This course had me headed for disaster from the first couple of steps. I have never been known to pace myself very well, so I knew that I would go out fast this race. The first mile is flat, second mile is rolling, and the final mile is all uphill. I knew that final mile I would suffer at.

My plan was to go out in a 6:45, but my adrenaline got me going and I clocked in at 6:18. I was very comfortable and knew right now that I was going to PR in the event, but that I was also going to suffer the final mile.

The second mile is where the discomfort started to kick in. I developed a nagging cramp that would follow me the rest of the race, presumable from not doing any real distance work or training. It hurt a lot every time I took a step, but I just kept picking runners ahead of me and passing them.

You could tell which guys went out a little too quick by this time too. I picked a surprisingly quick little 12 year old to trail for the second mile.

The third mile is where the negativity and pains starts to kick in. It was all uphill without and breaks or flats. I really considered stopping a couple times, but kept thinking positive. Before I knew it we had finally reached a little flat and I felt better. With about a quarter mile left, the little kid dropped me and I coasted up another hill and to the finish.

I saw the clock and pumped my arm as I crossed the finish: 21:22. It was a PR by 1:58 and I did no real training for the event. My last mile was 7:22 so I didn't run as poorly as I felt.

I was really suprised when I saw I was second in my age group. I figured I was top five, but I didn't think that I was that high. The winner of my age group had me beat by three minutes so I did as well as I could.

I was really happy after I got cooled down, and glad I took it out quick. Pre talked about a suicide pace and I think I was bordering on my limit a couple times!

Nothing!

Grabbed a water and cheered on the rest of the finishers. My dad, who ran his first ever 5K, came in at 29:43. His long run was only 2 miles so he did so well!

The age group award was a personalzed coffee mug!


The hills…oh and not distance running for 5 months!


The volunteers were very helpful, and the t-shirt was great. This was a part of the Bucks 5K Series and I would highly recommend their races to anyone in the Bucks County radius.