Thursday, 11/26--
First, Happy Anniversary to my beautiful wife. Twenty-one years and counting...
I left at 6:40 AM and drove to Downingtown West HS, stopping to get money along the way. My car read 31 degrees. Parked in the high school parking lot at about 7:05 or so. I got a great space. Registered for the race so very easily! Walked/jogged to stadium. According to the announcer, about 3000 people registered for the Turkey Trot. (As it turned out, about 2400 would compete.) I happened upon John Lavin, like I did three years ago when I ran this race. Warmed up on track and surrounding area. Stretched a bit in restroom, where it was warmer. Sat in car for a few minutes. Got to the starting line, which was in front of the STEM Academy. I made my way up to the front of the HUGE crowd. Lining up at the starting area was easy this year. Gun went off at 8:01, and I got out pretty well. Like three years ago, I found myself in the company of Rachel McGinnis. I could see John Lavin and John Manion about 15-20 meters ahead. I figured I'd hang onto her and keep Manion and Lavin in sight. I reached the mile mark in 5:40, two seconds behind Rachel and about 7-8 seconds behind Manion and Lavin. I was on my way. I tried to stay relaxed and to maintain my rhythm. I realized that I was on pace to run about 17:30, that is, until I started losing my confidence. I checked my watch saw that I was 10:25 into the race and with about seven minutes to go. By mile 2, I realized I had let the crew I was following get too far ahead me--10 seconds. I tried to maintain but felt myself falling off the pace. With about 1K to go I started pushing myself to pick off a few runners ahead of me. I managed to get 3-4 of them. With about 500 meters to go, I began to wane. I was not digging in. I was trotting like turkey! With about 300 meters left, I saw that my watch was inching towards 17:00. With 100 meters remaining, I was passed by the three of four or five runners I had passed. I was miffed. I finished in a pedestrian 17:55. After a 5:40 first mile, I'd wager a guess that I ran 5:45 for the second mile and 5:55 for the third mile. I think I could have run a bit faster and most certainly wish I could've broken 17:30. I wasn't dead afterwards, though. 40th place/2369. I left not quite 10 minutes after I had finished. I had to head home to be picked up at 9:00 or so for a football game in Havertown. I could have stayed in Downingtown longer and enjoyed the festive atmosphere, as my ride to the football game did not arrive to my house until well after I had arrived, 9:30. The game was fun as usual, and I had a few good catches. I'm so sore, though, now.
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