Cupid's Chase 5K - Run5k

Today was my first actual running race. It was Cupid's Chase 5k in Hartford, CT. This morning was about 9 degrees when I woke up, but by the time the race started it was prob about 25 degrees. Perfect weather. I started with a very slow pace warm up for just over 15 minutes. I finished that about 15 minutes before the start of the race. Not sure if I should have waited to do my warm up closer to the start or not.

There were a total of 297 runners, and I was somewhat near the front at the start. It was difficult for the first 1/10 mile as it was congested. I am surprised no one fell. After that it opened up. Especially the leaders, they were GONE!! I believe the overall winner finished in 16 minutes.

My original goal was 25 minutes. I made sure to keep a steady pace, but 1/2 mile into the race I noticed I was running a 6:30 pace. Too fast for me. I slowed a bit but felt great the entire time. It felt so good to be the one passing other people. There were a few good hills, hence the spike in HR to 187. The last 1/2 mile was an up hill, and then a quick down hill sprint. Passed 2 on the hill, and 1 on the down hill sprint. There were no mile markers, so I am not sure what my splits were, and didn't want to stare at the Garmin and wait for a mile to show up so I could tap the lap button.

I beat my goal, and finished 23:38, averaged a 7:21 pace, and finished 31st out of 247 and 4th in my age group. Fun day for sure.


Nothing

See Run Comments, this was my first race


Post Race activities were rated average only because I thought age group top three would all receive a medal. Only the top three overall received medals, and I thought the top three in each age group would also receive medals. But again, this was my first 5k, so I am not sure what the standard is.