April Fools' 4-Mile

Left the house around 9:30 am to head up to Salisbury with Heather for the 32nd edition of the April Fools' 4-Mile. Last year, I won with one of the slowest winning times, in 20:34. This year, I was determined to push the whole thing, whether or not there was anyone around, and wondered if some of the sub-20:00 crew would show up.

Heather and I warmed up on the first mile of the course, then did some drills (which I have been avoiding like the plague lately). Saw Scott McGrath and Jose Ortiz from Whirlaway at the start and exchanged greetings. Went out at the gun, hoping to stay sub-5:00 as long as I could. Looking at the Garmin (which usually measures a little quick), I was right around 4:50 for the first mile, and ended up going through in 4:55. I could hear footsteps all the way to mile 2 (9:58), and thought it was Jose, but found out afterwards it was actually Scott.

Tried to relax coming out of the neighborhood where the halfway hairpin turnaround is (the only slow part of the course) and went through 3 in 15:09. I knew I had about 40m on second, according to one of the runners coming toward me before we made the turn back onto Rabbit Rd. about .7 from the finish. Tried to press my advantage, but didn't have another gear, until maybe the last quarter mile, when I was able to get the legs moving a little faster and get through the finish in 20:11.8 (chip and net time). Scott was right there in 20:19 and Jose not far behind him in 20:30.

Cooled down with Scott and Jose on the rail trail then back to the Winner's Circle for refreshments and awards. Took home $100 for first, and Heather earned $50 for her third place women's finish. She came home strong; when I passed her at the turnaround, she was 6th. My dad was first 65-69 and continues to inspire. Rode home with my dad because Heather had to bail early to get back to take care of our littlest one, Emma (10 months).

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