Notes
Bleh. Terrible/insufficient warm up. No cool down. Everything that could have been done incorrectly by me and the race organizers was done that way. With the closing down of the Jarred Williams Foundation, another, similar group called Never Give Up Ever has taken over and it was clear that they didn't know what they were doing despite having run the race last year. They handed out popsicle sticks for us to carry through the race and hand in when we finished. The turn around point was too close and the start line was too far forward, yielding a race that came out to be about 2.95 mile rather than 5k. They did have a water station, even though it was below 10 degrees and the roads were total garbage, causing them to cancel the 10k.
On the other hand, my "preparation" for the race involved drinking beer and staying up late, sleeping in too long and almost not going to the race, not really even wanting to be there (leading to a lack of mental focus and a general crankiness), scant warm up, insufficient clothing for the weather, and no cool down. Most disastrous was my decision not to poop before I left because lo and behold, there was no port-a-potty at the race. Of course I had to poop before the race but some benevolent running deity smiled upon my lower intestines and I was able to leave immediately after finishing (poor sportsmanship, but let me tell you, I more than metaphorically could have given a crap) and drive back to the in-laws before using the bathroom.
All in all I am disappointed in the abject lack of planning/preparation on everyone's part. Fortunately, the competition was less than impressive and I was able to come away with a win for the 5th time in 6 appearances. Also, I was the only one wearing shorts for the race. Coincidence? I think not.