Ran my first race in Ft Collins today, the Sharin O The Green 5K. It is a fundraiser for Partners Mentoring Youth, and was very well-attended (2700 runners). The course, although flat, fast, and USATF-certified, unfortunately was designed to accommodate maybe 500 runners, so it was a bit messy out there. The Fort Collins running scene proved to be pretty decent, as three of us broke 16 minutes. I ended up winning by 8 seconds. After a fast start (to clear out of the mess of people), I settled after about a quarter-mile, and then took the lead just before the mile mark, and then led to the finish, without serious challenge. But when I finished, I was surprised how close the next two guys were. Mile splits were 4:59, 5:01, and 4:56, although I think the last marker was a little short, because the last 0.1 was long for sure. Probably about a 15:30-ish effort, due to all the weaving and going off-course I had to do at the end to avoid walkers with baby strollers and dogs. And that was my goal coming in, to run about 15:30, so I was pleased with the effort despite not being in stellar shape. I think I can count the 5K's I've run since 2007 on one hand, and I hate that burning feeling in my chest...but a fun way to spend the morning. Results are HERE.
Perfect morning to run, about 55 degrees and no wind.
I ended up winning a $100 gift certificate to a local sporting goods store, and a free entry to another race. I'll take it. We went and watched the St Patty's Day parade afterward. And then got big burritos.
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