Andover Firecracker 5K - 4th of July

So, my girlfriends Aunt and Uncle own a slice of heaven. It takes the form of a little Lake House in Franklin NH an this past 4th of July we decided to go up for a long weekend. A fun time was had by all as the weekend was filled with swimming, tubing, water skiing, kayaking, and of course running. The evening of the 3rd I was asked if I wanted to run a 5K the following morning. Me being me, never willing to turn down a challenge quickly agreed.

The race was small, just over 125 people but It was on a very cool course. An old railway had been converted into a running/walking/biking path; a "rail trail".

I was surprisingly relaxed at the start, not expecting much except to have a good time. Shortly before the gun went off the race director announced that there would be a $50 cash prize to the overall male and female winners. "That's kinda cool" I thought, not really thinking much of it.

The gun went off and immediately everyone at the front started to sprint. I settled in and was running stride for stride with another guy who looked to be about my age. It is funny, but looking back on it I remember the sound of people's shoes on the gravel path and how it slowly began to get quieter and quieter and the field strung out. After about a half-mile I was at the front running alongside the same guy as before and we were a good 25yards in front of the rest of the field. We ran together for about another quarter mile before I noticed his breathing increase and his pace start to slow in the slightest bit. I saw an opportunity and I jumped. I increased my pace and was soon clear of him. I remember it being quiet at the front, and me thinking that I better be able to hold on.

At the turn around I had a good 20yard lead on second place and was feeling strong. As we approached the finish I pushed hard as the past years winner was coming on strong. I was able to hold him off finishing in 00:17:42 for my first victory outside of a swimming related event! I was happy to say the least; a solid race, $50, and a gold plated rail road spike!