…in downtown Milwaukee as a few thousand other people and I kick-off the 4 day festival with a 5K run through three adjoining neighborhoods near the city's beautiful lake front. It’s historically a night-time run, beginning at 9:00 p.m. In previous years, it didn’t begin until midnight. The earlier start time has yielded much greater participation (that is, more people are still sober at 9). After a few thunderstorms blew through between 7 and 8 o’clock, the weather cooled and cleared up nicely just in time for runners to mingle prior to start time, and for me to meet my co-workers Tressa, Jason, and Robert, who agreed to join me on the run.
For all of us, this was our first 5K group run. We were all a little anxious, mainly due to the unknowns associated with never having done such a thing. We knew we’d be starting together, but had no certainty as to how far apart we’d stray throughout the run. I wasn’t even certain I’d be able to finish. As it turned out, we clocked within 8 minutes of each other. Robert finished first, completing in about 27 minutes (he didn’t track his time). Tressa and Jason kept pace with each other and finished together in just under 30 minutes. I came in last, completing in just over 36 minutes (I do have a few years on them). Nevertheless, we were all extremely exhilarated at the finish line and felt a strong sense of accomplishment and pride. My goal for next year is to run an average of 10 minutes per mile instead of 12.
For all of us, this was our first 5K group run. We were all a little anxious, mainly due to the unknowns associated with never having done such a thing. We knew we’d be starting together, but had no certainty as to how far apart we’d stray throughout the run. I wasn’t even certain I’d be able to finish. As it turned out, we clocked within 8 minutes of each other. Robert finished first, completing in about 27 minutes (he didn’t track his time). Tressa and Jason kept pace with each other and finished together in just under 30 minutes. I came in last, completing in just over 36 minutes (I do have a few years on them). Nevertheless, we were all extremely exhilarated at the finish line and felt a strong sense of accomplishment and pride. My goal for next year is to run an average of 10 minutes per mile instead of 12.
A little more background on the festival, Bastille Days has been celebrated here with this charming festival for 33 years and is known for its impromptu street performers, roaming minstrels, a variety of musical entertainment, fabulous French-influenced food and wine, and the signature 43-foot Eiffel Tower replica. It draws a wonderfully diverse crowd of all ages and is my favorite of over 30 festivals that take place each summer in Milwaukee. We had beautiful, sunny, warm weather again this year, so I spent most of my waking hours on the festival grounds for the 2nd year in a row. If you think you might be able to visit me next summer, I recommend the second week in July for a grand old time.
3 comments:
Looks like fun! But I gotta know: how big is that Eiffel Tower behind y'all?
Well--I read on another blog that it is 43 feet tall. The foot print is about the size of a large master bedroom and the arches are over one story tall, so it allows for large congregations of crowds underneath. Pretty cool huh?
Is it possible to put a link the Bastille Days web site in your blog?
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