Avondale 5K

November 10, 2013

The real name of this event is the Westerly Land Trust's "Setting the Pace for Conservation 5K", but that's too much of a mouthful.  The WLT is such a great organization, as the protector of 29 parcels of land in Westerly, amounting to over 1,500 acres of open space, with miles of trails.  As such, I want to take opportunities like this 5K to support the WLT wherever I can.  Not to mention this is a flat and fast course where I thought I might have a shot at another PR.  Alas, that was not to be, with winds gusting to over 20mph.  Hey, I have to have some excuse, right?

17:51, 5:45 pace.  2nd of 84 runners.  Full results here.

Consistent splits, if not wind affected:  5:39, 5:48, 5:49.

Trying to fend off young Jonny Eckel at about 1K (0.6 miles).
Why does it look like I'm an old fat guy struggling, and he's running with ease?

Finishing stretch:
for today at least, the old guy triumphs putting some distance on his competitors.
Love the fall background setting.

A smaller team showing today,
but good results all around

This was my 31st race of the year, not counting many fun runs that I raced.  I'm doing slightly better this year at my goal of racing less than last year, but only slightly.  I'm feeling "raced out".  Likely my last 5K of the year.  Glad I ran this one in my "backyard" and supported one of my favorite causes, but also slightly envious seeing Jonny and Muddy's trail run on the Narragansett Trail today.  Looking forward to a number of fun long trail runs over the winter.