I'm proud to report that today I successfully completed my first road race since 2005! Some of my friends and coworkers planned to use the
Cherry Creek Sneak as a qualifier for the
Bolder Boulder and I joined in on the fun. I decided to get over my somewhat irrational fear of competing while not being in what I consider "racing shape" and signed up for the five mile race. Honestly, who even cares if I run five miles in 33 minutes or 35? No one, that's who. So, here is the day captured by my personal photographer, private cheering section and race support: Mr. Benjamin Vanberg. (Don't worry, I'll be paying him back
here and
here.)
Before I overwhelm you with a series of photos from my race (please, bear with me as I unleash my nerdy, race-loving self!), here's some images of the amazing and talented Trent Joseph finishing the 5k in a stellar fourth place:
Great run, Trent!
Here's the five-mile from start to finish. My goal for the race was to run between 7-minute pace and 7:15 pace. I really had no idea whether this was realistic or not, but I needed to set a goal for myself.
What a great crowd! See how happy the spectators look? A big reason why I love racing: being around people who love running as much as I do!
Here I am around the 1.5 mile mark. My first mile read 6:54 -- I was pleasantly surprised with this time because the first three minutes of the race I couldn't find a rhythm, being slowed by the crowd and weaving around racers. Once I did settle into my pace I was unsure of what my first split would look like but made sure to stick to a comfortable clip and when I looked down and saw 6:54 I was certain I would be able to hit my goal.
And now I've passed the 2-mile marker (split: 6:50) and am heading slightly downhill to three miles. Quite pleased, but struggling with a serious case of GERD. (Heartburn? How old am I anyway?)
Three miles has come and gone and so has my heartburn. The third split wasn't great -- I didn't actually get it but I think it was somewhere around 7:30 (small hill in there). I passed the four-mile marker at 27:36 which told me I was back under 7:00 pace (6:54 to be exact).
Here's the final stretch. The last mile wasn't great (7:30 again) and it was pretty apparent that I don't have the base I need to finish out a race. Happy to report that I do still have my track legs under me, though! :)
My final time clocked in at 35:07 - about 7:01 pace!
I'm quite pleased with it considering my training, or lack thereof, as of late. This race is great motivation to increase my miles to prepare for some of the
bigger races I have my sights set on.
The gang after the races: Trent, me, Sarah and Amber.
Enjoying a little Leinenkugel's Summer Shandy after our races! FYI, I am only five minutes post-race here... who says cool downs are important?
Cheers to race season!!
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