Proud to Run 5K - New PR

Saturday I ran the Proud to Run 5K. As I said in an earlier comment, I was hoping to run around 38:00.

The race is part of the Pride Week festivities here in Chicago, and this is the 25th anniversary of the race. I was pretty psyched for it. The morning was beautiful. Temperatures were in the upper 60's and sunny. The course went along Lake Michigan. The race is a 5K, 10K, and fun walk. We all start at the same time.

Once the gun went off, I went out flying. I felt really good at the start, and wasn't really worried about pace. Afterall this was not the half-marathon. I just wanted to get out and run.

There was a group of us who would pass each other, than fall behind, only to pass each other again. I actually liked that.

When I got to the water station, I remember looking at my time, but paid little attention to it. After a quick drink, I was on my way.

I made the decision to not walk at all the race. Of course this helped me considerably time wise.

As I got to the 3 mile mark, the leader of the 10K passed me by. That last .1 mile seemed really long to me. Anyway, I plugged along. People were cheering and telling me I was looking good.

When I go to the finish line, I stopped my watch - 35:48:68!!! I slashed quite a bit of time off my old mark and my goal.

This race gives me a lot of confidence going into the Gay Games to do really well.

Note: George Takei was a no-show for the race - bummer.

:-)Charlie