This week I ran in the Inargural 2010 Arlington Turkey Trot 5K, which started and finished at the Arlington Convention Center. This was the the first Turkey Trot that I've run in, and it will always be special to me. As everyone who reads my blog already knows, I am a long time fan of the 2010 American League Champion Texas Rangers and of my prostate cancer doctor Justin Lee, who did the robotic surgery on me in September of 2007. Both of which are in Arlington. Thanks to Dr. Lee's excellent work, my PSA has been undetectable ever since. Funds from the event support The Shoe Bank, which offers shoes to homeless people. I always mention some of the sponsors for each race on my blog and it is my honor to say that USMD Hospital at Arlington was a sponsor of this wonderfull inargural Arlingon Thanksgiving 5K race. Other sponsors were Vandergriff Cheverlet and Hyundai, Frost Banking, The Runner, Run Time Racing, and New Balance which gave away 3 pairs of free shoes to the fastest winners.
There were 2017 participants (runners and walkers), plus spectators that braved the rapidly howling wind and punging tempratures and some light rain. The course was fast, and featured views of Cowboy Stadium, the Ballpark in Arlington, a little league field and lake, Six Flags over Texas, and the Arlington Convention Center. I arrived about 7:00 AM in my racing shorts and sleaveless technical shirt, and soon realized it was going to be a cooler morning than I expected. I picked up my registration packet which had my bib #, chip timer and a long sleave t-shirt, with all the great sponsors printed on the back, as well as other goodies. Then I went to my car and changed to long pants and put on a long sleave technical shrit before I put on the USMD racing shirt that I race in every week. Thanks to USMD for the shirt and for the support. Without thier help, I wouldn't be able to race each week, and spread awareness about prostate cancer and running and walking as a way to better health. In my opinion they have the best prostate cancer doctor in Texas, and possibly the whole US.
The 1 mile fun run started at 8:30 an with a lot of children and parents entered. The 5K started at about 9:00 AM. I lined up about 6 rows back in this fast field of runners. The start had the biggest hill of the race, but not very long. But that made the finish a fast downhill to the finish line keeping with my new racing strategy I started as fast as I could up the hill, turned left out of the convention center parking lot, in front of the little league park. You look up and see Cowboy Stadium around first base side of the ballpark heading to centerfield. Then turn left and go by third base, past my parking spot as we turn right accreoss thrid base. So for doing OK trying to get throug hthe crowd of runners as we were cone off on one side and traffic on other side. Circle around by Six Flags then final back around part of ballpark a long straight home stretch. Everyone was bunched up hard to pass. So I ran just outside the cone to pass runner then finally back by the little league park and down the hill as fast as I could to the finish line. 4 or 5 runners passed me up as we came down the hill to the finish line. I tried my best; that's all I know how to do, but I wanted to be in the top 3 in my age group and receive an award for this special race.
When they posted the final results, they had everyone ranked by overall time. I looked my time up, then followed the list up to see how many men in my age division had a better time than I did. Well, it looked like I had finished 3rd place, and I was very happy. At the award ceremony when it got to my age division, they never called my name. I asked someone afterwords, and they said the winner in my group was not listed, therefore I finished 4th place. Just like last week, I went home empty handed with no award. I think if they had an award for 4th place, I would be the man; that's my spot it seems. Oh well that's life. Awards are just a honor. I run for my health and to inspire others to try running and walking even if they have health problems like I had. I am a 3 year prostate cancer survivor running with diabites, a pacemaker, avascular necrosis in both hips, hypothyroidism, and wear a patch to help keep my memory working properly. If I can do this, then you should see your doctor about getting you on an excercise program so you can attain better health. You can do it, just one day ata time. Never give up hope to change your life.
I was the oldest runner in my age group; the only 59 year old in the division. So I am very satisfied with my results. I train my best and give it all I can just like my 2010 American League Champion Texas Rangers did this year. Next, it'll be the World Series Champions. Speaking of sports, I went to watch the Mavericks beat the Miami Heat and Houston Rocckets over the weekend and took a few pictures. Special thanks to Miller Public Relations for donating the attached picture of me running.
You can see the complete results here.
You can see some pictures of the event here. (my bib # was 533)
My final results in male 55-59
Place Bib# Men Overall Overall Chip Time Gun Time Diff Time Back Pace
4/14 533 62/310 216/601 27:18:5 27:20:3 0.01.7 3.31.7 8:47/m
I run to raise awareness for prostate cancer and to benefit my community.
www.runningforacause.tumblr.com
No comments:
Post a Comment