Frosty 5K - My first 5K - I want to run again

[casual-runner]

I couldn't sleep well the night before the race. I am not sure if it was excitement before the first race or sickness as I was still fighting the virus infection .

I woke up at 6 a.m, had a good warm up and a solid breakfast. I have read somewhere that early morning runs are usually slower than later during the day. The body is not fully awaken yet. So a good warm-up is very important before morning races. I wanted to eat my breakfast more than 2 hours before the race. In my training I didn't eat before my morning runs to teach my body to use fat as a fuel. Now I wanted my body to use the fuel stored in my blood which is more easily accessible. I didn't want to have my breakfast too late to avoid stomach problems when someone runs to early after a meal and the food is not well processed yet.

It was -5°C outside. The race will start at 8:50 a.m. It should be around -2°C at that time. Temperature wasn't going to be a factor. I had run at -11°C, with -26°C wind-chill index this winter.
I had decided how to dress. I made a last minute decision to get my iPod against the race organizers advice. I was running throughout the whole winter with music, it was fun, I couldn't imagine running +1 hour sessions on the treadmill without the iPod. I want to make this race a pleasurable event. It isn't just music, I have my Nike chip attached. For the last last five hundred meters of the 5k race the iPod gives me verbal information every 100 meters. I was increasing my speed at this time during my training runs to learn to finish strong. I count that it will help me during the race.

Start line - crowded. I don't know where I belong in the crowd. I am running on site to warm up. I am surprised that not to many people do so. Don't they need it? Will they feel too tired when they add extra 1-2 km before the race? Such a thought boosts my confidence - I had had a few long runs before this race in the past( 19 km, 15km ). I still don't know where should I be. I don't want to upset 'proffesionals' if I stay at front and will be passed on by too many racers. I don't want to be to far behind because I have set my goal of 22 minutes, and I would like to arrive around that time to the finish line. Yes, I know that there is time chip attached to my leg. I have never run with one before.

It started. I am feeling well. I was able to be in a good starting position. I passed more people than I was passed by. Now I wonder if the pace isn't to fast for me. Quick check of my Garmin GPS - 14 km/h (4:16km/min) - I was running that fast only for a short 500-1000 meters during the training. Can I hold it for the whole race? Moment of panic - I forgot to turn on my iPod. Garmin is far more important during the race for me, but I was counting on the iPod for my final 500 meters. I am still feeling that I could run faster, holding on, I don't want to burn out to early.

Somewhere between 1.8km and 2.6km I have passed 2 pairs of teenagers, 11-14 years olds, as I have learned reviewing results later. Great feeling - I am able to outrun kids.

Between 2.6km and 3.2km the road goes downhill, I wasn't prepared to deal with it. I was training outside on a flat course. My hill training was on a treadmill - which doesn't have downhill option. I am trying to hold my pace, but it feels easier. I was passed by two runners. Should I race or stick to my pace? My pace is still fast. I didn't run so fast for so long during my training - I have decided to hold on - there is 2 more kilometers of unknown in front.

I feel tired around the end of 4th kilometer, my speed is slightly lower, but it is downhill again at the beginning of 5 km, feels easier but not easy to increase the speed, then the speed is again at a normal level, and I have to slow down near the 4.6 km point on small uphill.

My iPod should be kicking in with final 500 meters info, I turn it on too late during the race. I can see the finish line. I can hear somebody behind me accelerating, I am able to hold on. Finishing. Not very tired. If he attacked me earlier I could cut a few seconds of my time.

My time 22:19, chip time 22:16. I am happy.

I want to run again. I am 4th in my age category. If I could cut 1 minute of my time I would have won my age category. I wonder how much faster would I run if I wasn't sick, what would have happen if I wasn't holding back for the first 2 kilometers.

I want to race again.

[Jo-Jo]

Thanks for the race report...BTW...I went into your blog. One thing I noticed was that if you think a sub 50 minute 10k is a modest goal...and then you mentioned wanting to meet a sub 2 hour HalfM goal I think that is a very modest HalfM goal for you.

Have you ever checked out Macmillan Calculator (just google). It may give you some ideas about just what you're capable of.

Have fun on the roads

[ultraslacker]

(I assume you mean 22:19, not 2:19??)

Congrats on your first race! You'll never forget the first time. ;)

[casual-runner]

(I assume you mean 22:19, not 2:19??)

Yes. I have corrected it.
Thanks.

[toobusy]

Good for you!

[Ed Fizz]

Sounds like you were well prepared! Well done!!

[DougG]

That was a great report, felt like I was there with you. Reading about your thoughts through the race was great. Congratulations on a great race!

[scrumhalfgirl]

Congrats! Great race and great report!

[seuss]

woohoo!

[BaldGuy]

Man oh man, excellent race -- well done! I would LOVE to hit 22:19 for 5K in a race! Gotta find me a 5K race ... after this marathon thing is done.

Glad you enjoyed it and got the racing bug. Welcome to RM!

[deerdree]

Very impressive!!! Congrats!

Nice to see more folks from B-town on the board.

[braveheart]

Welcome to RM

great time - one i can only dream of

[RA.]

Great job! Congrats on being 4th in your category!

[trixiee]

Impressive Result!

Welcome to Running Mania!

Where/How did you hear about us?

[runJrun]

Congrats on a good race! Wow, you are a speedy one! Welcome to RM nation

[mcshame]

Excellent race, excellent report!

Welcome to RM! Look forward to reading about many more of your experiences

[Irongirl]

great work!

[MINITEE]

Way to go Casual-Runner!

Seriously though... 4th in your age group & 22:16 5K????

You need a different user name

Another speedster in our midst!

[drghfx]

Welcome!

Wow, that was a fast time, especially for a first race! Great report as well.

CONGRATULATIONS!

[Kelodie]

Way to go Casual-Runner!

Seriously though... 4th in your age group & 22:16 5K????

You need a different user name

Another speedster in our midst!

What she said!

Congrats and Welcome here!

[Dr. S]

Congrats on the great race! =) and welcome to RM

[casual-runner]

Thank You all for a warm welcome, as this was almost my introductory post. I am hoping to see you during other races in the near future.
I am still planning to post my profile.

[Lightning]

Way to go Casual-Runner! You are speedy!!!!!!!!

[Hermes]

Way to go!!! That's one speedy time, and you were fourth in your age category. (I won't ask what that is...)

You'll be bringing home the hardware soon! Woo hoo!

So, when's the next race??? Keep up the training and the spirits!!

[clocker]

Nicely done! A minute... what's a minute between friends.

Welcome to the board!
Ian