So I read a tweet about a 5k Race to benefit melanoma research at Universal Studios. Awesome, I thought, but I wasn't sure I could make it with work, life and family stuff going on. A few more tweets and I kept checking when the latest time to register was. A terrible habit for a Team #Run3rd Captain to get into, an absolute failure to plan. But hey, #Run3rd peeps are a fun loving spontaneous lot! Sure enough, on Friday (I think) [It was Saturday. Ed.] I headed over to the Hilton at Universal to find a modest little coat closet—ok not quite—but a little room with a bunch of volunteers processing last minute registrations. There were shirts and bibs and information about the Melanoma Research Foundation, and off I went (a few pics, instagrams & tweets later…)
Sunday came and what a great day, er, morning. It was really chilly walking down from the Curious George Parking Structure to the famed massive Green Screen and Water Tank area. Channel 4 News trucks and a host of tents were present. It looked like there were about a thousand people, clearly a great turnout for a 1st event. Next thing you know, bang! We are dropped out of an airplane (steep downhill) and through the legendary back lot of Universal Studios. With a couple of twists and turns you got a glimpse of the families participating together, some walking, all having a blast.
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| Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Jason Biggs and Sean Astin |
The last 1/2 mile was straight up Kilimanjaro (steep hill). My goal for the race was to beat my Chicago Race to Wrigley 5K time from a few weeks ago (25:11). As I came around the last turn I glanced at my watch and realized I could still do it, but just like at the Los Alamitos Race on the Base 10K on my birthday, my heart gave out for 5 seconds. By the time I "got it back" I ended up with with a 25:02 time. Yay I beat Chicago! Boo I missed breaking into 24 territory by 3 seconds!
