run, run, run

Meriden, CT 8pm

Pace: 7:14

Nice little run after a long travel day.

Meriden, CT 7pm

Pace: 7:21

Took a rail trail 5 miles and then turned back. Pouring rain most of the time, but there was a canopy of trees that made helped. Still got soaked.

The coolest thing was seeing two big turtles on the path.

The uncoolest thing was that they frightened me.

Meriden, CT 7pm

Pace: 7:28

Drove to the point in the path that I turned around yesterday and went four more miles and back. Maybe if I come back here I'll go all the way to New Haven. Race tomorrow.

I was in CT for the week and saw that they had a Thursday night race in Hartford, so I thought I'd give it a go. It wasn't the fastest course with a few hills, some rocky/gravel and a staircase. About 400 people in the race.

I ran this one smarter than usual. Instead of starting out fast and fading after the first mile, I started out at a sensible pace and held it fairly well. My mile spits were 6:38, 6:46 and 6:57. I also passed more people then passed me -- that was nice.

The only disappointing thing was that I was in the toughest age group to place in. Thirteenth place and only 4th in my age group. I was the only person in the top 25 finishers that didn't place in his/her age group. Oh well it was a good time and I don't need any more trinkets.

 Strange thing is that the timing was off at first. The had the course pass next to the finish line about a quarter-mile before the end and then loop back. Well, it was too close and the sensors went off and everybody's time was wrong, so they had to go back and fix them all manually. Which made for a short award ceremony.

Meriden, CT 6:30am

Pace: 7:57

Not feeling it this morning, but needed to get out for a few miles before a long work/travel day.

Boise Main Street Mile. One mile, twice around the block. I've only done this once before, in 2008 when I finished in 6:05. So, now I'm 5 years older and 20 seconds faster.

I started out the 40-and-over race in the second row, but within 50 yards or so I was right behind the first 3. I gradually faded back from them but didn't get passed by anyone until the second lap when a guy passed me and moved up to finish second, I think.

 I finished 5th in the old people race, fourth in my age group and 45th for the whole evening.

Running a mile as fast as you can is really painful. My chest was hurting into the next day.