We were blessed with perfect temps. Low 50’s, sunny and breezy. I overdressed in long sleeves and I knew it, although I felt great waiting around before and after the race.
This is the same course as a summer 5k I did a couple of years ago, just renamed and moved to a cooler time of year. Yay! Honestly I wasn’t going to do this one, but the emails were SO persistent. I’d wanted to do a different 5k the day before but family conflicts prevented that so Fall Frolic it was.
Goals:
C: Don’t go blowing out too fast only to die later.
B: Do not surrender to the walk monkey.
A: Run faster than my last 5k 2 weeks ago.
The start line was marked off by pace per mile. I went back behind the 9’s because I am not fast (for me). Not now. I noticed a lady with a jog stroller lined up in the 7 minute mile area. Really? More power to her I guess. But don’t strollers always line up toward the back?
We were off and I held my horses. I thought I was around 9:30 pace. When I glanced at my watch I was well under 9. Well alrighty then.
I passed jog stroller lady (7 minute miles my eye) and continued on a narrow path behind a school. It was windy and I was boxed in, but happy to not be caught behind that stroller. I fought to keep my hat.
The cutest set of brothers, maybe ages 8 and 10 ran together, except little guy was faster than his big bro. He’d get ahead considerably then wait up and motion to his bro to come on. Sadly big bro was gassed and walking before mile 2.
The race was uneventful. Flat, but tons of turns, mostly on neighborhood streets. I didn’t look at my Garmin anymore. All I wanted was no walking and no puking. I grew impatient in the final mile, but I’d come too far to walk now. I felt like I was plodding, yet nobody was passing me. Forgive me Newton Running for I have sinned: I may have been heel striking. In a 5k. Sheesh. My mantra was Tangents, Turnover, and then whatever else I could think of that started with T. Tough. Toads. Turds.
At last the finishing stretch. I beat my last 5k by about 2.5 minutes. To be fair that one was hot and hilly. This was cool and flat. But still, I’ll take it.
Shockingly, the final mile was my fastest, although it felt like the slowest. Probably the first negative split race in, well, ever.
Good enough to snag the geriatric AG win!
Final words: This race was so well done. I loved the local feel and sponsors.
That said, this was one of the most swagtastic goodie bags I’ve seen in awhile. Since Allstate was a sponsor, I think we got what was left from the 13.1 race, including flip flops sized for a yeti.
Going Forward: The plan is to keep doing 5k’s because I hate them. But they’re the cattle prod I need at this point to press and not walk. At some point I’ll rebuild some mileage. Lord knows when that’ll be.
What is stroller etiquette in a race?
2 and a half minutes?! Awesome! So glad you redeemed yourself with a strong race. And I love your commentary and race observations. 🙂
Congrats on the negative split 5k and the AG medal. Love the cooler = faster temps!
AMAZING and inspiring… you are a rockstar!
Awesome job!! Does anyone really like 5ks? I will never understand those people. I’m not a big fan of running until I feel like I’m going to puke.
Is it sad that my first thought when you said “flip flops sized for a yeti,” was “I bet they’d fit my giant feet.”?
Congrats on your AG placement and beating your last 5K time by so much! I am happy to hear you liked the race! I wasn’t involved with it, but it seems like the club members working on it, worked hard! 🙂
What do you mean by B? In my opinion it is quite alright to slow down to a walk if you feel the limit is there. At least it’s better than taking an outright break 🙂
Great job. I am enjoying the even great geriatric age group wins myself. But the rest are home on the couch or behind me so I’ll take them. Great job. Strollers should be in the back I would say. Dogs too if allowed.
Whoot! Congrats on your AG! You rock Marcia 🙂
EvilCyber I agree it’s totally fine to slow down and/or walk if you want to/have to. For me though, walking is like eating chips. If I start, I have a hard time stopping. That’s why it was not part of my race plan.
Great job – so glad you are back out there racing!!!
However, I feel sure that your age group is not remotely geriatric since I’m probably in the next higher one!!!
Great job! Congratulations on the AG win!
My mother-in-law is the worst when it comes to lining up (granted she doesn’t have a stroller)! She lines up at the FRONT of races with people running 5-6 minute miles, I don’t think that’s right either.
Woohoo! And you look adorable in your picture with your medal!
Almost every race I’ve been in the strollers (if they’re allowed) start behind the runners. Of course, that makes it even sadder when the strollers pass me…
Congrats on an awesome race!
Great Job!
Congrats on your AG award! And OMG, I loathe 5K’s myself – but there are tons of fun ones in Chicago, so I can’t help but sign up!
Great result! You got your A goal.
As for the stroller lady. Fair enough if she could really run 7 minute pace but pushing a stroller while starting too far up the front should be punishable with a slow painful death. I’m thinking of exhaustion after 30 sleepless night with the crying occupant of the pram.
Congrats again! Loved all the IG pics!
Great recap. Congrats on beating your last 5K. I would be upset if I was little bro and big bro was holding me up.
Geriatric. Ha!
This is my first time to your site. I really enjoyed your post. Living in Thailand I forget that there are still cool, breezy races. Congrats on your age group medal!I look forward to reading more.
As far as strollers go, in my opinion, line up at your true time and be considerate in your maneuvering. Otherwise happy running!
Congrats for the podium, the negative split and for beating your last 5 km.
Nice pics!
2.5 minutes is nothing to sneeze at, no matter the temperature! Wow, you really did get awesome goodies…all I got for the Air Force was a coupon for Chick Fil A and a pencil. Nice job!
You’re going to be sub-20s by the end of the year, Louise – Watch out 5k world!
I’m really happy for you that you’re improving so much and things are cooperating with your body – FINALLY! I’m starting to love the 5k way more than I used to (I guess 50 miles will do that to you :)). Keep up the great streak!
Miss you tons (lots to email about…we need to catch up soon!).
xo
Congrats on the AG win! That is awesome.
woot woot! congrats on the AG! people never line up correctly at shorter races… i do not understand! i know i don’t belong on the front line, but if i line up where i should i end up behind strollers, and people with backpacks on….