Riverbound Race Series 5k

Disclaimer again: This is written almost 3 months later,  please have a grain of salt by your side...

Ahh, the 5k.Ooh, a trail! I had actually never run a trail race before this one. Never. And it's all I ever train on. I had no idea what to expect. I knew my road PR and felt that I may be a minute or two behind there. My friend Alex agreed to join - he's usually up for anything. We met at 5am and headed over to Charlotte.

The National Whitewater Center is a pretty awesome place. Definitely worth checking out if you've never been there and you are into climbing, mountain biking, trail running or paddling. Anyways. We were there by 7:15. Being the inaugural of a new series, there were two race times posted so we of course went with the later, 8:30. Could have slept in a bit longer. Ah well, I love mornings anyways.

The race started at the top of a hill and quickly went into single-track trail. Windy and tight single-track trail. I got stuck behind two runners who would not step slightly to a side. I felt I wasted a lot of energy being frustrated with their race etiquette. Finally the guy right behind me jumped up onto the bank to pass. I waited until the next switchback to make my move.

The race was hard. I was exhausted. It felt good though. I know how to run quickly with small steps on this terrain. I passed people. At one point I was all alone and didn't see anyone so I debated turning back. The time I was expecting was about to pass so I figured I had made a wrong turn. I meandered back for a second, to see if I saw anyone. That's when I saw the 3 people come around the bend 50 feet back. I quickly commenced my run. We had about 3/4 mile to go at this point. Once I saw the clearing in the trees, I knew the end was near. I picked it up - or felt I did anyways. There was a bit more left than anticipated so I had to back off some. I normally have a decent kick at the end, but as I recall, someone passed me right at the end.

All in all though, the race was awesome. I couldn't believe my time. 26:36. Garmin race link: Riverbound 5k I had worked so hard and finished over 4 minutes slower than my road PR. Geez, trails are their own beast. I ended up 2nd female overall (of 89) and 2nd in my age group. And therefore, met a great new friend. Christina had gotten first female overall with an amazing time of 24:00. Alex also did well - 2nd in his age group, and I think, really enjoyed the race. He does ultras so only doing three miles was a new challenge for him.

I felt I had found my kind of race. One I was good at. Time not affecting the outcome. (Ahh, foreshadowing... see RBRS 10k - eeek.)

Frostbite 5k

You must love the 5k. You must because they completely deplete you. It really is a 3 mile sprint. The whole way - push the whole way. What a fabulous experience to be had. The 5k for me is like a waiting game. Are you going to be able to pull it off? That effort? The whole time? Are you going to get mentally defeated that last half mile to quarter mile to go? Ah! How exciting.

The back story: I have never done well with the 5k. My PR was hovering directly over 25:00 - 25:05 to be exact.. I could run faster too! I knew I could, it just never happened in a race. My 5k back in 2004 (my 6 month running trial) 32:11. For Bele Chere last year, I ended up walking - yes w-a-l-k-i-n-g, about half a mile at least. My shins cramped up - I could barely lift my toes. For one, my technique needed some improvement, two I had not been on roads since the previous race, and three, I don't believe I had done any speed work. So this Frostbite was important to me, although I knew better than to expect a miracle.

My mom and step dad came to support me. My friend Kim and her mom also ran it. (My first ever race with Kim - she is mentioned again in the DuPont half post). I had no real expectations. I usually give mom a range of times so she "knows how happy to be when I finish". 

Happiness level 1: 24: something 

Happiness level 2: 23: something

Happiness level 3: 22: something

And of course the unattainable Happiness level 4: 21:something - just to be safe.

Well, the race started well. It went around Park Ridge Hospital on their walking path. It was rolling hill style. I kept a moderate/hard pace - tried not to look at the pace of my Garmin. First mile went by - I heard it beep so I glanced down - 7:00 (what? really?)  Mile two stayed a rolling hill style. Mile three started with a nice little hill including a turnaround at the top. I am mentally competitive so I counted the people as they passed at the turnaround. Hey - I wasn't too far behind! Last little bit - once I knew the finish line was coming, but couldn't see it, I held back for about 25 feet. There were little dirt clumps that had me thrown for some reason. Anyways, I picked it back up. As I ran into the finish I spotted the clock and was AMAZED. (I don't really utilize the Garmin well for this) I was close to 22! I didn't get to break it, but ended up with a 22:06. Garmin link: Frostbite 5k 

I was astonished. I had finally run a decent (for me) 5k!!!! It was great to have my family there to support me. I also ran into an old high school friend with her husband and 3 kids. It was great to see her and she had just started running too! We now keep in touch and share future race possibilities. If only my mind hadn't gone directly to...  "Now... how can I break 22?"