Something funny happened on my way to the starting line of the first annual Cornfest 5K Run. I got a little confused and apparently got into the wrong corral. The starting gun sounded and I was off to a great start. My plan was to keep to doing intervals, that is, run for 3 minutes, walk for 2. As in most races, I started a little fast, but then settled into a nice slow pace. As I chugged forward I was wondering when I was ever going to hit the halfway point. As most of you know, the Cornfest course is a very flat, out-and-back style course.
Anyway, as I continued to move forward I finally saw the turn around up ahead and now, coming back towards me was Craig from Ohio. I yelled out, "Man Craig, that was a long mile and a half."
Craig replied, "Dude, what are you talking about?? That was the 3.1 mile mark!!"
"What!?!?!?!?!"
That's right, I got on the wrong darn course!! I accidentally got into the 10K race. I guess that would explain those 2 plaid streaks that went by me, going in the other direction, about 20 minutes ago...it was Chris and Mike.
Well, the only thing to do now was to turn back, run another 3.1 miles, and finish the race. I was starting to struggle a little when I heard a voice...no not him...it was Deb!! "What are you doing on this course Heath?" inquired Deb, as she ran by me.
"I don't know, I'm trying to figure that out myself." My pace on the back half was a little slower, but I made it back to the finish line.
As I crossed the finish line, Matt and Rae were both standing there with a some gatorade in hand. In unison they said, "Holy Cats Heath, nice job!!"
"Thanks guys. Why didn't you tell me I got into the wrong line??"
I think I definitely earned the turtle award with a time of 1:29:00, but it's still on pace to not get swept in the half...and hey, I just completed the longest race of my life...so far.
As I got in my car to drive home after the race, I thought to myself, "Wow, January is really gonna be a blast!!!"
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10 comments:
Ok you win post of the day.
Fun report Heath. It's good to follow what ever approach gets you there. The goal is doing it. And you've been doing. And dude Turtles have stamina. Way to go.
Time to grab some shell and surf the EAC.
Mainstreet Awaits!
(ok I stole Jon's line. Couldn't help myself)
Holy Cats Heath!!! LOL! That was funny.
Who cares about the time, as long as you don't get swept. Just remember that the tortise beat the hare!
Great Job!
Wow! What a great report!
You did awesome! That is a great time!
Ok so it was you going to the wrong course but did anyone see where Jon went? I could have swore he went backwards! Lol
Great post. And great job of upping the ante to the 10k. Some people would have stopped at the turnaround and tried to hitch hike back to the start.
Great post and job today Heath. Keep it up.
The Corn Run was the funnest race I've done all year!! Way to hang tough!
Holy Cats, indeed! Congrats on the distance!!! Huge step forward!
Also appreciate the kindness on the "plaid"....Honestly, the only plaid on course was Mike G. and Mike F.!!! 7's, guys? Geez!!
I wish I thought of the race through your narrative eyes...will try the visualization technique next time as I think it'll help. :-) Perhaps I can actually acheive the "plaid" honors at that point! Long way to go...
Ok Heath. How the hell are ya?
Hello....
How are you doing??
OK now you owe us double the report.
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