Jingle Bell Run - Run5k

Started near the front, but still got stuck behind a lot of people that really shouldn't have been up there. It's a big charity run though and it seems like it attracts a lot of people doing their first 5k, so it's to be expected. Good for them.

The one person I have to except from the 'good for them' is the guy with his young (10?) son who started near the front and then proceeded to run side by side at a 9 minute pace. It's wonderful to see families running together, I can't wait to do it with my kids, but they need to seed themselves according to the kids speed, not the parents. It's dangerous to both the kid and the runners around them who are seriously racing.

Rant over.

Mile 1 there was a gentleman with a bullhorn announcing splits. I was at 6:44, which was ok. The first mile I felt good, the pace didn't feel too bad at all. I was thinking "I can maintain this for another 14-15 minutes no problem.". Even with the 20mph+ headwind on Westfall.

Then a bit after the 2 mile mark I got the worst side-stitch I've ever had. I can run with them usually but this was bad. I actually stopped for 10 seconds or so then walked for 10 more before starting up again.

Managed to put together a decent sprint at the end, but I wasn't able to break the 22 minute mark.

Besides get a good night's sleep, not much. Maybe get a little further up front for the start.

The usual: found a spot to fall on the ground for a few minutes then walked to the chute to watch folks cross the finish. Saw Brad from work, missed Ken while I was en route to the chute. Saw Dudley come in.

Went inside and hung out with Dudley, Brad, Ken, Kam and Rob. Best part of my race. :)


Missed key workouts due to illness in the weeks prior, an inability to stop working at 3 in the morning. An intense side-stitch (wonder if the missed sleep had anything to do with that?)



It's a good cause, a good course and it's popular so there are always nice people to hang with.