Went to Vegas for the weekend so we could see Phantom. Decided at the last minute to find a 5k while we were down there to run. Found the Chefs for Kids 5k that is put on by the Las Vegas Track Club. The course is a 2 loop course around a water basin. Mostly flat with a only a slight elevation change at a couple of spots on the course. I haven't raced since the St. George marathon and haven't run a fast race since July. I was really unsure what kind of pace I would run since I am about 10 pounds heavier than the last time I ran a 5k. I figured 19 minutes was reasonable but I was hoping to hold 6:00/mile for the race. There were a handful of fast looking guys there. We started and 5 of us were quickly ahead of everybody else. After 1/4 mile we were in a single file line and started to string out with me in 4th place. The first 1/2 mile was at 5:40 and I knew it was way too fast. It didn't feel horrible but I knew it was a pace that I could not sustain. Settled into a more comfortable pace and finished the first mile in 5:50. I slowed down way too much during the second mile. There was a slight incline into the wind that affected my speed but it shouldn't have been as slow as it was (6:14). I tried picking up the pace during the 3rd mile but I was hurting. Focused on getting the legs to turnover but they were very uncooperative. Could only muster a 6:10 and I just coasted during the last 0.1 because 4th place was secure. I did push the last little bit so I could sneak under 19 minutes. Crossed the finish line, fought off the urge to puke then ran back to run the last little bit with Becky. Met up with here sooner than I expected. She finished really well with a PR and took 1st in her age group. I also won my age group but the timing was messed up so I didn't get my certificate.
I think I am going to run a few more shorter races to get used to the faster pace. The lack of fast running definitely took it's toll on me.
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