mizuno Killarney 5k winter series - Run5k

This was my first ever standalone 5k so I was a bit nervous & was'nt too sure how to pace myself so I started near the back , I reckoned if I had to weave my way through the crowd it would save me from taking off too fast & blowing up. I was very pleased with the pace I managed for the first 2 k , I just relaxed a small bit in the 3rd & slowed a bit without even realising it . Just approaching the 4km mark I got a terrible stitch. What I was hoping would be my fastest km turned out to be a very painful struggle to the line. Its funny a few secs after finishing the stitch disappeared , why couldnt it buzz off for the last 1km ? Anyway I was aiming for something around the 22 min mark so very happy to go well under 22 mins.

Nothing I can think of . Dont know if the stitch was a result of going at too hard a pace but I plan on going at least as hard in the next race in the series in 3 weeks time.

Side splitting stitch !


No water stations during the race but then again I cant imagine anyone was thirsty with the temperature & the race distance involved . At the finish bananas & bottles of water were given out . At registeration soup , soda bread , cake , tea & coffee were available which was very impressive as the entry fee was only €5. Race was won in a mind boggling 14:49 !