Monday, August 23, 2010

Railroad Days 5k & more

I did not blog last week cause I didn't want to jinx myself. The 5k race for last Saturday is know for setting PR's because it is flat & fast. So my buddies & I decided we was going to practice the course during the week and really really run it just like a race to see how good we can possibly do. The first night 27:45, the second night 26:35!!! Are you kidding me? I have NEVER completed a run in 26 something! I even didn't really feel good that night and still did awesome. Therefore I was anxious for the actual race on Saturday. I was so in hopes of a PR.
Saturday morning came I tried not to get my hopes up and get all nervous and such, our local races usually have a crowd of about 85 - 125. When I pulled up in the parking lot I began to get nervous, there was no where to park (it was held in a small town park) and I had to drive over to the school along with about 15 other people following me! Once I got up on the scene to pick up my number and shirt I started surveying the crowd(there was around 190) trying to figure out who all was in my age group and who was going to be my competition. I truly know in my heart and mind that you(I) do NOT run races ONLY to win an award but last year at this same race I was 2 seconds away from winning one that was not happening to me today! Meet up with my crew headed to the start line ready to DO THIS even the weather was perfect low humidity overcast and a temp of about 75. Turns out our local college had there cross country teams (boys & girls) there therefore that added to the crowd of people and all of them were on the starting line so we had to squeeze in just a little ways from the start. And we are off, HOLY COW those college kids take off FAST and we were mixed up with them going just as fast! Mile 1= 8:05 What! Don't look at the watch again I feel okay not the greatest but okay lets keep pushing on, so I did. This is an in & out course pretty much with one small slight little uphill at the turn around which as you know means.....back down the hill we go!! (That has been my strongest point during practice!) Mile 2= 8:38 Still smokin' for me and starting to feel it and I know the worst part of this course for me is coming up- crap! My buddy Sheri (she has a great review also check it out!!) and I discussed do we take a quick break just to get our pace back down to 9:00/mi or what, ya lets do it so we power walked until what do ya know a girl I know for sure is in my age group passes us. Crap!! Here is one of the great reasons to have a running buddy/friend, Sheri says" is she in your group?" I nodded my head and she says"Come on let's GO!" me "Aww Sheri I don't know if I am ready to go again yet" "Come on You WILL thank me in the end!" and off I went because she was right. I didn't and couldn't go full force like I was and I didn't catch the one I wanted to but I did finish Mile 3 at 9:05! My overall finish time for the 5k was 26:33!! A PR by a minute;) I was for sure on a runners high, now to just get that award. And I did it, 3rd place in my age group and a PR what more could one ask for in one day!! (Actually my day did get better but I am saving that for another post!) Rick Serres the director of my "Serres" of races was announcing awards after getting to me he made the statement "The last 3 award winners(Twila, Sheri & myself) have really been out there practicing and putting an effort in and it is well shown today with there times as in all the races they are getting better and better!" Thanks Rick your the greatest!!
Sunday morning I got up to do the long run which happened to be 7mi with Sheri. To be perfectly honest I felt like crap thought I didn't really want to go but knew that I had to. I mean after all I have signed up for another half and I really want to do better than the first time around so get on up and get out that door! We both know that longs runs you do not need to worry about speed or records just distance. The first mile is always the roughest for both of us and the course we were on was hilly but by the end of the first half I was feeling great mentally. The second half I realized how hilly it was my legs felt like jello and was going to be so dang happy when it was over. Just like always though in the end I am so glad I did it and very thankful to Sheri for being right there with me!

5 comments:

Leah B. said...

Great job! Hurray for your PR and placing 3rd in your age group!!! You are speedy. I can't wait to hear more about your great day :)

abbi said...

Congrats on the great race, the PR and the age group award!!

Raegun said...

I'm so excited for you - congrats on the PR and the award!

Runners Fuel said...

Great PR!

Unknown said...

Way to push through to the end. Congrats on your age group award. Those high's last and last, don't they?