Race eve for fall classic

Tomorrow I run my first race since Gulf Coast Triathlon, May 2005. It is the Crescent City Fall Classic (a 5k qualifier). It is a qualifier for the Crescent City Classic which is a 10,000-meter road race.

Although I won't be racing really, I will at least participate and discover my current fitnes level and build upon it. I included a image of the coveted poster CCC 10K which is earned for a top 500 finish (which I have earned three already). It is not really difficult, but I am not an natural athelete so I must actually train to attain one. You can generally earn one with a 10K time of 42 - 43 minutes. Which btw is about the fastest time I can ever hope to run. So tommorrow will kind of mark the beginning of my training for the Classic.

A little history on the Crescent City Classic: Five world and four American records have been run at The Classic. The flat terrain in New Orleans helps make this course one of the fastest 10,000-meter road race courses in the world! Of the ten fastest times ever run on the roads by men, six were at the Classic. Of the ten fastest times ever run on the roads by women, four were at the Classic. The Classic has seen more Olympians and faster times than any other 10,000-meter road race in the world.

The Crescent City Classic is a CLASSIC in every sense of the word. The site of The Classic is one of the most historic and unique cities in the United States: New Orleans. Beginning at Jackson Square in the historic French Quarter, the race proceeds through the financial district, follows along Esplanade Avenue past 200-year-old homes and ends in City Park under a canopy of ancient oaks.

I must have been in much worse shape than I originally thought. My fitness level is still increasing. Today I ran faster than I have in a long time while not even giving much effort. It is really cool to see your body respond to a physical challenge in a positive way. Weather was crisp and cool. Maybe it is the weather.

Log: Today watched a wonderful sunrise while running my 7 mile levee course.