Franklin Savings Bank 150th anniversary 5k race

I wasn't sure where I was going to race this weekend but eventually settle on the FSB 5k in Franklin NH.  I don't usually do first year races as they can be really hit-or-miss in how they are organized.  I saw that Millennium was timing the race so I figured they probably had their act together.  I got to registration at 8am and they were up and running.  I headed out for a course-preview/warm-up which is always a good idea if you can do it.  The first mile was mostly down or flat, dropping 50'.  The second mile was 1/2 mile of rolling dirt road then onto route 11 and 1/4 mile that climbed another 50'.  The last mile had a little downhill and a few turns but would be fast.  I was glad to have an idea of what was ahead.  It was very humid and in the upper 70s during the warmup and getting more humid.

There were about 100 people milling about before the start but only a couple of guys out doing any kind of warmup.  That gave me an indication that I might have a shot at a win.  You never know, but it was looking promising.  I got in another mile in flats before heading to the line.  I was a bit surprised by the woman pushing a fully loaded baby jogger (and wearing headphones) taking up 1/2 of the starting line.  What can you do? 

I kept my eye on the race director (she had the starting gun) as the final announcements were made.  I heard her ask the timers if they were ready, they said "yes" and she fired the gun.  I was ready but I think most were left standing.  I headed out in the lead and could hear some footfalls right behind me.  After 1/2 mile they faded and by a mile I was alone.  The mile was fast at 5:35 but the drop certainly helped.  I settled in but tried to keep pushing.  Splits of 6:00 and 6:00 were not quite what I hoped for but the effort was there.

I crossed the line in first place picking up my first win of the year (and 41st consecutive year).  Second place came in 1:21 later.  I finished off the morning with an excellent warm-down 5 miles on the Northern Rail Trail, it was only a little buggy.

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