Erin registered Alison for the Bear Chase Possum run after her HUGE success at Rocky Raccoon kid’s race. It has been hot and humid in the Houston area this morning, but Erin reported beautiful weather in Groveton, Texas. I don’t have a lot of details about Alison’s race, but I know she placed second overall and FIRST female. Alison simply amazes me. When I grow up, I want to be just like her! I wish I didn’t have to work today, so I could have been with my wonderfully talented baby girl.
After Alison finished her race she had two softball games, which she won… both. She is an athlete and a CHAMPION!
I’m so overcome with pride that I’m fighting back tears of joy! I attached a few pictures below, compliments of Erin.
Over 100-miles away I ran with Andrea and Shaina at the Bellaire Trolley 5k. Naturally I wanted to be with Alison, but I was only able to take off work for a few hours. I had to report back to work as soon as our run was done.
This race was Shaina’s goal race and I was there to take a stab at my 5k PR. Andrea’s knee is behaving, so I gave her the green light to run/race.
As I stated above, it was hot and humid. I knew things would be tough after a short half mile warm up, I was sweating like it was high noon in August. My goal was to hold a 7:30 pace as long as possible. Looking back now the plan was unrealistic, because my schedule lacks any quality speed work.
I hit the first mile in 7:37. I was able to hold a PR pace until the half way point. I gassed out after passing the water stop at 1.5 miles. I struggled to stay under 8:00/mile pace for the second mile and mile three was pure misery. The heat left me nauseated and wanting to stop. Within the final ¾ mile I spotted Andrea over my right shoulder. I refused to wimp out in sight of my darling wife.
I stopped the clock in 24:45; 54-seconds shy of a PR. I’m happy with a top 50% finish in my age group. I placed 13th out 30 runners. With cooler temperatures and more rest I think I had a fair shot at a new PR. This race has lit a fire in my gut to kill my 5k PR time. Unfortunately it will probably have to wait till the Fall.
Andrea finished ten seconds ahead of me and 7th place in her age group. I’m impressed with her speed. Andrea has been dealing with knee pain for several months and still kicks my ass on shorter distances. She’s going to be a top local runner when she finds her stride!
Shaina met her goal of finishing a 5k. Her race was successful, yet a tough first race. Gauging by the number of emails she sent me this week, it is obvious the running bug has bitten her!
It is worth repeating... it’s been a great day of running.
Run:
5k
24:45
7:57 pace
Run (warm-up/cool-down):
0.88 mile
11:17
12:49 pace
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