Post-Holiday Hustle

Today's 5K in Dexter went well, though was not without its adventures. I had misread the materials, and didn't realize the 5K was at 4:15, preceded by a 4:00 1-mile "fun run," so when the 4:00 event took off, I went, thinking it was the 5K. Running without my glasses, I didn't discover my error until the closing seconds, when I was coming up at the finish line in just shy of 9 minutes. But then, I just considered it a good warmup, and after a brief rest, we were off for the 5K. It had been described as a "hilly, silly out and back course," and that it was - quite pleasant, winding through the small town of Dexter, and although I had been concerned about the footing, it turned out not to be a problem. A light snowfall (in a 32-degree temperature) made it seem quite festive and seasonal, and, although the light was waning by the time I finished, and gone by the time Michelle and I got back to our Ann Arbor home, this was not a problem. Best of all, my protracted warmup didn't hurt, but rather, seemed to have helped me. I had aimed at a goal of a half hour, and, though I will wait for the final word of my computer chip time. I recorded 29:32 (9:31 pace) on my watch, and saw about the same on the clock at the finish line, so I'm quite certain I made my goal. I had been advised to aim at a split of 9:00 for 1 mile (I hit the sign at 9:26, concerning me somewhat) and 19:00 for 2 miles (I never saw a sign). Now ... onwards! I think I'll shoot for 29 minutes in the next one I run (March 15, I believe).