Race Report - February 19, 2008

Ironman Louisville training window - 893 days

Here is the report from the "Last Chance for Boston" 5K on Sunday. The weather that was being forecast for the weekend didn't really materialize. It was about 38 degrees when I got to the race area in Dublin. There was off and on light rain that became more steady the closer it got to race time.

Thankfully, it eased off just before the race began. There were about 430 folks racing in the 5K, 10K, Half Marathon and Marathon. The 5k and half marathon groups (202 people) started at the same point. Once the horn went off, something became very clear. I was the only walker in my group. About the time that I got beyond the quarter mile mark, the rest of the 5K and half group lapped me. I heard the thundering footsteps of the 10K and marathoners a few minutes later. This was the way it went for the entire race. I was constantly being passed. For the most part, I tried to stay out of the way. I did have 2 racers compliment me and give me words of encouragement.

My official time was 52:08. My pace was 16:46. I DLF'ed (Dead Last Finish)the race as I expected. What did come as a surprise, was that there was only 34 people in the 5K. Awards were to be given to the top 20 men and women. I finished 18th out of 18 men in the 5K so I will be receiving a plaque for this. This reminds me of what happened last year with the "Dam Fool 4 Miler". I DLF'ed that as well but was the only male walker in the race - so I took 1st place in the male walkers. I received a gift certificate to a local restaurant. Being rewarded for DLF'ing is not right ----- but I'll take it anyways!!!!!

On to the next race. It will be the "Run Happy 5K" at the end of March. After that, the training will begin for the Columbus Marathon.