Autism Speaks 5K - Run5k

I love this race - been doing it almost every year since 2006. Every year I have the same problem - it starts out lovely and cool and overcast, which makes me feel overconfident, I go too fast and blow up. I tried really hard not to repeat that this year! I am horribly out of shape, but I wasn't going to miss this race. I decided if I could get it done in under 45 minutes, I would be happy. I have a nifty chart that claims I can do a 15 minute mile if I do :30 running and :45 walking. I figured that would be doable for an out-of-shape aging barfly, and I was pretty spot on.

First mile went well, definitely knew how out of shape I was, but still felt good. Many thanks to the family that always has the sprinkler out for us!

Second mile again, went very well given how little I have worked out. Towards the end of the mile though, I was developing a wee bit of a drunk stagger during the walk intervals, and I was noticing that all the run intervals seemed to be uphill. Until this point, the sky had stayed nice and overcast. Then the sun came out.

Third mile, I am making deals with myself. Run this interval and you can walk the next one. Run this interval, but start walking at 25 seconds instead of 30. Just keep moving forward. No, barfing is *not* an awesome idea. This mile made me VERY happy I'd gotten the water bottle - more of it was getting dumped down my shirt than anything.

Finally we hit the super awesome last left turn, about .2 miles of flat, then from the 3 mile mark to the end it is straight downhill. YAY! Gravity is AWESOME!!

Finished with a smile.

Not be so ridiculously out of shape.

Dump ice down shirt, eat pizza.


Lack of fitness.


Can't wait to do it again next year.