On Saturday, I ran the Healthy Kids 5k. Last year, I ran a 20:13 and placed fourth female overall. I had a great time last year and enjoyed the race. My plans changed drastically last weekend, so I found myself with an open weekend and decided to go back and do it again.
I got to the race around 7:30 and it was hot. Like most 5ks, I like to sign up race day. The temperature read 85 degrees, and I wondered why I was running. I signed up and warmed up. When the race started at 8:30 it was 91 degrees.
As with many local 5ks, I found myself boxed in behind young children. They were weaving in and out, and I nearly tripped over one young female. As the racers spread out, I found myself as the 6th person. I hit the first mile in 6:20. It was 5 seconds faster than last week in hotter conditions. My legs felt tired, and I felt overheated. In summary, I didn’t feel good.
During the second mile, I grabbed water and poured it in myself. The wind was blowing off the riverfront, and I felt the wind against my sweat. It was a combination of sweltering air and a slight breeze. It felt good. I ran the second mile in 6:32. I was running alone, but it was fine.
I just wanted the last mile to be over. I was alone, and local 5ks don’t have a lot of spectators. I just focused on the end. I caught one male and rounded a turn. The third mile went into a nature persevere and a nice view of Wilmington. There was a slight incline but nothing drastic. I hit the third mile in 6:24. I was pleasantly surprised because I felt awful.
I crossed the finish line in 20:01. I thought I had broke 20, but the results said 20:01. I should have started in front of the kids I suppose. Oh well, it’s just a number and a few seconds don’t mean much. I did, however, win opera tickets, so that was unique. Last year I ran a 20:13 send was the fourth woman. This year I ran a 20:01 and was the first female…you never can predict who will show up.
The race is 20 seconds faster than last week and on a hotter day, so it’s hard to complain about that.
I’m happy with my race and the improvement since last week. I have no complaints, and I think in cooler weather I would probably be around 19:30. I’m continuing to just rich on the bigger picture and finishing races injury free. I’m not happy or sad about the race, I’m indifferent. I finished injury free and that is all that matters right now.
Questions for you:
Have you ever been to the opera?
What’s the hottest race you’ve run?