Yesterday I ran a 10k race over in Titusville, FL. Hats off to the folks at Christ Community Church for hosting the first annual “Get Up and Go 5k and 10k.”  All the pre-race, during race and post race details were handled quite nicely – especially for a first time event.  It was a really nice course too.  Although it was muggy (typical central Florida morning) this race was very enjoyable.

My good friend David Wood came along as well.  In fact, he volunteered to be my “personal pacer” for the day to help push me on towards a decent goal.  Actually he did such a good job I now bestow upon him the title P.P.P. = “Professional Personal Pacer.”  We negotiated the contract to include 50% of my race awards – which meant he was entitled to half of my post race banana.

I’ve gotta hand it to Mr. Wood.  He kept me on a consistent pace and pushed me pretty good in mile 4 and 5.  He definitely had it in him to leave me in the dust after mile . . . oh, .05 or so.  But he graciously held back and stuck by my side for the encouragement and pacing.  And it worked!

I would have most likely posted a finishing time 90 seconds to 2 minutes slower than I did without my PPP pulling me along.  Good testimony to the power of encouragement and personal motivation through pursuing goals together with a friend.

So we made it in 47:59 (ok well perhaps the race clock showed 48 flat but I was going by Mr. Wood’s watch which, since I paid him the big bucks, I am certain he synchronized perfectly with the race clock).  This wasn’t a PR for me but came in the neighborhood of it – 40 seconds or so slower.  However, 48 was the goal and we nailed it.  So, all in all, not bad.

I enjoy running and the 10k distance (6.2 miles) is probably my favorite.  Now I’ll probably have to re-negotiate my contract with Mr. PPP to get him to pull me along again.  Next time a bagel too, Mr. Wood?