Shamrocks and Shenanigans 2009

Posted on March 19, 2009May 7, 2022 by GeorgeK

The second annual running of the Running Fit “Shamrocks and Shenanigans” race, 2009 edition is now history and in the books.

The weather was great for a race, cool enough to be comfortable, but not so cool as to be frosty either. A new course this year eliminated the previous years four lap race, only two now, much better.

e) Had a great time, even got a new 5K PR.

Until the last Lucky Charm’s box is stolen by the leprechaun,
George

A historical weekend in Mexico

Posted on March 8, 2009December 4, 2022 by GeorgeK

I spent a weekend in Santiago de Queretaro and had the chance to do some sight seeing. A group went to the Teotihuacan region just Northeast of Mexico City. This area has a huge city of ruins, including the third largest pyramid in the world. “The Pyramid of the Sun”. While it is not as tall now as it originally was it is still very impressive!

A climb to the top presents a challenge to many, especially those not used exercising, or to an altitude of 7,300 feet, but if time is taken most people make it there, and it is worth the climb. A great view of the entire complex and surrounding neighborhood can be had.

They say there is great energy coming from the structure, so you can “recharge” at the top.

We spent the day walking and climbing and taking lots of pictures!

After walking about 10 miles, and getting somewhat sunburned, we finished our tour and went for some lunch. Nearby the ruins is “La Gruta” restaurant. It is located in a grotto, or cave, and while open to the outside, the temperature was guite pleasant, almost cool.

We then headed into Mexico City, and the Historical Central District. The area contains many old churches of magnificent size and construction. There was also a large market area where everyone was attempting to be unique to attract buyers. I particularly liked the indians and their costumes. Hopefully the long feathers are not from any endangered species!

Finally a long drive back to the hotel, the warm shower and a soft bed felt pretty good!

George

A fun night out – Kodo Drummers

Posted on February 17, 2009May 7, 2022 by GeorgeK

While much of my time has been occupied with running lately, I realize there are other things in life too, this is about one of them.
Something I have been wanting to see for several years was in town! AND I was also in town, and my DW got us tickets to go and see the Kodo Drummers!

2/17/2009… days later. Went to the show. It was great. Got a few “before the show” photos but none during the performance. They are not worth posting, so if you want to see it, guess you will have to go.

You can look for tour schedule and other information here –> https://www.kodo.or.jp/news/index_en.html

Until the final drum is quiet,
George

Super 5K Race – Super Bowl Sunday 2009

Posted on February 12, 2009May 3, 2022 by GeorgeK

The second race of 2009 is now history and in the books. The Running Fit Super 5K is run on Super Bowl Sunday “The Super 5K” gets your metabolism moving in the morning so you can indulge in Hot Wings, Pizza and Libations quilt free later that night!”

Held in Novi Michigan it is an out and back on Eleven Mile road. Nice course, with a few easy hills on it to keep you working.

I also volunteered to work the packet pick up the day before the race. This was the second time I have done this, the first being for the Holiday Hustle back in December. I have also volunteered for the Shamrocks & Shenanigans 5K Run & Walk on March 15, 2009. Hey, you get a free race shirt and free entry in a race of your choice, pretty good deal for not so much work. The Shamrocks & Shenanigans packet pick up will be from 3-5 PM on Saturday march 14th… at Connor O’Neils (a popular local Irish Pub) so may even be able to get a brew while working! I will sign up for the race then also using the coupon I get for volunteering.

The race itself was a little windy and a little cool. A running jacket would have been nice at the start. I had decided on only a winter compression shirt with tech shirt over it, and while pretty chilly waiting to get started, once on the road I warmed up pretty well. Gloves were appreciated as was the head band. Some time I should do a review on stuff… I use several different “Halo” brand head bands which have a rubber sweat gutter/guide in the inside front of them. The idea is the sweat from the head and forehead, instead of running into your eyes is directed back along the guide to about your ears, where it is free to run down. It works too! I have lightweight for summer and another with ear flaps for the winter. They are also tech knit fabric, but they get water/sweat logged anyway, but it does keep it out of my eyes. Which can be especially annoying if I leave glasses on when running.

Unfortunately while there were camera crews on site, I seem to have gotten missed by them, so there are no action photos. Only a few taken the day before at the packet pick up, and some before the start and at the end of, the race.

Until the final buffalo hot wing is consumed,
George

Update on Houston EP5K

Posted on January 26, 2009May 3, 2022 by GeorgeK

They just sent an email with updated stats. I had not been able to calculate the actual places within division and age group. They must have discovered that so sent the info out to everyone.

The percentages look really good, and I am really pleased with the performance.
Stats:
Chip Time 27:22
Pace : 8:49
Division: Male 55-59
Division: 13 out of 57 (Top 22%)
Gender : 379 out of 1230 (Top 30%)
Overall : 503 out of 2840 (Top 17%)

Time: 27:22 & Pace: 8:48

So overall a very positive start to the 2009 season. Next up is the Super 5K in Novi Michigan on February 1, 2009… back to the cold and snow. Have been running this week in 10-15 degree temperatures. With a good head cover, insulated compression shirt, light running jacket and tights I still work up a sweat and keep warm. Only issue I had… I have gone to really heavy weight gloves to keep my fingers from going numb. Maybe some windproof mittens are on the shopping list!

All the pictures are now posted on the photo album page!

Until frosty fingers are abolished,
George

The first race of 2009 Special Notes = Warm + PR

Posted on January 24, 2009May 3, 2022 by GeorgeK

This weekend was a bit of a change up for racing. If you read the last post on the New Year’s Eve run you know the temperature was around 20 degrees in Detroit when I ran it. This Sunday I ran in the elpaso 5K, in Houston, Texas. The weather at the 7:30 am start was in the mid 50’s! Very nice change. Actually it was warm enough the full marathon went “Condition Yellow” because of the wind and temperature.

The other positive aspect of the race, I set a new PR for a 5K @ 27:22, or a pace of 8:48. (I am going to assume a lot of the runners were in either the half or full marathon, which made it easier to move up in the positions in the 5K.)

Stats:

Overall in 5K race: 502/2818

Age Group: 13/57

Time: 27:22 & Pace: 8:48

So overall a very positive start to the 2009 season. Next up is the Super 5K in Novi Michigan on February 1, 2009… back to the cold and snow.

If I get them out of the camera, and onto the web site you will eventually be able to see the pictures!

Now I still have a couple of days to get outdoors and run in 70 degree temps before I have to return to the frozen city of Ann Arbor! There are at least two really popular places to run here in Houston, Memorial Park and Hermann Park adjoining Rice University. Hopefully will get a chance to do both of them in the evenings before I leave.

Until Global Warming hits Ann Arbor,
George