The Progreso Inferno 10k Run

This morning as the sun was coming up on the horizon Vic and I were running on the Progreso Pier! 

It's very rare that we get the opportunity to go on the amazing 6.5 km long pier that is one of the longest in the world!  In addition to the 10km run that we took part in, there was also a 4km walk, which gave walkers the chance to enjoy our world famous pier as well.

The day started with it being so cold that as we rode our bikes downtown, (about a 3km ride) we had to wear a t-shirt over our running togs to be able to handle the 22 degree breeze!  Yes, I think we've become acclimatized.

The race began just after sunrise, and with this morning being the time change, the 7 am start was yesterday's 6am (omg it's early), but it made for a comfortably cool 10km - not keeping in line with the race's nickname of the Progreso Inferno.  This was the 5th year of the running of this race, but only Vic's and my second time.

Don't get us wrong, as the race progressed, it got hotter and hotter, especially on the return trip where there is absolutely no shade. 

The 1st 2 kilometers the sun is rising on your right, the next 3 you dip down behind concrete blocks the size of trucks which create a wonderful shade.  Watch your footing as the semi trailers have created some ruts in the road.  This is a working pier that has numerous trailers running back and forth serving this port city. Hearing the band play at the turn around was inspirational. The return trip is where the heat begins and the runners really take off the last few kilometers after the final water stop. Go go go.....dale dale dale (Spanish for give 'er).

To manage the heat, pouring water over one's head is a requirement, not an elective, and we were blessed with water stations every 2 kms.  They have the neatest water pouches, very much like our freezies at home!  Bite, spray, drink and toss.  Very refreshing.

Vic and I finished around 54 minutes in the middle of the 1500 or so participants, but the speedy old guys were running in the low to mid 40 minute times!  We are in the veteranos (old guys) category.  There is also a veteranos plus (really old guys - 60+) category. 

If you're looking for some great heat training races, March/April seem to be the beginning of the running season and there are races between Progreso and Merida pretty much every weekend.  And at a 100 pesos (about $8 Cdn) per race, plus a food bank item, you receive a nice technical shirt, small backpack, medal for finishing, fruits and powerade to recover with, and all the perspiration loss you could possibly hope for, even on the best of diets! The entry fee for the 4km walk was a whopping 30 pesos (about $2.50).  So come on down and join us. 

We're registered for another 10km in Merida next Sunday! 

Have a sunny day!

Hugs from Mexico :-)

 The wonderful feeling of success!  The great shirts and medals we received. Always choose one size smaller on the shirts (Mexicans tend to be smaller than we are and like their clothes tight)

 It was a hot day - this is the ugly after shot before we showered!  Off the back deck at the condo.

 The Progreso Pier in the background taken from the Malecon (boardwalk) along the sea in Progreso.

The amazing 6.5 km Progreso Pier - you can see why it's so hot!  The grey wall is one of the benches along the Malecon that run from end to end.