Narragansett Super 5K, 2-3-13

Here's how it went today:

Picked up local legend and all-around cool dude Colburn from his place and we took off for Narragansett.  Seriously, Colburn is 79 years old and runs as many races as I do, what an inspiration to keep at it.  We talked running on the drive, and told me some really cool stories about races he's done, and some history about the town we live in.  Definitely made the drive time go by quickly.

Ran into Jonny, the Walker clan, Tom, Mike and the other 15 or so WTAC'ers who made it to the race.  Very impressive showing.  Geared up, and went out for a warmup with some of the crew, and of course 1/4 mile up the street we veered off into another set of trails I knew nothing about.  Cool stuff in Canonchet Park, right across from Narragansett Town Beach.   Stepped in a muddy spot coming out, and ended up running the race with one wet sock.  Isn't the first time...

With 10 or so minutes to race time after the warmup, I had a choice to make:  Change socks, or last minute pit stop.  I voted pit stop (right call).

Race starts, and I get into a good rhythm right away.  Lots of WTAC jerseys out there, it was awesome.  300+ runners.  I'd set my GPS thingy to call out every kilometer, but it wasn't doing anything.  No problem.  Nice flat course, with one baby hill.  Usually the winning runners pass me at the top of the hill at the corner on their way back, but this year I'm way past the corner before they fly by.  And who's that in third?  Mike G.?  And here comes Tom, Jonny, Jeff, and more of the crew.  Make the turn and pick up the pace, and kept edging it up all the way to the finish.


I've run this race the last three years, in times of 25:57, 26:57, and 25:12, respectively...and my best 5K ever is 22:40.  When I came around the last turn with 100 or so yards to go, I realized I had a shot at coming in under 22:00!  Ultimately, my official time was 22:03, and I couldn't be happier.  We had a great time there, and this is still in my top 5 favorite races.

Did I mention there was a raffle, and I won 2 tickets to the Newport Storm brewery for a beer and rum tasting???  How awesome is that!

Did I also mention that the WTAC team won the team division, which got us a $100 gift certificate to the Mews Tavern, and two cases of Narragansett Beer???

Loving this beer theme...

Buddha approves...

And here's the breakdown on the run.  I PR'd everything up to a 5K distance.  Coolness...next stop, the Brrr-lingame 10 mile trail race next week!