Boy is that title a mouthful?  I gave up trying to shorten it…

I decided to do this cross country 5k race on a whim (Saturday June 30).  I had never run on this course before, but I know it’s pretty big course in our area…so why not?  I’m also training for cross country races so not doing it would be silly.  So I woke up at 6am and headed to the race.  Dad was away on business so I personally have to navigate over there solo (isn’t that scary…I get lost everytime I drive somewhere new).

But I made it with an hour to spare.  I went and signed up for the race and then went on a 30 minute warmup.  Do you know why I went on a 30 minute warmup?

Because none of my friends were there and I had an hour to kill.  That and I know I race better with longer warmups.  So warmup I went.  I knew my legs were a big sluggish but it happens.

I got back to the starting line with about 15 minutes to spare and kinda shot the breeze with some people (finally friends!).  Then we were off.  I was advised to wear my spikes, but I never realized what an actual cross country course it was. I figured it was dirt trails and that was that.  Oh no-it was a serious cross country course with hills and uneven terrain..all that jazz.  I felt like last September/October back in college…oh wait…it has hosted college races!

I started out somewhere between 15-20^th place.  I could see the entire field infront of me were relatively young males.  High school boys.  (oh goodie…).  So I started picking them off…one by one…by one…by one…

Hey look…I’m a serious runner…

Around mile 2, it became super hot but we were in a field.  I just kinda trecked along.  I got into a pace that was comfortable.  Probably too comfortable.  We looped around the spectators (which was motivating) and finished the last .5 of the mile up and around a hill.

The last .5 seemed pretty long but maybe it was because I was tired and it was hot and humid.  I powered through the last .1 per usual and finished the race in 20:21 and 7^th overall.

I was hoping to be a bit faster since my goal time for collegiate is 18:35 for 5k.  The heat isn’t really something to take lightly and I also have had a very productive training week which also played a roll.

I did manage to get first female overall, and they gave a medal.  The man said “I don’t know how you run so fast with such a big head”  Joking (I think) as the medal wouldn’t go over my pony tail.

Question for you:  Do you like running on trails, uncleared grass, track, road, treadmill, trampolines, pools…

I’m learning to love running on uncleared grass and try and do at least 2-3 runs weekly on it to prepare for cross country.