The race started at 8:30 at the Brookside Museum in Ballston Spa (about 40 minutes away.)
As I mentioned in a previous post, I’ve done this one 3 times before (in 2009, 2010, & 2012).
I know that you walk up a hill to start and you finish running down this hill.
It was chilly for an August race. It felt more like fall than summer. But nice weather for running. I wore my new Swirlgear tank (though it was too big) and hoped that the sun would warm me up.
I got there early enough to find parking and use the rest room (in the museum). I bumped into 2 runners from my age group – one very fast and one slower than me. We chatted and then it was time to head up the hill.
I turned on my Garmin and I realized it was almost dead. It must not have been on the charger correctly. Oh well, I was hoping that it just might last 3 miles.
The first mile was a gradual uphill but nothing steep. I tried to hold back but I am not good at that. There were no clocks on the course but someone called out 9:20 somewhere after mile 1.
I was hoping to run the whole thing but around halfway at the water stop, I was pooped already so I stopped and walked for a while.
Around 1.7 miles, my Garmin stopped. So I guess I had to run blindly.
Mile 2 seemed to be flat and then at the same point, I think someone called out 16:xx.
Without a watch, I was lost. I can’t believe how I depend on it. I like to know how far till the end of the race and what my pace is.
I knew there was that downhill at the but I found myself walking AGAIN, right before it.
Finally I got to the steep hill, I wish I was confident enough to go all out but I was afraid of falling flat on my face so I held back.
Then I saw the clock. It was 27:xx but it was too late to get a PR…those darn walks!!
I crossed at 28:25.
I was happy. It was faster than my previous two 5ks.
While I was waiting for the times to be posted, I ran into another runner that I met at 2 other races. She is 59. She finished several minutes ahead of me but was 6th in her age group. I came in 2nd in my group. (I guess that will change next year when she is in my age group.)
After the race, on the way back to my car, I passed the Iron Spring.
Then I noticed a trail so I took it.
It was only 1 mile out and back but very peaceful.
On one side there was brook flowing.
Although it was not warm and it was getting cloudy, I decided to drive back up to the lake.
I wanted to run some more but it was late and everyone was heading out to one of the islands.
We hung out all afternoon – eating, listening to music and watching the boats go by.
As for my 5K, I am satisfied with my efforts but as always, feel that I can do better.
Splits:
mile 1 – 9:03
mile 1- 1.7 – 9:26
mile 1.7-3.1 – ???
Race Goals:
- Run the whole thing (haven’t been very successful at this lately.) – NOPE – walked twice
- Under 10 min mile splits – YES!
- Finish under 30 minutes – YES!
- Win an age group award – YES – 2nd
- Finish happy & uninjured – YES!
My next 5k is Sept 7. After that, I need to prep for my 10 miler in October.
Happy Running! Any racing plans this weekend?
Great job! I ran my first HM without a Garmin & I was lost. I would definitely hate it if it died in a race!
I love flying downhill. It’s one of the few times it feel fast. 🙂
Cute top but I would’ve been cold in that yesterday! I wore short sleeves, but then again our run started at 6:15.
I have 10 miles on 8/30 & no group run . . .
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Second in the age group with 6 in it! Yay!
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Great job! Way to go!
I am super dependent on my Garmin, too. I can’t imagine running without it.
No racing til October, I think. I need to save my energy for January!
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