Iowa Tough.... Red Flannel Run Recap

I have gotten so I really like dressing for a themed-race....case in point, the Red Flannel Run.

The Red Flannel Run is in its 27th year, and this was my fifth time layering on the red flannel and facing the February weather in Iowa.  This year, there were over 1,000 registered runners (and walkers), raising upwards of $30,000 for the Wellmark YMCA of Des Moines.

Barb, Dave, Eric, and myself before the race

The weather is almost always a factor. This is, after all, February and Iowa is not exactly known for tropical temps this time of year. It was a balmy 3-degrees at the start line. All the weather reports predicted wind, but, thankfully the wind was pretty much non-existent and there was intermittent sunshine.

Don't let that beautiful sunrise fool  you.....it was a cold day in Iowa!

The course is run in downtown Des Moines, but the majority of the race is on an open road (with two out-and-back segments), and the majority of the final mile is along the Des Moines River (including a turn-around on a bridge). Given the layout of the course, and projected sub-ZERO windchill conditions, I elected to wear a full puffer jacket (instead of my usual vest-themed ensemble). I had on two thermal-lined tops underneath, plus a third shirt. My legs were covered in two layers of thermal tights. I also wore a headband under my fur-enhanced hat. Spoiler Alert: all of this had me dressed much too warm for my five mile race. You read that correctly - I was over-dressed.

Almost ready to roll...just missing the puffer jacket and gloves

Already, by the second mile, I could tell I should have either gone with one (or two) less layer(s) or opted for a vest instead of the jacket. And (maybe) thinner gloves....

Despite kind of a crowded, bottle-necked start, Barb and I hung together for the first two miles or so, then she merged slightly ahead (half a block or so) before we reached the third mile.  I could feel the perspiration on my back, and I already had to slide my gloves about halfway off to give my fingers some breathing room.

It was somewhere near the start of the final mile when I had to walk briefly. Looking back, I probably shoulda/coulda gritted it out, but I was flat-out exhausted. And, as mentioned, I was over-dressed, which really had me feeling quite miserable. I wanted to take off my gloves, but with the near-ZERO temps, my sweaty skin would have probably frozen. Instead, I decided to walk and try to catch my breath. My sunglasses were also steamed up and difficult to see through.

After that, I was able to run most of the final mile. I even had enough "left in the tank" to finish the final stretch to the finish line with some long and fast (for me) strides. My watch said 45:59, but my official time posted was 45:50.

Barb finished in 43:04 (capturing the first place spot in her age group), and she later told me that we ran that first mile with an 8:24 pace! No wonder I felt like I was hit by a truck a couple miles later. I'm not sure how long I actually walked during my little "re-grouping" pitty party. I doubt I would have been able to finish as fast as Barb, but I wouldn't have been too far behind her. I'm guessing I lost (gained?) at least a couple minutes by walking....so my overall pace was pretty fast (for me) considering the weather and my state of discomfort. I placed 6th (out of 11) in my age group; had I not walked and kept going I might have been in contention for placing in the top three (the third place gal finished in 44:25). Key word: might. I'll never know for certain, and I'm not going to lose any sleep over it.The odds are pretty good that there could have been several more runners there had the weather been a little warmer, too.  My finish time was a pleasant surprise none-the-less....I was expecting it to be a couple minutes slower because it felt like it took so much effort.

Finish line selfie

And a finish line group shot.

Overall, this is a great event. The registration is $30 (with the option of a 5K or 5-mile distance), and includes a nice long-sleeved tech shirt. Most of the participants are dressed in red flannel in some capacity. There's also a great meal at the finish line...this year we were served pork burgers along with the usual water, chocolate milk, bagels, yogurt, fruit and granola bars. The course has changed  a few times in the five times I've run it, which always makes it interesting (and no pressure for a PR).

This year's shirt is lime green....my current favorite color

Have you ever ran a race and felt like you were going dreadfully slow...only to be surprised by much faster finish time than expected? What's the coldest race day temps you have enjoyed? Do you like an event to have the exact same course year after year, or do you like it when the course changes?

I'm linking up with the awesome ladies, Holly from HoHo Runs and Tricia from  MissSippiPiddlin  for the Weekly Wrap. Do head over and check out all the great reads!