Speedy Skunk 5k
Let me tell you, Saturday was an awesome day!!
I shot up North to stay with my parents Friday night, and got up waaaaaay early Saturday to head to NW Arkansas for my 5k. I didn't go to bed early enough, and didn't sleep well, so the race day was a bit stressful as I was afraid I would be too tired.
By 7:30 a.m. it was already at 89 degrees and 100% humidity....YUCK. The 10k took off at 7:30 and we 5kers waited around for another half hour, sweating while doing nothing.
The course started off down hill...down a BIG hill. This is deceiving as you can start off too fast and burn out too soon. I had to tell myself to go slow b/c it wasn't all downhill. We flattened out about 1/4 mile in, and crossed what would be our finish line. A slow incline gave way to another big hill, this time, UP hill. The remainder of the course to the turn around was flat and fast, but I stayed at a slow pace because I was sweating so bad. I have a fear of passing out, because I do get weak when I get too hot. We all do if we sweat too much and don't refuel. Near the end we ran back down the UP hill, and headed toward the finish line.
As I got close I could see the clock at 34:27 and thought "Oooh! If I push it, I can PR by almost 30 seconds!" Well, then I got in my own head, and here came the tingles. Hands went numb, legs got wobbly, breathing was labored. I had to talk myself out of quitting so close to the end. If I walked, it would take me longer to get to water/Gatorade. I keep running, not pushing though, and finished in 34:54.1.
....and THAT my friends is a PR.! I beat my last race by about 9 seconds. That's a huge win considering the conditions.
But do you want to know the best part??
I got 3rd place in my age division!! And, there were more than 3 women in my division! I was 3/7, 103/157 overall. I think that is pretty cool.
Check that out. I was totally shocked too. Here I am 4 hours from home, only 1 of 4 people in this race from our town, and the only one in my category. They announced "3rd place, from Durant, OK, with a time of 34:54.1...." and my friend said I was just looking around like I wasn't listening. She asked me if I thought there was really someone else there, from our town, with MY name that won, b/c that was the look on my face. I would have never guessed I'd place. I'm so stoked!
I shot up North to stay with my parents Friday night, and got up waaaaaay early Saturday to head to NW Arkansas for my 5k. I didn't go to bed early enough, and didn't sleep well, so the race day was a bit stressful as I was afraid I would be too tired.
By 7:30 a.m. it was already at 89 degrees and 100% humidity....YUCK. The 10k took off at 7:30 and we 5kers waited around for another half hour, sweating while doing nothing.
The course started off down hill...down a BIG hill. This is deceiving as you can start off too fast and burn out too soon. I had to tell myself to go slow b/c it wasn't all downhill. We flattened out about 1/4 mile in, and crossed what would be our finish line. A slow incline gave way to another big hill, this time, UP hill. The remainder of the course to the turn around was flat and fast, but I stayed at a slow pace because I was sweating so bad. I have a fear of passing out, because I do get weak when I get too hot. We all do if we sweat too much and don't refuel. Near the end we ran back down the UP hill, and headed toward the finish line.
 |
| Back down the hill to the end. The girl in the blue was in front of me the entire race. I used her as my pace keeper. I tried to tell her later, but I couldn't find her once the race was over. Thanks to you blue shirt girl!!! |
....and THAT my friends is a PR.! I beat my last race by about 9 seconds. That's a huge win considering the conditions.
But do you want to know the best part??
I got 3rd place in my age division!! And, there were more than 3 women in my division! I was 3/7, 103/157 overall. I think that is pretty cool. 
Check that out. I was totally shocked too. Here I am 4 hours from home, only 1 of 4 people in this race from our town, and the only one in my category. They announced "3rd place, from Durant, OK, with a time of 34:54.1...." and my friend said I was just looking around like I wasn't listening. She asked me if I thought there was really someone else there, from our town, with MY name that won, b/c that was the look on my face. I would have never guessed I'd place. I'm so stoked!
I'm still shooting for a sub30 5k. And I would like to try a 10k or a half in 2013. I'm one step closer though!!
I hope you all had an amazing weekend, and have a great Monday!
When was your last PR?
When was your first medal for placing?
How far have you traveled for a race?
Congrats! This is so exciting! I'm so proud of you!
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