This morning I ran the Neptune Festival 8K. When I signed up I thought at least half of this race would be on the nice smooth concrete of the oceanfront boardwalk where I usually run. I found out yesterday that the entire race would be on Atlantic Ave. parallel to the boardwalk (which makes sence given all the vendor booths set up on the boardwalk for the festival). Atlantic Ave is asphault in good condition but enough rougher than what I was used to that I decided to carry my VFFs with me. I really need to vary my running surfaces and toughen up.
It was colder than usual (62 degrees) so I wore my VFFs before the start to keep my feet warm. When the start is sounded I took them off and started running. I could definitely tell the surface was rougher than what I was used to. I sought out and stayed on the white painted lane line as much as possible. Later in the race I could definitely tell I was slower and more carefull anywhere the lane lines were absent, like intersections. Overall though I was feeling good and picked up the pace slightly around mile 4. Then I surprised myself by sprinting the final 2 blocks. I never had to put on the VFFs and I see no indication of blisters. The skin is a little tender though. Pizza and Mountain Dew at the race party made it all the better. I feel good and had a great time!
It was colder than usual (62 degrees) so I wore my VFFs before the start to keep my feet warm. When the start is sounded I took them off and started running. I could definitely tell the surface was rougher than what I was used to. I sought out and stayed on the white painted lane line as much as possible. Later in the race I could definitely tell I was slower and more carefull anywhere the lane lines were absent, like intersections. Overall though I was feeling good and picked up the pace slightly around mile 4. Then I surprised myself by sprinting the final 2 blocks. I never had to put on the VFFs and I see no indication of blisters. The skin is a little tender though. Pizza and Mountain Dew at the race party made it all the better. I feel good and had a great time!
