[Fortunate One]

<p><span style="font-size:medium;"><span style="font-family:'times new roman';">Run for the Roses 10K</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:medium;"><span style="font-family:'times new roman';">Oct 10, 2010</span></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:medium;"><span style="font-family:'times new roman';">The Run for the Roses in Ames, IA, is a fundraiser for arthritis research.  It is organized by the local running club and a sorority, so overhead is low.  The sorority provides a couple dozen omelet makers; omelettes and a rose for each finisher are the main attractions.  The 5K usually attracts about five times as many runners as the 10K.  This year, there were a record number of runners (both events)—over 1100.  Some of us Masters noticed how young the crowd was (it’s a college town), which seems to bode well for the sport of running.  It turns out that one could register on Facebook, which may have helped the numbers.  The weather (60’s F) may have helped attendance as well.</span></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:medium;"><span style="font-family:'times new roman';">I registered mostly to socialize with a couple who had run the Hartford Marathon the day before and were doing a recovery run, and to support the cause.  I was going to run comfortably fast, which I thought would be about 8 m/M.  Last year I ran fast and still came in 4th in my AG, so I knew medaling would depend on who showed up.</span></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:medium;"><span style="font-family:'times new roman';">After an a cappella group did a terrific job with the National Anthem, we were off.  On an out-and-back, I saw only one older looking guy ahead of me and began to think I might actually medal.  My Garmin told me I was hitting my planned pace, but I left the HR strap at home.  One young guy passed me in the last mile, but I got around 3-4 others.  I finished in about 49:30 (official results not posted on the web yet), about a minute slower than last year and behind the old guy.  He, it turns out, had gotten 3rd place last year.  This year, we were 1 and 2 in the 60-64 AG (and yes, there was a 3rd).  Now that I have been reminded what he looks like, I can be watching for him next week at the Des Moines Half Marathon.</span></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:medium;"><span style="font-family:'times new roman';">For those who like pictures:</span></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:medium;"><span style="font-family:'times new roman';"><a class="H-lightbox-open" href="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/59273/width/1000/height/800/flags/" target="_blank"><img alt="PA100127.jpg" class="lightbox-enabled" data-id="14406" data-type="61" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/14406/width/375/height/500" style="; width: 375px; height: 500px"></a></span></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><a class="H-lightbox-open" href="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/59269/width/1000/height/800/flags/" target="_blank"><img alt="PA100117.jpg" class="lightbox-enabled" data-id="14404" data-type="61" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/14404/width/667/height/500" style="; width: 667px; height: 500px"></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><a class="H-lightbox-open" href="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/59271/width/1000/height/800/flags/" target="_blank"><img alt="PA100119.jpg" class="lightbox-enabled" data-id="14405" data-type="61" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/14405/width/667/height/500" style="; width: 667px; height: 500px"></a></p>

 

[breger1]

<p>FO, when I first looked at the pictures I thought the sorority girls' aprons said "Spareribs Farms".  I thought to myself "Dang, that guy gets around!".</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Bill</p>

 

[evanflein]

<p>Hey we all like pictures! Nice job on 2nd in AG! Looks like a really nice day. Roses at the end, that's a nice touch.</p>

 

[Labduck]

<p>The words "10K race" plus "sorority" would be enough get me out to this race, that's for sure.  Wtg on the age placing!  Nice effort FO.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I notice it was the 24th annual race.  I really like seeing charity races like this with that much staying power.</p>

 

[Tamster]

<p>excellent!! Funny, I thought that same thing when I saw those aprons "Spareribs Farms" lol</p>
<p> </p>
<p>nicely done and great turn-out for this race!</p>

 

[Paul]

<p>Fortunate One, sounds like a great day for a race for a good cause and with a good crowd. Thanks for the RR with pics. I thought the same thing when I first saw the <em>Spareribs Farms</em> aprons. Thanks for the RR.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Paul</p>