Final Zoo Run 2010

Holy cow.  It's the end of Zoo Run for 2010.  Which means that it is Autumn.  I wish my a/c knew that, because it was HOT out there tonight. 

Most of you know that I love zoo run.  It was created by Steve Smith some 30+ years ago - a simple concept:  a bunch of runners meet in the park for a 2 mile race (speed work for some, the longest manageable distance they have made it for others).  And you write your finish time down in the book afterward.  No permit.  No permission.  No real plan, other than to run a 2 mile flour-marked course, finish, give out ribbons, and enjoy a frosty beverage with fellow runners - all for a buck, with remaining monies (after ribbon and gatorade expenses paid) donated to the zoo.  It was the original flashmob - before texting and iphones and even being able to communicate from your car.

Well, tonight was the close of the zoo run season, and it featured some of my favorite parts.  There were the folks in the park that randomly joined in, folks that I haven't seen in a long time, the 70+ year old runners still getting it done, the Kenyan (Solomon) 'taking it easy' at 11:00/2 miles to pace a very good high school runner, and many, many people with whom I really enjoy running and conversing. 

Afterward, there were 3-deep ribbons (as always), thanks to all the volunteers (since that's all this is - a bunch of runners showing up to put on a bit of a race every week all Summer for other runners), a donation of over $1k to the zoo from the entry fees, and a big BBQ. 

It always makes me a bit sad when zoo run ends - suddenly, I have no 'obligation' on Wednesday nights, and I miss seeing folks on a weekly basis.  But, it will continue in its 30somethingish year next year - beginning in April.

Here are some pics from tonight, courtesy of R.U.N.

Fall Fest 8 miler

So, I awoke this morning to lightning and rain, but still headed out to Comfort, TX for the Fall Fest 8 miler.  At least I decided against running the 25k that was also being run.  The rain abated, but the hills and wind persisted, making this a tough little run.  It was scenic, though, and the fast guys took a bit of a wrong turn (and we followed), so it was only 7.5 or so miles, which was fine by me.

Thanks to http://www.iaapweb.com/ and Tom Lake for the pics!

When I got home, I crashed for a bit - then decided to register for a 5k next weekend that I was debating whether to run.  Imagine my surprise when I went online and found MY ugly race pic front and center! 

http://www.rauljimenezdinner.com/?page_id=21

More Race for the Rescue Pics

Check out Gwen and I!
Thanks to Studio Benson for the pics (I ordered some - proceeds benefitted SNIPSA)

Half Marathon

Though it was tough, I ran the Texas Medclinic Half Marathon in Leon Springs this morning.  It kind of felt like wading through mud and my feet hate me - but I needed the bling:

Next up - sleeping in tomorrow (which hasn't happened in a LONG time on Sundays) and hitting the downtown dog park opening with Dingo.

Ugliest race pics EVER

Now, you know me.  I quest for an ugly race pic.  But, these were beyond my wildest dreams - I hit the crazy running chicken pose, the zombie pose, the on-the-verge-of-death pose, and many more.  Now, finishing another marathon was one thing, but this is truly an accomplishment.

Thanks to ASI for letting me swipe their pics.

Next up: Texas Med Clinic Half Marathon October 9!

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times

Not really.  But my performance at the Milwaukee Lakefront Marathon was the middle of times.  It was my second worst marathon finish - or my third best.  It was a fairly solid 4:45:24 for me.  I ran it with my sister, Gretchen, who smoked it in 4:12, cutting more than 30 minutes off her PR!  It was a twee bit chilly for me, but was actually good running weather.  However, around mile 17.5, something popped in my right foot, so I was running crooked for the rest of the race.  At first, I thought that something broke, but, now that the swelling and discoloration has reduced, I'm going to diagnose myself with an official not-broken foot (signed, Sally, fake MD).  (and then I'm going to run the Texas Med Clinic Half Marathon this weekend - or hobble it).  Here are some of my paparazzi (Dad's) pics:

Before with Gretchen (I'm only looking confident and warm because I'm half-asleep and inside the house)

Yep, crazy running chicken marathon runner.  my right foot had just audibly POPPED and caused serious pain - the chick in the blue diagnosed me with neuroma about 1/2 mile down the road (at mile 18).

 but I did shake a little crazy chicken off and kept going


and going

Meanwhile, Gretchen was making the finish look easy 

but it is hard

but if you keep puting one foot in front of the other, you get to the finish





 and then you freeeeeze. 
and then you eat 
and then you celebrate (with Mom and paparazziDad - across the lake from the finish line)

and all for this...

It really was a nice, albeit cold, run along Milwaukee's lakeshore with my sister and family.  And now, I ice my foot, drink a glass of wine, chow on some WI cheese curds, and start contemplating my next marathon.

Thanks to Dad for the pics!  Thanks to Gretch for another great run!