RAP River Run 5K
21:21, 1st "Grand Master" Male, 27th male, 31 overall
As usual it was warm and humid, not much different than any other year. I was a little faster this year but a little slower than my last 5k. I felt ok, but I remember while warming up for the last race (Hippie Dash), I felt GREAT!
Race start is mayhem with lots of kids in the 8-12 year age range going out super fast but most end up falling back within the first third of a mile, but some do hang onto that pace. It took me a little while to get under 7:00 pace and I was a little worried my legs would get stuck, but as the crowd thinned and I passed people here and there, pace got better and I managed a 6:50 for the first mile.
Next two miles were kind of a struggle and for most of the third mile I was on the wrong side of 7:00 pace and I felt like just "jogging it in".
But, ahead of me within site was Claudia. She's not far off from my age but way fitter, she's a trainer, a champion tri-athlete and she recently BQ'd - while pushing an adult in a special needs stroller. I closed the gap on her a little bit but did not catch her (ended up 9 seconds behind), but it was also enough to get me back under 7:00.
So, faster this year than last, and third consecutive 5k with all miles under 7:00. Looking for those few extra seconds per mile to get me under 21:00 and on my way back to sub-20:00
Post race was fun with good food and hanging out with friends and they are very generous with trophies.
| 