Martian Half Marathon April 2009

Posted on April 5, 2009May 3, 2022 by GeorgeK

My first half marathon is now history and in the books.

The weather was great for a race, cool enough to be comfortable (34), but not so cool as to be frosty either. They said it was a slightly revised course this year, but since I had never run the half before (did the 10K in 2008) it was all new to me except a few parts both races share.

They always play up the Martian UFO angle putting out a lot of advertising like this full size poster.

The shirt is always unique and has won awards for design of running shirts.

The front side shows the hairy alien inside.

While the back has the “friendly” alien coming out.

The finishers get a medal, along with the free sore legs, for their effort.

The official Team ToeJammer Bib.

And the stats associated with the run.

Until the final UFO is sighted,
George

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

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

New Year’s Eve 4 Mile Fun Run – Belle Isle Detroit

Posted on January 1, 2009September 1, 2022 by GeorgeK

Ran a very “cool” race… freezing is more like it! The Belle Isle 39th Annual 4 Mile Fun run. Mostly what I can say about it… cold, windy, cold, snowy, and did I mention cold?
In spite of that it was a good time. The last race is now in the books for 2008. That makes a total of uh-oh, 13 races for the year.

So, guess that’s it for this years running… after the feast at the casino after the race, and a down day after the race today (New Year’s Day!) is for relaxing and thinking about the race schedule for next year!

If you are kicking back maybe you want to check out the pictures!

I am pretty sure I will not do all of the same ones again this year. Some were fun, but want to do some others this year. I also want to get to a few other bigger races. Was thinking of the Indy Half Marathon in May, but it is sold out now.

Lots of others though, so drop by to see whats in the upcoming schedule.

Until the final New Years Resolution is kept,
George