5k encouragement

I ran a 5k this past weekend. I've run it three years in a row. I really like it. It's pretty small, but the best part about it is the prizes. They have local businesses donate gift certificates and things and then give them out to age group winners and as grab bags. I've won something every time I've run it.

My daughter ran it with my husband and she rocked! She won her age group (under 12) with a time of 27:55. That's an 8:59 pace and she didn't train at all! AMAZING! I was so proud of her.

Now back to me (isn't that what this blog is all about anyway?!) I was not prepared. I've been running 2x a week and still battling the calf injury (which interestingly has turned into more of a behind the knee injury). I played soccer a few weeks ago and I was sore for an entire week afterwards. I also pulled my quad. So, needless to say, I was not going for a PR in this race. I was thinking I could run about a 9 minute pace.

When we started I tried to keep an even pace. I knew we'd be getting our times at the first mile. I could also hear my husband and daughter right behind me with my husband saying to her "go get mommy! Pass her!". First mile 8:30 exactly. I had two thoughts the first being "that was too fast for me" and the second being "My daughter is going to crash and burn- that was way too fast for her!"

I tried to keep a steady pace for the next mile. I really don't know how to do that right now because I'm not running consistently. I used to know exactly what pace I ran based on how I feel, but not anymore. My mouth was very dry and I was going to get water, but when I got to the water stop they were out. Not permanently, just refilling. Oh well. Mile 2- exactly 17 minutes. I kept my 8:30 pace.

I told myself I only had 1.1 miles left, just 4 laps around the track. I was feeling pretty bad. My mouth was seriously dry and I was having a hard time swallowing. I was also wondering if I could keep up the pace. I started thinking about Jeff Galloway and his program of walking. I've read some discussions about it recently and know several people who use it. I wondered if it would be better for me to walk briefly and make up the time after getting some rest or just keep plugging away. I think once that thought entered my mind I was destined to walk. So- walk I did. It wasn't very long, but 4 people passed me in the short time. I walked just long enough to catch my breath and then started running again. There is a hill at the end and I caught 3 ladies on the hill. Two of them re passed me as we approached the finish. I knew it was too early for me to start sprinting so I just let them go. When I started my sprint I caught one but didn't get the other one.

I finished in 26:55. I was very happy. It's an 8:35 pace. No, I'm not just happy- I'm thrilled! I'm so shocked that I could do that being as untrained as I am. It really gives me motivation to push myself. I need to be careful with my leg, but there is potential.

To top off my great run, I placed first in my age group! Are you kidding me? It turns out the lady on the hill was in my age group and I passed her. I know I'm not all that because normally my time would not even come close to placing. I'm just thankful everyone in my age group decided to stay home. It's given me confidence and encouragement.

I'm 3 for 3 on the prizes!