Running JMU

Stepping out into the cool morning air Sat I felt that old feeling of race day.
Sat the Alpha Phi: Move your Phi'T 5k was held at JMU.  This would be my first race since entering my new age group (5#*^~#*!)  I really had no goal but to finish. I've been building base mileage but doing no speed work; this would be my first.
After arriving at JMU it took a while to find the registration/start area but with the help of a kind student I finally checked in. Being in the midst of a couple hundred college students really made me more aware of how old and fat I am! Oh to be young and lean again. At least I had dressed the part of a runner..(I can still do that)!
I the middle of the ever enlarging crowd I spotted the smiling  face of my friend Andi. We would be the sole representatives of the SVTC.
Now no offense to the organizers but this race was a bit too laid back. there were no numbers,the starting line was way to tight for the amount of runners and there be no official timing or award ceremony. But for the money it was a nice friendly little get together for charity.
Andi and I had  planned to run together...to pace each other and lend moral support, but with amount of participants and race chitters..we got separated and were on our own.
I held on to a much faster pace than I've been training for about half way through this 5k. After passing UREC and climbing the hill behind the convacation center I knew I was shot!  So began the walk/ run portion of the race. I never could settle into a comfortable pace from there.  My runs were fast(for me) but I couldn't maintain. Following a couple more climbs and what seemed like an endless section on Courrier Dr. the finish line finally arrived much to the contentment to my lungs. I broke the time I sub-consciously sat for myself and ran the fastest first-of-the-year 5k I've run in years. Gotta be happy with that. 
I waited but a few moments for Andi's finish and after a congratulatory hug we shared our thoughts on what we accomplished. I think we were both happy to be able to enjoy being athletic again.
Now its back on the road to build distance...The Shamrock festival at Va Beach less than 3 weeks way.


Wish the Old Fat Guy luck!
Shuffle on friends!

Cold Crazies

The "Snowballs" Crazies!

First off let me thank these fine souls for braving the cold and showing up on a bitterly cold day. This was definitely the coldest of all the "Freeze Your Snowballs" Off 10ks  so far. Secondly I want to thank my volunteers for lending a greatly appreciated hand  with the race.  Third  please ignore the date on the photo. It should read Jan 22 2011.

After a very hectic and nerve wrecking week I 'd like to say I enjoyed the race, the turnout. and the help. I hope everyone enjoyed themselves, thawed out and their legs recovered from my rolling hills. For anyone interested...the race results can be found at www.valleytrack.org.

So now it's time for me to get into some kind of race shape; maybe enter a couple of local races in order to get ready for the Shamrock Half Marathon.  I'm doing the dolphin challenge where on Sat I "compete" in the 8k and on Sun the half marathon. Pray for the Old fat Guy!  I'll need it!

Well till the next time...

Shuffle on friends!