First 5K Since Chicago

Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis dedicated to the memory of Mary Youngs

Well I had to run 3 miles today and though why not sign up for a 5K. In addition the run was in memory of Mary Youngs, a family friend and a great Hastings citizen. A good cause and a fun run… Why not.

My plan was to take it easy and run about 9’s. I haven’t really pushed myself since Chicago and really haven’t run fast for several weeks before Chicago. I didn’t really know what I would have.

I had on a long sleeved shirt so couldn’t really see my Garmin to know what pace I was running. I felt like I was going slow but having to work pretty hard. I was actually getting pissed at myself until I crossed the first mile, 7:40… Oops. I actually heard a couple of other runners express the sentiment. Too Fast! Somewhere over the next mile I caught up with Liz Lancaster. She had also started out too fast and was bemoaning the error in judgment. But it was fun to run with her for a bit.

I tried to slow down a bit but when I got to mile two I heard 15 and change. Still sub 8’s so I just said to hell with it I might as well go with it. I finished in 24 minutes. As I usually say I didn’t mean to, it just kind of happened. I think it was the excitement of the race and the cold weather. Maybe I should only do cold weather marathons?

Anyway I feel pretty good and am more motivated to include some speedwork in my training.

3.1 miles/24:00/7:43avg