Last weekend I ran a Halloween 5k. It was a local race sponsored by Luke's Locker running store called Trek or Treat. I signed up for this race for 2 reasons. #1) It was right in my backyard. And #2) I've never done a Halloween themed race.
The race encouraged costumes and of course I wanted to run in a costume. This was my first time running in a costume so I started searching amazon. I wanted to keep it simple. I settled on a Wonderwoman t-shirt with attached cape. Here is what I looked like race morning.
When I signed up to do this race, I didn't realize that my biggest fan (aka boyfriend) would be basically immobile post-op. I was kind of bummed he wouldn't be able to come. This is the first race he wouldn't be at to race me, pace me, or cheer me on. I would have invited my parents, but alas they were out of town too. So off to the race I went solo (this is also my excuse for the lack of photos).
I got there a little early. The weather was looking yucky and it was threatening to rain, but the temperature was a perfect 53 degrees. After sitting in my car for a while, I went to warm-up. I did a half mile warm-up and stretched. Then I went to find the starting line. There was a kids 1k race before the 5k. I watched the little ones line up in their costumes....adorable!
Finally it was time to race. When I looked back, it only seemed about 300 runners or so. It was a very small race. I enjoyed seeing everyone who made costumes. Even some of the top 5 finishers had some fun Halloween gear on.
The race started on roads around the shopping center but quickly changed to a paved trail. This was perfect for this size race. There was one point we were on a sidewalk and I had to run in the grass to pass someone. Other than that, there was plenty of room. The race path also crossed itself in 2 places, but for the size of the race, it was never an issue.
My goal pace was 8:30 and I was happy to see timers at the mile 1 and mile 2 markers. I had my handy Garmin 10 strapped to my arm and was happy to see I was keeping my pace. As I neared the finish line, people started cheering for "Wonderwoman" which made me smile.
I stopped my Garmin as I crossed the finish line and it read 26:33, a new PR by 1 second.
When I looked on the results table, the time said 26:32, but when it was posted online, it said 26:37. I'm going to go with my Garmin time on this race. I'm happy with my performance because it gives me confidence that my last race wasn't a fluke and that I really can run that fast (of course both courses were very flat). I stuck around for the awards after everyone finished. I'm happy to announce that I got first in my age group (8th female overall).
Adorable Gold Medal
Overall I really enjoyed this race. I like smaller races as long as they are done professionally. I know when Luke's Locker sponsors a race it will be done right. There was even a lot of post-race food: bottled water, apples, oranges, and bananas. Plus at least 6 sponsor tents that were handing out candy and popcorn for the kids and pamphlets for the adults (plus a little candy). Brooks sponsored the t-shirts. They were awesome.
Yay!! Congrats on your PR and for getting first place in your age division!! That's always an awesome feeling! I love your costume too!
ReplyDeleteThanks Kim. You're so sweet!
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