Race Report: Cul de Sac 5k #2

Date:  July 16, 2012
Distance: 5k run
Time: 43:03
Pace: 13:50 min/mile
Overall Rank: 429/440
Age Group (F30-34) Rank: 38/39


My goals from last week worked out great, so I decided to use them again this week. Added on two new ones:

1) have fun
2) finish
3) not die
4) not walk at all during first mile
5) be faster than last week

I managed to complete all of the goals this week! It was really hot, but I made it through. I decided to use my handheld water bottle so that I would have enough liquid. I'm really glad that I did because it was so hot and humid. Also had a tiny cup of beer right around mile 1 from one of the people in the neighborhood. They were joking about it last week. I love that they followed through!

I also used different shoes this week, and that was a huge help. My Achilles tendon didn't get sore during the run.

BTW, one of my favorite parts of this race? The PIGLETS! The advantage of the Cul de Sac is that I can see them running out of the Cul de Sac as I go in. And, since it's warm, they are all shirtless! Yay

Race Report: Cul de Sac 5k #1

Date: July 9, 2012

Distance: 5k run

Time: 43:46

Pace: 14:04 min/mile

Overall Rank: 398/411

Age Group (F30-34) Rank: 31/32

My goals for the race were to:

a) have fun b) finish c) not die

Goal c was largely for my husband; it seemed like bad form to die on our anniversary. ;)

Started off running all the way to the first cul de sac and to the end of it. My calves were tight by that point, so I walked back to the street. Ran to the end of the next two cul de sacs and then walked back to street. At the end of the third, I stopped to stretch and chat with a coworker who was volunteering.

I walked through the water stop that happened at 1.5 miles. After that, ran to the first turn. Walked up the hill to mile 2, then ran down to the next corner and water stop. The volunteer there told me I was last but not least. He was quite surprised when I told him there were several after me.

I walked through the last water stop and got passed by some older guys who had already finished and were running more. I commented that they were putting me to shame. One, Dave, told me to pick it up and run with him to the end. He is a cross country coach for a nearby high school. He kept me running the last half mile to the finish. Without him, I would not have had as good of a final run. Seriously great guy. He told me he is looking for me next week too. :)