Turkey Trot

30 degrees to start the day. Waking up wasn't a problem. I actually got to sleep in a few minutes compared to normal. I already had most everything laid out. Everything went as planned. I forgot about keys though. To lock my car I'd need to carry them with me. That wasn't a problem though because my shorts had a key pocket built in. I borrowed April's iskin. I was debating whether or not to take it, but I'm glad I did. We got there and the parking lot was totally full. That slightly irritated me, but walmart was actually closer so we found a spot where someone had just pulled out. I changed into my running gear and started jogging. April went to walmart to use the bathroom. The start line was a short walk from where we parked, awesome.

It was cold out, and actually felt warmer as I got out in it and took a few jogs around the parking lot. I was feeling great. After a short prayer and the national anthem it was time to start the race. It was kind of like a "set, go" kind of start where they just sort of throw it on you real quick. I was toward the front, but behind plenty of people. That was fine. I know how these races start, everyone just takes off and the weak get burned off in a mile. So off we go. I'm turning over pretty fast and by 200 meters it sinks in that this isn't the pace I'm used to. But I press on. Should I stride out or quicken my feet? Still wasn't sure about the ankle. No problems so far, but should I push it?

I didn't. I stayed behind people and let them fall behind. I only ran on my own until I found a new person. I worked my way up, but could see quite a few people still ahead. Mile 1 - jibberish:45. That's either 5:45 or 6:45. I asked the guy next to me, he said some jibberish too since he was too tired to talk. I took off anyway and increased the pace slightly, testing the ankle out. I see a few new people and keep churning out the pace, still within my level.

At 2 miles I hear a clear 13:30. Dang, I'm 30 seconds behind. So I push it, but not too much faster. We go around the bend and I can see the finish line way in the distance. A guy is running with me and we're doing fine, I go ahead of him. A short time later he passes me. I stay on him. A half a mile or less now and the Finish Banner is growing. I pick it up. Everyone around me is too. 3 miles, pick it up a little more. Remember the ankle, hold back a little. Look at the clock, finished. I walk for a few seconds, then jog. I'm feeling fine. I could run another one if I had too.

20:45 or so finish. Didn't reach my goal but the best thing of all was my ankle held up with no pain. That is so much better than reaching a time goal. I forgot to click my ipod when I finished, but as you can tell, it's pretty obvious where the finish line was. Also, check out the consistency (each mile was faster than the previous)


3 miles. 32 degrees. grey