1st Race Since 2013 - Loop the Lakes 5K Recap

Total Time: 25:27.5 (8:13 pace)

Age Group (30-39): 2/26

Overall: 24/151

Women: 4/89

The medal that I earned at the end of this race will be one that I'm proud of for a long time.  The medal represents my efforts to return to the fold (see post below) after a long period of inactivity.  I was able to put my mind into it and consistently train, without overdoing it or injuring myself.

I was so happy to have finished the race well under my goal time (sub-9 minute pace).  I remembered how much fun it is to run races, even though it was windy & cold.  I met some great women and enjoyed the race atmosphere again.

I was nervous leading up to the race.  The weather leading up to the race didn't look good - cold and rainy.  I really didn't want to have to deal with running in the rain, so I'm glad that the rain held off until later in the afternoon.  Also, I haven't run a race since 2013.  Would I even know how to put a bib on?  It's like riding a bicycle, right?

Worse of all, I didn't have any moral support with me.  My parents and little brother couldn't run the race.  My fiance had an appointment in the morning.  It was the first race that I've done by myself, so I was proud of myself for showing up without any support.  However, in my opinion, it's more fun to participate in races with people you know.

I was off the day before so I went to park to see where to park and to find the start and finish area.  I walked around a little to, trying to figure out where the miles would be.  The course map showed the kilometers, which I found a bit odd, since most race maps I've seen either show the miles only or both the miles/kilometers.  The new route is certified.  Unfortunately, they didn't do away with the rolling hills.  Me no likey hills of any kind.  Thankfully, we didn't have to run up the big sled hill because that would have just been cruel and unusual punishment and entirely unnecessary.

  

The Course (Source)

The race started at 9:00 AM so I woke up at 7:00, ate a Belvita breakfast bar and drank 15 ounces of water.  The night before, I made sure to lay off fiber-rich foods and I also didn't indulge in my usual sweets before bed.  I ate lemon chicken tacos and white rice.  Super boring, but I didn't have any tummy trouble during the race, so there's that.

Packet pick up was at 7:45, so I wanted to make sure I left early enough to snag a spot in the parking lot closest to the starting line.  Technically, I could have walked to the race since the park is close to my house.  However, I wasn't about ready to walk in temps that were in the upper 30s/lower 40s.  Nope.  No dice.

I got there with plenty of time to spare and chilled in my car for a little bit.  I managed to put my bib on correctly and only pricked myself once.  I forced myself outside to get adjusted to the elements.  While I was waiting, I met T.  This race would be T's first and she was walking it.  Her family didn't want to come, so she was also alone.  We chatted for a bit before we started and took a picture together.

Results from FitBit

Mile 1: 8:13

I wasn't really sure where to place myself at the starting line.  I didn't want to go too far up front since I'm not that speedy, but I didn't want to go too far back and have to run past a lot of slower runners.  Plus, this race isn't chip timed, hence the five second differential from my FitBit time and my official time.  No biggie, but still.  I prefer chip timing, but this is a small local race, so I don't expect it.

Portions of the path are a little narrow, so I had to make sure I wasn't cutting anyone off when I tried to pass.  The downside of wearing headphones is that you can't really hear what's going on around you.  I don't think I cut anyone off though, which is good.  I don't want to be *that* runner.

Here are some pictures of the lake, which I took the day before.

Thankfully the rolling hills happen early in the course, so I'm still feeling pretty good as I approach them.

Mile 2: 8:13

I'm beginning to suspect that my FitBit is a dirty liar!  I don't think I've ever run the same time for the first two miles in any race ever.  *raises eyebrows*  Interesting.  Perhaps I've learnt how to pace myself?  Haha... yeah right.

Along the way, I see two women in front of me.  One is wearing a bright yellow jacket and she looks out of range, unless I book it.  I manage to catch the other woman and pass her.  I make a mental note of her in case she passes me.  A little boy is in front of me.  I definitely want to pass him, but for now, I trail behind him.  When I raced a lot, I *never* wanted to let an old man, old woman or child pass me.  It's a pride thing, I think.  So yes, *must pass the boy*... at some point.

I'm bothered by not being able to see mile markers either.  No way in hell can I do the mental math to convert kilometers to miles.  

Source

Also, the course isn't point-to-point so you pass the 4km marker before you've run 4km.  No biggie though.  

Mile 3: 8:08

Am I actually going to run a negative split for this race?!  It looks like it's possible so long as the wheels don't fall off the bus.

Physically, I'm feeling fine - a little tired, but not hurting.  I'm still trying to be a little conservative as to not kill myself, but I definitely want to start passing people, if I can.

On the way to the 4th kilometer, I'm passed by the woman I passed earlier and a man.  Shit.  It's gut check time.  Problem with me is that when a few people pass me, I get demoralized.  That just means that more people pass me and I get more demoralized.  'Tis an evil cycle.

Time to pull my head out of my ass, turn on my turbo boosters and finish strong.

Source

With 0.4 left to go, I figure it's now or never.  Also, I took a look behind me as we turned to run around the back of the sled hell.  A shitload of people are behind me.  Meaning, more people to pass me if I don't hurry up!

I overtake the man and the boy.  Woo hoo!  The woman is in striking distance.  Though, I want to time it right.  As we approach the 5KM mark, I go for it.

Problem is, she starts sprinting too.  Ummm... yeah... wasn't expecting that.  We round the corner, run down some pavement before we have a sprint finish on the grass.

Unfortunately, she surges ahead of me.  I try to catch up, but it's too late.  She finished a second ahead of me.

After the race, I came up to her and told her, "Good job!"  She thanked me for pushing her to a strong finish.  We chatted for a bit before going our separate ways.  I'll have to keep an eye out for her during races.  I'll get you next time!

0.10 7:32 pace

The only hill in Vernon Hills.  We finished in front of it.

Holy crap!  This may be the first race that I've run where I've run a negative split!  I always blast it out of the gate in the first mile.  I fade a little in Mile 2, fade significantly in Mile 3 and hang on for the rest of the ride.  Perhaps the long layoff has made me change my ways??

After the race, I hung around, mainly to get my official results and see if I placed.  I also caught T.'s finish and chatted with her post-race.

I'm not sure what happened during the awards ceremony, but I didn't hear my name called.  I thought I may have placed since the woman who won the race ran it just a little faster than me.  I saw the woman who out-sprinted me inquiring about the results.  Low and behold, I placed second in my age group.  Go me!

My Winnings

Gear:

• Wore: running tights, short-sleeved top, long-sleeved top, light jacket, hat and gloves.  I got a touch hot toward the end and shed the hat and gloves.  Perhaps capris would have been the better thing to wear.
• Wireless headphones.  My fiance gave me these beauties for my birthday this year.  What a different running without cords makes!  Highly recommended!

Rowkin Wireless Headphones

Overall, I was very pleased with my performance, and I'm even more proud of myself for running it solo!

So, what's next?

As of right now, I don't have any races on the agenda.  I may try to run another 5K later in the month and am trying to decide which one.  As always, location and price are two key factors.  I kind of balk if I see a $40-$50 price tag for a 5K.  I can just run one for free outside.  Granted, the more expensive the race, the better the quality (hopefully anyway)... chip timing, start corrals, etc. etc.

Long term, I'd like to race a 10K before the year ends.  So I've got to boost my mileage.  But, I think it's a totally reasonable goal.  If not, I can always race more 5Ks if I'm not ready for the 10K.  There are some great fall races that I'd like to run if able.  We shall see!

But for now, I'm comfortably back on the boat and hoping to stay on for good!