This weekend was incredibly busy. On Friday afternoon Jason and I left Iowa City for Cedar Falls, about an hour drive, to stay with his aunt and uncle. We had an amazing dinner there and then went out with a couple old friends. I had to get to bed early though, since Saturday morning was my second race ever, the Fool’s 5K in Waterloo.
I felt very different than I did on the morning of my first race, the Red Flannel Run in Des Moines. My stomach wasn’t doing backflips and I knew what to expect. I had breakfast with Jason’s aunt (scrambled eggs, strawberries, and toast), chatted for a little while, and then headed towards George Wyth State Park.
This race was a little larger than Red Flannel Run, but I picked up my packet the night before, which made the morning less hectic. Since it was April Fool’s Day themed there were several people dressed up in costumes… I was not. I was more concerned with staying warm! It was around 40 degrees, normal spring weather but quite a bit chillier than it’s been recently.
Trying to stay warm pre-race.
My pace for Red Flannel Run was 9:48, so when they had us line up by pace group I got in the 9:30-10:00 minute mile pace group. I hoped to run faster than that, but wanted to make sure I felt comfortable at the start. I blew past most of the people in my pace group–but I was okay with that. It was a great confidence booster at the start!
See ya later guys!
About one mile into the race we had to turn around in a cul-de-sac, which was fine, but then we had to turn around in another cul-de-sac around the 2 mile mark. I thought that was a little bit annoying and disorienting when I was running because I wasn’t really sure how much was left. It was nice to run in a state park since it was scenic, but I actually think I’m motivated more by running on city streets.
About a half a mile from the end I got an awful side stitch and seriously considered vomiting. I could feel all the food from breakfast jostling around in my stomach. I wasn’t surprised, I normally don’t eat that much before I go running, just a banana or something. It was hard to pass up Jason’s Aunt’s great food though! I also think I was really thirsty because at the end of the race I drank some water and felt fine.
Breakfast pizza! Yum!
After I crossed the finish line and did not throw up, I got some food, water, and my results. They put our numbers into a computer and gave each of us a receipt with our chip times on it. This was great because it gave me an idea of how I did before I left!
Results
Overall Time: 29:43
Pace: 9:33–15 seconds off Red Flannel Run Pace!
Place in Athena: 12/79 Women
Place in Age Group (Hypothetical): 18/54
Place in Gender: 207/617
Place Overall: 469/981
I was very happy with these results! Cutting 15 seconds off of my pace in just a month is a great accomplishment and one I hope I can repeat. I was also very happy with how I placed in the Athena category. The Athena category is for women 150 pounds or over, regardless of age. After looking at the results I think I could become fairly competitive in this category as I continue running, but not very many races offer an Athena category in Iowa. I’m still happy with how I would have placed in my age group though, so I’m fine with competing in my age group in future races.
Overall it was a great race and event!
That’s a great time. Goof for you!
Good for you! I’m running my very first 5K on Mother’s Day, and I’m already nervous! I’m hoping for 30 mins or less.
I’m sure you’ll do great! I was very nervous for my first race, but once I got out there and started running the time flew by.
Wow, way to go! I ran in my second ever 5k yesterday and shaved 29 seconds off my previous time, but I’m still in training for running (doing Ease into 5k) so I’m still in the walking/running stage.
I did Ease into 5K as well. I’m impressed that you’re running in 5Ks and training at the same time! I waited a couple months after I finished the program.