I ran my local Turkey Trot today, an 8k that the organizers bill as the longest consecutively run public road race in North America. They say there were 8,370 people registered, and 6,825 finished. I was 3,892nd among them with a chip time of 49:51. That works out to a 10:02 mile -- even better than I did for my 5k at the end of September!
It got started promptly at 9:00am. It had been raining cats and dogs all morning, but it miraculously stopped about ten minutes before race time. That meant it was just cold (about 34F). I lined up next to a bunch of guys who had a grocery cart with a four-person Thanksgiving setting, complete with real turkey. They also had a cooler of beers in the cart. I'm pleased to report that I finished ahead of the turkey dinner.
We were (theoretically) lined up by mile times, but I still spent a good couple of miles trying to maneuver around walkers and slower runners who'd lined up at the front of the pack until I found others going my speed. As the course dipped up and down, it was truly inspiring to look ahead at the mass of runners, wall-to-wall, as far as I could see.
The last mile was a little tough, but I just put my head down and kept moving my feet. I got to the finish line, weaved my way over to a race volunteer to turn in my chip, then headed off to get some water and yogurt. After hydrating and getting some food into my system, I walked up the street and got into the car (my wife was waiting for me), and headed for home. It felt really, really good. I can't wait to do it again next year!
I hope you all enjoyed your Thanksgiving. Lots to be thankful this year, including a great group of virtual running partners and friends. You rock, Long Haulers!
Don
