Sunday, February 5, 2012

Super 5K Lowell MA RR

This will be short. I had a tough time today. My asthma was acting up, which often happens to me when it's cold or I'm sick. Today it was cold and I was sick, so it's not shocking that I had issues.

My official time was 18:49. I ran as fast as I could today, but given more ideal circumstances I'm pretty sure I could run faster. I'm pleased though. Breaking 19 again makes me feel like maybe it wasn't just a fluke last time. The race was super competitive. I was only the 6th female finisher. I would have thought breaking 19 at a small local 5k would be fast enough to earn at least a third place.

I could tell before the race even started that it was going to be crazy. There were a ton of people in running club jerseys, and they brought their game faces. It was a little intimidating actually. These runners looked tough and old school. (And apparently they were every bit as tough as they looked.)

It was definitely a great race. It's the same course as the turkey trot I run every year, but today it was accurate (not long like on turkey day). I've figured out that the course is only long on the days that they also have a 10k race. If there's only a 5k for the day, the course is accurate, and fast. There's one small uphill in the first half mile, but then there's a bit of downhill for about half a mile, and the remainder is flat.

Now I have to start thinking about my half marathon in two weeks! Yikes! I don't feel prepared at all...

8 comments:

Ana-Maria RunTriLive said...

You PRed! I was right! You need to listen to me:0 I predict a huge PR at the half as well.
Yes, the course is fast when accurate. I will keep it in mind for future 5ks.
Huge congrats Katie! Awesome job! And yes, you can go faster!

Katie said...

Thanks AM! It was a decade PR, but in college I ran 18:24 a couple times and I'm getting this urge to try for an actual lifetime PR. I would love to run some races with you. I run Providence May 5th, so if you find something interesting beginning to mid April I'd love to run with you. I think we'd be a great team!

Karen said...

Nice job on the PR! It totally isn't a fluke, you really are that AWESOME. And for what its worth, your time in our local 5Ks here would have made you FIRST woman.

Jenn said...

Amazing Race Katie! So fast!! Love that thought that in better circumstances you could have run faster!! I've not ever had that in a 5K yet. I have thoughts like, I almost died, if I ran faster I would have surely died etc....ha!

Can't wait to see what you do in that half! I'm with AM on predicting the big PR!!

Katie said...

Thanks Karen and Jenn!

Raina said...

Great job Katie! So well done. There are some competitive racers in these parts (Eugene), but i would probably have to go to Portland for that fast of a group to compete with in a road race (Bowerman AC 5k/Nike). There are very few races with prize money around here, and I am starting to learn that those are the ones to expect a competitive field.
You are setting yourself up well for lifetime PR. You SHOULD go for it. Perhaps after the marathon?I plan to start 5k training after Eugene and would love to see you doing that as well- though I am sure you will be much faster than me :) I am thinking you could go sub 18 , easily, with frequent 5k racing and specific training!
I need to peek at your training. ;)

Kat (Eating The Week) said...

Nice work! Looks like the mental health week did you some good.

Michelle said...

Way to go!!