Easley Firecracker Frolic 5K

 

(Click on photos for a better view)

Jeep took me over to Easley on Independence Day.  It is near me between CLEMSON and Greenville.

You can't sleep in and have this much great fun.

My friend 'The Old Runner' has a good point system for rating races.  This one would get a low score there (and it does here also).
I had fun, glad I went as the other runners were friendly and fun.  It was a good way to clebrate the 4TH with great Americans.  I was standing beside a fellow septuagenarian when the race was lined up.  They asked who were Vets, and us two old guys proudly rasied our hands.  I knew I had made a friend in Michael Kasha.



The race course was much more difficult than in my last effort, basically loosing elevation till half way, and then time to pay the piper.  As I still can't go uphill, it was very difficult for me.  Overall, the course was OK for most racers.  It was 80degrees, and of course in SC -> high humidity.  As a 'Son of the South', I don't mind that.

I preregistered so I would get a T-shirt, but did not.  The awards were a tiny hand towel thing, and the post race food was nothing, not even enough water.  Water would be good at the finish as going all out for 3 miles makes one sweat out a lot of it.

Around the mile point, there a turn and a monitor, but he did not turn the lead runners.  WTF?   About ten leaders missed the turn as did I.  Being slow, I was back aways.  I saw the field being turned behind me and lost only about 30 seconds.  The others were not so fortunate and went on.  I think they re-routed them to a similar distance, and some caught me in the last mile.  Getting lost is never the fault of the racer but the Race Director.  

The race winner was Eddie Posey a friendly guy who at 44 ran a fine time of 18:57.  I hope to see him often.


This was my first race effort with zero physical injuries.  I felt good and did about as good as I am capable of right now.  More of my guts (hernia) seem to be outside than inside now, but that had little effect my race effort.

I raced poorly.  The hills killed me and I slowed each mile.  I think my effort was better than the last race on a flat course due to being injury free.  I still lack agression once the pain hits me early at about a 1/2 mile, and I just want to quit.  I endeavor to persevere, but I am a sad case.

I was 24th of 166 racers.  There was no 70 age group, but I edged out all but 1 over 50 to earn my tiny hand towel.


Race Results:
http://runningtime.info/2015/070416R.htm
Awards:
http://runningtime.info/2015/070416A.htm
My GPS watch "adjusted" time for an actual 5K was 23:32 which is not really better than the official?? 23:56.  I still believe I can get below 22 this Fall if I can train, and the hernia surgery does not delay training more than a month.  Vegas would never take that bet.

The really good thing today was meeting some interesting people.  I live back in the woods as a hermit, and in any week may only talk to the checkout lady at Lowes.  I pestered folks today and met a few.  It was a good day for me.

Now I am on my dock with cold beer watching as grandparents pull their kids around the lake on tubes.  I really enjoy watching them.  My lake area is normally kinda quiet except for holidays.  I am one lucky guy to live in the "UpState" of South Carolina on Lake Hartwell.


A Cop arrived in his Cop car and ran the race.  I am a BIG fan of COPS !!! He was a great guy.  He had worked all night.


Some more:

'Brothers of Gloom' were a cool bunch of Christian Military guys.  I would join if I lived there.  Maybe they will take me on anyway?  I need to Google.

'CLEMSON MAN' was parked beside the JEEP.  (I love Clemson people)

...and of course some lovely ladies -->

When I see a lady with signs of personal "VICTORY" on her, I want to hug her (but don't cause I learned it freaks them out))

.. me making a smooth move on my new bud Kasha's lady:

Gaffney is in 5 days, and  it is slow couse I ran a few times as a much younger man.   Should I go?  Hell yea !!!  (That is the beer talking, may feel differently tommorrow).
 

Comments

[Roarshack]

Bill, you are doing exceptional with so short a return to running.

[Jim Keiser]

Hey, glad you got my post yesterday. I hope you are still running. The latest post I could find is this one from July.

Your times are just amazing. I'm 61 and pray that I'll get there. 17 years ago I could run 7 minute miles forever and even broke 60 minutes for 10 miles. In my latest comeback, stated in August, my best is just under 10 minutes for the last of a 3 mile run. 10 miles at just over 12 minutes is my best long run.

My next target is under 30 minutes for 5K. Very confident, but fell on my all fours yesterday and am nursing minor injuries, mainly to my pride.I've found that 3 to 4 runs a week is best to avoid all the injuries. Have doubled my weekly mileage to 20 (weak I know, but long road ahead).

I hope you will keep going as you are inspiring to me, but if I had any advice I would say to think harder about taking recovery days, at least 2 per week. Keeps the injuries down and promotes improvement. In any case, keep posting and running and I hope to stay in touch.