And the Resolutions Have Begun!

It was mild in my driveway at 7:30 yesterday morning...almost warm...I guess the one benefit to sub zero weather is that 30 degrees feels warm! It was another story a mile away at NHTI, where the wind whipped across the highway and river making a mockery of the thermometer... but that didn't stop 55 brave souls from donning their running gear and braving the elements to take part in the Inaugural resolution run 5K sponsored by the YMCA.

With just a handful pre-entered we were all a bit nervous...but the "Field of Dreams" mantra - "If you build it they will come" - paid off and the runners began to arrive. The best part about timing road races is being around the runners. They come in all sizes and shapes and dispositions and abilities...but they share a common optimism about life that is contagious. I am always in a good mood after timing and today did not disappoint.

Tom Walton and Perry Seagroves, two men who are behind much of the running and racing in Concord came to run as well as some of their NHTI Harriers. My good friend and fellow tap dancer Donna Maltais came to walk... Rick Cibotti another road race regular was there as well as the Litchfields from Hopkinton. Probably the most impressive performance of the day was female winner Amber Ferriera whose 17:53 would be impressive on a warm day. Perry Seagroves, at age 60 wasn't far behind running a sub 20 minute race to handily best his buddy TDubs! Abe Winnett-Knoy was the youngest at 8 and Ed McLeod the oldest at 70.

Hot cocoa, fantastic prizes and sandwiches from the Meathouse, hot cocoa and swag kept the post race revelers happy and warm. It was a great way to spend a Saturday morning in January. Road Racing used to be a summer activity...the busy season is still mainly from April to November but each year more and more races are popping up to keep the long cold dark days between Thanksgiving and Easter interesting. I hope this race becomes a regular part of the Concord racing scene.

Race director Rob Rojek and his fabulous team of helpers put on a quality show...and are already thinking of ways to make next years even better. (Race directors don't ever really take time off.)

The first Saturday in January is the 4th next year...so mark your 2014 calendar and make it a part of your winter fitness program...there are 55 people out there today who are very glad they did!!!