I was a little nervous about this race since I haven’t run 3 miles in a month and have been on the treadmill but only about 2 miles with no incline. I was also excited to be doing a 5k.

I arrived in Central Park early. I picked up my packet yesterday not to be rushed.  It was in the high 40’s and everyone was wearing tights and sweats.  Not me.  I was still determined to run in shorts and long sleeve tee shirt (with gloves).   I hung around the fireplaces in the pavilion sipping hot cocoa until the start of the race.

There were about 1500 people – not the 6500 that would be in the more popular Troy Turkey Trot.  I bumped into some familiar faces and one of my Mah Jongg friends.

This was my first time on this course (http://www.ellishospital.org/ellisfoundation/main/cardiacclassiccourse.pdf).  It was hilly but I’ve done worse.  I got caught up in the crowd and the beginning of the race.  There was someone calling times at each mile.  My first mile was too good – 9:02 but I slowed down to 19:02 at mile 2.  During the 3rd mile,  I was running out of steam.  Probably because I haven’t run more than 2 miles in a month or my first mile was faster than normal.

I struggled through the finish line – no sprinting this time and crossed around 30:10.  No PR!  No award! But my time was the usual and I am glad I did it. 

I feel great.  Now I can start cooking. 

Happy Thanksgiving fellow runners and bloggers!