My husband and I decided to sign up for this race on a whim. When we looked online, we noticed that there were 13 race participants signed up! The race ended up having about 50 people in it. We thought it would still be a lot of fun so went anyways.
The race started at 9 am and we arrived at 8:15. On our way, a police car began following us. We were worried we had done something wrong but he was actually headed to the race as well.
After getting there, we warmed up and headed over to the start. When they said the race started at 9, I believe they meant the race events started at 9. At 9 am, they started a dance warm up routine. Then at at 9:05, the local high school marching band marched a lap around the race.
Around 9:15, the National Anthem was played and we were finally off.
Four men (including my husband) darted off in the lead. I found myself forever alone. During the first 400 yards a small kid came cruising by me. He was no more than 10, running in basketball shoes and probably running a 5:30 pace. I chuckled as he passed me effortlessly, caught up to the leaders, got winded and began to fade. I nearly went into cardiac arrest laughing to myself.
The first mile felt like it took forever. There were a lot of turns, I felt awful and the back of my throat was clogged. I knew I was not feeling good. I ran the first mile in 6:30.
During the second mile, I noticed I was in 4th overall. There were a few race spectators and one even asked if I could be his girlfriend. I felt honored! Around the halfway point the superintendent of the local school district caught up to me. I had no idea who he was. I told him he looked familiar. It wasn’t until a kid pointed to him later and said “that’s the superintendent” that I figured it out.
There were a lot of turns on the course and neither of us could see anyone ahead. He was extremely friendly and it was nice to talk to someone during the race. Just before 2 miles, we got stopped by a car. I guess they forgot to close off half the course to drivers. I ran the second mile in 6:25.
The final mile was just focused on not getting lost and finishing. I felt better then the start of the race but not great. We powered through and ultimately ran the last mile in 6:20. There was a small child (around 6 years old) that came out of nowhere and sprinted with me to the finish. I was cheering him on saying “you can beat me”.
I finished the race in 19:47 and 7th overall (first woman). I was proud of Tim for running 18:05 and finishing second overall. Due to his schedule he hasn’t been able to do a lot of consistent running lately.
Thoughts: This was my fastest 5k so far this summer but I felt the worst. I guess that’s a good sign for my fitness. My body is starting to absorb the speed workouts (IE: races). Hopefully soon I break through this plateau! I have no complaints and I’m glad to do another 5k.
Edit to add: Since Saturday, I’ve come down with a minor head cold. That makes sense of why I never felt great during the race.
Questions for you:
Have you ever been stopped during a race (for cars, trains, whatever)?
What is the biggest trophy you have ever received?
Crushing 5-Ks and taking names–talk about a power couple! 🙂
Congrats on an awesome time! I think running your fastest always means feeling crappy but who knows, you did incredible! I’m always amazed by super speedy little kids 🙂 Congrats to Tim too, wow!
Thanks Michele, Now hopefully I can get remotely close to my PR 😉
I have done one race where we crossed a pretty major road. They held up the runners to let cars pass. What kills me is that it would have been a PR for me if they hadn’t stopped me!
Congrats on your win and for breaking 20! It is awesome that your body is absorbing the speed workouts and other races and it’s been neat seeing your progress each week. Especially if you didn’t feel 100%!
I have not been stopped during a race for cars but I have run some with open courses and witnessed some crazy drivers. Last year during a 5K one almost ran Clay off the road. Most of ours have police at any intersections to block traffic but I guess it can happen because at some point the police have to let the cars go. You ran a really awesome Mile 2 split for being stopped!
Congrats on getting back to sub-20s! I never understand why I always feel awful on the days I race the best, but it always seems to happen to me. I hope you feel better!
Wow I can’t say I’ve ever been stopped mid race by a car! That’s so crazy! But you won which is awesome and I’m sure you’ll feel a lot better next race!
I LOLed at your description of how long it took to get the race started! And you’ve got to love Camden for not closing its roads during a 5K race. I’m not sure what it is – but I seem to have my best races when I feel the worst too!
You would have laughed so hard at the race. I think you should do it next year, it was a lot of fun. 🙂
Way to rock it out, lady!
First Chicago marathon (2009), a fire truck stopped us. Austin (Half) Marathon, an EMS truck stopped us.
Additionally, I accidentally drove out onto a 70.3 run course when I was volunteering. I didn’t stop anyone, thankfully.
“I felt honored” haahah. that’s why I like your blogs. Love the silliness.
and great job to your husband.! you two are one speedy couple 🙂
I love small races like this! I’m sure you will treasure that trophy forever, right? Hope you’re feeling better!
The trophy sits right next to my other race prize (a growler I won in San Antonio)
Love it Miss Speedypants! Congrats on the sub-20 and the win! And I think that any time we talk about how much a race hurts, it usually means it had a good result–they have to hurt, especially a 5k. Keep it up!
Haha nice job taking home 1st place for the ladies! I hope you’re feeling better 🙁 Head colds are NO fun! It sounds like you guys had fun 🙂
I have never been stopped during a race for cars, but on fun runs I stop for children, bikes, dogs or whatever comes in my path. Those races are meant for enjoyment so I don’t really care about it. I would probably be mad if it was a serious race. You handled it like a pro!
Congrats on another great effort Hollie!!! I so wish I lived somewhere I could just sign up for a 5K on a whim. They are so few and far between here!!