Summary: 26:51 for an 8:39 pace. This is about 30 seconds slower than last month's race on the same course. I was 39/55 OA and 3/5 in my AG. This was the third of three winter races in the last three months on the same course. I've been doing this series for four years and always see a bunch of my "running friends". There were at least a dozen that I talked to and know by name plus others that look familiar but I don't have a name to go with the faces. I got in a bit of pre-race visiting with a number of people. For the first time, they gave medals to the 25 or 30 who did all three races in the series this winter. I thought that was a nice touch. The temperature was about 12 degrees, there was a light breeze, and about half of the course was covered with packed snow/ice. At the start line, we were chatting and waiting for a few comments from the race director when we got a "go" without warning. The rushed start became quickly obvious as we cross a train track about 20 yards into the race and a train was coming. Since I didn't hear otherwise, I assume everyone beat the train. About half a mile into the course, Chris, who I haven't seen at other races but know from elsewhere caught me and, after a few steps passed me but didn't get far ahead. Since my last couple of runs have felt especially hard, I was concerned about how I would do. My pace for the first mile was about 8:12 which was ok but I could tell I was starting to fade. The second mile, my pace was about 8:40 and it felt hard. With about half a mile to go, I began to gain on Chris and passed him back. My pace for the last 1.1 miles was 8:38 and I was glad to be done. A group of us waited at the finish line to cheer in those behind us as we visited some more. After a little visiting inside, awards were presented and another enjoyable race experience was over. It was interesting looking over the results after the race. Most, but not all, were slower than last month. In my AG, we had the same 5 as last month and we finished in the same order. All 5 were slower than last month with the extra time getting larger as we went from an extra 14 seconsds for first to an extra minute and a half for fifth. Upon arriving home, I did another 5 miles to give me 8 for the day. TomS

Tom, Your RRs are always a joy to read.

Tom, since this is the 3rd of 3 winter races, does that mean winter is over? It's gotta be hard to compare times from one race to the next when the weather conditions vary so much. Snow and ice on the course has got to slow you down. I think the point of these races is to keep you motivated over the winter, and a good excuse to get together with friends, and it seems like that's just what they did for you.

Sounds like a fun time. Congrats on the 3rd place AG!

12 degrees? I hope you were well bundled up. Brrr.... Good solid outing, 3rd in AG is nice too. Thanks for the report. I wish there were more RR's to read..... huskydon

Wow, sounds like IRC to me! Glad you had fun, I agree that I think the main point of these races is to get the running group together and motivated through the winter. It can get so easy to just bag it without a goal to focus on. Train racing though, Tom... goodness gracious. That adds an interesting twist!

Tom, I just love the reports of the small races you run especially this series. You do a wonderful job of running thru the winter. Don't you have a cruise next? Sue

A good race and report as always, Tom. Glad to see that you folks up there in The Thumb can figure out ways to spend the winter months.