Operation Santa Memorial Day Race

This race was for a cause that all should be proud of: Men and women who serve our Country overseas. Operation Santa Memorial Day race is in its 1st year and the race directors did a fantastic job in organizing such a great race. Plenty of volunteers and Police presence made this a safe race to attend. After the race the post party I give a thumbs up too. Great food and spirits and great awards for the winners and those who placed in the age groups.

I would recommend this race for everyone next year.


Race report
05-26-08
Operation Santa Memorial Day
4 Miler
24:13 3 loops
1st Age group
As usual I got up at 0400 hours and had my coffee, banana and 2 pieces of peanut butter toast and then a bottle of Infinit Nutrition. Pre race rituals got to love them. I had some motivational time to search the net and check out some race videos on You Tube.
Zach ( Happy Birthday, new age group for him today ) and I loaded in the car and went to meet with other race team members in North Normal. At 0700 only Emily showed ,so Off to P-Town. After arriving, we got registered and met up with Chris. Racers were coming in so we went out for a 2 mile warm up. Right off the bat, it was humid just the way I like it, so we got a good sweat going.
After the warm up I was feeling good. I thought this may be a fast day. Once we reached the start line I was seeing some familar faces and some new faces. Once again I start summing up the competition and I tell myself just to go out slow so you can finish strong. The GO, and were off. Chris, Zach and a few others take off fast. Em and I take off and stayed back and I was feeling comforatble on the first loop. The first mile marker sounded off at 5:25, what no way. Em asked me if that was right and I said no. I was wearing my Garmin and I looked down and saw it registered 5:33. When the tone went off for the mile we were at 5:49.
Half way through the second loop I was pushing comfortably, now in front of Em and her newly found friend. I know Em was not that far behind. I pulled in behind a couple runners and the second mile went by at 11:20ish. It wasn't until Em caught back up and passed that I felt a little heavy. Mile three went by and I didn't even look at my Garmin. I told myself to go ahead and finish strong. I could see Em up ahead and her orange shirt was my target, thanks Em. Heading into O'brien feild, down the ramp (Quads) and around the soft warning track to the finish. I finished at 24:13 ave 6:08.
All in all I feel I had a good race and the Often Running Team pulled off 3 first place times. Chris 1st over all, Emily 1st over all and I went 1st age group. Zach also ran a good race and finished 1st age group and 3rd overall. It was a good birthday for him. Again thanks to Mitch and the Often Runnung Team for this opportuninty. All you all inspire me to achieve what I do.
"Train hard, train smart"
Next race June 7 Tri Shark Classic
David