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2009 HMSA Classical 25K provided better than expected weather
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As the race started and dawn gave way to day, the race weather gave every sign of a brutal outlook. The humidity for the Houston Marathon Warm Up Series race was high and the temperature unseasonably warm, hovering just shy of 70 degrees. But in the end, the weather cooperated. The morning remained overcast and the breeze even picked up a bit.
The course itself was tough, both physically and mentally. It consisted of three loops of knee-jarring concrete. It's wasn't that mentally difficult to pass the finish line and begin another loop the first time but the second time around was a different story for many. The gently-rising hills were few, but to those Houston runners who are not naturally immune to inclined surfaces (and they are few), or do not actively seek out hill-training workout opportunities, they were a force to be reckoned with.
This was the second event of the Houston Marathon Warm Up series. It is also the 24th year of this historical lead-up to the marathon. The series is meant to keep pace with escalating distance runs for the runners training for the Houston Marathon, coming up in January 2010.
This is also the race distance where many neophyte marathon trainees will discover the glories of Body
Glide and Vaseline to prevent chafing in sensitive areas, and for men, the dreaded “bleeding nipple” syndrome (BNS). I saw a great number of singlets crossing the finish line with twin red, vertical lines pointing upwards, as if gesturing to the occupant's brain saying, “Bet ya didn't think to prevent this, did ya? But you will next time!” Imagine the symphony of screams rising from showers all over the Houston area this afternoon...
But let there be no doubt, the Houston Masters were masterful at hosting this race. Kudos to one and all. Also, thanks to HARRA for being the umbrella for all of Houston's many running clubs to stand under. As the announcer said during the awards ceremonies, “There are all the running club's tents here in the area. Each one would like you to visit and join one.” Therein lies the strength of the Houston running community.
A link to the results will be posted here as soon as available and more race photos will be posted tomorrow. In the meantime, check out race photos for the Luke's Half Marathon, the Space Center 10 Miler, and others.
The next event in the series will be the Sugar Land 30K on December 13, 2009. Don't forget the Body Glide.
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