Saturday, April 24, 2010

Jonquil City Jog 5K - The Gremlins Continue!

I remember laying in bed 6 years ago on a Saturday morning, tired from a late night out Friday. I had intended to get up and run the Jonquil City Jog 5K right up the street, but sleep called heavier than the race and I turned off the alarm and slipped back into a deep sleep.

8:00 am....I heard the bullhorn announcing the race then the gun firing......and the guilt sank in! I vowed to not skip a race within walking distance of my house ever again!

5 years later, the same result......a 2nd age group finish. While I am in no way displeased with finishing 2nd, the rub is this; They give Key Lime Pies to all AG winners. I've missed one 5 years in a row!

A couple years back, my bud Ron (the the 40-44 AG) finished a couple minutes back of me and got a pie....and I have yet to live it down!

The 2010 edition might have been my best shot! While I'm not in stellar short distance shape, a series of strong storms rolled in overnight and up until 6:30 am it was pretty nasty out. I thought this may keep a couple of the speedsters away and I might have a chance....

Race time approached and the roads were slick and heavy with rain. It was coming down lightly but the wind was kicking pretty good. I ran into a few ATC guys right before the race start and new my chances just took a turn for the worse! As always, they put on a great event here......good organization and a fairly fast course.

I ran well and after the first 1/4 mile didn't get passed and picked off 3-4 people along the way. Finished feeling strong in 8th place at 18:04....and 2nd AG! No pie again this year!

Life isn't all about pie (I probably wouldn't eat it anyhow).....but one day!

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