Last weekend I decided to run the Heroes to Hero 5k. The race goes to a great cause, and I’ve always wanted to run. Usually, it’s the same weekend as the Runners World Festival but this year, it worked out I was able to do both.
After a busy couple of days at work, I found myself exhausted. I woke up Saturday morning extremely unmotivated. It was spitting rain, and I was tired. My husband was getting over whatever was going around so equally as unmotivated. Together we were two excited to race peas in a pod.
We got to the race around 7:30 am. The race started at 9 am, however, it was a point to point and the last bus left at 8:30. I’ve never done a point to point bused 5k, so I wasn’t sure even how to warm up. Ultimately, I ran 3 miles boarded the bus and got to the start. I can’t say it was my favorite warm-up process, but I made it to the start successfully. Usually, I like to warm up much closer to the beginning and not sit around for another half an hour.
After getting to the start, I talked to several people including our store owner and another staff member. By the time I knew it, we were off.
During the first mile, my body felt stiff from waiting. I didn’t feel bad, but I definitely did not feel good either. The ground was slick, and I just wanted to focus on feeling relaxed. I went to the race to run as fast as I could for the day. I wasn’t sure what that was, but I wanted to give it my full effort for the day. I crossed the first mile in 6:05 which I was pleasantly surprised with. Definitely one of my faster miles recently.
During the second mile, I continued to focus on progressing through the mile. I could see the first place woman ahead, but I didn’t think I would be able to pass her. Around the halfway point, my husband glided by me. While he wasn’t “all out” racing, he was running harder than usual. I hit the second mile in 6:04 and was even more pleased. I couldn’t believe it.
During the third mile, I felt as if I was finally warming up. I never felt bad. However, I felt relaxed. Typically in 5ks, I feel like I’m holding on for dear life during the last mile, however, on Saturday I didn’t feel like that. I wasn’t tired, but I also couldn’t move my legs any faster.
I ran a 6:01 last mile and finished in 18:41 and as second woman overall. I was pleasantly surprised with my time. My huge goal was to progress in the 5k, and I did just that. I was 19 seconds faster than my previous fastest 5k a few weeks ago.
Progression:
8/20 Run the Runway 5k (20:54)
8/27 Philadelphia Airport 5k (19:45)
9/10 Flying Fish 5k (19:17)
9/23 Cherry Hill Book It 5k (18:59.8)
9/30 Dragon Run (19:06)
10/1 Run for Recovery (19:12)
10/14 Heroes to Hero 5k (18:41)
Question for you:
Do you like to point to point courses?
To be honest, I prefer somewhere I can start/finish near my car.
Nice progression!! You are so fast Hollie…this season for me is both happy and sad. I miss running fast! But, growing a human takes time. 😉 I do actually prefer point to point races because the scenery changes and that keeps my brain engaged. As long as there’s an easy way back to the car! Or if I have someone there to pick my tired butt up.
Congratulations on your fastest 5K post-break and the negative splits!
I ran a point-to-point 5K once and used the same warmup strategy- did it before boarding the bus. It worked out well for me. Thankfully, the race did finish by my car so I just cooled down normally. I would rather do a race with my car at the finish I think.
you amaze me! nice work out there, seriously.
You look incredibly intense in your picture! Congratulations, you did awesome 🙂