Cupids Chase 5k (18:38)

Last weekend I ran the Cupids Chase 5k in Moorestown, NJ.  After my 3 mile race the weekend before, I was hoping for an accurate course this week.  I knew it would be a competitive race and I was looking to get a good baseline of where I was.

The race started later than I would have liked at 10:00.  It was forecasted to rain, but luckily it held off until my cool down when it poured rain.  I got to the race at 9, warmed up, and by the time I knew it, we were off.  I was excited to see a few of my local friends at the start.  As you can see by the photos, I guess I went through a lot of emotions during the race.

First, I was deep in thought and possibly angry…

The first mile was uneventful, and I ran with a pack of males, including most that recognized.  It weaved around Strawbridge Lake.  I hit the first mile in 5:59 and was pleasantly surprised.  I didn’t feel bad, and I had gotten a decent amount of sleep but was still surprised.  My legs just felt meh.  It was my first mile below 6 minutes in a while.

But then I was full of regret

The next mile, I ran by myself.  There was one male in front of me, but no one around.  I stayed in that position the entire time.  The course was an out and back but had 2 180 degree turns.  We hit the first 180 at about the halfway point.  The ground was slick, and I nearly fell but was able to maintain good speed around the turn.  I hit the second mile in 5:52 which is my fastest mile in a long time.

The final mile was just about getting back to the end.  To add the extra .1, we went around another park that included another 180 turn.  Because, in general, the course was an out and back, I was able to see my friends as they went the opposite direction.  It gave me motivation.  I thrive on seeing friends or racing with other people.  I hit the third mile in 6:02 which in a 5k I can’t complain because it was still plenty of energy in the tank.  With the turnaround and running alone, I was definitely happy with that.

Then I was desperate for the finish line to be close 

The final .1, I just ran as fast as I could and crossed the finish line in 18:38.  It’s my fastest 5k in nearly a year, and I could not be more excited.  I know I have a long way to go, but it was great motivation.

Questions for you:

Do you like themed races?

Do you prefer out and back courses or loops?