Just for the Record

Saturday’s Bix 7 was one for the record books. I’m not talking about time or number of runners. Bix 39 was the coldest Bix yet, The temperature at start time was 57 degrees, trouncing the record 61 set in 2004. Let me tell you, it was chilly.

Amanda and I at the start.

OK, look, I’ve run in near-zero temps. I did a 5K on New Year’s Day with snow and ice on the course and the thermometer hugging 20. I’m no pussy. But this weather in July is downright odd and it’s a middle-temp that’s hard to dress for. Here’s why: While shorts and a T-shirt will be comfy once you get your blood up, you’re literally chillin’ before the race begins. And afterwards, when you’ve worked up a sweat and are suddenly stationary, swilling water, soda, coconut water (kinda ick) and scarfin’ down fruit and snacks, the wind off the river sucks the sweat away and cools like a natural air conditioner.

I had it easy in a T-shirt and shorts. Amanda, D2 as you may know her, was in shorts and a sports bra. I saw girls in micro shorts and skimpy sports bras and shirtless guys parading around like it was a normal Bix year with temps in the upper 80s to low 90s. Brrrrrrrrr!

Ponytail at Mile 5

Well, we survived the chill and had a great time, if not scoring great times. Plenty of friends figured I’d be on track for a PR (that’s personal record for those of you not familiar with running shorthand) thanks to the ideal conditions. Alas, Mother Nature is only part of the equation. I clocked my slowest time in three goes. I’m not really bothered by that, though I am thinking of putting some serious effort into Bix 40 next year. Amanda, too, was 5 minutes off her time last year. Maybe cold air slows you down?

If that’s the case, I have a feeling I’ll be faster next year. Surely we can’t have two in a row with fall temps in July? Cross your fingers that my knees still work by then.

Today's Stats

Temp: 57 degrees F

Distance: 7 miles

Weekly Total: 7 miles

Treasure: Passed three dropped headbands - hard to stop and not cause a pile-up.

Race Stats

Time: 1:15:47

Split: 38:19

Top of Brady Street on the way down.

Split Pace: 10:57

Pace: 10:50

Overall: 6,902 of 10,677

Male: 4,166 of 5,405

M45-49: 322 of 436

iPod Playlist (Shuffle):

Somebody’s Coming – Todd Snider

The Difficult Kind – Sheryl Crow

Missing You – John Waite

Max’s Theorem – James McMurtry

Live Like You Were Dying – Kris Allen

Cold Roses – Ryan Adams

Red Dress – James McMurtry

Safe –

Baby Is A Sociopath – Jonny Burke

New Moon On Monday – Duran Duran

Brain Damage – Pink Floyd

Afternoon Delight – Starland Vocal Band

Saint Mary Of The Woods – James McMurtry

Wish You Were Here – Avril Lavigne

Indian Reservation – Paul Revere & The Raiders

I Was In The House When The House Burned Down – Warren Zevon

I Just Want To See His Face – The Rolling Stones

Never Gonna Give You Up – Rick Astley

Reality – Newsboys

Have A Cigar – Pink Floyd

My Hometown – Bruce Springsteen

Remembered to pick up my 2-year pin; forgot last year.