Beer and the Mayor

Friday night we decided to do the Newark 250th anniversary 5k run. I didn't much feel up to it, but had wanted to do a 5k for some time since I have been running the track practices regularly. After a long day at work and my morning workout I was spent. On my ride home from work I made the decision, if Shawn was in his running clothes when we got home we would do it, if he was not we would go out drinking instead. I mentioned this to Shawn when I arrived home and saw him in his running clothes - he said we could do both, and of course we could. By the time we got back into downtown Newark we were not sure we would make the sign-up in time since the race started at 6:15, but we did (guess there was no way of getting out of this one.)

No time for warm-up, we just got on the line and began to run. I felt bad, tight and tired. Fortunately, the entire first mile was flat or downhill. It was a nice evening, and even humid. As I ran on the fairly flat course I crossed the finish line on the way out, this was an out and back course, but the back was much shorter. So I knew the finish line was on a hill, but knew also we would not have to do the larger part of the hill because the finish line was short of the top. I held back as much as I could, and finally felt warmed up 20 minutes in. The race shortly ended in 24:20, which was my best for a 5k. This was the first time I was under an 8 minute mile pace. I am glad I did that, and know with some warm-up and rest it would be much faster. This is a great sign for the upcoming tri season. Shawn finished shortly after me, and missed my near-puking session - but what is a 5k without some mouth sweats!

So no, we are not pro-runners, but yes we tend to be pro-drinkers. Ran into someone I work with on my walk back up to Main street and he gave us his free beer drink tickets. Now we had two in hand. We went to the DeerPark for the after party. An older man at the bar told me if I was looking for a good beer to try the Newark 250th Ale. So I say Ok is it good? As I ask this he hands over his glass and wants me to take a swig of his...I decline and tell him I will take his word for it. The beer was tasty and just right after the run. The next day we look at the images online and find out the man was the mayor of Newark, still don't think I want to share beers with him, even if he is the mayor. Got home, showered up, and went out to continue our drinking. Great evening!