of breath like I should have.

The only complaint I have is the brand new $50 piece of cold weather Under Armor I bought this afternoon. I wore it and a medium piece of cold weather gear from New Balance and felt like I was buck naked. The workout pants from New Balance were fine for my legs, two pairs of standard athletic socks for my feet were good, and my $4 Enhanced Santa Hat kept my head cooking. My solution for the rest of me? I added a standard WalMart t-shirt into the mix and I was good as gold. All I can say is I am not too impressed with Under Armor. i will read up on it some and see if I used it wrong or something, but barring some major screwup on my part, I won't be buying any more.

Anyhoo, I am off to see Aeon Flux (though the early verdict is it is horrible), hope its better than the reviews! Will report on the lovely Ms. Theron in the AM. Night!

Update: Can't get much closer than that! My time came in at 26:30. Whee!