Rafters race -- Sun. April 26

Not an ideal start - got there just before 10:00 on a *hot* morning, registered and found Ken and Nick, SRRC teammates. Bill there too for support (recovering from the Boston), much appreciated! Managed a bit of a warm-up, 1.5 miles, with Nick and Ken, then pretty much time to go. Madison G from the high school also there, so a team of 4 (Ivan had sudden plan change, couldn't make it). Ken and Nick aiming for 7:00s or just under, and Madison aiming for 6:30s, so set out together (after quick intense lecture on the heat by one of the organisers). Watch clock carefully in mile 1, three of us together pretty much, but then going up hill M trails and Nick too, so after waiting a bit, decide to chug on at my pace, but still somewhat cautious. Danged hot! Dry by the time I reach Alex's dorm, but no water there -- none till the top of that hill, by which point I'm parched. Stop for a drink, then chug on, feeling steady, but amazed at how the uphill keeps on going. Doggedly pursuing guy in red, along with chap next to me, and eventually we both pass him; one more water in middle of town, and Bill cheering again -- then down the hill. Red guy pursuing, and right by the end, as numb-leg kicks in and slows me down, he passes -- I nearly fall at the last turn into the parking lot, but make it in okay. Official results, came in 5th):

Time: 33:52 (33:51)
Distance: 5 miles (4.98)
Pace/Speed: 6:47s/8.86 mph

Comments: The others all came in nicely too (though Madison said she had a water problem, and will do better next time), and then all four of us went out for a slow 1.85 mile cooldown. Got back for the awards, and found that Madison, Ken and I had all won our respective classes, and then we found we'd won the team award too! Nice silver cup -- awesome!!!