This was really a fun event for my wife and me. It was the first one that we were running together for say as her with her new last name. And also us running the same distance as a married couple. My goal was to beat my last years time of 20:30 and if all possible go sub 20. My last 5k was about a month ago and I ran it at around 22:00 or so. So we got in a good nights rest and headed out to what we were hoping was good weather and a good time with friends at the race. And boy did we have both. The weather was just perfect. Around 55 or so I would say at the first. Only a few clouds in the sky if any. It started at 7:30 and we got in a good warm up and ran into Kathie, Kimmie and Smooth on our warm up. And then ran into Lark and Marcie after then close to the end of the warm up. Hit the port a potties and it was all good. Lined up a few people back which I kind of regretted since there was a few kids that took off fast and then stood there and looked back when there parents told them to slow down. There is only really one big hill on this run. And its just a bit before the first mile mark. It is a short one though just enough to slow you down if you let it. Then a gradual downhill to mile too. The first mile was feeling good and was able to keep relaxed. I was finally getting some space between me and a few other runners here. And could find my pace and relaxed a bit more. Then a bit after the 2nd mile the steep downhill came. Its not all steep at once but enough to make you want to slow down. But thought I would take advantage of it and pushed hard down it. And hit the 2nd downhill a bit after that. But it was taking its toll on me with about half a mile to go. Had a hard time finding paces after those hills and struggled as we came into the last portion. Which was to run around a HS track. Was pushing to just hold on to whatever I had left and as we came into the final turn. The 2 people infront of me took off. And left me with no response till after they were a few more strides ahead. I am sure they were able to make it in with a sub 20 and me with a 20:03-4. I am sure if I would of kicked it when they did I would of kept with them for my sub. But I felt really good about this race. Beating my time from last year by 26 secs. And feeling really good about my return back after my injury. Last year I wasnt able to stay for the raffle I had to race home and move. This time I was able to cheer for my wife that came in shortly after me. And all my friends along with her. We set up camp with Aleeessaa and her daughter. Aleeeesssaa sister and husband and there kids. Was able to hang some with Kathie, Kimmie, there mom and Kimmies daughter which both Mom and daughter got hardware. Smooth was there cramping at the end again>:( But still coming in fast enough to take home hardware again along with Lark. Ran into Marcie and Slick with his group of guys again after the race. And was somewhat shocked to get hardware again this year myself. Last year they sent me a 5th place plaque. This year I took 2nd in my AG which was shocking to me. I was hoping to just place and with the 26 sec improvement from last years was awesome. And I must say they gave away some very very nice raffle prizes. I think the only thing we got in our whole group was a 100 bucks prize at the end to Kathie and Kimmie fast mom. But they gave away bikes, ipods, laptops, camcorders and all sorts of stuff. It went on for over a hour. Great event with friends and only cost me 8 bucks. Best 8 bucks I have spent in a long time. Mile 1 6:45 Mile 2 6:34 Mile 3 6:20 Mile .1 5:29 TT 20:04 AP 6:27
Wasnt a sub 20 but was very very close. I am sure with a bit more speedwork I will be getting it this year for sure. And feeling that I have recovered from Ogden and ready for Ragnar. With SGM training cycle starting the week of Ragnar. I just need to go out a bit later tonight for another 10.:) PM- Went out around 4:30pm for another 10 miles. Just made it a easy long run. With no real pace goal. Just get in the miles and we did. Felt good finally after the first 4 or so. TT 1:32:45 AP 9:13
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