I ran a 5K race on Memorial Day, May 30th, called The American Heroes 2011 5K / 10K at Texas Rangers' Ballpark in Arlington. This race was designed to showcase the 5 branches of our military, who make all of us proud. Before the 5 and 10K race, there was a 1K little troop run for the kids. The beneficiary of the event proceeds was Snowball Express, a charity that benefits children of soldiers who have lost their life for our freedom. The top sponsor of the event was Dick's Sporting Goods, who handed out $50.00 gift certificates to the overall and masters winners. Other sponsors were It's About Time Race Management, Northrop Grumman, and Dasani Water. This was also a DFW Runs race, promoted by Eric Linberg and his team. They are also promoting the upcoming "The Great Prostate Cancer Challenge", part of America's Premier Men's Health Event Series, which is taking place in 27 participating cities this year. The funds raised from the series will go to research, education, and free prostate testing. Locally, USMD Prostate Cancer Center will be a main sponsors of the race held at UT Arlington MAC on September 10, 2011. I hope to see everyone there for this exciting inaugural race. After arriving early, I took a slow warm up jog from the finish line. I went about 1/2 mile then turned around back to the finish line. I picked up my bib #, chip timer, and t-shirt, and took some pictures with some soldiers who were in uniform. As I lined up on the first row, I ran into a friend, and we started chatting. The 10K and 5K races both started together with one side of the street for runners and the other side for walkers. Mike Snyder of Channel 5 News was the Master of Ceremonies and Channel 11 News cameras were present. After the National Anthem, bagpipes, prayers for our soldiers, and 21 gun salute, there was a black hawk helicopter flyover. They landed in the parking lot and stayed until after the races were over. Everyone went over to take there picture with the soldiers and helicopters after they finished running. The temperature was about 80 degrees, humid, and a little windy. I ran this race last year so I was familiar with the 5K course around the ballpark. Go Rangers, let's get tot he playoffs again! We started down Ball Park Drive and finished in front of the Majestic Grand Slam Gift Shop by Center field on Randal Mill Road. I wanted to do my best for all of our soldiers who have lost so much for us and our freedom, especially the ones that have given the ultimate sacrifice for us. I thank them very much. I started at a fast pace, and turned right after reaching Third Base corner. I started to hold back a little in this heat, and arrived at the 1st mile in 7:48. We made a few more turns and headed by Six Flags Drive, heading back to Ball Park Drive where the 5K turnaround was. The 10K runners headed straight then around the other side of Ball Park Drive. At the 2 mile marker, my time was 15:41 (7:52 / mile pace). We went around past the Rangers Ballpark, and you could see Cowboys Stadium in the background. There were a few short hills that slowed me down some and at this point, the heat was starting to get to me. I was kind of surprised to see that I actually had a good time when I arrived at the 3 mile marker in 23:47 (8:05 / mile pace). Usually I can finish at a faster pace, but not this time. I began to fatigue a little but ran as fast as I could to the finish line in the time of 25:15.4 (8:56 / mile pace). That was good enough for a 1st place out of 8 in my age group! Men 55-59: Place Men Overall Chip Time Pace 1/8 51/152 68/328 25:15.4 8:08 / m I run to raise awareness for prostate cancer and to benefit my community. www.runningforacause.tumblr.com |
No comments:
Post a Comment