This annual tradition started in 1990, and we had almost a dozen friends join on that first Rio Resolution 10K race here in Carmel. 30 years... and times change. For many years now, it's just Ferrell and I who come down, from the old gang. It's still fun, even if we're not as fast, and it's a great way to start the new year and new decade. I did see Sue Dunn from the SCTC as we were on our way to the bib pick-up. Wish I'd paused the proceedings to get a picture with us, but alas... I didn't see her again (too fast??).

I shot this from the steps of my place, as I walked down the stairs to my car. A beautiful sunrise in progress

I drove to rural Aptos and Ferrell picked me up at the parking spot on Freedom Blvd. Then, down Hwy 1 to Carmel. I snapped this shot through the front window as we left Moss Landing.

Nippy 41F and we worried about the typical wind coming up Carmel Canyon on this race. Not to worry; temperatures and breeze were just fine.

Speedy Ernesto and buddy Salvadore were there as we got out of the car, stretched, and pulled ourselves together. Salvadore looks like he's smoking before the race but no - it's just some gum or something.

At the start line

The 5K and 10K both head up a steep canyon after 2/3 of a mile of flats.

At the top of Carmel highlands, we zig-zag down through the residential streets of Carmel towards the surf. This fellow has been carrying a full size American Flag for God-knows how many years, and usually manages to edge me out every year.

My 10 mile finishing trail run of 2019 3 days earlier, and a generall heavy December of running (86 miles), and I could tell my psoas wasn't ready for a 10K, so at the decision point, I went left for the 5K.

About 1/3 mile later, I am surprised to see Salvadore coming BACK against the flow. I call out, and he says "I took a wrong turn! Gotta get back on the 10K course!"

Well darn - that torpedo'd his age group trophy hopes I'll bet. There he is, running the other way behind my giggles

The finish, at Mission Carmel. Always obey the speed limit, Rick. 5mph max.

This little brother / little sister team was constantly sprinting ahead, then walking / looking at their cell phones, then sprinting ahead. I couldn't help admiring how pain-free their gangly running was, remembering my UCLA years when I felt the same. Still - I beat 'em! Fair and square!

Ferrell comes in for the 10K. His goal was to crack 50 minutes, given his aching ankle. He almost cracked 49 minutes. Good enough for another 4th place!

I re-assured him that my own ankle pain seems to respond pretty well to just some seriously deep and painful massage, and so I'm less worried that it may be arthritis creeping in. My ankle started hurting after my joyful over-done running in Vibram 5-Finger foot gloves on the rocky trails of Fall Creek a few months earlier. 10 miler after 10 miler followed by 12 miler. Too much too quick I guess.

We gave our feet all the benefits of new shoes. Rick's fav's are Saucony's and mine are Brooks.

They treat you to a high-calorie breakfast too. Ferrell over-did it on the pancakes, which were quite dense

Salvadore takes his race foopaa in stride.