Run for the Cops 5K Race Recap: A New Personal Worst

Time: 25:26 (8:11 average pace)
Overall: 72/337
Age Group: 2/22
Sex: 17/180

Little Bro, Dad (3rd in AG) & Me
I ran with my sunglasses on my head the whole time.
Talk about running outfit FAIL.

 I achieved a new personal worst in the 5K Sunday morning.  However, my efforts were enough to snag second in my age group.  This is the second 5K in a row where this has happened to me.

Shirt & Medal

The race didn't go as well as I would have liked, but I was pleased with myself for completing it despite the rising temperatures at the end of the race.

I ate a a Chinese buffet the night before, which didn't sit too well with my stomach in the morning.  Chinese buffets are now on the do not do list prior to long runs or races.  Thankfully I was able to take care of business in the morning so my stomach was good during the race.

I also decided to be eco-friendly and walk to the race since the start was only a mile and a half from home.  However, I left a little later then I intended so I had to do a run/walk to get there on time.  I brought a bag with items I wanted post-race.  I probably should have skipped it, but I really didn't want to wear my shoes and sweaty shirt after the race.

I met my family while I was walking and we arrived at the race site a little bit past 7:40, which still gave us plenty of time to go through our pre-race routines.  My mom tagged along, but she opted to run around on her own since she didn't want to pay to run the race.  She would regret not registering later on (more on that later).

The theme for the race is run from the cops and members of various police academies in the area participate in the race.  They line up at the very back.  I noticed some guys carrying plastic billy clubs.  There was another guy who ran the race with an Army colored backpack.  That had to be uncomfortable.

Mile 1 - 7:54: A sub-8 split?!  Woo hoo!  I must have been excited to be running on my home course.  The little bro and I started together, but he pulled away from me early on.  I kept him in my sights and watched as he weaved in and out of other runners to get ahead.  Eventually I caught up to him and passed him.

Mile 2 - 8:09: The little bro caught up to me around a mile an a half as we entered in a newer subdivision with huge (and expensive) homes.  We started to run together and we both were struggling a bit with the heat.  There was not a lot of shade either.  I took a look at my watch and watched the pace on my Garmin climb up.  We got to mile 2 a little over 16.  At that point, I knew it would be hard for me to break 25 since I was fading.

Mile 3 - 8:21: I definitely faded from mile 2 to 3 hence the jump in pace.  Thankfully my brother was beside me so it gave me the motivation I needed not to start slowing down more or start walking.  People began to pass us and I didn't have any desire to chase after them.  The bro, on the other hand, was feeling it so he sprinted it in and managed to pick off another runner.  He finished in 25:14 which was a PR from his previous 5K time of 26:29.  I was super proud of him!  Oh, and in other news, he ran 6 miles, which is the furthest he has ever run.  He'll have to work harder to get to double digit runs so he can complete the marathon, but I think he can do it.

We hung around for the awards ceremony since my dad and I both placed.  The announcer said my last name right, which shocked me.  My mom would have gotten second in her age group if she signed up for the race.

I was touched watching all the younger kids collect their medals.  They were so proud of themselves.  On the way home from errands later that evening, I noticed one of the young boys who had won an age group award sprinting down the street.  He still had his medal and race shirt on.  I felt super proud of him too.  Hopefully he continues to run and earning medals can be very addicting.

Overall, I had a good time at the race and I may consider running it again depending on my training schedule next year.  It is in July, which isn't preferred, but it's only a 5K so it is doable.

Congrats to everyone who ran the Chicago Rock and Roll Half Marathon yesterday!  You are all amazing for being able to power through the heat!  Hopefully this week is less humid so I can get my weekly runs in outdoors!