Spud Run 5K

I love small local races, especially ones close to home. This race is in the next city and much of the course is on the trails where I do much of my running. Once again, this was less then ideal race conditions: Temps of 70, but 90% humidity and rain coming and for some reason the mosquitoes were awful! Since this was a gun time only race I decided to start right behind the line of guys with the local high school cross country singlets. After a little warm up run, Matt and I got in line as we eyed up the other runners at the front, making guesses on who was out of place and who truly belonged up there.

After Thursday's tough workout my legs were still screaming at me (although a little quieter now), luckily the warm up helped but I knew this combined with my lack of speedwork was not the ideal picture for a 5K, my goal was a better time then I ran at this race 5 years ago (22:40) but Ideally a sub 20.

We were off and as expected many of the front row runners faded quickly except some of the guys one other woman who took off. I figured she was either truly fast or really stupid, I soon found out she could hold her own and fast! Okay, but just keep the others behind you and maintain 2nd place. After Mile 1 she was pulling further ahead and I knew she was out of my reach. And the legs are telling me they are still tired, keep pushing ahead this is only 3 miles. Mile 2 and I was starting to fade, I could hear others behind me and had no idea how many or how close they were, then we turned a corner and I saw only one guy, nice! I finally see the area we started and know the finish is just around the next corner, my sub 20 goal is long gone but I can still beat my last run on this course. I give a last push to the finish and hear "and here comes the 2nd woman" and done 22:00. Good for 2nd woman, 20th overall and 1st age group. I later found out fast girl was young and wins this race every year, her time 19:30.

Soon after I see Matt coming down the road and he crosses for a time of 24:30 48th overall finish. We give O the high fives she's been waiting for and watch the rest of the race as we wait for her race to start.

The kids ran a 1/4 mile race, which I think she doubled in warm up! She ran so much waiting for things to start that she was tired before her race began. But she was thrilled out there running and is now asking for the next race. My little runner.

My 1st place AG finish was good for a medal and a gift certificate to a local running store, yay! Guess it turned out to be a free race for me. I love small local races and need to look for more. I learned I need to be doing more speedwork and my leg is ready.
A giant potato, what could be better?


    












Comments

  1. Rachelle QJune 17, 2012 at 1:47 PM

    Awesome! Great job! Love the smaller races:)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Laura BollJune 17, 2012 at 7:50 PM

    Yay, Jen!! Congrats on first place ag! Running in the heat and humidity is so tough- you had a great run! I'm considering a local 5k July 4th, but remembering that after the last hot one I told myself no more racing in these conditions! So we'll see.... awesome that you got a gift card, too!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Coach JenJune 18, 2012 at 6:16 AM

      Thanks Laura :) Summer is tough for racing since you never know what you will get for weather.

      Delete
  3. Angela @ Happy Fit MamaJune 18, 2012 at 7:32 PM

    Great job! Your little one racing is so cute! I think my 2 are on the verge of wanting to enter. They love to run so why not in a race?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Coach JenJune 18, 2012 at 8:06 PM

      Thanks! She has such fun running and it just shows that we are provinding her a good example of fitness. The kid races are so much fun for them :)

      Delete
  4. sea legs girlJune 19, 2012 at 9:58 PM

    That is such a great time in the heat and humidity! Congrats. I love that picture of you running. You look so tough and in shape. And by the way, I'd like to see that young girl beat you when she's a mom!

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    Replies
    1. Coach JenJune 20, 2012 at 7:26 AM

      Thanks Tracy :) By the time that girl is a mom I will be way too old to beat her...lol!

      Delete
  5. Jen @ Mom's Gotta RunJune 25, 2012 at 1:17 PM

    I had a similar race on 6/17 - except I placed 10th in my age group(which is amazing for me). I love local races because it's always easier logistically so no stress about rides and babysitting and parking.

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    Replies
    1. Coach JenJune 26, 2012 at 11:39 AM

      Congrats on the great race! Don't forget not having to get up so early when the race is local :)

      Delete

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