Summer Series 5K

5Ks are tricky. You feel like throwing up the entire time, but you can't justify slowing down because the race will over in the blink of an eye and you will be left feeling you could have done better. I prefer longer distances any day, but of course, like any other runner with the slightest competitve edge, I feel the need to test myself over shorter distances, especially now that I have got a couple of speed workouts in.

I decided to try my luck at the Summer Series organized by our running club. This is a series of 4 5Ks/kids' events across June/July, a great time to hang out, sweat it out and socialize. Last night was the first race of the series. I did not plan to run till the last minute (this is becoming a trend - I can't seem to be able to make up my mind, and there are too many choices), then rushed to get to Buccleuch Park after work by 6 PM, so I could register. I am not an evening runner, so the thought of a 7 PM start makes me cringe. My legs were still sluggish and fatigued from the rough trail run on Sunday and a 6 miler on Monday. And it took a lot of willpower to head to the start of a race while the club members who had shown up to volunteer or socialize were milling about, chatting and eating pizza. After a half-hearted jog and warm-up, I wandered aimlessly, chatting, waiting for the race to start. It was a cross country course, with 2 short, steep hills, some downhill portions and flat ground; grass, dirt road and pavement.

At about 7:10, a brief announcement was made, then 160 runners stampeded across the lawn. Darn! People were fast! I felt like more than half the field was ahead of me and it took all the energy I could muster to keep from falling behind.

I was uncomfortable the entire race. It took me a mile to get my body out of its stupor. The second mile was the fastest. By the end of the second mile, I was ready to retire, but mechanically, the body kept going. Mile 3 was pure torture. I allowed myself to slow down till I completed the 3rd mile, then kicked up the pace when I saw the finish chute. 22:41.

Check out my erratic splits: 7:23, 7:07, 7:49, 0.20 (For the last 0.1 mile nubbin, Garmin showed 0.20 minutes for 0.06 miles). I don't think I will be pacing at any races any time soon! Overall pace: 7:18 per mile, a PR! My last 5K was in 2008, so it's not really a fair comparison, but I am older now, so I should get props for being a faster, older woman!

Place: 64 / 161
Gender Place: 10 / 36

The best part of a 5K is when it's over. Pizza (that was devoured to the last crumb before half the crowd could get to it), beer and companionship awaited.

I came 1st in my age category (or that's what I thought till I checked the results - there was no one else in my age category, ha ha!), and instead of a medal, was handed a sweet-smelling oriental lily plant.
Fancy that! DH was more excited about the plant than I was (I have an unfailing black thumb, you see, so no plant survives under my TLC). I am now inhaling its sweet freshness while strategizing on how to keep it alive. Adios, all!