David J. Carlson

Race Notes: Too cold to run the full 13.2...I think the wind chill was at least -40F. Frozen eye lashes. Dropped my commemorative coffee mug...gracious volunteer gave me new one. Pancakes, bacon and coffee post-race. MMMMMMMM!

Race Notes: Cold sleety morning. I live(d) 6 blocks from the start line just north of Minnehaha Falls Park. Allowed plenty of time to eat, dress and walk down the park. As I walked up Godfrey Parkway into the race chute to line up, I realized crossing the timing mat that I was missing my TIMING CHIP! With less than 10 minutes to race start, I turned around and sprinted back to my house. Slammed the door open, retrieved my chip and flew out the door again. I am in an all out sprint now headed back to the park and as a I approach the gated race chute with thousands of runners lined up already...the Star Spangled Banner begins to play....(this is a scene from a movie...or should be)...I reached the fence line, dropped to my ass to lace up my timing chip, hopped the barrier and landed in the race pack just as the "lannnnnnd of the freeeeeeee" crescendo to finish the anthem. WHEW! I literally had 15 seconds to spare before gun start and off we went. I spent the first mile trying to get my breathing under control At least I was warmed up. Saw an eagle along the river road course. Had actual snow spitting from the sky at one pint (this is a late April race) and finished under an hour. One of my more memorable 10K's to say the least. WOW!