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2 june 2001

pacing

If you ever dreamed of setting a world record, this may be your only chance. You will be part of history by running or walking in the YMCA's World's Largest Run on June 2nd. This will be one race you will not want to miss and will be proud to add to your list of running achievements.
Dave McGillivray
Race Director, Boston Marathon

Kim Holzer: 34:37

Not bad for little old wheezy me. I like being in an occasional road race, even though I'm absolutely no threat to the competition. As competitive as I can be with other stuff, just running a race without having a debilitating asthma attack is a big personal victory. I'm definitely more tortoise than hare, chugging over hill and dale, and giving the race organizers a kick at the finish line with my big, sweaty, goofy grin. Yay, me! Made it! Now, where's the Gatorade...

They holler out my time as if I really, really care. I was shooting for completing this 5K (3.1 miles) in 30 minutes or less, so I wasn't too far off the goal. Considering that this was the season's first race, I have all summer to improve on that time. That is, if they don't end up scraping me off the pavement at the two-mile marker. More than anything, though, I aim to complete races. Respectability is secondary.

I suppose this one would have been rated "moderate", but I'm telling you IT WAS ALL UPHILL! I don't mean like a little steep hill here and there. I mean like a half mile of 3 percent grade, flat for 200 yards, and then another grade. At last, they gave us some downhill time at the third mile. I suppose they did this so we wouldn't reach the finish line looking all red and pathetic. Me--red, freckly, and pathetic. A little sun on my nose. Hair awry.

This was a well-sponsored race, as well, which meant food. Which didn't appeal to me at all. Afterward, dozens of people were walking around with plates full of PIZZA. Blargh!! Half of us are doing well not to yack up our morning coffee, and these maniacs are snarfing down thick-crust Dominoes with quadruple cheese. It made me queasy just to look at them. Eeew.

Busy week ahead. It's good to get a running start.