Freezeroo #5: The Hearne-ish 10k

Run: 6.385 miles* in :47:00-ish min. @ 10:00 a.m.

Weather Report: Light Snow and Freezing Rain, 31°F, 74% Humidity, Winds: from SSW @ 10 mph; 22°F.

* = (From the Message Board of the Rochester Running Page: "Bill Hearne, route-meister of the Oven Door Runners in Bushnell's Basin, had mapped out a beautiful course throughout the park several years ago. Everyone always felt that the course was a "tad" long. When it came time to certify the course, as we did for all the freezeroo routes, we didn't want to change it a bit, so the official distance of this 10k is 6.385 miles.

Pre-Race Observations: I'm feeling a little under the weather today, and although it is probably not a good idea to run today, given the arctic temps and my "under-the-weatherness," I've begun my pre-race rituals. Stuffy nose, achy legs, head full of cotton, dry mouth... I don't know how much coffee and oatmeal is going to help, but I'm willing to give it a shot... heck, I've already missed one the GRTC's Freezeroo series this year, and I don't want to miss another!

Today's race is the Hearn-ish 10k and (as explained in the small type under the "Weather Report" above, there is a very good reason for the alteration in distance. This is why I love this River City running community... it recognizes, offers tribute ad moves forward while not forgetting those who have added to the shared culture. During this week's build-up to the race some folks on the Message Board were discussing the level of difficulty the course offered. The conversation went back and forth until one person reminded the participants that "It's (the Hearne-ish 10k) a RACE..it's not a map! A race begins at the starting line, and ends at the finish line... I can't imagine anyone whining that they'd trained for a 10K and just couldn't finish that race..."

It is in the spirit of running and finishing the 6.385 miles, with a smile on my face, and that refreshingly honest sense of perspective that I will give today's run a go...

Post-race Observations: A challenging course along a quiet residential area and busy park roads... how's that for a switch? The weather was cool, but once I started running, I warmed up quickly and did not pay much mind to my aches and pains instead choosing to cruise along a leisurely pace, which in the end (were I to track such things) would have probably appeared to be an example of "negative splits." This run was for my head as much as my place, and it felt awesome to be in the company of others who likewise were looking for some cold weather action.

One hill after another appeared before us and by the time i reached approximately the 4th mile, and a giant "hill" rose up, all I could respond with was a laugh... beautiful scenery, slippery-a** roads and coolish air on your ankles... this is indeed a sweet hobby!

Adio, wli nanawalmezi.