Race Report, Rhody 5K, USATF-NE Championship 2009

Part of me wanted to treat Rhody 5K like a “check mark” in the USATF-NE Grand Prix series… just 4 days after unfathomable 5K PR at Hollis… I didn’t feel it would be right to ask too much of the Goon Gods.

Goons - HCM, Doc D, MG, Judge, Enforcer & special guest, Codfather (see photo) piled into the Goonmobile limo and headed to Rhode Island… I knew the Goon boys were going with serious race goals, including Spanky & Brewski who met us there. Brewski sported his Big Bold G and he and OCG are true, loyal Goons already… perfect.

Enforcer, OCG & I intended to warm up along the course while cheering for the men… but Goats are easily confused by left & right, so took the long way around the casino to the start.

Out of nowhere, striding in front of us was the stunning Smokin’ Ivy… her presence meant a complete women’s masters team… no way would I let down my Goons with a “check mark” race… Goon Gods have at me, I would be putting it on the line.

Getting serious, we stripped down to bras. Codfather came to the corral to check out tiny heinies… oh, I mean offer us water. I was uncomfortable by the first half mile and would mentally push through each mile separately… hitting the split button, but not looking at miles 2 & 3. The Goon boys were out on the course several places yelling to push us along. Onto the track and saw clock, I was well within what I had hoped to do. It was my first, ever “non-Hollis” 5K to take it into “6’s”… whatever Professor is doing, absolutely paying off.

Each of the Goon girls reported pleasure with their races… we jogged to find the Goon dudes for a cooldown to hear how their races went. Doctor Death ran the exact same time I had run four days prior!!

Their post-race food is highly regarded, but I wasn’t too hungry…. I tasted the chicken which was phenomenal… svelte Enforcer knows what to eat.

As 6th visit to Rhody, thought back to Rhody ’08 and the hugely positive changes in the past year … for our coach, trackmates & teammates… OCG has it right, it feels so good to be GOON.

MG race info
** 21:16 (6:51 pace)
** Goon Masters Women, 4th, USATF-NE 5K Championship

Special thanks to Official Goon Photographer, Scott Mason, for photos http://www.scottmasonphoto.com/