I’m not sure why this race report was so difficult to write. As I mentioned in my training log, I’ve had a hard time not comparing myself to running a few months ago. A few months ago I was effortlessly cranking out workouts and 5ks below 19 minutes. Then injury hit and now I struggle my way through a local 5k. It’s hotter weather, and I’ve lost fitness after healing from an injury. Specific to this race, I spent long days beforehand on my feet. We had our annual sale at work, and it was the busiest few days of the year. Why I decided to race a 5k is beyond me…
With that, I arrived around 7:30 on Saturday morning in Wilmington. Throughout the 30 minute drive, it was sunny, down poured and then just cloudy and muggy. I signed up for the race and did a short warmup.
I chatted with a few people at the race start. I didn’t recognize anyone, but it happens. I decided to run in a sports bra which is something I rarely do. It was so hot; I wanted to feel as cool as possible.
The race started, and I found myself as first woman overall. There were a few men around me. We went around the stadium and then back into the downtown. It felt like the first mile was taking forever and I ran it in 6:25. I was a little disappointed since I had run the first mile of my trail five miler in 6:30. My goal was just to finish healthy, so I don’t know why I cared that much.
During the second mile, I found myself alone. We went along the riverfront and then back around the start and finish. Passing the finish around mile 2 of a 5k is always rough, but I just zoned out and focused on the finish. I ran the second mile in 6:37.
The third mile went up a minor hill and back towards the start. I was riding the struggle bus all the way up the hill. My legs felt as though they had no pickup. I passed two men on the downhill who turned around and outkicked me in the homestretch. I finished the third mile in 6:35 and crossed the finish in 20:21.
Thoughts:
I can’t say I’m particularly proud of this race but it was a good baseline to where my fitness is right now. When I started running a lot of 5ks last year, I was running anywhere between 20-20:30 too. I’m hoping I’ll gain my fitness back in less time than it took last year but if I don’t…I don’t. It’s mentally tough not to compare yourself to previous running goals, times and experiences. I know I’ll eventually get back there if I train appropriately. The ultimate goal is to stay healthy.
Questions for you:
Is it hot where you are?
Do you typically know people at local races?