Sunday, September 27, 2009

I broke 20!

I don't race 5ks very often. They're so short. But I'm trying to work on speed now. Now that IM is over. Now that I have a shorter race for which I'm preparing. I said just last week that my goal for the fall was to break 20 mins for a 5k. My previous best was 20:02. And that was a couple years ago.

A friend of mine gave me some info on this 5k that was going down today. I didn't really have any intention of going because my friend, Barbie, was to be doing her first tri today, but then, well.... it didn't happen. So, I decided I'd go over and get in a few miles before and a few miles after and it'd be like a tempo run.

That few miles before? Ugh! I totally felt like there wasn't much pep in my step. and I was feeling that trainer ride on Saturday. My dad showed up and I checked out the competition...not much. Decent sized race, about 2100, but not many serious runners. I could tell right away who was going to be in contention for the win. Dad says "remember how to run a 5k?". I responded "go out fast and try to hang on!"

The gun went off and we all sprinted forward. I was the lead female. Going out into the course, we hit the first hill...and then it occurred to me. Holy crap! I bet this is a hilly course which is why no one is going out very fast. Um, yeah. I don't know this part of town. AT ALL. And that was a hilly course.

SO, I crossed the first mile at 6:02. oh boy. hold on. hold on. Coming up a hill to a water station and almost to mile marker two, I hear cheers for Coach Amy, so I know she's right there on me....and she passed me. I'm fine with that. She was the one I pointed out before the race to my dad "um. she's fast".

Hit mile two in 12:13. That last mile is when my body started feeling the affects of the hills...so I just tried my best to relax and hang on. And give a little smile when people cheered for 'the second girl'.

I crossed the line in 19:39. Totally unexpected. But a fun, fun race! I'll post pics when they're available

12 comments:

Signifying Nothing said...

Dang, girl, nice job! If I ever see you at a race, I will point you out to whomever is near me and say, "um. she's fast".

Unknown said...

You did a great job today! Congrats on achieving your goal of breaking 20. :-)

You've inspired me to set my own goal: to break 30 on a 5k. BAHAHA!

tri_al said...

brilliant work! i spent the weekend trying to break 20 on my 4k ;)

Anonymous said...

Nice job! Way to hang on.

Marni Sumbal, MS, RD said...

Great job!! Wish I had your speedy legs..that is crazy fast!!! You should be super happy!
-marn

Kim said...

WOOHOOOO YOU ARE SUPER SPEEDY A! congratulations!

Tri-James said...

Congrats! - During early IM training I broke my 5K PR twice with no speed work - it is all of the volume!!! You have tons in the tank now - bring on the sepeed!

RR said...

You got some fast legs there - nice job!

Ron said...

Woops...accidentally 5K PR...Nice work!

Judi said...

told ya she's got some damn legs on her!

GetBackJoJo said...

Awesome barrier to break! Who cares if you're second if you break 20???? Congrats.

Anniversary Moments said...

FANTASTIC!! you are going to need a whole new set of goals because you have been shattering them all lately :)