Run for Your LIfe 5k - Run5k


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Jackson, Mississippi
United States
Mississippi Track Club
65F / 18C
Overcast
Total Time = 27m 26s
Overall Rank = 48/91
Age Group = 45-49
Age Group Rank = 2/7
Pre-race routine:

I finally got to jump into a local 5k. I've been trying to for weeks, but, mostly have been too lazy. I'm glad I did. It's much more fun to do speed work in a race than on my own. So, got up early (for a Saturday), made some coffee, took care of the kitties, got dressed, and headed out. I was just glad the race site was easy to find, and I didn't get lost. (It's been known to happen.)
Event warmup:

Did a few e-cises and then a 15-minute jog. About 10 minutes before the start, I got on the soccer field and did some striders. I'm always a little embarrassed to do them...I just want to say, "no, I'm not fast, I just think they help me get a better start."
Run
  • 27m 26s
  • 3.11 miles
  • 08m 49s  min/mile
Comments:

I am simply not a fast starter. The gun goes off and, whoosh, everyone runs by me, and I am in the back. Yay, me! But before long and after the first hill, I start to catch up and slowly pick people off. I found a good groove. 5ks are so hard for me to run. I never quite know whether I am working hard enough or running as fast as I can. Because, really, they should just be a sprint. At the same time, though, I want to finish. Anyway, when I crested the last hill around 2 1/2 miles and felt like I was going to throw up, I knew I was working hard enough (and HR data bears it out). I didn't look at my watch and only saw the race clock around mile 1, so was very pleased when I saw the finish line and the clock was just hitting 27 minutes. My goal was to run under 28 minutes, but I wasn't really sure if I could. I want to run a couple of minutes faster...but that will take time.
What would you do differently?:

Actually, nothing. I think I ran good. I passed a friend about half mile from the finish, but out-sprinted me at the end. Bummer. It did mean I didn't have anything left to give, though.
Post race
Warm down:

I really planned to do a warm down and should have. It would have helped pass the time before awards. But I stood around with everyone else and basked in the praise of one of the ladies I had passed. She remarked on the size of my legs. "Bike," I said.

What limited your ability to perform faster:

I just need more speed work.

Event comments:

MTC always puts on a good race.




Last updated: 2009-04-18 12:00 AM
Running
00:27:26 | 03.11 miles | 08m 49s  min/mile
Age Group: 2/7
Overall: 48/91
Performance: Good
HR 162 avg, 174 max
Course: All within the confines of the University of Mississippi Medical College campus. Slightly hilly, which turned out to be to my advantage.
Keeping cool Good Drinking Not enough
Post race
Weight change: %
Overall:
Mental exertion [1-5]
Physical exertion [1-5]
Good race? Yes
Evaluation
Course challenge Just right
Organized? Yes
Events on-time? Yes
Lots of volunteers? Yes
Plenty of drinks? Yes
Post race activities: Average
Race evaluation [1-5] 4