Saturday, March 4, 2017

Holy Infant Shamrock Shuffle 5k

March 4th, 2017

I have been eager to get another race in after not being able to do one in February. And I signed up for this in February as a quick 5k that was close to home that I could do while Corey was out of town. Come to find out an old co-worker of mine and his wife run this one every year, so I figured I would at least look for them. I was also told there was a pretty awesome after party with food trucks, music and drinks, so that may be fun.

Leading up to the race I have been having hip and an old IT band injury flaring back up. I was worried but stubborn, so I had been running about 6 miles every other day and just walking in between and it seemed to be bearable. With the race on Saturday morning I ran Wednesday and then just walked on Thursday and Friday to make sure I could run. I also knew I hadn't run outside or in a race in awhile, so I wasn't expecting an amazing time or to even feel good, but if you're reading this, and are a runner...then you know how much adrenaline can drive you.

The morning of the race it was a little chilly, but I would be fine in capris and a long sleeve with a tank top underneath). I picked up my packet that morning and took it back to my car and sat there for a little bit. The weather was warming up a little bit (but I still wore the long sleeve). At the start line I realized this would be a fun run, there were a lot of children around (because the race was at a parish and school - so there were a lot of families and who doesn't love seeing that at races!) I lined up, and as I was standing there stretching a little bit I saw my old co-worker on the sideline.  I didn't want to leave where I was so close to the race, but I knew they were there so I figured I would find them after the race. 

The race started off as any other...crowded and pushy.  I finally got through and started running at a steady pace (which at mile 1 told me I was around a 7:40 - definitely not what I was expecting!).  I knew in my head that I could slow down, so I did....but that adrenaline and the people watching on the sidelines kept me going. I was doing alright with the little hills going up and down and at one point I realized I was running by the parking lot...holy moly I was almost done and had kept up my 7:40/7:45 pace and still wasn't hurting!  I rounded the corner and saw a lot of families waiting and cheering people on, so I sprinted to the finish looking up to see my time...23 min even!! That was a PR for sure.  I was psyched. I went and checked my time on the results board and saw I was in 3rd place for my age group...really...ran a 23 min 5k and still only got 3rd...wow, I was up against some fast people, but I didn't let that take away from my new PR. 

As I was walking back to my car I saw my old co-worker, so I stopped to say hi (turned out he didn't run but was waiting for his wife). So we chatted a bit until his wife crossed, but made plans to find them after the awards.

I ran back to my car and dropped off a few things and wiped off some sweat and grabbed my wallet and headed back for the awards and after party. A pretty neat setup they had...tables and chairs everywhere, 3 food trucks, a bloody mary bar, wine and beer!  I grabbed a beer, and received my award (a plaque this time since everyone got a medal as they crossed) and found my co-worker. I ended up sitting with them and hanging out for a few hours while downing a few free beers as well.  It turned out to be a gorgeous day to hang out outside and the sun was shining the whole time! They had a DJ and he was great, kept playing up beat music, and there were families and children everywhere. It was great!  Definitely one I will run again next year and had a blast hanging out with some new friends. 

UPDATE:  I went on the website a few days later to double check my time and see if any pictures had been posted and they posted that it was actually 2.95 miles...not 3.1, so I was .15 short which is why I PR'ed.  If I had to run that extra .15 I would have still been a great 5k for me, and I'm still happy and earned that plaque.
Peace, Love and Running 🏃
#seejessrun #runtheyear2017 
#runningwithoutlimits

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