I thought I had written a race recap, but it turns out…it disappeared into space. Usually, I post race recaps on Tuesdays, but since it opened up my blog yesterday with none, it gets delayed a day. I know, you’re devastated.
So anyway, on Saturday I raced my first shorter distance race since December. It was a nice low key rust buster.
The morning itself was a disaster. I went to get cash from my ATM card, and it was denied. I’m actually not sure why as I do have money in my account, and my pin number was accurate, and the card was not expired, but that is here nor there. Then the race wasn’t accepting cards for payment. Luckily, I had a checkbook but it left me with not much time to warm up.
Other reasons to complain were I hadn’t slept well, it was cold and windy, and my legs were sore. But I was at the race, and I was going to run. I warmed up a couple of miles, felt meh and made my way to the start line. At the start, I saw a lot of friends and local runners I hadn’t seen in a few months. It was motivating, and by the time I knew it, we were off.
As you can see below, I am always talking…you never have to worry about interrupting my “prerace”
During the first mile, I found myself in fourth place, and I stayed there the entire race. There was a pack of males whom I knew that led the way. I never felt as though I was “racing” and more as if I was running a workout alone. There wasn’t really anyone to run with, and it was just a sprint towards the finish. I hit the first mile in 6:05, but it was deep underneath a couple of jackets, so I only knew my splits after I finished.
The second mile went to an out and back. I could see the leaders as they turned around and it motivated me. As I was coming back, I saw my friends, and it was motivating and kept me engaged in the race. For a lot of the race, I never felt as though I was “racing.” I hit the second mile in 6:08 and felt fine. My legs just felt tired and couldn’t turn over any faster.
I just wanted the last mile to be over. It felt as though I was running a marathon, not a 5k. We went over train tracks and near a significant amount of ice. I just took the turn wider and I felt fine. As approached the finish line, I heard my watch beep. Oh, exactly 3 miles. I crossed in 18:20 and with a 6:07 last mile.
The race was supposed to be a 5k, however, apparently, it was not. It was nice it was at least exactly 3 miles and I can say I ran 3 miles in 18:20 versus 3.06 in whatever. If I had continued the pace it would have been about an 18:57 5k, which I’m confident I could have done.
Other than that, not much else to say. I’m happy with my effort, and I felt good despite everything. I’m just as glad to be back out there and seeing friends too.
Questions for you:
Have you run a short course?
What is the coldest you’ve raced in?
Good for you!! It can be hard to shake off a rough morning like that and go out and mentally win the day but you did it!! Nice work and what a pace – whew!!!
I’ve run quite a few short races. If I was going for a PR, I would choose a certified course (and be upset if it turned out to be short bc that would mean someone messed up the route along the way), but otherwise I really do not care. It’s usually more about supporting a cause and being with my friends anyway, it looks like this was a good cause for a race and I’m glad you got a good workout in, even if the morning wasn’t exactly going your way at first.
This is the first I’ve read your blog and I’m impressed by your run time! I can’t even think about going that fast. haha. I ran a 5k last year that was over in 1.5 miles. I was really confused and asked what happened and they said the people in front took a wrong turn which created a shorter course. OOPS. The coldest I’ve run in is 17 degrees. I live in Virginia Beach, so I’m not used to that type of cold.
I appreciate you stopping by! I actually grew up in Chesapeake! I frequent the area and I do miss it