Racing on the Speedway - 5K Race Interview

Race Car Digest 

August 5, 2009

PD is showing me he thinks I rocked it!

Patrick Dempsey:  The word on the street is that you loved this race, AJH.  As the man behind the scene helping out the race director I would like to interview you.  Your answers may help enrich everyone's race experience next year.

AJH: I'd be pleased to be interviewed. 

Before the race

Patrick Dempsey:  Are you a big fan of Nascar?  Is that what appealed to you?

AJH: No, in fact I'd be surprised if I could name two race car drivers.  I have never watched a race in my life. BUT I do like unusual places to race and this certainly fit that bill.  PLUS I am a  third grade teacher and this is something that will impress my students when I start school in a few weeks.

Also before the race

Patrick Dempsey:  Is this the usual type of race course you would choose to run on?

AJH: No, I always go for the scenic courses. I like to race near water particularly the ocean. I like to race on bike paths that are surrounded by trees.  No one would call this course scenic. BUT it was fun seeing the other racers for most of the race.  Spectators could see you several times.

      

 I'm in pink.  This is around half way.

Patrick Dempsey:  What was the weather like for a running race?

AJH: It was hot and humid.  I also am a morning runner so running at 6:30 P.M. was not ideal for me. BUT everyone else was in the same boat.  They had hoses spraying water at several points on the course.  The general atmosphere was very friendly and happy.  It was definitely a race for families.  All the kids had big swag bags and huge smiles on their faces as they heard all the cheering as they ran their 1 mile run!  

Patrick Dempsey:  What was unusual about this race?

AJH: Of course the race course was.  We ran the around the loop and then up onto the motorcycle course.  It was a double loop course so we did the whole thing twice.  There were two hills but nothing too terrible.  The road itself was actually quite flat. Perhaps we missed the banked turns when we went onto the motorcycle course which made up a fair amount of our race. I loved driving through the tunnel to get into the race. There was a police helicopter circling overhead and it had the siren going like it was stopping us - for our excess speed I am sure. I thought that was cool so I would guess the kids loved it. Several kids ran the whole 5K.  

 The tunnel.  These are both leaving. I was waaaay

too excited to take one when entering.

Patrick Dempsey:  What were your stats for the race?

AJH: Well, I was 4th out of 14 in my age group. I would have liked to have been third because there were some awesome medals.  I was 152/323 overall which puts me in the top 50% something I am always happy with.  I did not get a PR for the year BUT I  had a great time in general.  My time was 28:46.  My first mile was 8:41; second mile 9:13, third mile 9:15 last .2 (according to Garmin) 8:23.  Garmin gave me an overall pace of 9:01. 

 Hot and thirsty!

Patrick Dempsey:  Would you come back to this race next year?

AJH: No, I would if I was closer but I don't see myself driving the distance again. I would rather try a different new race.  BUT I absolutely would if I was going to get a ride in a race car - or any car in fact - with you.

Patrick Dempsey:  Well, AJH it's been nice talking to you.  Thank you for your time.  Perhaps we will be seeing you here again next year. I'll be in touch.