liberty run 5k race recap.

This morning I ran a 5k race in honor of Independence Day. In about 80 degree heat, roughly 65% humidity. You might say, that doesn’t seem too hot, but folks, it was.

Let me give you the “bad” news.

1. It was hot.

2. I looked like a hot mess after the race. I saw myself in my rearview mirror and about screamed. I didn’t take a picture at that moment because I didn’t want YOU to scream. You’re welcome.

3. I didn’t reach my goal of running 3.1 miles in 24 minutes, or in 25 minutes, or even in 26 minutes.

The good news. No, the great news!

1. I received another race t-shirt.

2. I saw quite a few of my friends at the race. This made me happy.

3. I achieved a new PR. Yes!

As how we all know I’m usually really long-winded, I will do my best to keep this short (yeah, right). Besides, I’m in the middle of baking a dessert for a lunch party later (with my family, to celebrate my birthday early! and 4th of July, of course).

The 5k was put together by my nice little college town, and held at a local park. For a smaller race, it was well-done, in my opinion. I got to the park and walked with a co-worker whom I saw in the parking lot, to the registration center to pick up my bib and packet – complete with a new tshirt to add to my collection, hehe. I then waited around for about 45 minutes before the race started, chatting with some friends, warming up and finally, taking a last-minute potty break.

I had a plan going into this race, to do negative splits and found out that one of my friends was going to do the same. I ended up sticking with him and another friend for the first mile and a half at their pace and then I knew I had to slow down a bit if I was going to finish the race strong. No problem with me. I actually ended up walking twice, for about 5-10 seconds each time. There is nothing wrong with walking, no shame in it whatsoever.

Though the first mile and a half was a bit hard for me, no surprise there, I did not experience any calf pain at all. I felt a little bit of a side cramp at one point, but nothing too horrible. With the heat and humidity, I think I ran a great race for me.

Here are my mile splits:

(click on image to make it bigger)

I meant to run negative splits (slower in the beginning, faster at the end) but I did the opposite. That’s okay. I went with how my body was feeling, without wimping out and still going strong. 1st mile in 8:38, 2nd mile in 8:55, 3rd mile in 9:14 and that stupid 0.12 mile in 0.58. A new PR all around! There was not a chip-timing system at the race. The clock started and off we went – but it took me about 10 seconds to get to the starting line. So,  my official race “gun” time is 27:57 but my Garmin time is 27:47.

But you know what is more amazing to me? What really gave me a sense of accomplishment, to the point where I honestly almost started crying in the car? The fact that I did 3 miles in 26:48. I have never run 3 miles this fast, ever! But today, I did it, with the Lord’s help, the training that I’ve done and running with some very motivating friends. I truly believe that I can one day reach my goal of running 3.1 miles in 26 minutes, and then 25 minutes, and then maybe, just maybe 24 minutes.

No regrets here. I feel like I ran a great race and I’m so thankful for each step that I got to take, and for the chance to run. I don’t take this lightly and I am grateful for any run that I can do, whether it’s slow or fast.

(this is slightly better than what I looked like directly after the race. but it’s still not pretty.  at least I’m smiling, right?)

Happy 4th of July, everyone!