Bearkat Dash 5K

Yesterday I ran a 5K.  I am not totally sure why I decided to torture myself like that, but I did and it was pretty fun. I had two goals for this race.  One:  don't fall!  Two:  run a consistent pace under 8 minutes.  It was never my goal to attempt a PR.  I have no interest in that at all.

So, this is a local race and pretty small.  I think the Facebook page said 831 people ran and most of them were high school students.  The race started at 7:30 so I left home at 6:45.  That allowed me plenty of time to find Kim and Carmalyn, warm-up, and use the restroom.  In fact, because the race started a little late I had a little too much time. 

Carmalyn and Kim were volunteering because they are awesome.  They also cheered for me because they are awesome!

Poor Kim has supported me at many races.  She spends a lot of time waiting for me to finish!

Kim's youngest Braden was running the 1K

The course is a flat, loop course.  I ran this many years ago so I knew what to expect.  Easy, easy, easy!  The only not easy part is the high school kids.  Very few of them run races so their race etiquette leaves a lot to be desired!  I was quite frustrated with various young ones at times.

It was a beautiful morning to run.  It was a little humid and not to warm.

This race finishes on the Klein HS track which is kind of fun.  I could hear Kim cheering for me. 

I love this picture for some strange reason

Excuse my horrible form.  I knew that young thing in the green shirt would pass me.  Being more than half my age helps that cause I think!

Braden and I were sweaty messes.  He did well!

I was pretty pleased with my splits.  I did not pay any attention at all to my overall time and I wish I had.  I finished in 24:04.  I definitely had 5 seconds more of get-up and run in me, but oh well.  I am still happy with how I did.  My splits were 7:29, 7:41, 7:40, and a 6:46 pace for the last 0.19.  Yes, I ran long according to my watch and I thank the high schoolers for helping with that.  Manners young ones at corners and water stations!

I finished second in my age group which was 30-39.  I was pleased with that and all my goodies.  I never get fun stuff at races so I plan to use my gift cards!  Standing on a podium was a fun little bonus too.

The speedy lady in first ran a 22:xx...fast!

Overall, I am super pleased.  I never had to run super hard.  Everything felt good for a change and I felt strong the entire time. I know I could have gone faster, but I did not want to and I am okay with that.  My goal is to run a PR half in October and a PR full in December.  This was just a fun thing to do on a Saturday morning. 

And, a big thanks to Kim for taking all the pictures!  She got some good ones!