Monday, April 10, 2006

20th Borden Uptown Run & Trolley Walk

On a beautiful, sunny 41-degree day in March, I competed in the 5-Mile Uptown Run. The day only reiterated that this is indeed the best run I have ever taken part in--better than the Dallas Turkey Trot, Keep Austin Weird 5K, Capitol 10K, and many, many others.

Live entertainment was provided by Lacy Jade, who sang one of the most amazing renditions of the National Anthem--no frills, no added crap, just pure, unadulterated and heartwarming.

After locating the beer tent, I wandered about until I bumped into some of my running girls.



The race started at 8:15 am. According to my Polar HRM, I finished in a PR 43:50 finishing with the following mile times: 8:32, 8:40, 9:22 (estimated), 9:22 (estimated), and finishing with a 7:52. How did I feel? I felt great for the first 500 yards or so, then I started to feel a bit nauseous. I had to take two water stops over the course of the event. In between miles 1 and 2, I did stop for about 15-20 seconds to chat with my friends Kristian and Quince, who were doing the 5K Trolley Walk.

After the race, I regrouped with the girls, stretched a bit, and then headed to the beer tent to enjoy some nice, cold cups of Michelob Ultra. I quickly snagged two full cups and camped out. Kristian and Quince showed up a few minutes later followed by Eric and Ivan. There was also a special guest appearance by Emylie and Zorah.



We headed down to the race course to watch the elite runners compete in the Minyard Invitational 8K road race for $10K.



I was dropped off at my car around 11:30 am. Realizing I was in absolutely no condition to drive, I walked back to the grounds to enjoy more beer and see who else I could bump into. I ran into Jim and his girlfriend, a competitor in the elite race. I met some of their friends and chatted the time away. At one point, Lacy Jade came over after finishing her set and enjoyed a beer with us.

Clearly some of the spectators had a bit more fun than I did...FYI...



Anyway, my friend Brandon came over and gave me a lift and we went to go get something to eat at Dream Café. Afterwards, he dropped me of at home so I could pass out in peace.

Again the day was absolutely fantastic. The weather, the music, the crowd, the beer, everything!!!

Looking forward to next year!!!

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