Gastonia Airport 5k

 A few years ago, I ran the airport runway 5k in Rockhill, SC, and I loved it. To the best that I can recall that race was the only one where I could see the start/finish throughout the entire race, setting aside a track race, until this past weekend.

I had my opportunity to return to the Rockhill race again as both of these races were on the same day. However, I have been on wanting to step outside old races that I have been doing for years and run some different ones. Going to a different city or place. Running a different course. Something which draws me to it. 

So, Saturday morning, I pulled into the field next to the Gastonia Airport runway. That is what little that I could see of it. Daylight had yet to crest over the horizon. 

They let us onto the runway a little after 7 am. The race started at 7:30. 

Everyone spread out across the entire runway. I love a nice wide start. 

I launched off the starting line, and I could feel my age. My right glute didn't like it at all. The long first mile was nearly a straight line. My legs couldn't turn over fast enough. I felt so uncomfortable. As I passed the first mile and moved into the 2nd mile, I was finally able to settle myself. Starting the 3rd mile, I was making up ground on those in front of me. I passed several runners. 

Turning back onto the runway for the long run to the finish, I could see the flags fluttering in the wind. From that distance, they appeared to be about 1 inch tall. While they grew in size as I got closer to the finish. I kept thinking that this was taking forever. 

Crossing the finish line, I could finally stop and catch my breathe. 

I finished 7 overall, 1st in age group, in 19:24. The course may have been a bit long. I clocked it at 3.16. 

After the race, they gave away a truck load of door prizes. I was surprised at how many numbers that they called yet the winner wasn't there. Sadly, given all the door prizes and all the people that left, my number was never calls. Maybe I was a little disappointed. I don't know. Do I really need another water bottle. 

Time to start thinking about my 1/2 marathon coming up in 3 weeks. I am hoping to run around 1:27 or 1:28. Hoping for a chilling morning where I bring my fast mojo.

The Cool Down Runner