Middlebury Summer Festival Races

Middlebury Summer Festival Races August 12 and 13

August 12

How fast can you run a mile?

That is exactly what Laura and I were trying to figure out. We are not milers. In high school I had a best time of 4:34 in the 1600 meter race. Laura had ran a 5:40 in high school. Neither of those times are that impressive. We did a nice warm-up, and stretched. We were ready to run.

The gun goes off, and immediately I get up to speed, my lungs and legs feel like they are in shock. I hit the turn point at 2:18. Then it was pretty much all downhill from there. I finished in 4:35 and 2nd overall. Laura was first female in     a time of 5:29. We did a nice cool down, and then I ran home (6 more miles).

August 13

10k

Saturday Laura and I did the 10k. However, I was going to be pushing Natalie in our jogging stroller. I have put many miles on the old-used jogging stroller with Natalie, so I was well prepared. Laura's plan was to be first female, and be under 40 minutes for the hilly course.  My plan was to not let Laura beat me, and try to maintain 6 minute mile pace. The gun goes off and it takes my body a few minutes to get going. By the first mile I was sitting 3rd overall, and hit 6:00. I continued to hit 6 minute mile pace even during the hillier sections. At times it was a struggle, but I felt I would be letting my daughter down if I didn't put my best effort forward. So, I would always surge up the hills, and utilize the downhills. The last 2 miles were flat, which was a relief. I finished in 37:26, and was 3rd overall in the race.

As soon as I finished Natalie wanted out of the stroller, which I don't blame her. We waited for a few minutes then Laura came in. She was 4th overall in 10k race with a time of 40:57. She was upset that she wasn't under 40 minutes, but was glad she won. We did a cool down, than Laura ran home (6 more miles).