My long awaited first race of 2010 took me to Haddonfield, NJ. I originally was planning on going to Bordentown for their St. Patty's Day 5K but couldn't find any info on it on 4 different websites. Last year at this time I had completed 12 races and was heading to Virginia Beach for a 1/2 marathon on this same weekend.
I had planned on running two previous races, but both were cancelled, one for the snowstorm and one for the rain storm. In my 30 years of running only one other race was cancelled and that was the Rat Race in NYC for a hail storm. This wasn't going to be the case today because it was absolutely a perfect day for a run. A day like today makes all those cold days of running worth it.
Up early because Haddonfield is 50 miles away, but I was looking forward since I had never been in that town. I had to go it alone since I had no takers today. The race was organized by Haddonfield Running Company and local running store in town. It was a well organized event, but I was disappointed that I didn't get a t-shirt. I did register same day and got there early but still no shirt. They did give me $5 back because of no shirt.
The race took place at Haddonfield High School which looked like a very old school. I am not sure what type of town this was years ago but it had some very homes and charm. They have a cute main street which is actually Kings Highway. I even saw a Starbucks on one of the blocks.
I was planning on taking it easy since I have been battling a slight leg injury but actually felt better in my recent runs. My plan was to take it easy for the first mile, hopefully under 8 minute pace then progressively go faster.
I hit the first mile in 7:40 which was great since my breathing was controlled and I felt good. The second mile had a nice downhill and a good uphill but I was settling in nicely. I passed a bunch a runners and I started feel pretty good. I hit mile two in 15:00 flat and now I just wanted to concentrate on finishing strong. I wanted to pass a few runners and see if I could get a 7 minute final mile. I hit the tape at 22:05 which meant my last mile was 6:45 which is quite surprising since I really haven't done much speed work. I was very happy with my 7:08 pace and lack of discomfort in my stride.
I stuck around to eat a bagel and watch the crowd file in. I think there were over 700 runners and many of them very fast. The overall winner finished in 14:03 and I finished in 254 which was very low considering my time. It was a very deep field and an overall good race. I meant some nice folks including a couple who put on the NBD 5K benefiting SIDS in honor of their granddaughter Natalee Brooklynn.
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