Strawberry E picked me up dark and early to head to the race. We met up with Coach EK and the Lazy Runner (AKA Running 4 An Adventure) after the 5K. I was hoping to break the 22 minute mark on this 5K and Strawberry E was shooting for a speedy 10K.
I lined up at the start with a ton of other trotters and stood behind some 13-year-old boys who were certain to blow my doors off. Strawberry E’s race didn’t start for another hour and forty-five minutes so she stayed to spectate while I was racing.
After a 15 minute wait and the national anthem, we were off.
I held very steady the first mile because I typically go out too fast during the 5K. I felt great this mile and was happy to see 7:02 on the Garmin when it beeped. I tried to drop it a bit during the second mile and saw a familiar face in front of me. I used him as a barometer since I can guesstimate his 5K times. I don’t even know if he saw me but I passed him and decided to try to stay in front of him cause I know how fast he is.
At some point I hit the two mile mark and didn’t look at my Garmin. D’oh! I knew I slowed a bit but otherwise felt pretty good. That was until the 2.38 mark when we hit the hill.
I was reminded before this race by Coach EK that there is a non-too-friendly hill at about the 2.3 mile mark. And as Katie would say, it was rude.
I tried to charge up the hill and did pass a few people but I was totally sucking wind at this point. I attempted to slow my heart rate with some deep breaths and kept asking myself how badly I wanted this 21 minute 5K. Even though I wanted it and didn’t feel awful, I couldn’t get my legs to cooperate. Oh well. That’s the 5K for you.
As I ran toward the finish which ended on a high school track (love this!) I heard Strawberry E yell for me and I gave what little I had left. I was handed my race card to fill out and it said 74, which meant I was the 74th woman. I stopped my Garmin at 22:21 and 3.16 miles. According to that, I had a one second PR. Yahoo! I’ll take it.
Since this race wasn’t chipped timed I was surprised to see the official stats that said I was the 72nd person to finish and my time is listed as 22:25. Hmpfh. I’m going with 22:21 dammit! Heh. In any event it was good enough to land me a top finisher mug and a big smile that lasted all day.
Strawberry E, The Lazy Runner, and Coach EK all also got “mugged” and we had a blast chatting it up with other runners and friends we ran into after the race.
I know I’ve got that 21 minute 5K in me. I just need a flatter course on a cool day and it’s mine. I don’t even care if it’s 21:59. I’m coming for it!
I hope you all had very Happy Thanksgivings! Back to the grind tomorrow, but one day closer to the weekend again. Enjoy your Sundays and those left overs.
That is still an awesome time for a 5k. You got the sub 22 for sure….i know you do.
Congrats on a great race.
Great race!! I dont understand why hills have such attitude problems.
Way to go speedy girl!!! 16000 runners…wowzer!
Damn – 16,000 runners? Absolutely nuts. Then again, you got a PR which is excellent.
holy smoking fast, lady! you've got that 21, it's coming – don't forget you're in the middle of marathon training, your body isn't excited about going fast!
Well done Boo! And I agree with Katie! 5k better be skeered… sub-21 is yours soon enough!
Such a rockstar!!!!!!!! You've got that sub 21..
You totally have a 5K PR in you fo' sho! I didn't like that stupid hill!
Love a PR! That 21 min is just around the corner! New Year's race (I always miss those…)
You should totally claim that PR! Not chip timed = your Garmin is your official time keeper. Way to rock a tough course!
wait, 72 out of 16,000?!?! Crazy! Congrats on the PR!