They all can't be "easy" runs.

http://www.suncoaststriders.com/results/20131208_scrooge10K.htm

PR! Like outa nowhere! 6:37 pace. Yes, a pretty weak field, but still, a PR is a PR. I am happier with the time, than the placing. 71 deg. 95% hum. I don't know what the dew point was, but I'm guessing "High." I was really uncertain about my abilities in this race, because of the goofy left knee, and spending the previous day walking around a theme park (And eating "Theme Park Food" for the day). Great, Low-key event. And a great tune-up Shot of Confidence for next month's marathon. I did way better than I thought I would. Anyhow, they asked for the faster runners to line up near the start, and the only people up there were two 11 year old kids (That finished 4th and 5th! Say What?!), and the eventual winner of the race, then a 15 foot gap to the next level. I didn't know anybody at this event, except for my friend Brian (Race #2 for him, BTW). So I felt weird being on the start line. I usually like to be @ 2-3 bodies back from the start. The course winds through some golf course communities, and then finishes the last 2 miles on an asphalt trail around a lake. The 24 year old that won the thing was out of sight after mile 1. 2nd place kid (I could tell he was younger, but I didn't know he was 15 until after the race) was an excellent pace setter for me. I was within 20' of that kid for the whole race, until mile 5. If he took decent tangents (as I did), he would have left me earlier. It seemed like he was choosing the outside edge of the course for the entire run. After the race, he told me it was his first 10k. I talked to him about the faster lines he could have taken during the race, and he seemed to appreciate the advice. But with a 15 year old, who can really gauge sincerity? I hit halfway @ 20:00 on the nose. Very pleased at that point. Right before mile 4, I had a mini-coughing fit, and momentarily thought there would be a big collapse, but I held on. Right after that, the course has 1 hairpin turn. Navigating the hairpin turn didn’t bother me as much as the 15 year old being almost conversational, as we passed each other. He said something like “Well, you seem to be running a fine race, sir. I look forward to consuming Gatorade and donuts with you at the finish line.” (My memory of this conversation may be a little off, but not much.) I grunted and cleared my throat, in response. Then we got to the part of the race that goes around the lake. There is @ a half mile stretch of this that goes directly into the morning sun, and that’s when my pace fell off. I was really struggling at this point. If I had to guess where the 1 minute positive split came from, this would be the spot. I rounded the corner to where the sun was at my back, and my pace picked up again. Coming into the finish, the announcer said “And this must be our Master’s Winner.” Oh Yeah, Obviously this guy is a masters runner! Look at how ridiculously old and broken-down he is! I am impressed that you actually made it to the race, gramps! Dude, I ain’t THAT old! Come on, man! So they gave me a nice plaque, and a $25 gift certificate to New Balance of Sarasota. I know nothing of New Balance products, but this is still pretty cool that I got something of value. That has never happened before. Went home. Changed clothes. Went to church stinkin’. Great sermon. I took the boys to lunch, then the beach for a couple of hours. Then we unpacked Christmas. Excellent day. I think I’d like to get in another 10k before Baton Rouge, but I’m less than 6 weeks out now. Time is tight. Sorry this is so long, but I really needed some good news in my running, and this PR qualifies. I have been on what feels like an eternal plateau, and this might be an indication of good things on the way.