11.7

Thursday, 7.1 miles around the lake. Total: 7 @ 45:30, (6:30). Splits: 6:05, 6:19, 6:21, 6:32, 6:40, 7:08 (hill), 6:22. Not a record but close.

Rest, rest, extensor tendonitis I think is finally gone, even lingering pain on top right big toe. I'm close to 100%, no injuries/pain, some tightness behind left knee, but no big deal.

Today, 11.7 miles, in Brewster at Grammie's on the Cape. Ran the Brew Run course (5.2M) twice plus warm-up, cool-down. About 35 minutes each circuit. Garmin sez 10 @ 1:07:00 (6:42), 11 @ 1:13:47 (6:42). Splits: 6:37, 6:37, 6:44, 6:44, 6:56, 6:23, 6:40, 6:46, 6:46, 6:43, 6:45. Pretty tough after 10K. Beautiful clear sunny day though.

1st

I ran the Ipswich YMCA New Years Day Resolution Race yesterday. I showed up expecting a 10K, but it was only 2 miles! Actually 2.007 miles - get it? They add 5.28 feet per year to the race - by the year 3000 it will be a 3 mile race. About 60-something runners total braved the 38 degree rainy morning. And ... I won! First place, first time (except for once in High School). And despite the fact that I took a wrong turn and ended up running an extra 371 feet (according to my Garmin anyway). I was out in front nearing the end of the first mile and I hear some yelling behind me, look back and see a pack of a dozen or so runners turning right, I missed the turn! Turned back and high tailed to catch up to them, and steadily began picking them off - I'd had such a wide lead that I was fairly confident I could get into the lead again. My niece and her boyfriend were in 3rd/4th, I hanged with them for a while and then went for the lead, securing it by a pretty wide margin by the end. Flying but not really overly so, it was cold and wet, and I wasn't quite all out - 6:02 overall average pace - same as the Thanksgiving 5 miler. My major award was a $25 gift certicate to a local restaurant, and another $25 to a local running store. My niece (18) won first female. Nice way to start the year.

Happy New Year.

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Unhappy men would increase their happiness more by walking six miles every day than by any conceivable change in philosophy.

— Bertrand Russell