I'll never forget my first - Hugs for Brady 5K

When I see a new race on the calendar, I am excited because it might give me an opportunity to run in a unfamiliar town. Not this one, it was in my hometown and run on the same course as my race Run with the Vikings 5K, which I designed. It was a twilight race which is a welcome change from the early morning runs. This also gave me an opportunity to race direct the CASA 5K in Lawrenceville in the morning which turned out well.

After finishing up with the CASA 5K, I headed over to Sondek Park to coach my son's baseball game which we won 9-0. I then went home to cut the grass, relax and get ready to run the inaugural Hugs for Brady 5K.

David Brockman, a friend I met through Erin Varga was the race director who worked hard to promote this race. Unfortunately this race was organized to honor the memory of young Brady Wells who passed away at the age of 18 months from cancer. This race was a celebration of young Brady's life. His family and David did a wonderful job in putting together a top event which I hope will stay on the race calendar.

They had a very nice turnout with many of the local people coming out to show there support to the Wells family. Chris Kelly and his lovely wife Debbie were there with only Deb running. Chris had a half ironman the following day so he was resting for that event which turned out to be fortuitous for me.

Erin Varga was there as well along with her good friend Susan. I also ran into Marc Rubenstein who is a big sponsor for the RWTV5K and his the owner of Jersey Physical Therapy in Kendall Park.

My assistant coach Mike was there with his son Justin who was running. Justin runs track for South Brunswick middle school and his dad told me he could run a 20 minute 5K. I had just run a 20:48 the week before so that was the time I was shooting for on this night. I also had a 5K in Highland Park just 14 hours after this race but I wasn't going to hold back because of that.

I was happy to see a lot of familiar faces and when I got to the starting line I edged near the front maybe a row back so I would ease into the run. I never start in the front of the pack because I am not the guy going to win and I don't want to go out like a rabbit.

The gun went off and I was in the top 15 or so runners when we crossed Stouts Lane onto first avenue. I ran along side David Brockman who told me this could be my race to win. I told him no way, but I would be happy with a top 5 place which is where I usually place in some of these new races. There is always a track kid that can run a sub 20 along with a veteran runner who is fast and one or two others.

After passing Dave I was near the front with two young kids, including Justin, my assistant coach's son. The kid who can run a 20 minute 5K. We were running shoulder to shoulder after the first mile and I told him this was his race to win and to pace himself. Last Thanksgiving, I ran a really small race in town where I came in third behind two middle schoolers where I was leading after 1.5 miles but could keep their pace. I figured I would be in for the same with these two boys. I also thought if we ran neck and neck to the finish I would let him out sprint me because it didn't seem right to beat him like that. Of course that only worked if I could out sprint him because he may fly past me.

I knew the course very well since I design it and new the turns well. I ran the tangents to save energy and Justin did not, He is only 12 so I didn't expect him to do so although I encouraged him to follow me. I was pretty heavy and just hoping to keep the pace. My mile split was 6: 23 which is much faster then I have been running so I wasn't sure if I could keep that pace. Justin seemed fine so I was just hoping to keep pace as long as I could. At about 1.5 miles we were still side by side, but when I reached for water at the first aid station I was a few steps ahead of Justin. I ran and gulped while I think Justin stopped to consume. I didn't hear his footsteps close to me after the water so i kept pushing the pace figuring he would catch up with me.

Being experienced running races gave me the edge because I think Justin never was able to get back to my pace. I was now in front after 1.75 miles and this was my race to win. I was worried that there would be a fast kid catching me so I kept pushing the pace. With all the turns on this course I was able to take a peek back to see how large my lead was. At this point I was running scared because I wanted to win my first race outright and didn't want to be caught from behind unless it was Justin.

I slowed a bit after mile 2 but my plan was to pick it up when we got to the final straight away. I kept asking spectators how far back the trail runners was behind me, but they never answered. Once I got to First Avenue, I ran hard to the finish line crossing first for the first time ever. I have come in 2nd a few times and had a lead in a few really small races but never for too long. I finished with a time of 20:37 which is my fastest 5K this year so that was gratifying as well. It was a pedestrian winning time but sometimes the stars have to be aligned to actually win a race unless you are really fast.

I was ecstatic that my first win was in my hometown, where my kids went to High School and on the course I designed. Dave was just as happy for me and a few friends got to see my win as well but if Chris Kelly decided to jump in the race even with his flip flops, he would have won going away.

I hope the family of Brady Wells continues with this event because it attracted 200 runners/walkers in the first year and will do much better in future years. I would certainly help out if they needed.