Hair of the Dog

I decided to shake off 2011 and start the year off right by logging my first race of the year in Bethany Beach at their inaugural Hair of the Dog 5k/10k race. The Seashore Striders Running Club organized the race and did a fantastic job --- nice route, lots of volunteers and a very nice vibe.

With 600 other runners we enjoyed the unseasonably warm temps and headed out at 9:30 am.

I started out at the back of the pack and decided to just run --- without a goal or a watch. I just ran for fun. I did cheat and wear my iPod to keep me company since the route was unfamiliar and the race was smaller.

In short order I found a rhythm and a guy who I paced behind for nearly 5 miles. Always nice to find someone to trail behind.

Surprisingly I ended up PR-ing my 10k. Wicked! I finished in 1:03 --- that's a 10:08 minute mile pace. Not bad for not having a clue how I was doing throughout the run. Of course now I'm a little bummed that I slowed at the water stops. If I had kept chugging I probably would have gone sub-10. Now THAT would have been wicked.

Here's to a healthy and strong 2012!
~ Pauline J. Hutcherson