The 10K's of Terror

Well the kid’s and I did it, our very first Twin Cities Marathon of any kind – a 10K. I haven’t run that far since senior year track, circa 1979. We got a very slow 7:30 AM start from the state capital grounds under a frigid drizzle as the 1,800 participants wound their way past the Saint Paul Cathedral and westbound down historic Summit Avenue. Before long the 45 degree temperature was a blessing and not a curse (thank God I was down to shorts and a single-T). Things went smooth at a modest overall 8:36 pace (7.0 MPH), although that return-leg eastbound hill at Summit and Dale darn near killed me. My pre-race goals were two-fold: finish on my feet and beat my children. I certainly did the former (in fact, I think I finished pretty strong past the Minnesota History Center and over the finish line) but I can’t say I beat the kids. Mariah’s ankle problem knocked her out at the two-mile mark (a member of Saint Paul’s finest gave her a ride back to the finish line), and Jordon had equipment problems and had to walk part of the course. All in all, it was more fun than we expected. My kid’s and our biggest fan (Starr of course) were real troopers. I’m proud of you guys!

Do it again? Hmm … it’s tempting. My time of 53:14 is ok (putting me in the 73rd overall percentile) but I’m thinking I can shave-off 5 minutes (particularly if I don’t get caught-up with all the slow-skis at the starting gate). I see that I’m 11 years older than the average TCM runner. Nice to know I can still bust a move with at least some of those youngsters. Check-out a few more photos in my associated Picasa album.