I've run
more than 900 miles this year, but until last week, none in a clown costume. My
friend Emily asked me to join her for the Gargoyle Gallop 8K Sunday in Hyde Park. I
would, on two conditions: we'd agree this was a non-competitive recovery run
(she's been rehabbing a sprained ankle) and she'd help find me a costume. She
had the overalls, I picked up the wig, nose, and squirty flower. The kids loved it, the
spectators called me Homey, the race organizers snapped my pic lots but Wonder
Woman won the costume contest.
The race
was fun, much more chill and down to earth than the Marathon. It was run on an
out and back lakefront course where volunteers announced splits for less than
500 runners; the award ceremony didn't start until everyone finished. We, and
Emily's friend Sarah, ran faster than expected: 49:52, ~10 minute miles with a 9
minute closer. Started slow and chatty, picked it up in the end. Emily's final
kick started too soon and she felt winded, but we finished strong and beat the
lone 9 year-old on the route. Lucky for all of us, I resisted the urge to taunt
"Ha ha! You got beat by a clown." Gotta stay classy.
Still
laying low and recovering, but at least I'm having fun. And the post-race
massage was heavenly.
Wednesday:
3 miles used to be a piece of cake, not quite there yet but the modest hills
over the river are a welcome workout.
(Thurs -
Saturday: lots of stretching, some biking, and much rest... now there's a
taper for you!)
Sunday: Some clown ran 5
miles.
Monday:
Early evening 2.5 miles around Wicker/Buck, gentle run in gentle conditions, a
bit cool and barely breezy. No real urge to push.
---
Week 43: 10.5 Miles
Miles To
Date: 920 Miles
On Pace
For: 1118 Miles
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