Red Cross 5K in Brookhaven

Red Cross 5K in Brookhaven - race #10

     A small, but dedicated group of people were ready to race at the second annual Red Cross Delco Run/Walk for Life in Brookhaven on Oct. 9. The race/walk benefited the Red Cross' Southeastern Pa. chapter. It was a beautiful sunny morning with the temperature at 60 degrees. When I arrived at the Brookhaven Community Center and saw only a few people, I thought "maybe I had the wrong date." But with two other more established 5K races in the county that morning, this race brought only about 25 runners. To see photos and video of the race visit http://tinyurl.com/62bwpbo.
     After receiving my bib number, I learned that I would either have to walk a 1/4-mile or drive to the actually starting line. I get a little anxious as it is before a race, a finding out that the start wasn't right there was really annoying! Surprising me was Kevin, who helped me from spazzing out too much.
   Lining up on Coebourn Boulevard in front of an elementary school, we took off at the sound of the gun and headed straight before turning left onto Sir Galahad Drive and passing Lancelot Place. I know, very "King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table." Weaving around Camelot Drive, we passed Garzia Park and up a few slight hills. I felt like I was running very slow and the brilliant sun was getting on my nerves. I really need to buy a visor.

By the time we reached Grant Drive, the two dozen runners had completely spaced out and it seemed like I was running all by myself. I hate that! It's like when you're in school and most of your classmates were handing in their tests and you wasn't done yet. I wanted to shout, "wait for me!" That, combined with the fact I had to leave soon to drive an hour to a baptism, I think helped me through the return loop of the race. Turning right and back on the Coebourn, I headed towards the finish line. Kevin shouted that I was making good time, but without my contacts, I couldn't really see much more than "27:??" When I did cross, I couldn't believe my time, 27:44! My best finish ever!

Unfortunately I couldn't find any races in Delco for the following weekend and I'm away this weekend, so there's going to be a slight sabbatical in my fall race journey. My next 5K is the second annual Spirits 5K on Oct. 28 at St. Andrew's Church in Drexel Hill. It's a fun pre-Halloween race that I ran last year. You can wear a costume! The sign-ups are the day before at the church.

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