Irish Jig

3.1 Miles - 24:25 - 7:53 Pace

Slowest paced race ever. But it was expected the way training has been going.

Grand Rapids Mud Run 5K

3.1 Race Miles - 32:33 - 10:30 Pace

The Grand Rapids Mud Run, what a riot. This race was far more difficult, and far more fun that I had expected. I was aware that we would be crawling through barrels and trudging through mud pits and over mud hills. But I was not prepared for the shoe eating mud bog, there must have been a hundred shoes that got left in there, I lost one of mine....but went back for it.....never leave a man behind :-). Then there was the 7 foot wall we had to climb and jump over, the crawling under the net that was about 5 inches above a muddy water pit.

All in all, a great time. Only part that I didn't like, and this was minor, was that at the walls, there was a big traffic jam, and it was tough to get a good time if you waited. Some were pushing through the crowd, other went around...but what's the fun in that.

I came away with a sprained ankle, and the skin on my knee was torn to shreds and bruised, but mark me down for this race next year...and others like it.

Saugatuck Town Crier 5K

3.1 Miles - 22:06 - 7:08 Pace

First race of the year.......actually, first race in like a year and a half. Lots of jitters, butterflies and whatnot. It felt really good to be in the mix again. Wasn't sure how fast I was going to run, I was thinking 7:25 pace, but I had no clue, I haven't run faster than a 7:43 pace in forever. But, when we started, I just took a pace that felt good, and that pace started at 6:55. Mile two slowed that though with a few hills. But the last mile I finished pretty strong. It was a good indication of where I am at...which is no where, my lungs were struggling, and my legs were struggling, lots of work to do.

All in all, great day though.

1st Race of the Year - Irish Jig 5K

3.15 Miles - 22:00

I felt better this morning so I decided to give the race a try. The Spectrum Health Irish Jig. It was chilly, 30 degrees I think. I didn't bring a hat or gloves thinking that I would stay warm running, nevermind the hour I had to wait for the race to start.......guess I forgot about that. Again, I felt so good at the start of this race, I decided to just take off and break all kinds of records......Mile 1, about a 7 Minute pace. So mile 2 was tough, Between that fast start and the flu, I didn't have a lot left. Mile two had a small hill in it, and I normally do well on hills, well, this on was tough on me today. So mile three I was wondering if I was going to finish.....

But I think in the end I was just phsycing myself of, being my first race and all. I finished with my best 5K time ever, 22 minutes flat which is a 7:05 minute mile average. So all in all, I would have to say a good start to the season.