WINDY, crazy run. Ran a bit this morning to put my mileage within reach for the week. The winds were over 40mph, which made the 38 degree temp feel much more frigid and biting.
Rested a bit and hopped over to a free 5k"ish" in Highlands Ranch. Driving over was super scary as there were 3 semis that had blown over from the winds. Thankfully I had friends waiting, otherwise I might have bailed.
Ran a couple of warmup miles with a gal, Bridget, that I have been FB friends with for some time but never actually met. In reading posts between friends, we had discovered that we went to rival high schools back in Michigan and were only a few years apart. Though we never competed directly against each other, we had many real live friends in common.
The winds were out of control and dressing for the race took time and consideration due to the ever changing temperature perception. Settled into a comfortable 7 min pace for the race and watched as fesh legged Bridget hopped off the front, i think eventually winning for the gals. As i passed two ladies running together, they asked if I was me. Feeling like a superstar, I hung back and talked with them and decided that they were much more interesting than any bragging rights for winning or placing at a 5kish event on tired legs.
I was super pleased to meet a local legend within the ranks of Masters runners. We had time to talk about upcoming events, training...you know, general girl stuff!
After we jogged in, I realized that I had exactly 5 miles left to make this a 100 mile week. Various peeps hopped in with me to help me slog throught he last bit, including my friends Monica and Jeannene as well as the gals that I ran with in the race and Bridget. Another local coach hopped in with us as well, and for 2 of them, it was the longest mileage day they had in a long time, so I was glad to not only have amazing company, but also inspire them to run a bit more.
Met up with several other friends at Macaroni Grill to celebrate the New Year as well as my 100 mile week!!! |