Run for Boston 5K Race Recap

23:30.05 - Garmin only measured 2.92

This morning I ran the Run for Boston 5k at the Independence Grove Forest Preserve in Libertyville.  I signed up for the race right away as soon as I found out that 100% of the proceeds go to the Who Says I Can't Foundation to help those that lost limbs a a result of the Boston Marathon bombing.  Also, I was super excited that the race was held in Libertyville, which is the town next to mine.  Yay for local races!  I convinced my parents to run the race too so it became a family affair.

We headed to Independence Grove around 8 and snagged some free parking, which was conveniently located right by the start line.  My dad picked up our packets the day before, but they were also handing them out at the race too.

It was somewhat cold - in the low 60s and it looked like it was going to ran.  I had time to kill so I decided to walk/jog a bit so I could get the blood flowing to my legs.  I did not want to be sore after the race like after the North Shore Half.  That wasn't pretty at all.  Illinois Bone and Joint (a PT place) was out and they lead a pre-race warmup, which was really helpful.   I did a few of the exercises before I decided I was warm enough.

The founder of Who Says I Can't, Jothy Rosenberg was at the race!  He thanked all of us for participating and assured us that our race fees would go to a great cause and help people get back on their feet.  After that, we had a moment of silence for Boston, which was very touching.

And then we were off!  The race was not chip timed, but I still decided to start my Garmin as I crossed the starting line.  The course was basically a big loop through the forest preserve and was ran on the path and not on the trails.

Source

I hate looped courses for several reasons.  First, you can see the other runners ahead of you.  Second, you can see where you are versus where you have to be and it seems so far away.  Third, I like to be surprised, which happens more with point to point courses, I think.

Can you find me?

Mile 1: 8:16:  The start was a little crowded as most race starts are.  I was able to get into the groove once I dodged past slower runners.  I wanted to be conservative with the first mile, but not run it too slow since this race was only a 5K.  I was pleased to see a time in the low 8s, which I haven't seen in ages.

Mile 2: 7:56:  A sub-8 split?!  What?!  Who am I??  Needless to say, I was pleased since I haven't run a mile under 8 minutes in ages as well.  After Mile 1, I tried to hang with two women who looked about my age.  But, they were too speedy for me.  I passed up a few people on the way to Mile 3, but other than that, I was pretty much running alone.  I also kinda wish I had stopped for water at the aid station past mile 1, but again, it is only a 5K so I could do without it.

Trying to keep up :-/

WTF is up with my arms?! :-o

Split for 0.92: 8:13:  We climbed up a bit hill and the finish area was to our left.  However, we had to run around this circle to get back to it.  I was less then pleased.

The bad thing about running with headphones is that you can hear the sound of feet pounding and approaching you.  I had been running alone for quite some time and was like, "Ok, well let's just get it under 24 if you can and not let any other people pass you. If it's a guy, ok, but not a woman."

DOH.  Spoke too soon.  All of a sudden this chick comes up behind me and she is really gunning it.  I mean, like hardcore - good form, wide strides, arms pumping - the whole shebang.  I, on the other hand, am just dragging my ass toward the finish at this point having already exerted myself in the miles prior.

But, in the back of my mind I'm like, "Ha, I have an epic sprint in the bag so as long as I stay close I can reel her in and take her down!"  She must have read my mind because she sped up really fast after I surged a tiny little bit ahead of her.  She had the epic sprint that I was hoping for and finished ahead of me.  Boo.  Oh well, shit happens sometimes, I guess.  I can say that I didn't want to kill it and have that groin pain I had post North Shore Half, but let's face it - I just didn't challenge her because I couldn't.

Where'd that chick go?
Oh, shit, she is way in front of me!  Oh well.

Are we there yet?!

Checking Garmin as per usual

I watched my dad finish the race.  He ended up with a 29:xx.  I then tried to watch my mom finish, but missed it since I overestimated how fast she would run.  After the race, we munched on some great post-race goodies which included bananas, Oreos, pizza and 312 beer.  

Dad in yellow running along

And, I took a picture with the Chicago Running Bloggers!  I definitely saw some familiar faces since I read their blogs.  And, I introduced myself to Pete B (aka The Lakefront Trail) who has commented on my blog before.


Chicago Running Bloggers post-race

Overall, it was an excellent and well-organized race.  I definitely would run it again if they decide to make it a yearly thing.