Run for Water – Race Report

Ahh, feels good to be writing a race report again.  Would be nice if I was writing about a new PR or a brand new distance for me or something cool like that, but just having completed the race in my less-than-conditioned state feels like triumph enough.  So here it is:

The morning started off in a somewhat dubious state as I was experiencing a new condition called ‘lobster trots’.  In other words, the all-you-can-eat lobster and clarified butter from the night before was not leaving the ol’ digestive system feeling very settled or ready to run.  Note to self:  lobster buffet does not make a great pre-race meal, which of course I already knew, but who can resist all-you-can-eat lobster?

Anyhow, I was feeling good otherwise, so I made sure to visit the loo several times while still at home, to hopefully clear out the system before heading to the race.  It felt pretty good to be getting up and making my tried and true pre-race breakfast of PB&J…it’s been so long since I’ve done that, it felt kind of nostalgic.  PB&J never tasted so good.  By this time I had to run upstairs and wake up my lazy ass husband who had fallen back asleep.  I also hit the shower and picked out one of my only three running tops that fit and a pair of capris.

Unfortunately the weather wasn’t super nice, it was pretty cloudy so I had to assume it might rain.  In that case, I brought along a long-sleeve shirt (which I must confess, DOESN’T fit the ol’ pregnant bod so well, but what can I do?) and a hat to keep my glasses clear.  After filling up the water bottles, grabbing some additional pre-race nutrition to eat in the car and making sure hubby was dressed and ready we hit the road.

I have to say, this run seemed to be really well organized.  The start and end zone was set up in Mill Lake Park which provided a huge grassy area for the chutes, vendors, after-race snacks and lots of kids entertainment.  We got there with just the right amount of time to hit the potties and roam the field a bit before we had to line up and get ready to go.  I figured this would be a great opportunity to have a traditional pre-race photo taken…

I watched Mike start off with the 10k crowd while they played Thunderstruck and then waited a few more minutes before the 5k participants had to get ready.  By this point the sun had come out, so I snapped another photo…

Now being that I haven’t been running as regularly as I would like to, I really didn’t want to set myself up with too many expectations.  Heading into this I figured I’d be happy if:

• I finished the race upright and without obvious injury
• I was able to stick to my 5:1 intervals
• I could maybe possibly finish in about 37 or 38 mins (I think my fastest 5k ever was 31 mins, so I figured an additional 6-7 mins on top of that would be enough of a challenge that I may or may not make it)

I felt great as I crossed the starting mat and headed off with the crowd.  Heck, I was even passing people!  (These people were either elderly, walkers or pushing strollers, but heck, at least I was passing someone!)  I was only running 5:1’s because I’m just not comfortable at 10:1’s right now and it’s funny how quickly those people you passed, pass YOU once you start walking every 5 mins!  Oh well.  The main goal was to keep going and to feel good and 5:1’s is what allowed me to do that.

The course was pretty good and before I knew it the first 2 kms clicked right by.  Luckily the course was also really flat so that helped keep me going.  By about 3.5 kms I was definitely starting to feel pretty tired.  Nothing hurt terribly, but I was starting to actually feel like a pregnant lady running a 5k.  That was right when the only hill of course came along, but I was determined to run all the way up it since I was still in the middle of my run interval.  Small victories guys, small victories. 

By the time we looped around and headed back into the park I was feeling about ready to cross the finish line.  Unfortunately we had to navigate our way down a couple steep hills where the pavement was slick with moss, but I survived.  It felt great to round the final corner and see the finish chute.  And, after a handful of oranges, granola bars and bagels, I was again a happy camper.  Only a couple mins later, Mike came sailing across the finish line from his 10k.

So, here’s the final details:

• Total distance:  5k (not sure what the Garmin showed, it’s upstairs right now!)
• Total time:  37:44 (yay, I made it under 38 mins)
• Average pace:  7:33 min/km (this is what I ran the other night, so at least I’m consistent!  ha ha)
• Place in age group:  52/141 (yay, at least the upper half!)

All in all I would call this a good race.  Again, I did pee (or anything else) myself, no major pains and most importantly, I enjoyed myself during the race.  I think the best part was when we were walking around the fair and I overhead a lady say to her friend, “Oh my god, that girl’s PREGNANT!”  Ha ha.