Zoo Run Run

This morning, I ran the 'Zoo Run Run' 5k at the Lowry Park Zoo.  I did a zoo run a few years ago as part of an arthritis fundraiser and enjoyed the experience.  Today's run was less fun, first off because there were probably 2000 people there.  No joke.  Bib numbers went up to 2000 and I didn't see any gaps in the numbers.  Plus they had registration on the day of the race.  Then everyone had to get chip timers...which seemed kind of dumb because there is no possible way that anyone is setting any personal records at a zoo run due to the fact that there are a lot of curves that one needs to negotiate.  In fact, the whole operation got so convoluted that they had to start the run a few (maybe 10) minutes late.  Then they didn't actually chip time because you didn't step over a chip time mat at the start, only at the finish line -- and there was a delay in the start because the race did get congested.  So I'm not sure what the point was of the chip timers at all.  But I digress.

One major complaint I have with races in Florida: get people to line up according to mile splits!  I've never once seen that happen here.  As a result, you get all kinds of paces out of the gate, which is especially annoying when it is a narrow course as it is at the zoo.  I don't want to take out any other runners, but am sometimes forced to when slow walkers are walking across the course in a group of three or more near the front.  If you are a slow walker, that is great.  I'm thrilled that you are out and exercising.  However, please be at the back of the race or minimally, do not walk three abreast across the whole pathway!  But I digress again.

You remember how the weather was getting better?  Well, it's officially worse again -- and just in time for tomorrow's long run (joy).  It was around the normal ick this morning: 78F, humidity 84%, dew point 73F.  In you're keeping track, yes that is barely across the Threshold of Ick since temp + humidity = more than 160.  It doesn't matter that it was only two over 160.  That is still too much. 

When I hit mile 2, I was annoyed because I wanted to run faster and couldn't.  It is a super irritating feeling!  But something (likely the Threshold of Ick) held me back.  Someday, someday, I will be able to run.  By which I mean, 'in two weeks when I go to California.'  Stay tuned. 

Bad part of California: I've heard that there are hills...

Good part of today's run: the zoo had hills, Florida-style (so not really, but there were inclines and declines).  And I definitely ran them better than the majority of the other people out there.  Nice to know that 'hill training' is paying off, even if I am only equipped for zoo-level hills!