Thursday, November 25, 2010

Turkey Trot Redux



So I awoke to my Editor saying, “Are you really going to do this today?” As in our bedroom we could hear the rain and wind banging against the storm window. My response was that I had made a commitment to the run the race. Also, in the back my mind I know it is always that first 500 feet in the rain that is bad and after that you can settle into the groove. So off I went from bed and into the shower to get the proverbial cobwebs out.

Now, this was originally going to be a family affair with Team MoZo making their way down to the Galleria for our first Turkey Trot, but I knew the rain had killed everyone else’s desire and, heck, there was a Macy’s Day Parade to be watched in a warm house. I don’t blame them a bit.

I was personally wondering what the turnout would be like but, regardless, threw my tights and warm gear on and headed downtown.

Having the Galleria as a staging area was great, as it was a warm place to stretch before the race and from the looks it appeared to be a good sized crowd.

I was alright being alone at the race today as I was just sort of in the mood to be on my own and it makes for good people watching.

After my last restroom stop, I took a quick warm up jog and then I was into the herd of people waiting for the gun. The race got off to a slow start as I was a little far back in the crowd and was not having the easiest time weaving my way through runners.

Unfortunately, this made for a slow first mile and getting caught up in the group tends to make me anxious. Because of these factors, I was having a difficult time finding a pace and for some reason got a small abdominal cramp. By mile two, I had begun to settle in and my cramp was gone, however, I was off pace at 7:30/miles. I wanted to be at 7:00/mile or under, but I had to do a lot of work for those.

The rest of the race was uneventful and by mile 4 I had gotten my pace under 7:30 and I began to pick it up. Making the turn back towards downtown I felt good and closed the last 1.5 miles strong. Finished the 5 miles in 36.24 and got my pace down to a 7:16/mile.

Overall, a good race, good tradition, and I am glad that I participated. On top of it, I was able to get few extra training miles in after the race in an empty downtown. Next year, I will drag the whole family for the experience and maybe a costume will be in order. I give credit to all the runners dressed as turkeys and pilgrims; as well as the random dressed like he was Amish.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your families.


Editor’s Note: I thought we were going to see the parade “live” next year? Oh well, since he proved we could get home before the big guy makes his way to 34th street, I guess I can haul our three asses downtown – and will be happy to do it!

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