I guess the PVTC Go Fourth 8K is my July 4th tradition. I think I missed it a few years for lacrosse tournaments, but if we are home, I will brave the heat and the hills to get some watermelon at the finish!
While many runners take the opportunity to wear patriotic outfits, I wanted to try out my new ProCompression socks. Since they are hot pink, I thought they would go better with my Sauconys than my Mizunos, so this was my first race in my Sauconys.
Although I prefer to run early to beat the heat, the 8:30 start meant I could set my alarm for 6:00, walk the dog, do my physical therapy exercises, take a quick shower and fix a cup of coffee and still get to the race site in time to snag a good parking place. (Talk about fitting it all in!)
After I got my race bib, I went to the bathroom because I could–there was no line.
(Have you ever seen such a beautiful sight?)
It was in the low 70s but overcast at the start, and I even felt a few raindrops. The sun came out quickly though, and I was definitely feeling the heat on the course. My plan was to run a solid run, but I did not want to risk my recovery by pushing too hard or sprinting at the end. I think my split times show that I met that goal pretty well:
9:13, 8:50, 8:44, 8:42, 8:30
(OK, maybe I pushed a bit harder at the end.)
Finish time: 43:02 (4.9 miles, avg. 8:48 min/mi).
After I crossed the finish line, I kept walking over to the picnic area, where I knew there would be watermelon waiting.
(The race director slicing the watermelon)
So refreshing!
What are your July 4th traditions?
![The Ultimate Coffee Date](http://got2run4me.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Ultimate-Coffee-Date.png" "The Ultimate Coffee Date")
I heard angels singing at the sight of that restroom! I really want to run our local Independence Day 5k/8k, but I always chicken out because of the heat & humidity. Even though it had a 7 am start, I don't want to run a race & be disappointed with my finishing time. Great job!
It was a miraculous sight!
Oh, you should do a 5K next year. Just plan to do it for FUN. Or for watermelon if they have it! 😉
Fun! Way to race smart and finish strong!
My traditions normally involve camping and playing in a lake, but the heat this year has delayed my ambition to go.
Nice socks – I've got the same hot pink ones! Love 'em!
Watermelon post race is one of my favorite things to run fast for!
Post race watermelon sounds awesome! Congratulations on running a smart race and fitting it all in!
That is a beautiful looking watermelon. Looks like you had a wonderful start to your fourth!! I hope the rest was just as wonderful! 🙂
Thanks! The rest of the day was pretty quiet — we just enjoyed being home after getting our power back on after three days without it!
Racing is a great way to spend the 4th. Nice job!
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