Since I ran 4 miles yesterday, I decided to run the 4 miler. To me these are just training runs with lots of people and free food.

It seemed that the runners I knew were running at 7 am or sick/injured but I decided to go anyway. The weather was similar to yesterday … COLD.

I left early enough this time to get a parking space in the nearest lot.

Well, it turns out that the race was really a 7K or 4.34 miles.

While waiting I did run into folks that I knew. One was a former student of mine (from about 20 yrs ago) whom I kinda recognized.  But as she reminded me, she was fat in high school and now she is NOT!! She has been running for 15 yrs and is quitting after this race to have bunion surgery. (Bunions…a sore subject…literally.)

Anyway, the sun was shining very strongly so though it was cold, it seemed a lot warmer.  The 4 milers and the 10 milers started and finished together (though in between they ran a different course).  While I was slowly running my race, the 20 milers (the fast ones) were speeding by me.  Very interesting.

I think this was early on.

As I was running, I was reminded about how much I hate this course.  Besides being all concrete and parking lots, it seems that you are constantly going uphill but never enjoy a downhill.

The biggest problem was my fault,  I wore new running shoes and non-breathable clothes. I WAS HOT!!!!! I wore a turtle neck, a vest and then a fleece (instead of a cool max top & a windbreaker like yesterday.)

By the end of mile 4, I was dying and stopped for water & then walked awhile so that I could at least run through the finish line.

I crossed at 45.15 which was about 106 out 129. (My first 7k so it’s PR!!)

Mile 1: 10:16
Mile 2: 10:43
Mile 3: 10:39
Mile 4: 10:56 (walked)
Mile 5: ???

Not at bad as I felt.  All miles under 11…will I ever be fast again???

After I was done, I slowly ran around the track to make it 5 miles for the day!  (I was hoping to have enough energy for 8 but I was too sweaty…in fact, I even had a heat rash which I’ve never experienced even in the summer!)

color-coordinated but too warm!!

I definitely enjoyed yesterday’s race and felt a lot better. But I got free food and company running.  I never regret a race.

The rest of my day will be grocery shopping, laundry, cleaning and maybe a movie before the Super Bowl.

Happy Running!  Are you watching the Super Bowl?  If so, who are you rooting for? (Me, I watch for the commercials & the half time show.)