St Pat's 10Km Run 2009

I had forgotten the joy I get by strapping on a simple piece of paper on my shirt and a Timing Chip on my Ankle. I had been struggling lately to answer peoples question of "why do you do it" when I am going for a run in the cold that hobo's even go inside for, riding my bike to no-wherevill all winter on the trainer watching the same movie for the 3rd time.

I do it for Race Day, it's that simple.

I woke up this morning had my 2 eggs and Green peppers for breakfast along with a big glass of water, I had a Cliff Bar at 8:30 so I would be ready for the 10am start time. Checked the weather but when I got to downtown I had to buy some cheap gloves as I had thought I wouldn't need them. Got my timing chip and tried to stay away from the nervous people: the rookies, the chatter boxes, the family's, etc.

Horn goes off, I put myself near the back so that I would be forced to start a bit slow as I know I have a habit of going out way too hard for the first km. I kept in my head what my Coach put on my plan for the day "Run like your chasing somebody who stole your bike". So after I dropped some lady's exchanging child care techniques as I wanted to tell them to shut their pie holes, you know the voice that sounds like nails on a chalkboard, try running with 3 of them nattering behind you. We pass under 10th street and I can't believe the ice that formed under there, everybody walked tenderly over the ice. Silly me I followed them but I know how to run on ice without falling, but watching a guy go down made me think smart. 14th street bridge the kids volunteering told the 5k to go left and 10 to go on. Now considering the race package and the pre-race announcements all said 10k goes at 10am the 5's go five minutes later. I was amazed that half the pack turned left.

At the turn around I paused at the water station because I didn't want to spill the full cup they gave me. Now the section of path from crowchild to turn around is narrow and I can't beleve the number of baby joggers being pushed trying to pass by crossing the yellow line with the fast runners comming at them. Now I am no parent but I say leave the kid with somebody so everyone can enjoy their race.

I know you all are going to look at me like I am nuts but I have been experimenting with starting a chat with pretty ladies. Yep I attempted chatting with 2-3 on this race, it's great they are out of breath and will give you a look that says hey run with me or the "are you nuts" look. Hey practice is practice. I even bumped into two of my old friends from the Big Blue Box I worked at for 7 years. It was great to see them out on their sunday jog. Even saw another former co-worker out for a run who I haven't seen in a very long time (long hair looks good on you C) .

The way back you go downstreem with the river and the wind is at your back, so it took me less time to get back to the finish area. I do remember trying to increase my stride length and I felt like I was flying. Looking back at the graph I slowed for Ice a bit more than I thought but I didn't crawl across like some people did. Made that last corner and I sprinted as best as I could to make as close as possible to 1:05.

Got my burger and water for the post race meal and streached for a bit. I stayed for the Door prices to see if my 6 year streak of not winning anything could be broken. one of the last prices my number got called... I had to hear it a second time to see if it really was mine. It was!! I bounced up and shook the hand of the little kid that handed me my bottle shapped bag and I grinned like an idot that just ran to the stage of the Price is Right for the photograher. I got out of the way and opened the bag to see what vintage I got..... A hat, alright ok keep digging this things got some weight... Body soap?? really? keep digging, hand soap.... come on!!! something left dig again... something called Linen Refresh.

Looks like the "stuff I can use" door prize streak is still on. Oh well I tossed it to the side for the next time I see my sister and hop on the bike for a recovery spin while trying to find something good on TV. All in all it was a great Race day for me, this year is gonna be great!!!

149/232 overall, 5209 bib #, Randy MILLER 26/33 AG, 76/89 male, 1:05:25.6, 6:33 pace

Spring Forward for Daylight

Today we flipped the clocks for that daylight savings, Last year at this time work was INSAINE. Not so much this year unfortunately. I have put my head down and done what I got to do. It's a bit different being a senior tech on shift, but I got 2 good guys working with me.

Paris Nice race started yesterday which is the beginning of the pro cycling calendar, and this upcoming Sunday I do what I consider my season opener. The ST. Pats Run this will be my 6th year running on this weekend. Anniversary's for different things like Kids' Birthdays, wedding anniversary's are important to most folks. For me as I have been single for so long and I don't count birthdays this is my anniversary that means the most to me. Who would have thought that I have fonder memories of my first ever race with a bib than graduation day, first day at a real job. I am not fast by any means but it was the start to a great change in me. I have struggled especially last year but this year feels different. It might help that I have lost weight and eating healthier by making better choices.

This year I have focus and confidence that is what is different. Look out world It's gonna be a great race year for one single guy in Calgary that's just having fun.