Friday afternoon I headed to Naragansett, RI for the Naragansett Lions Blessing of the Fleet 10 mile Road Race. I arrived at the high school around3:00 to register and pick up my number. I also found Jeff and Terry and headed back to Terry's parents house to change and drop off our stuff. We headed down to the race about 5:15 to ensure parking and on the way got caught in a bit of traffic from the walkers that started early. We got a preview of some of the course which appeared to be flat. We found a parking spot with little trouble and began the pre-race routine. Stretch, look around, pin on number, find portopotty. About 15 minutes before the race we headed to the startline and settled into the middle of the pack. Nervous chatter and talk of our pace and finishing time, we decided Terry and I would run together and Jeff would follow. It was a crowded race and I never even heard the "gun" go off but suddenly the crowd was shuffling along and we were off.
The first mile was slow while we were shuffling with the pack heading down toward the beach. We passed the 1 mile timer about 11 minutes. We gained time in the second mile and were able to find more room to spread out and take in the sights including Tommy Brady's summer "cottage" on the water. At mile 3 we say our fans. The next 3 miles were slow and steady running along the water and then up to and along the major road. At mile 6 we were running in shady roads in residential neighborhoods and the spectators were thinning out. Terry decided at mile 8 that I should go ahead if I felt that I had some more umph. I took off and pushed for the last 2 miles and finished 10 miles in 1hr 36min 44sec official time, a 9:40 pace. Terry came in right behind me and Jeff not too much further behind.
After finding the water and after race snacks, we found Terry's brother with our dry clothes, changed and enjoyed a nice cold beer.
Fun race, pretty flat course and a very fun after race party. Good times!