Run for the Holiday 5k

Today was the Run for the Holiday 5k, in Burlington,NJ.

I met Shoreturtle & Bill Y, at the Dunkin Donuts, and carpooled to the run. It was a cold start to the day, in the 20's, and it felt it.

I was excited to do the run, with Bill & Charlie. They are both really good runners, and seem to bring the best out in me. The last time we ran a 5k together, back in July, I PR'd, and with how I felt recently, I expected to today.

Being a holiday run, there were a few recognizable faces in the crowd.

I think we all know who the gentleman in the red suit is. I should have asked him for a healthy 2009 running season. I felt bad when I passed him around the 1 mile mark. I hope he doesn't give me coal for Christmas! You can see the world famous Larry the Lighthouse. The man has been spotted in a few books recently. He was in Dean's 50 in 50, for the NJ Marathon run. I gotta give him credit. I don't know how he runs in that get up!

Well, since it is the Holiday season, we had to partake in the festive mood.

Here we are, Shorturtle, myself & Bill Y., just before the start. Yes, I own just about every kind of FLYERS hat!

The course had a few gradual hills, in the first 2 miles, but overall it was a nice quick course, mostly on the streets around Green Acres Park. We started on the right side, because I noticed that was were WPVI 6 ABC cameraman was set up.

The first mile was a quick one at 7:06. I felt pretty good, except for passing Santa. The 2nd mile had the larger of gradual hills, and I caught a few runners who went out too quick. I did the 2nd mile in 7:14. I was still feeling pretty good, and picked up the pace for the 3rd mile. I passed a few more runners, and ran mile 3 in 6:53! Yea, I can't believe I had a mile that started with a 6!

When I saw the finish line, I tried to kick that last little bit, as the clock slowly ticked, it was still reading in the 21 mins. I crossed the finish in a PR of 22.02. I was a bit disappointed to not break the 21 min mark, but considering I started the year running a 24:05, I am pleased that I dropped 2 minutes off my time.

Here I am crossing the finish line. (photo courtesy of Shoreturtle)

Charlie finished a strong 21:12, and set a PR. He also placed 6th overall, and 3rd in his age group.

Here he is getting his age group medal & ski cap.

Bill Y. finished in 22:25, 12th overall, and 4th in his age group.

I finished in 22:02, set a PR, 10th overall and 3rd in my age group. It was the first time I got a top 3 medal. Charlie & I also got a Run for the Holiday 5k ski cap.

And yes, there were more than 3 runners in my age group!

22:02 (7:05 min/mile avg.)

Mile 1 7:06

Mile 2 7:14

Mile 3 6:53

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