Fudgsicle 5k

 I hadn't run in the GLRR classic "Fudge-cicle" 5k in 5 years.  I almost ran one in January, but the single-digit temps kept me away.  I was not planning on racing this weekenId until I got a new pair of New Balance racing flats in the mail. I needed to test them out prior to the 30k next weekend and figured jumping in the race would be better than trying to sneak in a workout during the week.  I'd only raced once this year and that was on snowshoes so I didn't have much to help me figure out what pace I'd aim for.  I'd done one workout this year, just breaking 21 minutes for 3 miles four weeks ago.  That also wasn't much of an indicator as I'd been training at a much slower pace the last few weeks due to icy conditions and a bruised quad from a fall I'd taken.  I figured I'd be disappointed if I couldn't break 7 minute pace and hoped to be around 6:40's.

It was only 17 degrees when I got to Tewksbury and there was a 10-15 mph breeze that was going to make it a bit more difficult. I ran the course as a warm-up and felt lousy.  A quick, well maybe not so quick due to all of the layers of clothes, change into racing gear.  I bumped into Tom Hildreth who was working the race as I headed out for another mile to see how the shoes felt.  When I got back I met up with Paul Young who I hadn't seen in quite a while and then Keith O'Brien who I've known since High School.

Over 100 (124 to be exact) lined up for the 8am start.  We were caught a bit off guard as it looked like they would walk us up to the start but instead someone said "go" and there was a little confusion if that meant go to the line or get out there and race.  It was the official start and we rolled along.  The leaders took it out very controlled (read: slow for them) and I found myself in the lead pack in 8-10th place.  A few of the guys were not officially entered and in the midst of a long run.  About 1/2 mile in the racing started and I tried to lock onto and older looking guy as I thought he might be in my age group.  Hard to tell, and especially hard with everyone wearing so many layers.  I reached the mile in 6:30 and soon found myself running alone.  No one within reach in front and no sound of footsteps behind.  I'd run the remainder of the race on my own.  I hit 2 miles in 13:05 (6:35 split) and struggled a bit in the wind and over the (small) hills in the final mile.  A 6:41 got me through 3 miles and I kicked to just get in under 21 for the slightly long 5k.

I headed to the car to add some clothing and headed back out for another loop.  When I got back I was able to get one of the final pieces of cake that was celebrating the season finale.  

With Keith O'Brien

My course record from 1991 made it through another year