Bucktown 5k - Run5k

As I mentioned in the wamrup, I didn't get the proper code on my bid to be in one of the prequalified starting corrals up front, despite the fact that I sent in evidence of a qualifying time as required. Luckily, while waiting, the announcer started talked about seeding yourselves, and made it sound like you could go wherever, so many of us ducked under the rope and moved up. This ended up being a really good decision because I paced with the group around me perfectly. I was never doing a ton of passing, and a ton of people were never passing me!

I felt real good on the first mile. My pace felt controlled which was an important thought for my start. I have a habit of going out too fast, and I didn't want to do that here. Hit the first mile marker a little under 7 minutes.

At this point I noticed on runner who I had been near the whole time, and she looked well controlled in her pace, so I decided to stay with her the rest of the race. I think this really helped me with my bad habit of slowing down in the middle of a race. Instead I maintained my pace and was a little under 14 minutes at the 2nd mile marker.

I continued to cruise with my pacer on the third mile, telling myself not to push too early. I usually like to start really pushing a kick with about a half mile to go. I should have studied the course map. While telling myself not to push to early I could suddenly see the 3rd mile marker ahead. So I started to push, but it was too late. My third mile was actually a touch over 7 minutes. Ran hard through the end.

Needed to push earlier. I definitely feel like I still had more in me to go faster. Needed to spend more time with the course map. Usually I obsess over course maps, but I guess I just wasn't taking this race as seriously. (On that thought, the several pitchers of beer with friends the night before may not have helped either)

Walked around a bit, got some water and bananas. Then stood around for 20 minutes while they tried to find my bag at gear check. (They put it in the wrong area... YAY!)


I've been happy with my speed work in training, but I think more sustained tempo runs would help me out more.


Nothing wrong with the race itself. A 5K on closed streets. However, the post events were real weak, and they were packed! It took me a longtime just to weave through the crowd and find a garbage can to throw out banana peels.

Jacket we got is okay, not great. Nice surprise to get a free running hat. I always need more of those since they get real nasty real quick. Race lost a few points when they lost my bag at gear check too.