Independence Day

It was a humid day
Photo by Ken Shelton Photography

I decided that I should run at least one race per month. For the month of July I thought I keep it close to home and use my home advantage. I signed up for the NYCRuns Firecracker 5k  which was held on July 4th (Independence Day and my mother's birthday) on Roosevelt Island at 8:30am.

Even though it was rather early in the day it was already quite warm and especially humid. I picked up my packet and was given a beer glass as souvenir. Since I had no place to store it (I live here so I didn't bring a backpack) I just went back home, left it on the kitchen counter, and did a light warm-up jog back to the start line. Compared to my last run this one was as laid back as it could be. A little less than 400 runners gathered at the start line and there wasn't much need to dodge others to get into a good position. Despite the weather I did extremely well and put up a new personal record (PR in runner's speech). I finished the 5000 meters in 22:46 which put me in 48th place, 7th in my age group of 40-49 years. I tried hard to gather some more speed in the end but I was too exhausted already. This was a great race and I stuck around the finish line to watch the finishers of the 10k race that was scheduled right after. It was amazing to see how the winner looked as fresh as if nothing happened over the last 30-some minutes. I want to be in that place some day (not necessarily being able to run 5 minute miles but running 6 miles as if it was just a walk down to the grocery store). The winner of the 5k was a 13 year old boy who finished in 17 minutes or so. I'm in awe. I wonder if I can persuade any of my children to take up running with me.

I poked around NYCRuns calendar and I picked a few races and runs that look interesting and will challenge me further. I think I will double my number of races per month (as my wallet permits, of course; races cost money after all).

Sgt. Keith A. Ferguson 5k Run/Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge

Aug 4, 2013

The Laurie Harris Hope & Dreams 5k race against pancreatic cancer

Aug 10, 2013

14.2 mile Manhattan training run

Sep 1, 2013

NYCRUNS Labor Day 5k & 10k

Sep 2, 2013

Paine to Pain trail half marathon

Oct 6, 2013

Zombies take Manhattan

Oct 26, 2013

Flushing Meadows 5k

Nov 23, 2013

These should keep me busy. I am not quite sure, yet, about the 14.2 mile run (which is not a race and therefore shouldn't demand too much) and the Labor Day run the following day. If I decided not to do the long one (and it would be a shame not to because the Manhattan Waterfront Greenway is one of the most awesome routes to run in Manhattan) I'd do the 10k Labor Day. Otherwise I will just do a 5k or skip the Labor Day altogether. We'll see.