Crazy Legs 2012 version

I am getting ready to head downtown for the start of the 2012 Crazy Legs run.  The forecast called for 40 degrees, wind and rain . . . but at least for now, as of 9:00 the rain has stopped.  I debated all morning whether to run or not . . . a few of my friends decided not to, so I am on my own and the easy decision would be to not run.  But that is NOT what I decided.  Jamie from Running Diva Mom, HERE, posted on facebook that she would be there . . .  and that was just the inspiration that I needed to say . . . Yup, I will be running Crazy Legs this morning.

I have been going back and forth about clothes . . . in the end I decided on Lucy knee shorts and warm long sleeve shirt with high collar, gloves and my Nike rain jacket . . . and of course a hat. Hoping that the shirt and jacket will be offset with the shorts in keeping me "just right".  We will see.

Back for a race update later.

I decided to park at work and walk / run up to the Square for the start of the race.  I stopped into the office to use the bathroom and quickly questioned my clothes choice because it had started to rain again . . . but stuck with it.  I got up to the race start  with about 3 minutes to spare . . . I really could have waited longer, since I was in wave ee.  Anyway, I stood on the sideline of the start and hopped around a little to stay warm the rain stopped for the most part which was a welcome event.  Finally I got it the corral and started to move the start line.  There were a group of UW Hockey players high fiving everyone and next up were the UW Basketball players . . . I high fived Mike Brueswitz, which did take a little hop by me to get to his hand!  He is 6'6".  UW Band played and 5 - 4 - 3 - 2 - 1 and we were off.  I actually felt pretty good the whole race.  I didn't go out too fast, which is always a problem with me.  The course heads up Wisconsin ave to the lake and then down fraternity row until you get to Bascom Hill . . . what can I say, there are few races in Madison that don't include the trudge up Bascom Hill, which houses the original buildings of UW Madison.  Remember we are in Wisconsin and there are no mountains, but this little hill on campus is an elevation climb of 850 ft and after a rather long downhill you are ready to run!  ;-)

I made it up in pretty good shape and felt pretty good.  Somewhere after that I took my jacket off and stuffed my gloves in my jacket pocket.  No stopping for water because I brought my handheld.

Once you are past mile 4 - it is a rush to head to Camp Randall and plan for the run through the tunnel onto the field.  I was at a pretty comfortable tempo until about 1/2 mile and then I picked up the speed.

My finish time was 46:28 with the following splits:
Mile 1 - 9:11
Mile 2 - 9:24
Mile 3 - 9:26
Mile 4 - 9:22
Mile 5 - 9:01
little extra - .44

I am a happy camper!

I pretty much headed directly out of the stadium and headed back to my car, running a nice and slow 2.5 miles at a 10:28 pace.

As we always say - you are never disappointed when you decide to run!  As I mentioned I could have easily not run this race this morning . . . but knowing that Jamie was out there too, made it a easier decision and I am soooooo glad I did.

Enjoy every moment!