For the thirteenth time in the last fourteen years [2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2006, 2005 and 2004], Jack and I ran the Run to Feed the Hungry. We entered in 2007, but I was feeling under the weather and we decided not to run before heading to San Francisco for Thanksgiving. Sharon also missed last year when she was feeling under the weather.
For the sixth year in a row, we parked on University Avenue. For the second year, I parked closer to the H Street bridge rather than the Guy West Bridge. Although Sharon said that she missed walking through the campus, it is a little shorter walk to and from the car.
I have come to view this run as a referendum on my fitness. In that regard, last year was a disaster. Feeling under the weather much of last fall, I ended up running a 1:03:57 for an average pace of 10:18. I was frankly embarrassed.
This year went much better. My official chip time for the 10k was 59:10 with a 9:32 pace. I was 29:13 at the 5k with a pace of 9:25. Thinking I was going to take a more leisurely approach this year, I started further back from the starting line. As a result, it took me almost 50 seconds just to cross the starting line. My Runkeeper splits by mile were: 1 - 10:07; 2 - 9:09; 3 - 9:17; 4 - 9:33; 5 - 9:41; 6 - 9:30, and; last quarter mile - 9:37. Once I got going, I felt strong. I backed off a little in the fourth and fifth miles, but was able to speed up again in the last mile and a half.
I was very happy with the results. My time was not only faster than 2016, but also faster than 2015.
Jack walked the 5k with Emma and Jason. His chip time was 1:08:18 for an average pace of 21:59. Sharon ran the 10k, but cut the corner at McKinley Park.
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