Good running days

There are mornings when I lie awake in bed for hours, waiting for the sun to nudge the horizon so I can run in the silence of the dawn.
There are evenings when I peel away my work and replace my weight with fast sneakers to run through the woods, watching deer watching me, racing home to beat the light and see planets and satellites before they're lost among the stars.
There are long runs exploring paths and new roads when I feel this is the best I've felt in weeks, sometimes strong, healthy and fast.
There are track workouts that exhaust me, but leave me stronger for the effort.
There are crunch times when five miles is all that will fit.
There are races run, long and short, getting slower, but still hopeful.
There are days I run the best run I'll have that day.
There are seasons that pass, timed by the buds, ducklings, wild grapes and crunch of fallen leaves.
There are many miles behind me, but many more to go.

2010 Stella Blues "Finish for a Guinness" 5k Road Race

Warren, RI
September 5, 2010
5k
21:04
6:47 pace
22nd place


I signed up for this race 30 minutes before gun time, and didn't expect a great time. I ran 15 miles yesterday and have been feeling a little sore in the past few weeks, these fast runs not helping too much. Plus, a few friends were in town for the weekend, and the BBQ yesterday probably wasn't the best fuel to race on.


But 5 of us hiked over there together to share the experience.  The weather was great for the race, and there was a decent crowd at the start.  I recognized some fast feet on the line, and knew there would be some fast finishers.  The first half ran along the waterfront, up a short hill, then across the main street up another hill.  From there, it was all downhill and fast to the finish.  I liked the course because that first half kept my pace in check, but left me feeling good enough for a decent kick.

True to the name, we all enjoyed a Guinness at the Finish.  Thanks to Stella Blues for hosting us. It's a great place to visit when it's not packed with runners.

2010 Red Rooster Ramble 5 Mile Road Race Series-Week #24

Warren, RI
5 Mile
34:51
6:59 pace

This was the last Ramble of the season, and it ended on a high note.  No, not the running part, but the post race gathering.
I knew some time around noon that this wasn't going to be my best night for running, and wasn't feeling quite right for a race, but I went out there and ran my best.  I do like repeating the same course over several races to truly compare results, and this is a friendly and competitive group to run with.
I'll be back next year.