Wednesday, May 30, 2012

A 5K 17 days post marathon...that's silly

I ran a 5K 17 days after running a marathon. I really didn't want to. I knew there was no way I'd be breaking 19 minutes, but it's a "fun run" that my workplace plans every year, and I can't just skip it. About 50 people participate, and it is fun to get out there and run with fellow co-workers. I was the first female finisher, and 4th overall. One interesting side note: the top three ladies all ran the Providence Marathon, so we three were all hurting equally. The course is reasonably accurate. It's just over a 5K, and measured out with a wheel, so I can't really complain about it being long. It is sort of a ridiculous course though. It's a loop done three times, and the loop has 4 really sharp turns in it, which end up being 12 really sharp turns. There's a lot of energy spent slowing down for the turn and speeding up after the turn.

My time was 20:35. I would love to complain about how hot it was and how the course is long, but to be fair it was only high 70's and the course is within 0.1 accuracy, so I can't really complain. (Though the turns really do make it a slow course.) Truth is, I just wasn't fully recovered from the marathon. It hurts a bit to see a 20, when a few short months ago I was seeing 18, but I'll get back there. (I hope!)

On the plus side, they took some pictures, and I look like the happiest runner on the planet. I also look much more like a sprinter than a long distance runner...

I have no idea what I'm smiling about

Really? Still smiling?

Oh, yes, I forgot. We also had to run around a tiny circle for each loop.


6 comments:

Karen said...

I tried to run a good half about the same amount of time after a 50K, and it really really stunk.

Sometimes it is fun to have a slower race and see how fast a race we're not 100% for will result. I would kill for 5K times like yours. :)

Michelle said...

Impressive arms as well!! What upper body work out do you do??

Raina said...

I had suicidal plans to do something like a 5k too, but that didn't quite work out. Isn't it amazing how all the hard work for a marathon can leave you very 5k unready? I know you'll be back to your earlier 5k pace in no time!
Are you training for Baystate already? I am planning on a very low mileage summer and hopefully some 5k races (yes, that's plural) too.

Ana-Maria RunTriLive said...

I did read somewhere that the marathon sets one up nicely for the 5K, but after a full recovery. And 70s is still high! And those turns would drive me crazy. You look like you are jumping, awesome knee drive! And I look more like a sprinter than a marathoner, too:)

Pam said...

Your form looks good. Maybe hurting more and smiling less would have gotten you a faster time? JUST KIDDING!! I bet once you recover you will be even faster than before. Seriously, that is one happy smile!

I am doing this race http://arnoldmillsparade.com/roadrace on the 4th of July. Let me know if you have any interest, I will look out for you!

Unknown said...

Awesome run!