Midnight Run 2005

Member

What a way to start the year... LOL

I had hoped to start training for 2005 in earnest this week, but we've had nothing but gusting winds and torrential rain all week. Another storm rolled in Friday afternoon, but by 10:00 pm, things seemed to have tapered off to steady rain and 5-10 mph winds. Not knowing what to expect, I decide to take everything: hat, rain gear, headlamp, extra socks, change of clothes for after the race.

After parking in the designated area, I spot a few other people wandering around, looking confused. As it turns out, the start is 1/2 mile or so away, and I could have simply continued up the street I was on to begin with, and parked near the start/finish area.

By the time we make the hike and get signed in, it's getting pretty crowded (and the reg area is in the midst of a sea of mud).
There's no gear check-in, so I realize I'll need to head back to the car to drop off my stuff. After doing that, one look at the time tells me my warmup is going to consist of running back to the start. The street lights aren't working too well, and the first thing I did while unloading was drop the headlamp, losing the batteries in the process.

With a few minutes left to the start, I actually can hear the RD's instructions for a change: "You'll need to stay to the left at the start, to avoid the finish line, but look out for the truck parked on the left - that's the fireworks guys. It was too wet for them to park on the grass. Also, there may be some debris in the streets from the storm..."

We do the countdown at midnight, and they set off the fireworks next to the start line. Running through the smoke, with a giant "2005" blazing in the dark, has got to be the strangest start I've ever seen...the sky lights up in the distance, but it could be more fireworks downtown.

It's two laps of a one-mile loop; I thought this was a strange distance, but it may be that they didn't want runners on the city streets at midnight.
After the first lap, the pack spreads out, and it's dark - I end up following those runners (not many) who wore lights.

Note to the RD: parking cars with the headlights on at random intervals on the course does not constitute adequate lighting... Sad

But, the rain held off, save for a few drops, and I didn't faceplant and break something. 9:42/9:19 = 19:01. No chips, and I don't know if official results are going to be posted, since no one pulled my tag in the chute.
Huge spears of lightning and more torrents of rain on the drive home.
Even with the glitches, it was fun, and I'm sure I'll be back next year (with a functioning light...). Wink

The Pinball

can't imagine staying away till midnight, much less running; good for you

do you live in S. Calif?

PRESIDENT

Excellent! thumbs up

Excelent

Your noteto the RD about the cars and adquete lighthing is classic

Nice way to start the year

Member

Nice start to the New Year!! cheers

POTFH

That sounds like a fun race. Glad to hear you had fun.

Member

Wow, sounds very interesting. Where are you located?

Adjunct

half mile away may actually have been better, because it was easier to get away when you were done. I have found sometimes getting too close is more trouble than it is worth.

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Midnight Run 2005

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