I decided to make a quick trip down to my hometown area in Virginia for the New Year. I’ve done the New Years Resolution Run before, and even when the Hair of the Dog was at Oceanfront. A few years ago, I ran my second fastest 5k ever (18:22) while wearing a dress. I haven’t run the race since and I knew I’m not in the same shape.
My dad, husband, and I arrived at the race around 9 am and warmed up. It was unseasonably hot and humid (70 degrees!), as well as very windy. It wasn’t a fast day for racing, but I was happy it wasn’t pouring rain or 5 degrees like last year.
I warmed up around the lake loop of Mount Trashmore. I didn’t feel good and just felt stiff. Around the lake, you could easily feel the wind. There was a tough headwind as well as a tailwind, depending on the direction.
At 9:50, I arrived at the start line and talked with several local friends. By the time I knew it, we were off. The path is narrow, and I tried not to bump anyone or run through the puddles. By about half a mile, it spread out. I found myself as third place women. I hit the first mile in 6:15 and my body hurt. I questioned how on earth I would survive two more miles, and we hadn’t even hit the headwind.
Between mile 1 and 2, I made my way into first women. The others were close behind. I hit the halfway, and we did a 180. I nearly slipped in a puddle but luckily caught myself. As we turned around, the headwind came, and it was tough. The second mile is usually the hardest mile anyway, but with a headwind, it’s 10X worse. I was passed by a woman and found myself back in second. I hit mile 2 in 6:30 which was slower than my personal 5k miles.
Around mile 2, we changed directions again, and got a tailwind. Thank goodness. I just focused on getting to the end. My mind was blank, weaving around people not running the race as well as going the opposite direction. I passed the first place women and told myself I needed to go. My legs didn’t have any speed, but I kept powering. At the third mile marker, we hit the headwind again. Running the last .1 into the wind was one of the hardest race finishes I’ve had in a while. It felt like I was standing still and the finish wasn’t getting any closer.
I crossed in 19:44, and as the first place women. I was happy with my effort in the weather and not feeling the greatest. It’s always nice to see friends from back home as well.
I’m looking forward to getting back into 5k and shorter fitness shape, something that alluded me during the fall. For those who asked, Mount Trashmore doesn’t smell, it’s a giant park. You would never guess the mountain is actually made of trash. If you’re ever in the area, it’s a great park to run.
Questions for you:
Did you race on New Years?
Would you rather race in torrential rain or 30 mph headwind?
Wow! Another tough race and you battled through it to take first!! Nicely done. Each time you do something like this it’s building your mental toughness…which I know you already know but damn woman!!! So great and a perfect way to kick off 2019.
Well done. Definitely downpour over wind – one you’re wet you’re wet but the wind keeps on hating you!
No running on holidays … I am a FIRM believer in taking breaks on those days because its a day to celebrate something other than exercise. I feel like so many people exercise on holidays as an excuse to binge eat or eat too much and I am not okay with that. (Just my two cents)
That’s interesting Lindsay, and I think you have to do what’s best for you. I enjoy working out on the holidays and doing races with family but I do believe everyone needs time off throughout the year.