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?
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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