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Nov 26
2009
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This morning was grey and foggy, about 45 degrees, perfect for running. Jen picked up Feaster Five packets earlier so it was less hassle. The biggest pre-race issue for me was figuring out how to attach the ChronoTrack D-Tag system, a timing system that replaces the chips previously used. It wasn’t that hard -- but different.
After an early morning walk with the dog, we headed out towards Andover with a Dunkin’ Donuts coffee stop. As you merge into I-495, you start picking up lots of other racers heading toward the Andover start. I parked near the highway, since the dog was to wait in the truck (and I wanted few distractions -- it seems that every tenth family brings a dog), and walked to the track where the kids runs were held.
For the first year, our grandson Mac was running the fun run. It’s a great environment -- with individual races for each two year age group, with longer distances up to a quarter mile for the 11-12 year-olds. An Andover motorcycle cop, lights flashing, leads each heat out at the start and every kid gets a prize and lots of fan support.

Jen and I went off to stand in line with thousands of others for the Porta-Potties and then wedged into the big starting crowd. 9,000 people take up a lot of space and everyone ignores the signs listing paces. Walkers end up with the 7:00 minute mile folks -- but no one get too freaked out.
Short speeches by local heros, and this year, Joan Benoit Samuelson and Bill Rogers, and then the singing of God Bless America by a nine-year-old boy, and the national anthem by a woman, and we were off -- shuffling toward to start line.
The first mile is always slow -- with walkers walking five abreast, and faster runners darting back and forth. One guy said later, “ I think I ran laterally longer than I did straight ahead.” Hey, it’s a Turkey Trot -- know one is looking for a PR.
There’s a pretty serious uphill just before the first mile which is always tough, especially if you’ve gone out too fast. This year, I chugged up it, albeit slowly, and felt like I had some energy left as we turned the corner and started a shallow downhill. Shortly afterward, the five mile runners merge with our 5K and two guys came by, at a 5 minute pace, racing neck and neck. Soon, I saw Joan Benoit Samuelson come by in the right lane as we chugged along. She ended up winning the woman’s five-miler -- still remarkable at age 52.
As you near the finish, you can hear the announcer but you also know that there is one more climb -- sort of an insult -- up to the line. It pays to save just a bit so that you can finish strong.
The post-race is a lot easier without having to stop, untie and undo timing chips (at least for 69 year-olds it is) so the timing strip, which stays with you, allows you to walk over to the tables of goodies in the parking lot. Each finisher gets an apple pie as well so it’s always a balancing act of bagels, water, bananas, and pies as you head to the car.
In addition to justifying a turkey meal later on, there’s a good feeling to a race like this. Not only do thousands of dollars go to the Y, the hospice, and other beneficiaries, there’s a nice family-friend atmosphere that is uplifting. It’s also very special to be able to run with my daughter and grandson -- I feel very blessed. Happy Thanksgiving.
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