Harpoon 5 Miler

Saturday Joe and I made the trek to Boston for our third Harpoon 5 Miler. This year our friends Jeralyn and Bryan joined us. I lept out of bed at 6 am to get ready. (If only I were as excited at 5 am during the week . . .) Joe on the other hand was not as enthused to leave our plush bed. We took 30 minutes to dress in our race garb and off to Boston we went. If it didn't effect the ability to race, I would have taken some sort of calming pill. I wish I could have harnessed the anxious energy for the race. Joe and I talked it over the night before. I told him I wouldn't be competitive about this race. We were just going for a quick run and then some beer. I had been training for distance for the half marathon, not speed. But I couldn't seem to push that Type A personality aside. MUST DO BETTER THAN LAST YEAR.

We had made it to the brewery an hour before the race start a glaring difference from previous years. There were so many more people. That meant great things for the race itself, but I wasn't as excited about it. Registration has sold out for this race within an hour. After gaining the proper approvals from the city of Boston, they reopened registration to allow 500 additional people in. While this meant our friends were able to join us, I didn't realize the ramifications of what 500 extra bodies, and whatever support system that tagged along with them, were for the event. The lines moved quickly for registration. Although it did become increasingly difficult for the four of us to weave amongst other participants without becoming in ensnarled in the mass of runners. Several race-prep methods later and we were standing within view of the start line. The corral for the start was a bit tight, and we were standing next to the walkers sign. Type A began to rear its ugly head and I wanted to push my way through to at least the middle of the cluster. Remembering I came with a group to just have fun I thought better of it. The starting pistol was barely audible and we only knew it was time to run when the mass in front of us trudged onwards. Knowing that I would just take off, Joe gave a quick slap to my bum and I bolted. I dodged as many people as I could until I could find a clearing, my own 3ft space where I could focus without worrying about someone knudging me. I don't like knudgers, if I see your elbow coming into my space, you will be castigated!

The weather was perfect, about 65 degrees with clouds covering the burning sun. The perfect temps gave me more encouragement to push harder. I've been training in cool weather, a PR was in sight. Bryan and Jeralyn had been training for a half marathon so I had no intentions of keeping up with them. Then I thought that I may have passed them at the start. Was it possible that I was out in front of my group? Now not only was a PR in sight, but so was being the leader of my group. At my first split I had run an 8:30 mile. I had never run an 8:30 mile. I decided I would continue to push until mile 2. I knew there was a hill at 2 so I could at least push till then. The hill came and went without difficulty, as I made the turn that took us to the finish line I caught up with Bryan. He and Jeralyn had been out in front all along. A couple taps on the arm, and a wave for him to pick up his pace and run with me got him going. Should I have encouraged him, I asked myself. Seconds later Bryan and I were running together. It was good because I would have no doubt slacked off if he weren't there. With just a 1/2 mile to go Bryan's began the final push to the finish line. I entertained the idea of just letting him go and dropped about 50 feet back. Motivated by my perfect playlist I picked up the pace and started running harder. I ended up finishing 15 seconds behind Bryan with my best pace for this race, 9:12. My best time in a 5 miler felt like such a reward for all the hardwork I've put into training. I was frustrated by the number on the scale, and my lack of confidence, but this was just the boost I needed.

Joe crossed the finish line soon after and we were off in search of the real prize, Harpoon Beer. I was finally able to taste their newest edition, UFO White. Dare I say that it is better then Blue Moon. The four of us had a really good afternoon of beer in the sun. The only downside to the after-party was that the lines for beer were much longer then usual (500 people longer!) and keg bowling wasn't open. There's a lot to be said about bowling a dented half-barrel down an alley into a collection of other kegs.

We topped of the event with a trip to Mike's Pastry in the Northend. You can't be that close to Mike's Pastry and not go. In fact, I've had thoughts of driving to Boston after a delicious meal because there is no better dessert then a chocolate canolli.