Race #209
5k #62
2023 Race #6
2023 5k #1
Race for Adoption 5k #5

Originally I thought this run would make a great way to get a fast finish. It ended up forming a fast middle.

With plenty of time, Mom and I started from my house and headed towards the race start, along a route we used to take all the time. We walked each mile, my plan to take it easy before race effort.

Once we arrived we had half an hour to wait…whoops.

Then came time to start. I told Mom I planned to run fast so we lined up separately. I made my way to as far forward as I could. I didn’t have a pace planned out but I wanted to make sure to get clear of children who would inevitably dart out too fast and weave around.

With a countdown we were off. I knew I would end up with positive splits due to the elevation profile. I concentrated on putting forth a solid effort, as fast as I could.

During the first quarter mile I found myself behind a couple young girls and several other men. Soon though, the kids dropped off and I had a little bit of time as first place female. Soon, another woman passed. I kept her in sight for the rest of the race but never managed to pass her back, even when she slowed to a walk in the last mile.

I didn’t mind though because winning wasn’t my goal.

I love the feeling of running strong amongst a group of men. Even when the hills came, this provided a bunch of motivation.

Mile 1 – 7:17

Each time we turned and still had a bit of downhill, I cheered a little internally. About halfway through the mile though, we made the turn and headed back, uphill.

Mile 2 – 7:47

I prepared myself for the unrelenting hill on the final mile and even though these hills certainly didn’t feel easy, I didn’t feel like I was dying like I have on previous times I have run this race.

Some time just before the end of the second mile, I had gotten passed by a young girl that I figured was in 8th or 9th grade. My competitive side definitely wanted to challenge her but I knew that with the most significant hills lay ahead.

I focused instead on passing all the guys that had slowed to a walk, defeated by the hills. I also felt motivated by the fact that I felt so good on the hills compared to previous years.

That last half mile felt hard but I knew how close I was to the finish. Around this point I saw the first place female slow to a walk. The younger girl passed her at this point. I came close but she started running again.

Finally we made it over the hill.

Mile 3 – 8:07

For a few more stride I ran as fast as I could, finishing as 3rd female, second in my age group because of course the other woman was my age.

Overall – 24:20

For a 5k effort without any short distance training, that felt pretty good.