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Merry and I got
up early and traveled down to the Naval Construction Base in
Gulfport for the Gulf Coast Classic 10K. This was the 28th
year for this race which marks the end of the season
for longer races in the South. From henceforth, we are
limited to 5K's or shorter until the weather cools
down. Last year's race was in early April and it was so
hot we celebrated the end of the 10K season at the finish
line. This year, my fifth year in a row for this race, was
different. Mild temperatures in the 70's, but with a SE
wind that wanted to knock you over. Miles 3, 4 and 5
were along the backside of the base, a long stretch right
into the wind. My Garmin pace meter jumped from under 7
minutes per mile to over 8.5 at points along this stretch.
I swear I was putting forth the same effort, but the forward
progress just wasn't the same. Nancy Phillips claims to
have been blown off the road at one point. We told her to
never go fast enough to have both feet off the ground at
once! Even Leonard commented on the challenge this wind
brought to the course.
There were 139
runners lead by Bryan Smith in 35:20, chased by Leonard
Vergunst in 37:23. The women were lead by Connie Robertston
in 42:40, followed by Lisa Wood in 47:25. I huffed and
puffed and wouldn't back off. I won first place in my age
group with time of 44:53. My late race motivation was
trying to catch Bill Gasparrini for the first time ever. I
could see that the wind was having as big an effect on him
as it was on me. During mile five, I actually started
edging up toward him, but as soon as we got the wind to our
backs, he pulled away. Still, this was the closest I have
finished to him (plus 11 seconds).
There was an out
and back two mile race that started with the 10K. I mention
it because Ed Wheeler is running well and placed second in
this shorter race. He also ran strong on the tough 5K
course in Wiggins. This autumn I would expect the see him
back running strong. Also, I had not seen Sarah Middleton
for over a year, but she won the Grand Masters trophy in the
10K. She said this is only her second race this year, and
is just getting back into running. What a recovery story
she will have if she is running this well in only two races!
After the race,
there were soft drinks, beer, watermelon, sandwiches and
cookies. The awards ceremony was prompt as military
ceremonies were starting at 10:00 am. Results are posted on
the Gulf Coast web site. By the way, most of the pictures
included are of me because you weren't there!!! Notice the
fantastic wind swept hair do.
Afterward, we
drove highway 90 from Pass Christian to Biloxi. Again, the
devastation between the railroad tracks and the beach looks
little changed since our last visit at Christmas. Maybe
lots are a little more cleaned of debris, but there is still
a long way to go. Remember our friends on the coast in your
blessings.
Wish you where
there,
©
Steve Ulery
1 - Gulf Church Cleanout 2 - Gulf View 3 - Gulf 10K Award 1 4 - Gulf 10K Finish - pumping 5 - Gulf 10K Finish - Clock 6 - Gulf 10K Start Line 7 - Gulf 10K Start 8 - Gulf 10K Start 2 Complete Results |
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