The Running Gods gave to me:
7/14/12
10K: 1:10:38
Escape to Belle Isle. Belle Isle is a recreational island owned by Detroit in the middle of the Detroit River. Unfortunately, like many things owned by Detroit, it is long past its prime and underutilized. Still, I liked the idea of running a local 10K with a bonus medal.
Ron had actually hurt his foot and I asked that he not run with me to give his foot time to heal. I would rather him sit out a 10K than miss our planned fall marathon! But sitting out was hard for him to do. He did not like being at the start of a race and not participating!
I’m actually in the above photo, which I just noticed. Grey shirt, black shorts. Sort of 3/4 of the way across the photo.
It was pretty hot on this day, and the heat got to me. I had to walk part of the course, which was frustrating. It was part of what seemed like a never ending summer of frustrating training runs. I just couldn’t seem to hit the distances without at least one walk break.
So that is what is most memorable. I ran alone when I hardly every do. I walked when I wished I could run the whole thing. It was really hot. And I was so happy to see Ron on the course because it meant I could stop and drink some water. (There is even a picture of me doing just that).
I would say it is a fairly well run event, I didn’t have any problems with packet pick-up or the course in general. The turn for 5K runners was not marked well, but they made a point to announce where the real turn was. That was the only issue I saw from the course. The course wasn’t closed either, which wasn’t so much of a problem for vehicular traffic (there wasn’t a lot) but meant you had to weave around people out walking and running that were not part of the race. Again, not such a big deal unless those people are walking in big groups. Then it is hard to pass them. Overall, I didn’t love this race. It’s local, which is a plus, but the heat really got to me. Plus, there isn’t a ton to see on Belle Isle, it all kinds of looks the same after awhile. And what isn’t the same is just kind of a sad reminder that this park could be so much more than it is.