Cruise in Shoes 5k: Race Recap
The annual Woodward Dream Cruise, claims to be the largest automotive event in the country. Upwards of a million people line Woodward Avenue for more than ten miles to watch classic cars from the 1950’s, ’60’s, 70’s with unique specialty vehicles from all eras thrown in. But before the cars begin cruising up and down Woodward, about 700 runners take to the streets in the Cruise in Shoes 5k. This has become a nice event that attracts some serious runners, some beginners and some families.
The course starts by heading north on Woodward a few blocks, then loops south for about 1/4 mile, then back north a 1/4 mile then turns into the neighborhood and twists and turns through mostly tree-lined shaded streets of Royal Oak. It finishes with a lap around the grass sports field of Shrine High School.
At the start this year I had mixed emotions. I was feeling fairly confident because I’d run so well in the Volksluafe July 4th and the SterlingFast 5k a few weeks before the Cruise. But physically I didn’t feel quite ready that morning. Nothing special, just a little sluggish. I decided to push the start and see how it goes. I hit the first mile is 7:25 which felt a little fast but okay. I thought I was keeping pace but clocked a 7:49 for the second mile which has a few hills. Mile three was 7:40 and when I hit the grass field to make the final loop to the finish line I gave it all I had to sprint in at 23:25, a 7:33 pace. I was happy but didn’t think I’d place in my age group with that time. When the results were posted a short time later I was pleased to see I was third out of 31 guys in my group. Not bad.
Three races this summer and three top three finishes. One beer stein, one beer mug and one medal. That’s a good summer of racing.