Just a few weeks ago, we strode through mid-November in the 70's ... but Mother Nature knew it was time for the Winter Grand Prix and obliged by greeting morning risers with a dusting of snow and slush. No one really wanted to venture outside of Harry's and most of the assembled crowd remained inside until president John Worgan pushed them all out the door. With wet and numb feet right from the start (mental note: don't wear the Gel Magic on a rainy day), some chose to attempt the course with cleats or cross-country shoes but climbing temperatures had cleared much of the slippery stuff from the main roads making studs more a hinder than a help. Under cover of lightly falling snow, John Worgan gave last minute instructions and then kicked off the 2005-2006 edition of the series. Serving as a challenge match between the Falmouth Track Club and the CCAC in the past, winners presented with the esteemed Joe Barr Memorial Cup and bragging rights for the year, this year's event saw all save one as representatives of the CCAC. Off the line, it was the usual list of suspects: Navas, Newton, Baker, Baker, Herlihy, Karukas and Sellars; Zunti, Germani and Naples. Without the challenge of Cathy Klim, Karen Zunti, 1st overall for the women in 36:18, was content to spend much of the race in her aerobic zone as she also fought the effects of an early winter cold. Patty Germani (2nd, 36:25) tailed close behind at a threshold pace after an early morning 12 miler with the Baker brothers. Rounding out the top-3 for the women was new club member Ro Nelson at 38 even. On the men's side, Joe Navas slowly drew away from the chasers and posted a 27:04 under notably adverse conditions. He was followed to the line by Geof Newton in 2nd (28:27) and Dan Baker (30:13) in 3rd. Dan, just off a 30 second 5K PR at Andrea Holden, has shifted back to base training in the early morning hours before the Grand Prix races or we're sure he would have been sub-29 on this day. Other notable performances include Bill Riley's 33:42 after knee surgery which age grades to a 25:11. Will nothing slow this guy down? In the weight divisions, filly Kate Naples crushed all competitors as she led the first clyde by over a minute. While we're pretty certain that the course is an honest 5, it sure seemed long to everyone this year, especially those last three miles through Hyannisport and back into the north wind as the light snow passed through slush on its way to a chilling rain. But it was worth the trip as a warm Harry's served up the best chowder in the West End and a collection of steamed mussels that only make an appearance this time of year.
With only one race under our belts, we won't even try to take a stab at the leader board yet ... but Navas and Zunti look like early favorites for overall points winners. Karen has foregone her annual winter cross training trip out west this year and may be making a concerted attack on the Grand Prix. Navas, fresh off a successful New York Marathon, is raring to build some speed on top of all that aerobic base.
The Grand Prix series continues every weekend (except 25 December and 1 January) until the end of January at various locations across the Cape. Cost is $5 for all runners and walkers. All are invited to attend but only club members are eligible for points and awards to be presented at the annual club banquet in February. For more information, visit the CCAC at http://www.capecodathleticclub.org/.