 posted May-20-2007 02:48 PM
   
Belated Mother's Day Race Report: MOMs 5KThis race is really special to me. I began running just over 2 years ago, and this was the very first race I ever ran. Last year, I bettered my time a smidge, and I had been hoping to better it even further this year. I was bolstered by an article that I read in Runner's World: Go Out Fast in Your Next 5K. This article suggested a different pacing strategy than is typically suggested: run your 1st mile 6% faster than your projected pace! The article discusses the results of a study examining this strategy among women, and this piqued my curiosity, because so many studies are performed among men only. Armed with this pacing strategy, I made a few strategic changes. First of all, I knew that the first mile of this race was significantly uphill. So, rather than aiming for a time for that first mile that was so far and away faster than what I was aiming for, I targeted a certain amount of elevated effort. So, how did it pan out? First off, let me tell you the day was gorgeous. Bright sunshine, blue skies, temp at 50 degrees, minimal wind. The past 2 of these that I ran were dismal, drizzly, and in the 40's, so this already boosted my mood! I met up with Kirsten (La Tortuga) before the race, which was terrific. In fact, we met up right at the starting line, and the starting horn went off far too quickly, because, really, we were just getting absorbed in our conversation. Alas, we had some running to do. Some pictures my DH took at the start (I amin the orange stripey tank and the orange running cap)   So, I really, really wanted to run a sub-23 minute 5K, and according to the Runner's World plan, that meant 7:10 for the first mile. But that was a bit of a stretch for a resoundingly uphill first mile. I focused on a more concentrated effort than I would normally put forth, though, and clocked in at 7:22. I definitely felt the effects, though! The next mile was an even downhill, and I relaxed into it, clocking in 7:06 for the 2nd mile. The 3rd mile was rough, and I had to talk to myself sternly on several occasions to prevent myself from slowing to a walk. Nonetheless, I logged 7:43. The last 0.1 mile felt strangely great as I picked up some steam heading for the finish line.   (Now, for those of you eagle-eye observers, YES, my running skirt DID have built-in spankies, I don't know WHY that picture looks like some Britney Spears up-skirt shot. AND, that fellow pouring water over his head is dangerously close to doing a cool-down run backwards on the course a la Ribs) Anywhoo...22:55! A 48-second PR! That makes PRs in a marathon, a 10K and a 5K all in the same month. I'm starting to get spoiled here. I must say that the Runner's World 5K racing strategy worked for me, most likely because I've been overly conservative in my pacing in the past. It was a great lesson! Stats:
Finish: 22:55 (7:23 pace)
58/187 overall
3/14 Age Group Fashion Report:
Orange striped "Running Girl" Sugoi tank, Boston Marathon special Triks running skirt, orange running cap, Neutrogena Moisture Lip Balm in "Glow" --Robin
[This message has been edited by rtravers (edited May-20-2007).]
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