Freezeroo 2: Mendon 7.5

Run: 7.5 miles in :00:00 min. @ 1:00 a.m.

Weather Report: Light Rain, 49°F, 72% Humidity, Winds: from S @ 14 mph; 44°F.

Pre-Race Observations: As of 8:35 a.m., the skies are slightly open, sending drizzle to the ground. It is another uncommonly warm January 1, and one has to wonder how many more "uncommonly" warm winter days are necessary before they become "common."

Early this morning, before drifting off to sleep, and after watching the NYC ball drop, my wife asked me what my New Year's resolution was. I reminded her in a playful tone that "if I tell you it won't come true." She shared with me that her son had told her the same thing, and she may have internally chalked it up to being a "guy thing," and she would be correct if by "guy thing" she meant "not wanting to berablize it because public articulation of a resolution would make one accountable for following through."

I took a step and told her that my resolution was to be "more positive." While this may appear to be a throw away resolution, one that many people say with little intention of doing, this is not the case for me. I have been thinking quite a bit over the past week about how my attitude shapes the lives of those whom I love and care for; firstly my family and secondly my students.

All of those close to me will continue to face many challenges in the near future, some of which we can prepare for (state exams) and other for which we can't (growing up and being together), so I really mean to follow-up on my resolution.

With this morning's run, aptly called the New Year's Resolution, I am going into it with the goal of having fun and staying positive, regardless of how I finish the race...

Post-race Observations: As I predicted, by the time the race began the drizzle had subsided and it turned out to be a fine day for a run. It was nice to see so many people there who I knew and to talk briefly before starting the run. Although I had run the race last year I had been completely wrong with my assessment of the course which actually was in reverse (direction) from what I had thought, but did still have the sloping hills and incline just in advance of the chute. I felt a ran a nice race, posting a PR of about 51:30, almost :01:30 faster than last year. I really felt as though I did a better job maintaining a steady pace and having enough left at the end for a good kick.

I also enjoyed watching the other runners ahead of me and as I passed, as well as listening in on their post-race personal evaluations: "I did negative splits"... "at least the next one (Freezeroo) is shorter"... I continue to be impressed by the knowledge of other runners, and this continues to pique my own interest in improving my own understanding of good training.

Other than the time I will spend with my family the remainder of the day, I could not have thought of a lovelier way to begin the New Year!

Embrassez votre été invincible!