Race #164
5k #55
2019 Race #8
2019 5k #2
A Hero’s 5k #4

After running the race a third time two years ago, I had no intention of running it again. I did not even register for the race until the beginning of this week. Several weeks ago, AnnaRose texted me and asked if I knew of any 5ks around the area in the near future. I thought of this one and thought it would appeal to her since it supports returning veterans. I thought she was interested in running one on her own but then she texted and asked if I was going to do it. After a quick check of my calendar, I saw that I had no other race so I was in.

This year they moved the course out to North Greenville which made for a bit of a drive and added a few hills but nothing too bad. We ended up having to stand around for over half an hour during the “opening ceremonies” which included quite a few unnecessary speakers and songs. I genuinely understand what they’re trying to do and how they want everyone there for the race to take part. However, these ceremonies should take place after the race finishes. Just get everything started already.

Unlike other race recaps, this one will not include mile by mile breakdowns of the course or anything like that. This race I let AnnaRose dictate the pace which ended up a couple minutes slower per mile than I normally run and it was a lot of fun! I enjoyed running with her and pacing her to her first ever 5k finish!

The course started on the track at the athletic complex across the street from the main campus. We ran out of the athletic complex and onto campus by way of a hill reminiscent of the hill leading to the Iwo JIma Memorial at the finish line of the Marine Corps Marathon, looped around a portion of campus, came back to the main road and took one more trip around the loop before turning right to head back over to the track at the athletic complex and the finish.

Mom got plenty of pictures.

At the start. I ended up giving the gloves back to Mom before starting.

After I realized Mom was on the side of the road taking pictures.

Once we returned to the track, AnnaRose started to sprint full on. I teased her as we ran about not expecting her to throw on a soccer sprint.

This is me yelling that out.

Throwing on a sprint

We finished with one of my slowest 5k times but I do not care. I’m so glad I got to run this with AnnaRose. It has been far too long since I have run a race with someone.