They all can't be "easy" runs.

Fundraiser for Venice High Soccer - 5k for Kicks. 55 deg. Race started at 8. I got there super early. I drove the course, then stretched for a long time, then warmed up for a long-ish time. Less than 100 runners. Very quick start. This woman said "Okay, I'll be starting you off. Ready Set. Go!" That sent most people fumbling for their watches. After about a half mile, I was in 6th place. Before the turn around, I passed 2 people, then ran all alone for the rest of the race.

I wanted a better time than this, and, as usual, I have excuses. The left calf held up better than I expected during the race, but became increasingly more stiff during church.

It amazes me that there are (5) 5ks in this location every year, but every one has a slightly different course. THIS is where we run races around here. They start at Sharkeys and go to the end of Caspersen Beach, then turn around to finish with some sort of loop around the lake at Maxine Barritt Park. Every race. But the exact location of the start, the turn around, and the loop around the lake are all different. This particular race extends the turnaround point to the playground at Caspersen. Which means you run on unpaved road for @250 yards at halfway. Which means, when it rains extensively, like this week, you are looking down, avoiding pot holes and puddles. Also, this route had a hair pin turn before the last 50 yards on grass.

I do not think a PR was within reach today, even without the odd course. And I have some work cut out for me. But racing more often is part of the process in this marathon build-up, and it had to start somewhere. I have a 15k next month, and then March has 10k, 8k, 12k, and another 10k. I expect greatness in all of those. 

Venice High's soccer coach was my coach in under 14s. I didn't get to see him there. I was kind of looking forward to that.

My mom usually yells at corrects the announcer when they butcher my big polish last name. Today, I told her not to. Instead the announcer handed me the mike, so I could say it. For some reason, the crowd decided to say it back to me, after I said it, like I was teaching them a new language. Funny stuff.

7.5 miles. Hood route. 6 a.m. start. 62 degrees.

6 pm. My left ankle is swollen.

7.5 miles. Hood route to Legacy trail and back. 7 a.m. start. 50 degrees. 56:46 7:34 pace. Things still feel tight, but I'm glad this run went well.