The weather couldn't have more perfect Saturday morning for the 30th Ashland Railroad Run. We were all watching the weather forecast the week leading up to the race, and the threat of rain had us all worried. Our prayers were answered though, as we woke-up to a beautiful morning. I think all the races (kids' one mile, 5K, & 10K) had about double the number of participants from last year. A big congratulations goes out to Jo Ann Hunter and all the volunteers for a very successful and well run event.

I had the pleasure of running with both my daughters. Claire ran the Kids' 1 mile race, and didn't complain half as much as she did last year. She broke 10 minutes and remembered to put her hands up as she broke the tape at the finish. Mattie and a few of her friends ran the 5K, I ran behind them & tried to get them to agree on when to run & when to take walk breaks. I think they had a good time, cheering on 10K runners as they passed and trying to catch the Proffitt boys, who kept a close eye on them, and would sprint ahead every time the girls got close. I hope the girls will enjoy running as they get older, but right now I think I enjoy watching them run more. I was proud of both of them.

The whole town of Ashland should be proud of the level of support, participation, and cooperation shown with putting on this event. I think Ashland Dave's video on his blog really captures the small town spirit of the event.

The weather was not so good for the Sunday option of Ashland Railroad Run 10K. Cold and rainy for the 7:15 start, the crowds and number of participants were definitely effected by the weather. I had a chance to interview the eventual winner of the Sunday option of the Ashland RRR 10K, and here is his story.

“Well, first of all things got screwed-up with a friend of mine, who was suppose to run the race with me, but a miscommunication issue caused him not to show. I don't mind the cold and rain unless it's pouring like it was this morning at 6:00 a.m. I almost decided to bail too, but I started the race with steady pace, not too hard, but I quickly noticed I was in the lead. About a half mile into the race, I got a pain in my left hip. I actually had to stop for a second to stretch it out. The pain quickly went away, as fast as it came, and I was still in the lead.

The next couple of miles were relaxed, I didn't look back to see how close the other runners were behind me, but I knew they must be right off my shoulder, waiting for me to slow, so they could blow past me. As we ran past my church, St. Ann's, I decided to pick it up a little to put some pressure on. I felt good as I rounded the corner by Henry Clay Elementary, and the wind seemed to pushing me as I headed up Center Street out towards Gwaltney Church. I used to run this stretch of road a lot when I trained, but I forgot how peaceful it could be early in morning. I still felt good as I approached “Mount Ashland”, the only real hill on the course. I pushed up the hill to the turn-around. The wind that was a friend a minute ago, now was the enemy. I put my head down, determined not to let the wind slow down too much. The rain had pretty much stopped, and I was actually getting a little warm. I knew I only had about mile to go, so I decided to just try to keep the pace up & not look back to see how close my nearest competitor was. As I crossed Ashcake, I noticed my legs were starting to burn from the lactic acid that was building up. Running down the center of Center Street, my shoes made little squeaky sounds on the wet pavement. I concentrated on the sounds, and tried to ignore the pain in my legs. I saw the finish. I looked back, and I could not see the next runner. I knew I would win easily, and slowed a bit and smiled as I crossed the finish line. This was my first win since middle school track, and I was happy I decided to run today.”

Sometimes, you have to use your imagination to motivate you to get out there and run. I did come in first (and last) on the First Annual Sunday Option of the Ashland Railroad Run 10K ;>).

See ya on the streets,
Tom