Fast Freddie 5 Miler

Yesterday Chris and I participated in the 21st annual running of the Fast Freddie Thanksgiving Day 5 Miler. This run turned out to be one of the most fun runs that we have done is some time. We saw a few familiar faces. Our friend James also joined on this run. When I say joined, I mean ran in front of us and waited at the finish line.

The goal for this run was to come in between 40 and 42. Before I had actually looked at the course, I told Chris that I thought 40 would be no problem. Then he mapped it. The course has several hills, so we told ourselves that we would be happy anywhere under 45. With a field of over 700 runners the start was a bit slow. From the gun shot until we finally walked across the starting line, it took just at 19 seconds. Then it was a very slow first mile before things started to open up a bit and we could find our groove. We hit the first mile at just around 8:37. From there we were able to pick up the pace and let a few of the downhills help us out. By mile 3 we had erased that 37 seconds from the first mile and were traveling at a comfortable 8 minute pace. We figured that if we kept this pace we would definitely finish in the top 500. That is the cut off point to have your name listed on the back of next years shirt. Another of our goals for this run. We ended up finishing the run side by side with a clock time of 39:40.71. The official Yeti time was 39:21.71, taking off the 19 seconds it took us to walk to the starting line. Awesome run!

After we finished the run we hung out near the finish line and talked with several other runners that we knew. After cooling off a bit we decided to head to my van and grab an extra layer of clothing and a celebratory Sam Adam Octoberfest. After enjoying possibly the last two Octoberfest in the area, we headed inside to see the drawing for door prizes. While waiting Fred introduced the overall winner who finished the 5 miler in 23:54.04, which is a new course record!

Fred made things interesting with his lack of patience for people who had filled out door prize cards and then chose not to stay around. I am pretty sure he wanted to get out of there and go enjoy some turkey like the rest of us. Chris and I did both manage to win door prizes. Mine was a gift certificate to a local restaurant and his was to Dick's Sporting Goods. After the last door prizes were handed out we were out of there.

I did manage to take my camera with me this time, but after a short video of the crowd before the run and a few pics, the batteries decided that they had enough. So for an awesome video, check out Chris's recap of this run. It sums up the day quite awesomely!

Not sure what run is on our horizon, but I will keep you posted.

Yeti Out!!

Allie

Today we had to make the hardest decision that a pet owner has to make. We had to make the decision to stop being selfish and be fair to her.

Let me tell you how Allie came to join our family. In the summer of 96 she chose us. The reason that I say she chose us, is that we were not looking to get a new dog at the time. We already had two. But on a warm summer day, my wife allowed a then 3 year old Jade head out to the mailbox to get the mail. As Autumn stood with the door open waiting for Jade to return, a black blur ran past her and into our house. Once inside Allie made herself at home. I remember coming home and saying, "We're not keeping her." That was 14 years ago. We tried to find where she had come from with no luck. So she became ours.

Like any other family member or pet there were times when we wanted to ring her neck. But the good definitely out ways any bad. Pets in this house are family, not just pets. We got to spend 14 wonderful years with an awesome dog, who provided tons of wonderful memories.

With a heavy heart, I say goodbye.

Rest in peace Allie Dog.

DASH 5k 2009

Today Chris and I ran the DASH 5k in our home town. This was the first time we had ran this one. The temps were great, the course was flat, and the times ended up being pretty damn good as well. It was a good day!

Both of us had purchased new shoes yesterday, so the plan was to try and maintain an easy 8 minute pace. At mile 1 we were at 7:35. Mile 2 was 15:10. At that point we decided to real things in just a bit so not to burn out towards the end. As we made the last turn Chris felt the need to stretch his legs and pick up the pace a bit. He ended up finishing 4 seconds in front of me with a time of 23:18.63, which was a PR for him. Way to go!! I ended up finishing up at 23:22.68. I had originally thought that this was a PR for me, but I was wrong. My PR for a 5k is 23:16. I think if either of us knew how close we were to breaking into the 22 minute barrier we would have probably stepped it up a little bit sooner.

After the run we hung out for a bit and talked with a few of our fellow runners. Then it was time to head home.

Next up is a 5 miler on Thanksgiving morning. Hopefully the weather is as good then as it is now.

Later

New kicks just in time for a run

Good morning blogosphere!

It's been a while since my last post, but I really just haven't had the time to put any thoughts out there. Sorry.

Anyway, I had the feeling that it was time to replace my running shoes. Over the last couple of weeks I have been back and forth with wanting to go and get analyzed at the local running shop, Pacers and Racers, and being cheap and just picking up a pair on sale from any number of big box sellers that would get me through these cold months of training ahead.

After looking at several pair of shoes at the big box retailers and on ebay. I decided that it would be in my best interest, not my wallets, to head to the local running shop. Man am I glad I did. It turned out that I was totally running in the wrong shoe! I am a neutral runner and I was running in a shoe that pushed my ankles in. It was also nice to meet some really cool fellow runners.

I ended up with a new pair of Asics Cumulus 11's that set me back around $100. We will see if it was worth it.

Today they will be going out for their first run. Chris and I will be running the DASH 5k. Should be a cool run and it is in our town. I will try and post a recap later on this evening.

Later