Ron Hebert Race -- Sun. April 5

This was a new one on me, and a great discovery by Ivan. Turns out it's the same day as the Oleksak 5K and Half, and lots of folks were there--so the turnout here was slim, 50 people or so. Held in Florence and billed as an 8-mile Road Race (even the genre is novel), it's evidently been going for *decades.*

Start was set for 1:30 p.m., so invited F and R to come along and hang out in Look Park. Arrived there just before 1:00 on a _gorgeous_ day, really, and left car in the Park. Jogged over to the school where the start, etc., was -- registered and met up with Ivan, handily. Then back to the car to change: sunny and nice, but windy, so keep a second top on until the start. Warm up a bit, then it's time to go. Left orange top with Christi, and we're off--no police, just running beside the traffic for a while (o.0) -- out on to Rt 9 and off in a big right-hand circle.

Start gently, but Ivan's plans were for 7:30s, and by mile 1, I was trying to keep it steady at 7s, just based on flow; figured I'd aim for 55 mins. Then sort of drifted up a bit, and found a female runner coming up, so used her approach to push me on a bit; with her steady push my pace picked up and we both passed a few runners (including Rich C) by mile two, and as we headed to mile three we had a good duel going, up the hills and eventually turning off 9 into quieter roads. Through mile 4 she pushed harder, and as we approached the mile mark I had a go at getting some distance on an uphill; by the water stop just after 4 miles I was a bit ahead; stopped for a drink and she came close, but that was it.

Then I pushed after the guy ahead, who had a bicyclist with him (good idea, if you've got someone who'll do that!) and over the remaining, still hilly (both up and down) miles I was just trying to stay steady on him, catch up or not fall behind. By the last part my numb-leg, which came on just at mile 6, was more or less receding, but then the wind was in our faces again, and I was pretty bushed (stiff, even, from yesterday). Took it steady round the school to the end, happy to come in under 54:00.

Time: 53:36 (GPS 53:37)
Distance: 8 miles (GPS 7.97)
Pace/Speed: 6:44s /8.95 mph

Comments: Came in 6th, which was good enough. Quite a satisfying run, definitely one to add to the calendar. Sri B showed up, having done the Oleksak Half, and we chatted briefly. Then off for some family time and a brilliant brunch (?) in the Florence Diner.

Very curious to note, as I realise on looking at the Coolrunning results, that Scott G was running in this, (and he was in the Hatfield 5K Ivan and I did two years ago too!).