My fastest 5k since 2009! This race made me feel like a runner again. The course was pretty flat, but with a handful of gradual uphills. My goal was sub 21, but I got a little excited during the first mile and went out in 6:11. Whoops! I went out in first, which put a little pressure on me to keep a decent pace. I also passed a group of high school boys during the first mile and one of them said "we have to pick it up, we just got passed by A GIRL!" That was all the motivation I needed to keep the pace up! Since my first mile was rather quick, it put me in the mix with some fast gentlemen. One man in particular was obviously trying to push the pace, and so I tried to stay with him. I was able to do so for the most part, and while we slowed down a little, we still had a respectable clip. I don't have my watch with me right now to check my other mile times, but they were around 6:25-6:30 I think. The other runners were extremely supportive and it really was a fun time. I realize that if I want to keep running fast times I need to start out quick. I haven't been doing that lately, and I think that is what made the difference today- getting out there and being with people that are running fast clip. The course measured a little short- 3.08, so in my head I ran around a 19:37. I am trying to pick up a few 5ks so they can serve as my speedwork. I am hoping to keep those under or near 20 as well. | 