My first race

Below is my first race that I ran as part of the New York Road Runners club. I didn't run fast, not at all, but I finished! It's a mini-victory of sorts, because it means that I'm back to physical activity after nearly destroying my knee in a ski accident.

I couldn't have done it without my buddy, SLG aka Kermit, as we started training together by going on weekend runs. Thanks, SLG! You're awesome!

I really felt good that day, and was pretty excited about it. The crowds were huge, and five miles seems pretty long. But there were volunteers to cheer us on and water stations along the way. I even managed to grab the water cup, splash my head with the water, and still keep on running. I think it was all in slow motion too. The hills in Central Park don't seem like a big thing, but after running for a bit, they might as well be Mount Everest. Strangely, I had a lot of energy and managed to take on the hills without any problems. Toward the end of the race, I even managed to finish with a full-on sprint. Woot!

The feeling after finishing the race was an exhilarating feeling. It was only five miles, but it was five miles! I felt great, and if I can bottle that feeling of accomplishment, adrenaline, and pure joy, then I'd be a rich man. SLG and I took pictures of us after the race, and maybe I'll get around to posting them.

Of course, afterwards, we went and got H&H bagels on the UWS. Awesomeness!

Wish me luck for my next race... This thing can be addicting.

Achilles Hope & Possibility 5M

Distance: 5.0 Miles, 8.0 Kilometers
Date/Time: June 28, 2009, 8:30 am
Location: Central Park, NYC
Weather: 71 degrees, 71% humidity.



Bib 4405

Overall Place 1420

Gender Place 786

Age Place 140

Finish Time 51:43

Pace/Mile 10:20

AG Time 51:07

AG Gender Place 823

AG % 41.7 %