We learned a little bit more about cold weather running. One needs fewer clothes later in the race than at the beginning. If it's raining, it's rather pointless trying to stay dry.
Only about 100 people showed up this month instead of the usual 300 to 400. Everyone stayed inside the gym until about 3 minutes before the start. The organizers yelled "Go!" as soon as most of us were at the line.
The first part of the race was the same as usual--jostling for position and trying to settle into a pace. We had the wind behind us for the first half. That wouldn't last, since we were running an out-and-back route. My glasses were just rain covered until we got to the turn-around. Then, with the wind blowing in our faces, my glasses fogged up. To avoid runners, puddles and other obstacles, I had to look over them once in a while.
With the discomfort of the weather, it was nearly impossible to settle into a good rhythm. Katie must have felt the same way, especially since her knees started hurting her a quarter of the way through. If the rain bothered Patrick, it was hard to tell. He and his friend Rye (also a cross-country runner) were near the front of the pack for the entire race. At the finish, Rye was second and Patrick was fifth. There was no official timer, so we don't know our actual times. There were about 30 people waiting at the finish when I arrived. Katie came in a couple minutes after I did.
The two of us looked for Patrick in the gym, then headed back to our car. We found him when we found Rye's car. The only thing on anyone's mind was getting home and taking a hot shower. The hot chocolate waiting for us was a perfect consolation.
The support crew at home before the race
Patrick arrives home again
Katie glad to be done
John still dripping in the doorway
The damp and dreary weather
1 comment:
Oh, my, what a day for you! You must have been glad to be dry again when it was over.
Post a Comment