Kick Off 2014 with a Run

Would anything more be expected from a runner and her triathlon loving hubby but a run to shake out all those toxins we exposed ourselves to the last day of 2013?  Of course not, so we ran a simple, fun 5K the first day of the new year.  The Seventh Annual 5K Prediction Run hosted by the Grand Strand Runners.

The Prediction Run started at 10 AM.  That gave all New Years Eve celebrants time to sleep in, go through the late night recovery routine and get in the mood for a run. 

These are the details for a Prediction Run:
Predict your Finish Time and run or walk the 5K without a watch or timer of any kind. Winners are selected based on how close actual Finish Time is to Predicted Finish Time.

Ted and I ran a good 5K.  My time was 23:00 flat and Ted’s was a 28:50.  But those times were off from our predicted paces by 1:31 minutes and 2:20 minutes so we didn’t make the “winners circle”.   Considering our over indulgence bringing in the new year, our late night, plus my sore legs from a speed workout yesterday, these were EXCELLENT times for us.

One more MAJOR detail about this race:  This annual 5K benefits local food kitchens. Registration fees are non-perishable food stuffs. Last year this event contributed more than 2,500 non-perishable items to Helping Hands of Horry County.  I can’t remember what they said the contribution was this year but, when announced, it was met with a mighty roar.  We Done Good

The course was enjoyable. It was behind Barefoot Landing at Barefoot Resort with a golf course on one side. Flat, roads in good condition.  I didn’t like having to come off the road and run onto the sidewalk although if I was familiar with the route, it probably wouldn’t have bothered me.

There were kids from 4 years old running this race. It’s been so long since I ran a 5K, I forgot about the younger group that run.  I also forgot how much fun it is to push so hard and know it won’t have to last long.

Although no Garmin or timing devices were allowed, there were mile markers along the course. I simply used other runners to establish a goal pace. I locked onto a young girl in front of me, caught up with her then latched on to another runner … and so the run went.

At the 1 mile marker, a fellow MANIAC caught site of me and ran along with me. DARN I WISH I WAS GOOD AT REMEMBERING NAMES!

At the finish line, another Maniac came up to me.  Such a great group! So glad I was able to meet the qualifications this past year.  I wear my shirt with pride!

Back to the race…

the weather was cool, about 48 degrees. This was HEAVEN in comparison to what we could have been running in Utica, 19 degrees??!!!!  I wore shorts and short sleeves as did Ted and we both ran very comfortably.  After crossing the finish, it was a straight B-Line to the car for warmer clothes and a good thing since the results took a very long time to post.

Recap:

Great race. Fun, Nice course. Benefits a worthy cause. Super bunch of people and if you ever run in Myrtle Beach, make sure to LIKE the Grand Strand Runners on Facebook to keep in touch with events.

Here’s to health and happiness in 2014.  Good running..Y’All.