Wednesday Workout – Miles 4 Missions 5K at a local Metropark…race #3 of 4 in the trail run series sponsored by a local running store. It was 90* out when the race started and muggy as all get out. This was not shaping up to be a great night in any way.
I found my favorite runner in crime, Andrea, and we were both gunning to just finish the race with a respectable time, due to the heat. I started in the middle of the pack with her and when the whistle blew…or the starting gun fired, I seriously cannot even remember which it was…I said goodbye to Andrea and fell to the front of the end of the pack – does that make sense to you? Good. Then you must be a runner.
I found the muggy weather really hard to breathe in so I spent the first mile focusing on my breaths…and before I knew it Greta told me I was at mile 1 and the first water stop. So, Greta didn’t tell me about the water stop, I saw that with my eyes if you want to get technical. I grabbed two Dixie cups of water and threw them both back immediately. I had hit the first mile marker at just over 10 minutes, which is HOLYFUCKFAST for me. I decided that if I could run a 10-11 minute mile I had a great chance of getting a new PR for a 5K. I wasn’t pushing it though because the heat was a beast.
I took 2 5-10 second walk breaks to let my heart rate return to a respectable race and I ended up finishing mile 2 in just over 11 minutes. At this rate, I was doing some math work in my head…which was exceptionally hard…but I was 21 minutes into the race, my current PR was 33:00 minutes and I had under 12 minutes to run the final mile and claim a new PR.
I’m not going to lie, that last mile was rough. The bugs got nasty and started to stick to your sweaty skin, I was dying for a drink and a cold beer sounded better than a shower at that point. I ended up taking 4 5-10 second walk breaks. Not too bad, but I really wanted that PR.
All of a sudden I saw the 3 mile marker about .2 miles ahead…I looked at Greta and KNEW I had this PR in the bag. I literally sprinted the last .3 miles of the race and I now have a new 5K PR!
I am not 100% sure of my exact time because I had such a hard time breathing after my sprint that I forgot to turn Greta off right away, but I know my time is around 32:30! Which is 30 seconds faster than my current PR. I am simply stunned that I ran faster on a day when it was 90*!
Proud of myself is an understatement at this moment.
I am beyond elated with my new time. I set my original 5K PR back in APRIL! I was long overdue for some good news with running.
What is your 5K PR?
What race has been your favorite this year?
{ 11 comments… read them below or add one }
I got it! I am always at the front of the end of the pack! And sometimes at the end of the end. Ain’t no shame!! Awesome job on the PR!!!
Ain’t no shame at all! Thank you Kerry!
I have yet to run a 5k!!! P really wants to do one
Way to go girl hopefully you will have nothing but good news this week yes!!!
5K’s are an essential part of the running experience…you have to do at least 1!
WOW, congrats, Amanda! You did a great job even though it was crazy hot! My favorite race this year is probably my slowest 5K, the First on the First (1/1/11). It was my first ever race and I ran it with my new running friends. It was the first time I loved running.
Thank you Sarah!
That would have been an amazing first race!
I am going to run an 11k on 11.11.11!
Thank you Sarah! That would be an amazing first race!!
CONGRATS!!!! Time to set a new goal time because you are getting faster! I foresee a sub 30 min 5K in 2012 for you!
I really am BEYOND proud of myself…still! I would die at a sub 30 5K!
Great job on that race!! A PR always feels so good. I’m taking my dog for her first 5K next month and I bet that will be a hilarious race for us both!
Thank you Kara!
Good luck with your doggie 5K…that is bound to be a race to remember!