From Cape May to North Wildwood, at the southern tip of New Jersey, this is a point-to-point race. It is run along the Ocean Drive in lower Cape May County and the boardwalk in Wildwood/North Wildwood. It was one of those days. Cold weather – it was below freezing when I woke up and there was a wind out of the North. And East. And West. It was also sunny and a 9 o’clock start time. If the wind stayed high, it was going to be a cold day. If the wind died, it was going to be great. The wind didn’t die. I ended up wearing more than I’ve ever run in a race: fleece gloves, fleece headband, short sleeve tech shirt, two long sleeve tech shirts and New Balance Thermal Max pants (for a race!). Thank goodness I didn’t step down a level in pants. What a great atmosphere pre-race, considering the cold. We arrived about 20 min before the race and while the port-o-potties had a monstrous line, the town’s regular public rest rooms were all open, so a couple other women and myself ran down a couple blocks and had the restroom to ourselves – with nice smelling soap and hand dryers to boot! Got back in time to find my husband during the national anthem, ditched my old sweatshirt and there was the gun. We were off! This race intermingles the 10 mile racers and the marathon racers, so everyone (roughly 1200 people) head out at once. We had all of Beach Ave. to ourselves, so lots of elbow room for folks as we started out. This race twists a bit through Cape May then heads out over a couple of open grate bridges (free reflexology!). By the time we had reached our second major bridge, people were already commenting on the scenery. The wind was intense and everyone was pretty slow, so it was interesting to hear folks get what they could out of the race. After that bridge, I was on home turf, running the causeway, and then through town. Running a local race is really enjoyable as I had about 5 different folks call out my name (one a marathoner who I know only from running around town). Our high school track team ran the most professional water station I’ve ever encountered – really just a notch above all the rest. Then on past my street – where my 1 and 4 yr old, nephew, sister and best friend were cheering. A man who lives part-time across the street from me was there too, and it was quite fun to see his jaw wide open as he realized I was running. My plan, such that it was, was to pretty much sit on a 9 min/mi pace until mile 8, which was right before going up on the boardwalk, and then turn up the pace and finish. Well…it was a good plan, but my body just wasn’t on the same page today. I got up on the boardwalk and felt that lift, and then realized, no matter how much effort I tried to expend, I wasn’t going any faster. Then I realized I really couldn’t feel my legs. I couldn’t pick up my pace because my legs couldn’t feel or receive any instructions. So, my thinking went from, “OK, turn ‘em over girl…” to “OK, let’s try that again” to “OK, let’s just finish without tripping.” Well I didn’t trip and I finished, received my medal and took the short trek down to the street to get an orange and some water. Saw my husband on the way back up to the boards. For once in my life, I came in before him. He said by mile 6 he knew he wasn’t going to catch me like he usually does. I don’t have my official time yet, as we had to take off from the finish almost immediately, as we were having a lunch-time birthday party for my 4 yr. old, and I had to go pick up the cake and some shrimp and crab balls. But, I crossed somewhere around 1:31 and change, which was 1 min and change over my hoped for maximum finish time. Upside is that it was a PR regardless, as I’ve never raced this length. Double upside is we had a wonderful party for 3 ½ hours after the race with relatives and neighbors. Plans are already being made for next year’s race. I guess I have to host another party afterwards! I would definitely recommend this race. It is professionally run, but very low key. It’s the perfect kind of race to start racing season in the north!

woooohoooo!! that is an awesome time for your first 10miler!! congratulations on a great race in tough weather!! spring will be here soon!!

Great job nono! Congrats on the PR. and a happy birthday to the 4 year old. Sounds like a great time.

Holy Crazy Headwinds Nono...Gotta love our personal cheerleaders. Thanks for the RR

Nice race nono, and congratulations on a new PR to add to your list. Btw, I see potential of a lot of improvement if you have the time to add about 10 miles a week to your schedule. It also wouldn't hurt to slow down your training pace on all but 1 or 2 days each week. Your average training pace is pretty close to what you are racing at.

In spite of the cold and wind, it sounds like a fantastic day, nono. You had scenery, friends, neighbors, family, and your own neighborhood. Congrats on a great race. TomS

Nono, Great job yesterday. Congrats on the PR. Even though this race is only 30 miles from home, I have never done it (because of the wind/weather). Hope to see you at some of the local race this year.

Way to tough it out and nice racing. I try and let the view of the water block my focus on the wind (doesn't always work, but the combination is a given I suppose) I liked your mantra and clearly it worked. Nice job and good partying too! CNYrunner