phillies – FueledByLOLZ

Some days are your day, and others are not. This is a tale of the later. While yes, I did win, I felt like garbage the entire race. I’m proud of myself for not giving up and just fighting through. The week prior I raced both a 5k and the Shamrock Half. The half went ideally, and the next couple of runs in the beginning of the week did too.

Towards the end of the week, the previous weekend caught up with me. My legs felt tired. It was a case of super delayed DOMS. I had wanted to get a deep tissue massage early in the week to recover, but the snowstorm closed everything and then my schedule didn’t work out.

So with that, I got to the race around 8, warmed up, and went back to my car. At my car, I realized I forgot my racing flats. I had a pair of Nike Fly which I’ve done many workouts in. I decided I preferred to run in those over my Brooks Glycerin trainers. One of my big mantras is “it’s just running” and not having my racing flats stunk but it was my fault. I had to make the best of the situation.

I made it to the start at 8:55 and we were off at 9. During the first mile, I found myself as the first woman but felt awful. My legs felt like they had cinderblocks on them. I hit the first mile in 6:03 and knew it was going to be a long 2 miles.

The next mile went around the Navy yard. It was windy, but I knew the last mile would be the windiest. During the second mile, we got water from the local Navy and Army servicemen which I always find to be awesome. I hit the second mile in 6:03. I was running the entire race alone and it felt like a workout. I was wearing my workout shoes and running alone into a headwind. I didn’t have the mindset to “run fast”, and my legs were exhausted.

During the last mile we went up a small hill and back towards the start. We crossed paths with runners going the opposite direction. Seeing familiar faces always motivates me, so I felt some energy. We headed into the headwind and I desperately just wanted to be done but also did want to be passed.

I rounded the parking lot and saw the finish line ahead. I powered through and crossed in 19:07. I wasn’t thrilled by the time but some days you have it, and some days you don’t. I gave it my all for the day, and my all was a 19:07.

I did win a baseball bat signed by Gabe Kapler which is cool.

After yesterday’s hike, this week is about recovering and seeing where I’m at at the end of the week. I don’t want to end up in the same situation I was in last year at Atlantic City so I know I need to pay better attention to myself and balancing life, volunteering, work, and lastly running.

Questions for you:

Are you a baseball fan?

Have you ever forgotten anything to a race?

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My husband and I registered for the Phillies 5k a while ago. The race has been on my bucket list since hearing about it last year. It’s well put together, the registration fee helps the Phillies charity, and you get to finish with a lap around the stadium. It’s a unique and fun 5k but it sells out quickly, so I bit the bullet a few months ago and signed up. I normally and wait until the last minute to sign up for any race.

After the Shamrock half last weekend, I was sore and tired. Time wise, I had no idea what to expect. I haven’t raced a 5k since my PR at the Flower Show 5k. To be honest, I toed the line wanting to win. You can’t control who shows up to a race so that is a game of rolling the dice. I normally don’t make goals of winning or placing but overall winners received autographed baseball bats which was awesome.

We got to the race around 8 am, warmed up and then headed to the race start. My legs felt tired and heavy. I mentioned yesterday; my hamstring has been acting up since Shamrock, and it has taken me a lot longer for my legs to recover. It’s not anything for me to worry about (yet) but it’s something I want to monitor.

The race started at 9 am. It went out fast, and I found myself boxed in between several racers. We made a few turns in the parking lot and around the stadium. You don’t realize how big the stadium is until you’re doing laps around it! I hit the first mile in 5:44. I was pleasantly surprised because I didn’t feel that good. I think guts and grit prevailed, because I desperately wanted to win.

The second mile went by in a blur. I felt like I blinked and the second mile was over. We went through a park and near a band. Racers were running the opposite direction yelling “first woman,” and it was motivating. I hit the second mile in 5:40. I haven’t run a mile that quickly in over three years. I was excited because I didn’t feel great but was still running well.

To recap: mile 2 was my fastest mile in 3 years, and mile 1 was my second fastest.

The third mile ran directly into headwind. It was demotivating but I reminded myself it was a beautiful day, and at least the weather was nice. The last mile of any 5k is always challenging and a windy mile is no exception. We turned the corner and faced the finish line for over a quarter of a mile. It felt like the like the finish line was not getting any closer. I hit the third mile in 6:09 which I wasn’t surprised about. It was windy, and I felt like I was still working hard.

As I approached the finish line, the Phillies Phanatic rode his go-kart to “run me in”. I even got to break the tape. I finished the race in 18:27.

Thoughts:

Winning such a big race was cool. I’m hoping I get back on track because I believe I have a 5k PR in me. If there hadn’t been a headwind, I think I could have dropped a few seconds from my time. I ran my fastest two miles in almost three years (5:40 and 5:44). This race was on tired legs, and it’s motivating to know when my legs felt 100% I do have a faster 5k in me. After the race they also interviewed me. I didn’t think it was possible for me to be more awkward than usual but life is full of surprises…

The Phillies 5k was a well put together and fun race. The winners received an autographed baseball bat.

Questions for you:

Are you a baseball fan?

Have you ever run a race put on by a professional sports team?

Tag: phillies

Phillies 5k (19:07)

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Phillies Charity 5k (18:27)

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