runningchunk.com

I'm still here. I took a break after the strenuous 2011 runningchunk.com 5K, and I think I only ran once or twice after that. Much hemming and hawing has been done by me trying to figure out whether to start Bridge to 10K yet or not. My goal is to run a half marathon in the spring, so part of meeting that goal is a half marathon training program, and I'm not sure how B210K would fit into that.

So for now, I'm doing 10 miles a week, starting this week. Last night's four-miler felt great, and took me about 45 minutes. Running in the lower 40s and upper 30s isn't too bad when it's clear and calm out, so that's promising so far. Time to get back on track.

Seems like I should finally post the results of the 2011 runningchunk.com 5K, which took place on Sunday, October 23.

We had decent—if chilly—weather at the Lake Linden Village Park. After a brief runner orientation ("Go that way, then that way, and then the finish is over there."), we took off at 11:35 AM.

James and Nancy quickly dropped me, and Nancy was giving James a good chase until a side stitch kicked in. I was having not the greatest run of my three-month running career, but settled into the pace I was looking for.

Just under 30 minutes later, James triumphantly crossed the finish line at American Legion Post 90. Nancy followed less than two minutes later, and I managed to hit my goal almost dead on.

• First overall and first in Men's 34-57: James Bialas, 29:38 ET
• Second overall and first in Women's 29-39: Nancy Banfield, 31:24 ET
• Third overall and first in Men's 25-33: Joshua Myles, 33:08 ET

The awards ceremony was held immediately following James getting back from the laundromat. First through third prizes were a commemorative bottle of ice-cold Old Style.

Looking forward to next year!