Race Day

It's been a while since I tried my luck in a race.  4 years to be exact.  Over those years I had all but stopped running.  I didn't have the time or the will to get out there and train when there was so much else to get done.  This year I decided that in order to make sure that I would stick with it until going for my run became routine I would sign up for a couple of local races.

Yesterday was the first.  A 5K that I had run in my previous running life.  The course is pretty flat except for one major downhill at the 1K mark and then an uphill at the 3.5K that last for about 3/4 of a kilometer.  It could be a fast course for someone who is ready for it.

I was hoping that I would be ready for it.  I had been training to set a new PR for me.  I have never been super fast but considering the amount of effort I had put into my training I was confident I could get myself under the 30 minute mark for the first time.  I had it all worked out in my head. I was going to go out stronger than I would normally push hard through the first flat, the downhill and the second flat section to the bottom of the hill and then just hold an relatively easy pace up the hill and hopefully throw the legs on auto pilot and finish the last kilometer strong.

They called for the 5K participants to make their way to the line.  Knowing that I am not one of the top runners in the field I position myself at about what I thought was the first third and over to the side so that there is room for people to get around me if they need (I don't want to ruin someone else's start if I can avoid it) or I can make my way to the grass and around someone if I need.

Gun goes off, the cheering starts and off we go.  I wait for the herd to move forward and fall in behind.  So far so good I feel good I think I'm on pace and excuse me, pardon me, on your left, on your left,  ON YOUR LEFT!  Walkers.  What is a group of walkers doing up here?  Yes this is a Fundraising run but they offer prize money to course records they must expect some competitive runners. 

Alright back on track approaching 500 meters and the first "sprinters" are now walking already.  God I hate the start.  I can see the 1K marker and as I pass it we start the downhill section.  My GPS chirps in 5:01 mins!  Wait hold on a 5 min kilometer maybe I should hold back a bit?  No just keep trucking.  Stick to the plan. 

I end up falling behind a couple that look like they have been through this more than once and are running at just about the perfect pace.  I follow the ladies neon pink sweater for the next 2.5 kilometers the whole time my gps rambling off 5:15 pace numbers at me. 

I passed the water station wide to avoid any unintentional body blocks and start up the hill.  Sticking to my plan I slow my pace pace but keep my cadence up. I notice a few people passing me but I don't worry the only thing I am really racing is the clock.  As I hit the top of the main hill all those people that just passed me are now walking.  I decide to go for it and push my pace as hard as I can for the last kilometer. 

I had nothing left for a kick at the end but push hard to the end.  I had hoped to just beat 30 minutes.  I was thinking it would finish in around 28:30 or so if I had a REALLY good day.  As I crossed the line I noticed the clock showing 27:22!  Figuring that couldn't be right. I double check my GPS and sure enough 27:11 is showing.  My official finish time is 27:00 even with the walkers.

I now feel completely energized and confident that the training plan that I have chosen will continue to help me improve and I should be able to set another PR in the 10K this September.