First! Well, sort of.

Had a great run yesterday evening. There were 458 people entered into the 5K (525 if you count the people entered in the stroller derby. I'm not counting them). Out of those 458, I finished 35th. In overall men, 23rd out of 161. Then in my age group, men 35-39, there were 14 of us. I finished 1st!!! Won that by about 15 seconds. Amazing! That was one of the goals that I did have, but didn't think I'd reach that in only my third race, and a race that was a total cluster at the start. While this may have been only my third race, the start was a mess.

The 5k race was combined with the 10k. I didn't mind that as a lot of the 10k runners were quite quick and they followed the same route up until the 2 mile mark I think, so it wasn't a big deal. My issue was the people with the stollers or who were walking. There was no organization at the start. There were strollers and people who were either walking, or just very slow, towards the font. The start chute and much of the route was only about as wide as a lane of traffic. I understand, these events are open to all ability groups, and that this really is a family themed event, but come on. Yes, there were some people with strollers who finished ahead of me, but if they started up towards the front, they had almost a minute head start on my by the time I got to the start line. Several times I had to cut to the grass and sidewalk. You'd think this being the 4th year of the event they would know how to run it, but I guess when you add in the 5k races this year, that's going to create issues.

But, I was still happy with my results. it took me about half way through to separate myself from the slower groups, and get to people who were running my pace. The best part was at about the 2.5 mile mark, I found myself alone. There were people about 50 feet ahead and behind me. I had no clue how many I had passed, but no one, passed me except in the beginning when I was getting slowed up. My official time was 26:29 (I recorded 26:47, and that would make sense). My pace times were 8:16, 8:11, 8:12 and the final sprint to the finish was 7:41. I'm happy with the results. To add to the excitement, as I crossed the finish line, they called out my name. I can only assume that was for the age group category win. But that was totally cool!

If you're curious to see all the times, those can be found here.

1 of 5 bibs that had my name on it. I liked this number. I guess it was the lucky number for the day

Me and my biggest supporter. It was a cold one, had to head inside after to try and warm up.

940 of us squeezed out way through this tiny chute.

These fine men and women of the Middleton Fire Department ran the 5k in full turn out gear. Shortly after this picture they were called out.

Another day, another race

Well, here I sit. The morning of another race day. The day is starting out pretty good. While I have a bit of a cold, I don't think it's anything I can't manage and will hinder me too much. Have to make sure I keep my water intake up all day. About 3 hours now until I have to head out to the event. Starting to get myself mentally in the game.

Sometimes I wonder if I take this too seriously. I am not, at the moment, a world class athlete. I'm just a 35 year old guy who decided one day that he was going to enter a benefit run for a worthy cause because he was inspired by a friend's illness and wanted to do something to make a difference. I've since discovered this is something that I very much enjoy. While I'm not competing for some sort of award, I feel competitive while out on the courses. I want to push myself to finish better than the last time, and better than people in my age group or just those around me. I want to pass that person who just passed me.

Yes I do have fun when I'm out running. But take today's run, it's Halloween themed. And who's not wearing a costume? Me. No I'm not a party pooper. I just don't get down like that. I've got goals, and don't need the extra distraction that goes with all of that. I hope that the costume judging station doesn't slow me down or I'll be pissed. I already know this is one event that I will not be in next year, registration was atrocious. I'm a little anxious to see what check-in is going to be like. But, on the bright side, it is a great looking morning!

A beautiful morning in Wisconsin.

Keep running!

Well, it's turned a bit colder lately, but I'm still running! Times are feeling pretty solid, and things are feeling good. Had my first run in with a dog last week, that was real fun. For sure I have two races left this year, possibly three. I have one this weekend, then next month I have one on Thanksgiving day. Depending on how things work out, I may be headed to Colorado in December for a 5k. Just have to work out details, but it could happen.

Runday, sunny runday...

Went for a run this morning. 3.08 in 25:08. Not to shabby. Tried a new area today and liked it. It was interesting to see afterwards that the second half was uphill. I had no idea from the start that I was going down hill, but when I turned around at about a mile and a half, I could see it would be uphill on the way back. Almost a 100 foot difference between my start/finish spot, and the midway point. It felt good though.

It is all paying off

Had to go clothes shopping today.  2 pairs of jeans in 36x34, and a pair of khakis in 34x34. Two sizes I haven't worn in years.

Killer run today!

Had one of the most amazing runs today. Didn't get a lot of sleep last night, and had kind of a stressful day at work. Decided to go for a run when I got home, and maybe, just maybe, relax some. Oh did I relax. Got my music going and just zoned out. Tried to keep my body as loose as possible. Did amazing! 3.09 miles in 24:55, averaged 8:04! 1st mile pace 8:09, 2nd 8:15 and 3rd 7:48. Not really all that sore or tired after, almost doesn't feel like I did anything. The rest of the week I'm working from 6 am to 3pm, so I'm hoping the next run I have after work I can maybe try to go a bit further. Right now I'm battleing the fading sunlight and finishing up at sunset. But man, did that feel good!!!

http://www.mapmyrun.com/workout/404442579

It's mine for the taking!

Well, went on a run tonight. I wasn't planning on it as rain has been in the forecast all day, but I needed to. You know when you get that feeling that you have to do something? For me, that something was going out on a run. I've struggled the last two times I've gone out, but tonight, I just destroyed it! I have to say, this was probably the most difficult run that I've done to date. It was 3.13 miles, in 26:54 with an average pace of 8:36. Lots of hills. I've come to the conclusion that my regular trail route is what is hindering me, it's boring. So tonight I really changed it up.

http://www.mapmyrun.com/workout/400496215

I have also decided that I AM going to win the 2014 BolderBoulder 10k. Yes, that's right. I'm taking it. It's mine! There is no reason why I can't win it. I'm learning that a lot of what hold me back is mental. If I think I'm fatigued or uncomfortable, then I will be. If I remind myself that there is no pain, that I can do it, then I will. I'm going to show those mile-high folks what this Wisconsin kid can do! Sure, it's a 10k. Yes, it's at a crazy altitude. But I've got almost 8 months to train, I've got a great support system, and I have drive. Think you can do better than me? Ok, I'll see you there. I'll be the guy waiting for your slow ass to show up after I've already done my cool down.

Speaking of BB, I also have another goal tied to it. I am hoping to raise $1000 for StandUp2Cancer by the time the race starts. It's a lofty goal, but I know it's one that can be done. I like the idea of running races where my entry fee and any donations go towards a cause, like how my first race was a benefit for the UW Carbone Cancer center. As BB is not that kind of a run, I'm making it one for me. So, if you'd like to help me out, just go to www.teammunky.com. You can donate any amount you'd like, you can even make your donation in honor of someone. As long as you donate through my team site, I'll get closer to my goal. So as the year ends down, and you're maybe looking for that donation to end the year on, or one to start next year off, please consider supporting me and this organization.