My race this week was the Run for Retrievers 5K on May 14, 2011 at Bird Fort Trail at Campion Trails in Las Colinas, Irving Texas. The event was held in memory of Eddie Pascacio who before dying of cancer helped start an adoption program for Labrador Retrievers. There was a very nice raffle at the race, where you could win one of many gifts. They raffled away prizes totaling $2,000. Fox 4 Good Day's Fiona Gorostiza was the emcee for the race, and there were plenty of sponsors. Some of the many sponsors included Run-On!, Emergem-C, and many dog treat giveaway booths. I arrived early and parked close by; most had to park down the street at the Dart station. I checked the pre-race registration roster and found out that my Run-On! friend JJ Jenkins, who is also in my age division, was also signed up. When I saw his name on the list, I knew that I wouldn't finish at 1sth place this time. Most of the time, JJ runs a 5K in under twenty minutes. I took my slow jog, starting at the start line and went about .06 miles before turning back around, then I stretched a bit. This race was an out and back course with a turnaround. We only ran on the trail with no street parts. It was a very beautiful scenic course with a big dip going out, which meant that we'd have to climb up going back. I started on the first row and took off at a fast quick pace, but didn't run all out. This was a cool morning with the temperature at about 57 degrees and a nice breeze blowing which was fine to me. The trail was wide so we ran freely with no crowding. I arrived at the 1st mile marker in 8:28. I kept to my recent racing strategy, which is to find a lady on my pace and try to keep up with her. Then find another one. I made it to the turnaround about half way into the course, with the wind now at my back, and started to increase my pace. My 2 mile time was 16:52 (an 8:24 /m pace). I was feeling pretty fresh so I turned it on and started to pass a few runners. Before I got to the 3 mile marker I had to climb the hill with my bad hips. It slowed me down a little. Then I was able to pick it up again. JJ Jenkins, who had already finished and always double backs after his race to encourage everyone, said to me that if I hurry I could get in under 25 minutes. I gave it all I had and made it to the 3 mile in the time of 24:35 (a 7:42 mile pace), and crossed the finish line with a chip time of 25:03. Thank you JJ Jenkins for your encouragement. My time was good enough for 2nd place, after JJ who is one of the fastest runners in our division and the overall fastest on every race he attends. I finished 44 out of 186. After the race I took a picture with JJ and with th 201 Run-On training Team. There were several Lab Retrievers that were introduced for adoption. Many were black like my pal Rocky who is a Lab mix. Then they had drawings for the winners of the raffle. I checked out all the sponsor booth like I always love to do after a race. Without their support the race would not be possible. Thanks everyone. You can see the results here. You can view some pictures here. My final results men 55 to 59: Place Bib # Men Overall Chip Time Gun Time Pace 2/5 2350 32/81 44/186 25:03:00 25:04:00 8:04 I run to raise awareness for prostate cancer and to benefit my community. www.runningforacause.tumblr.com |
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