Season Opener

I ran my first race of the season yesterday. It was the Earth, Wind, & Fire 5K sponsored by the Illinois State Geological Survey at the U of I. I chose that race because 1) the proceeds were for a good cause (digging wells in developing countries); 2) it was on campus; and 3) it was in March. That third factor was important seeing how it's been a long, cold winter. Back in January, the thought of a race in March gave me hope for spring, sunshine, etc. Well, there was sunshine yesterday, but it might as well have been January.

When I got up and checked the weather I had to rub my eyes, then put on my glasses to make sure I was seeing correctly. The temp was 13 degrees and with the wind chill, it was 0. wow.

I sort of have this "rule" (call it more a guideline) that if it's below 0 with the wind chill I won't run outside. Exactly 0. Do I go or stay? Ugghh. Woobie blanket in big, soft bed? or 5K race in frigid temps? Alright, I guess I'll go.

They say running is a mental sport, meaning runners are insane.

Which is what I said to myself as I got in the car and drove to the race. "This is insane. This is TOTALLY insane!" And yet I went.

The race wasn't that much different from other races I've run except that it was on a university campus (kinda interesting) and with lots of students who were WAY faster than me. At one point I thought I was the last runner -- one of the race volunteers was waiting for me to pass a pylon before removing it from the course. Even with my slowest time I have never been last! I wasn't in this race either.....but it was close! It's weird, too, because my time was 30 seconds shy of a PR. I gotta start finding races for old farts.