My May ended up being full of races with one planned and two others unexpected. I knew I was going to run Blossom Time and paid for entry a month prior, but Cleveland Half Marathon was a late week before race day notice and this past Saturday, May 31, I won entry into the Copper River Salmon Run 5k. After a great Cleveland half run I knew was getting back into a groove. I was excited for Blossom. It has been three years since I ran it last. The hills of Chagrin Falls are quite challenging actually. I totally forgot about that. Overall I was very happy with the performance. Early on I was running a lot sidewalk along Main Street through Chagrin Falls to get past slower runners up front. Why do people that know they will be slower position themselves towards the front? I really was surprised but the results. About 3 minutes faster than 2011. There was a minor issue with my chip not being picked up , but it was really only a 9 second difference anyway. Great weather even though it was on the warmer side. Great improvement in the overall placement if I say so myself!
The Copper River Salmon Run 5k was an absolute blast for me. I really don’t get into 5k races typically (nor salmon), but I came away very happy after this one. It wasn’t a very well attended race with only about 180 runners. It was an absolutely beautiful day on the shores of Lake Erie. Nice breeze blowing off the lake and plenty of sunshine. Not too hot which I was happy for even with a late 10am start time. The shirt given is a hoot (see below). The race started and ended at the darling Lakewood Park on the cliff overlooking Lake Erie and wound through the close shore neighborhoods of Lakewood. It was a pretty flat course with minimal gradual inclines. I gave a performance of the year, so far, 11th overall and 2nd in my age group. Total time was 21:28.8 with a 6:55/mile pace. I really don’t know where this performance came from, but I sure as heck am proud of it. After the race a special lunch was provided that focused on the Copper River salmon and had the option of a burger. I opted for the salmon and absolutely loved it. That salmon could make me eat it more often. Pier W restaurant is an absolute gem in Cleveland. A must go to for seafood lovers or for those wanting one of the most incredible dining experiences anywhere with a view of downtown Cleveland. It hangs out from the side of a cliff over Lake Erie. It is simply amazing. I hope to run it again next year for sure.
UPDATE: Here’s the Male 40-44 Age Group top 3 finishers photo.
