I haven’t run the Firecracker 5k in a few years. I never seem to be healthy at the race. I signed up a few days before keep me honest about showing up. (Last year I said I might run but then decided not to because it was hot).
Anyway, I arrived around 7, grabbed my bib, and warmed up. After about 2 minutes, it was already hot enough. Summer came fast, and the temperature lows have been in the 70s with the humidity at 95%+.
My favorite part of the entire race was watching the turkey get escorted off the course by the Haddon Heights Police.
Anyway, I got to my car, chatted with my coworker, and we headed towards the start, and I got to talk to coach Girard (if you read the newsletter, you know Girard gave great wisdom there).
By the time we knew it, we were off; I saw four females take off and assumed my place for the day would be fifth (which seems terrible to expect in the first .1).
The first mile felt like it was taking forever. I ran a 6:17, which is my fastest mile in a long time.
During the next mile, I saw I was slowly catching two females. I caught one female around 1.5. I was shocked because 5ks haven’t been my scene in a while, so passing anyone is surprising. I passed the next woman around mile 2 and found myself as the third woman overall.
The second half of the course has a few small hills, and I noticed I was catching the next woman. Even though I wasn’t moving much faster, I got the third place woman around mile 2.
The last mile was spent trying to maintain my podium spot. As we headed into the final stretch, I heard heavy breathing and two males outkicked me. I couldn’t give any more energy if I tried.
I crossed in 20:10, which is what I had for the day. I was happy with my effort and for the weather. I even got to see and chat good friend and writer for the NYT Jen M at the race.
Questions for you:
Did you run a Fourth of July Race? How did it go?
Congrats! Job well done!