Run Thru the Woods 5 Mile Race

This is the second year I have run this race and it will probably be my last.  More on that later.  Samuel was very excited to run a race this fall to get a medal.  That is all he wanted and I am pretty sure he did not realize that lots of running would be involved.  I convinced Emma and Jonah to run the kids 1 mile race as well.  So, it was a big family affair!

We woke early to get there in time for the 7:45am 1 mile start.  The kids were lined up according to ages so Emma ran by herself.  I ran with Jonah.  Drew ran with Samuel.  I knew it would be a good warm up for me.  Also, Jonah is a hilarious runner.  He did need me to distract him from being too tired...good heavens Jonah!  Jonah has no form at all so I knew I would have fun.  Drew said that Samuel needed lots of encouragement at the start, but he finished strong.  Emma walked some because she is not feeling well. 

I was very proud of each of them.  Emma ran a 10:17.  Jonah ran a 10:07.  Samuel ran a 14:08.  They did great!!!  Each got a medal so it was a good start to the day for them.

I got my bib from mom and headed to the 5 mile start as soon as Jonah finished.  Because I was late lining up I could not get as close to the front as I would have liked.  This is a crowded race and the first mile is nuts.  I had to get around lots of people and waste energy.  I hate having to do that.  Thus, my first mile...8:09...was slower than I hoped.

I felt like I ran really strong for the next four miles.  It was a little warm, but I had decided before the race to ignore the weather.  I was just going to run.  I slowed during mile three and pushed to pick it up for the last two miles.  Those miles were 7:36, 7:43, 7:39, and 7:28.

I do like the course.  There is an overpass bridge just before mile one and it has to be overcome again at mile 4.  The course turns enough to be interesting, but not too much that you lose speed. 

What frustrated me beyond measure this year was the finish line.  Usually I am overjoyed to be finishing and I was.  I knew I was running fast and finishing really strong.  My Garmin had me running a 6:50 pace.  Then I had to slow down.  I was so very frustrated.  The 3 mile runner/walkers were finishing at the same time at the same place.  The ones finishing with me slowed down before crossing the timing mat.  There were too many people for me to maneuver around anyone.  I have never ever slowed down to finish a race.  Overall, it probably did not make any difference, but it frustrated me!  Unless the finish line issue is finished, I will probably do my own turkey trot next year!

I did not PR, but I was really happy with my time of 38:52.  I finished 13/134 women in my AG.  I was 394/2157 5 mile finishers so that is pretty good. 

My training plan had me running a 5 mile tempo run so this race worked perfectly.  I obviously ran faster than my GMP, but that is okay.  I enjoyed the faster pace for a short time!

I was super thankful for everything about this event except the finish.  I was happy we were there as a family.  Some day soon Elena will be able to participate!  My mom was there to watch us!  The big kiddos liked their medals and ran well.  I gave a strong effort and finally felt happy when finishing a race.  Overall, it was perfect!