Yeah! Live Running is Resuming!

It was a cold, rainy day in the beach town of Westerly, Rhode Island. The Westerly Track and Athletic Club's permits were good to go, and so was the annual Clamdigger 5k and 5-miler.  The race originally opened to 100 participants and later up to 175.  Thank you, COVID, for limiting race entrants.  

I signed up for the race and was originally wait-listed.  The magical email stating I could participate showed up in my in-box about a week before race day. Yeah!  This would be my second organized race in over a year, first officially timed one.  Results on the internet are forever. 

Race day was cold and rainy.  I dressed for a 40 degree day anticipating the wind and rain to continue because my smart device said so.  Well, in the wise words of Andre 3000 and Big Boi, you can plan a pretty picnic, but you can't predict the weather.  I shed some of the layers I wore because running with them made me too damn hot.  Should have sucked it up and started a little bit cold.

I was able to push myself for the first half of the race before the work of breathing did me in.  A flat course helped with me lasting for about a mile and a half before the wheezing and chest tightness started in again.  Don't worry - referrals to a pulmonologist and cardiologist were made after this run.  I should be able to handle running at a faster pace for a longer duration even in inclement weather.  Needless to say, this is a PR for a 5k for me.  And a first time placing in my age group. Whoa.  What a way to exit the 30 - 39 age group for the more competitive 40 - 49 age group.

Wait, first in age group? No.  That's possimpible.

Breakdown of race day:

Entry Fee: $20 or $25.  I'm not sure.. either way, not a bad price.

Shoes: Topo Hydroventure 2

Pants: UnderArmour cold gear leggings

Top: Nike Cold Weather hooded top

Dry Layer: Older EMS rain barrier