Webster Turkey Trot Four-Four, 2019

This Thanksgiving I started the day the same way I did last year, joining thousands of other runners in the Webster Turkey Trot.

It was warmer than last year. But, let’s face it — 35°F is still cold. And there was no heated tent to wait in beforehand this year.

Once the race started, though, I didn’t feel the cold at all. By the end of the race I had removed my hat, mittens socks, and neck warmer. My neck warmer was offered as a sacrifice to the running gods, as it slipped out of my pocket at some point.

I finished with a chip time of 32:52 in the Four-Four, which put me at:

  • 285 of 3435 overall
  • 14 of 144 in Male 40 to 44 age group

That is 1:20 faster than last year!

Letchworth

Yesterday my sister, daughter, and I went to Letchworth State Park for the day. It had been a few years since I’d been there. We live so close to such natural wonders that we often take it for grated. We shouldn’t. We’ve been to these spots many times over the years. Each visit is a chance to experience it all over again, anew. And, look back through our collective memories and remember years past.

Runnin’ of the Green 5 Mile

Another race, another cold day! I’m looking forward to not having to bundle up when running.

I love my Buff hats and neck warmer, but I will be glad to ditch them for the summer!

On Saturday, I took part in the Runnin’ of the Green in downtown Rochester. It’s a 5 mile (8 km) race along the Genesee River. Saturday was cold, but at least it was nice and sunny! Still, I’m looking forward to not having to bundle up when running. My Dad came out to cheer me on and hang out beforehand and afterwards — it’s always great having somebody there waiting for me at the finish line!

My knees have been bothering me a little lately, so I taped them and decided to take it a bit easier for this one. No sense doing something stupid and injuring myself!

My placement results aren’t quite as high as some of my recent races, but I’m quite pleased with my performance. Especially considering it was a longer (8 km vs 5 km) race.

I finished with a time of 41:04 (5:06/km; 8:13/mile), which put me…

  • 267 of 1156 overall (top 23%)
  • 26 of 71 in male 40 to 44 age group (top 37%)
I really turned it on for the last mile, and had to take off my hat, neck warmer, and gloves

Cupid’s Cup 5K

20°F/-7°C — sounds like perfect weather for a run, right? Well, at least it was nice and sunny!

Nix always ensures that my gear is safe and sound before every race

This morning I ran in the Cupid’s Cup 5K in nearby Irondequoit. My wife and daughter braved the cold to cheer me on, as did my mom and dad, who I was surprised to see there just as I was heading out to the starting line.

A red bib for me, as I am most definitely already taken!

A few of the side roads had some icy patches, but overall, the conditions were pretty decent.

I told myself that I was going to really push myself today. And, I did.

One second to go!

I finished with a new 5K PR of 23:13 (4:39/km; 7:29/mile), which put me…

  • 30 of 659 overall (top 5%)
  • 24 of 210 amongst all males (top 11%), and
  • 4 of 25 in male 40 to 44 age group (top 16%)

So close to being in the top three for my age group! I strive to achieve this in 2019.

Glad to be done… I didn’t feel like I had anything left in me!

This was a great start to the 2019 race season!