Me runner! You police officer!

Race 1: Where's Franktown 15K.
Race 2: 10k on the 10th Have club will travel!
Time for 15K: 1:49:59 (11:49 min/mil)
Time for 10K: 1:12:34 (11:41 min/mil)
Mystery of the run: How did Gu end up behind my left knee?

There are two types of runners who gets police escorts: the very fast and the very last. So when the OPP cruiser showed up, I automatically assumed it was because I had gone so fast that it just seemed like all the other runners had passed me. "Am I speeding?" I said with all the earnestness this back of the packer could muster without cracking a smile.

This is the first year, Where's Franktown has held a 15K run and I knew there was a distinct possibility that I would be dead last. (In fact, there was a walker behind me. We high-fived a number of times.) But I was the last runner. I worked out with The Club all week, in preparation for the Caveman Virtual 10K and bashed away the (you are not a runner thoughts) I knew that in spirit I would never be alone. In fact, I didn't need ever really feel alone. And that if I was ok with being last, I could have a fair bit of fun.

First of all this was a very well organized race. With 350 participants total (most in the 5K), they pull out all the stops. Very friendly. Every single volunteers was happy and genuinely encouraging. Franktown is a very small town. In fact, I believe it qualifies as a village. So there aren't many roads to run down. And plotting a 15K run that didn't involve out and back on the highway was tricky.

But it was a lovely interesting course (although not all paved.) The horses ran with me for a bit (other side of the fence), I saw cows deep in discussion by a run down wreck of a farm, a herd of sheep with a donkey. I used my time running along the highway to conduct some important wave research. Most people will wave back. The guys will honk the horns. Kids love it. The person least likely to wave back is a woman in her mid-50s driving an expensive sedan.

Then there were the cops. They couldn't seem to decide if they should be ahead of me or behind me so we settled on beside. Left me the last 100m and rang their sirens for me when I finished. It's like I'm 6 -- that right there was worth the admission. (You get the best stories finishing last. I finished last at Limestone Half, we got a guided tour and the firemen have us a honk then. Gotta love it.)

I had sore shin for the first 5K, and my foot went to sleep. (The shin pain is a sign that I need new shoes. Ack.) The goal was 1:48 and I was right on track until I the last 3K where half the road was loose gravel. Which reminded me somewhat of running in snow, so while it wasn't difficult it slowed me down considerably. All in all very happy with this run. And I had a great 15K run which bodes well for the half in two week. And as they did last year, they gave out very cute apple medals. The goal was to coming in at 11:45 min/mil. Close. Very close. But the gravel through me for a loop.

Very good swag for signing up included: a very nice gym bag (they did shirts last year, I like the bag more I think), 2 rice krispy squares, a chocolate bar, a pen, a magnet, a package of Lipton SideKicks, and two magnets. (I don't think I got that much at NCM.)

The Boy and The Man decided to undertake the Family 1K. (I think they measured it wrong.) The Man took this inaugural race back Very seriously. As you can see denim shorts, golf shirt and sandals. The Boy asked for his "fast" shorts.
When the race was done all the kids got a certificate. (They also had their own loot bags, which included rice krispy squares and other stuff.

Comments

[Database Diva]

Chocolate bars and rice krispy squares? Our local race organizers need to take note! The box of cereal from Whidbey was quite tasty, but no chocolate bar! We do have a 5K in October that is sponsored by Associated Grocers. They throw a huge post race party and send you home with all kinds of good stuff. Everyone else just wants to give you pieces of paper. Less calories than chocolate bars, but not nearly as tasty! Congratulations to the whole family for what sounds like a pretty fun day.

[Bob Allen]

Sounds like a fun run. Nice race.

I laughed about the OPP pulling up beside you. I actually got stopped by the police while running a few years ago. They weren't quite as supportive as your OPP.

A couple of us were at a conference and running on this flat, straight road pre-dawn. All of a sudden, the campus police pulled up and told us we couldn't run on the road because drivers tended to drive fast and recklessly on that road. We were pointed in the direction of the paved walking/running trail about 50m across the wooded lot (it's dark, we had already seen skunks, and the police didn't offer to shine their spotlight to light the way). Arghhh! Now, I just tell people we were running so fast that we were stopped for speeding! :-D

[Laurel aka Lily]

Nice swag....

I've put the word out for next year.....and by the way, those were great times....way to go sista!!!

Glad you had a fun weekend....didn't see you at the 10K, you were ahead of me, hahahaha

[Eileen]

Congrats on two awesome races! You rocked! :)

[Penny]

Congratulations on finishing both races! That's what it is all about.

His "fast" short...I love it...where did you buy them, I need a pair!

[Amy]

It is nice to meet another person in the "I was last" club. I am a proud card carrying member.

Great job on your race! Ditto on Penny's comment - -- I want fast shorts. (read alot of whining into that for true kid effect)