Six days to go! The second annual Rock ‘n’ Roll event in Raleigh is almost upon us. Word around town is that participation levels for the second running of this event are down. No surprise to me, since an inaugural event will always bring in more folks. Regardless, event numbers are looking to be around 8,000 runners between the Half and Full, and that’s a lot.
My preparations this last week were good. I got in three quality runs, all while breaking in new running shoes. Somehow I let my last pair go a little beyond their useful comfortable life, and I could tell. This new pair has a surprisingly springy feel, but probably just because my last pair was flat. The weather has been very cooperative too, for really nice springtime running. We are finally out of the cold, and into delightful temperatures that are so prime for running.
Looking at my race recap post from last years race, I think it got warmer quicker in the season last year. The pollen cloud that typically envelopes us during the Spring is not yet here. We have some, but the worst of it has yet to begin. I remember almost seeing it in clouds during last years race. It made breathing, especially during the harder sections of the course, very difficult. Maybe the worst of the pollen will stay at bay until after race weekend. Fingers crossed!
If you read my post from the race last year, you know I ran the Full. It was also my birthday marathon, taking place on my 44th birthday. It was certainly a unique way to spend a birthday, pounding pavement for 26.2 miles. So, this will be the second time I run this event at 44 years old. My birthday this year isn’t until the day after the race. Because of this fact, the Rock ‘n’ Roll race will be my last race in the 40-44 Age Group. Yes, a week from today I will officially be in the 45-49 AG. I think it’s pretty safe to say that I will be the oldest runner in the AG this weekend, on my last official day at 44 years old. Hey, that’s a built in excuse to run the slowest.
So, as the final days before the race come and go, I am still undecided as to which race I will be running on Sunday. Registered for the Half, but still considering the Full. As of right now, however, I am leaning probably 70% toward sticking to the Half. A lot of that decision will be based on the weather. As of right now, The Weather Channel forecasts a race day low of 54 and a high of 78. A partly sunny day, with very little chance of rain. May be a tad too warm for the Full, but it seems like an identical forecast to last years race.
This RnR event will either be my 26th Half or 19th Full, but regardless of which it will be, everyday I say my thanks for the opportunity to run. It doesn’t matter which race it will be on Sunday. The only thing that matters is the fact that I am healthy and able to run. For that, I am so grateful.
Running Wild 