With that in mind, some of the highlights from the last six weeks or so (what a slacker):
6/24 - 3rd annual KIAI 5K, Wakefield, RI. I am lucky enough to be part of a pretty tight-knit martial arts community, so in 2010, when I found out that Chick Gavitt (Owner of Ichiban Karate) was putting on a 5K in Wakefield, I signed right up. What I didn't realize until I looked it up was that KIAI stands for Karate Instruction Assistance Initiative, and raises money to provide martial arts scholarships to kids who otherwise would not be able to afford tuition. Great cause, and one that hits close to home, as I understand the benefits of martial arts training in every aspect of my life, and how much it benefits kids to learn respect, discipline, commitment and self-defense in a safe environment. So I've run this event every year, and this year I came in 40th, at 25:04 (8:04 pace). Better finish than my previous two years, felt pretty good and it was a gorgeous day for a race.
7/4 - Camire's Firecracker 4-Miler, Wakefield, RI. My first time running this race, at the insistence of a friend (you know who you are!) who pulled a no-show...some very fast runners at this race, as it's been around a long time, is sponsored by running stores, and Vibram was giving out pairs of their shoes to the top finishers! It had rained the night before, and was still drizzling and very humid when the race started. Somebody at the start line casually mentioned to me that the first part was mostly downhill, and not to go out too fast because the finish was an uphill to the end. Great advice. Pretty cool on an out-and-back course to see the "elite" runners and how fast they're moving, I have tremendous respect for them. I placed 179th, at 33:41 (8:26 pace). My best 4-mile time in a race so far!
7/8 - Charter Oak Sailfest 5K, New London, CT. Another new race for me, and a hot day!!! Very little shade on this course in downtown New London. A big upside to the race, though, was the fact that the New London Police basically shut the roads down on the course route, which isn't an easy feat in a city, even on a Sunday. Thanks!!! A couple of minor hills, but nothing major, and a pretty good party atmosphere going on downtown, with Sailfest happening. I came in at #147, at 25:11 (8:07 pace).
7/14 - Celebrate Summer 5K, East Matunuck, RI. This is a race I'd never heard of, and since I didn't have a race scheduled that weekend, I signed up. Worse things to spend 20 bucks on, right? And it's a great way to start the day. Good and hot and humid, temps in the 80s, and 200 or so people turned out. I was 46th across the line, at 25:03 (8:04 pace), which means that over the last few races, I haven't really gotten faster...but still not a bad thing, I suppose.
Between the 14th and the Blessing Race, I decided to focus more on getting out to some trails. Living where I do, I have very close access to some very big state parks, and an extensive trail system. I started hitting parts of the Pachaug and Nehantic trails, in Pachaug State Forest, Arcadia Management Area in Rhode Island, and Bluff Point State Park in Groton, CT. Big learning curve here, as I've always been a "road guy," and running trails, while infinitely more challenging, also offers a different mental spin on the run. Especially when you're going miles and miles into state parks, over rocky and hilly terrain, and by yourself. More about that later...
7/27 - Blessing of the Fleet 10-Mile Road Race, Narragansett, RI. The 41st running of this classic road race takes place in the heat of Summer, but at 6PM. The race was delayed by 30 minutes while a big thunderstorm moved through and soaked everything, and pushed the humidity levels through the roof...I was soaked head to toe, socks included, before the race began. 10 miles in wet socks!!! Whooooo! Cool race, though, big party atmosphere, bands and hoses, drum circles and more along the course route. I love Narragansett - I surf there, run there whenever I can, cool seaside town that Lori and I plan on retiring in. Hydrated all day right up until race time, hydrated after the race and ate two cheeseburgers and still lost 4 pounds...I came in 1606th (big race), at 1:37 (9:44 pace), not quite as good as I was expecting but I was happy with the result anyway. Second longest road race I've done, also!
8/4 - I was invited by my friend Jeff Walker of the WTAC to help out at a water station at mile 5/6, at the 50th annual John Kelley 11.6 Mile Road Race. Completely different perspective being a volunteer, had a great time amid the madness of frantically handing out water at what turned out to be an epically hot and humid morning. Great time, lots of fun!
8/5 - Run4Kerri, Matunuck, RI. The first race I ever ran, in 2009. I've run it four years straight now, and this year's race marks the beginning of my fourth year of running races. Love this race - it's always warm, nice flat course, and my times have been getting better by the year. This year's race was very warm, and I finished 197th, at 33:48 (8:28 pace). Great race, great cause and a very festive atmosphere there, with almost 700 runners competing. My favorite race :)
This is me coming to the end of the race, a bit sweaty but feeling pretty good!
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