Race for PAWS (Virtual) 5k

Monday night seemed like as good a time as any to finally fit in my virtual race! With my half looming this weekend and my last long run under my belt, I was in the mood to just get out there and pound some pavement.

My last 5k was rough for multiple reasons and I really wanted to redeem myself. My goal was to run the race under thirty minutes; I wasn't necessarily aiming for a PR because it's been awhile since I've raced a 5k in good condition for it, but I didn't want to give myself the wiggle room to ease up on the pace just because the race was virtual.

There's still time to sign up and run if you're interested! Click here!

I've never run a virtual race, but I was happy to run one that would benefit a cause I truly care about. (On a side note, I chose not to run the 10k because I've discovered I don't really like racing that distance; it may be the hardest for me at this point...mentally it's just pretty daunting.)

Anyway, the weather was nice Monday evening. After a big salad for a pre-race snack - I was starving after work - I headed out to run at 7pm. It was getting gloomy and a few errant drops of rain made an appearance during the run, but it wasn't raining, unfortunately. It was warm, but there was a nice breeze.

This was perfect fuel...I'm trying so hard to eat more like an athlete!

I did a half mile warmup in the park, then went to the bathroom and got ready to race.

Mile 1: I wanted to feel uncomfortable in the first mile, but I had forgotten to set my Nike+ to tell me my pace at every quarter mile...so when the little feedback voice told me my first mile was 8:35, I literally shouted, "OH NO!" I wanted to be uncomfortable, and lately that has meant running in the 9:50s...9:40s if I'm having a good day.

I didn't plan to run any of my miles sub-9!

Look at that sky! I was hoping for real rain the entire time, but no luck!

Mile 2: I reined it in for the second mile, knowing I'd be paying for this crazy start in the third. I always hit a little wall around mile two of a 5k, and this race was no different. I had made the turn-around and was now heading into the wind. This was probably the hardest part of the race. I tucked my head down and gulped air as I ran; I reminded myself over and over that 5ks may be painful, but at least they're short!

Mile 3: Sure enough, my third mile was a pain-fest. I looped through the park once and ended the 3.11 miles perfectly, right back at my car! (That's a benefit of a virtual race!)

The Good: Each mile was sub-10 and I was very happy with my final time! It wasn't a PR, or even my second-best time, but it was definitely a nice reminder to myself that I still know how to race 5ks and that maybe a new PR is in the cards for me this year.

The Not-So-Good: That said, I have clearly forgotten how to manage my pace in shorter races. My splits were crazy.

It was hard to stay motivated and keep moving when I hit a mini-wall at mile two; clearly having crowd support is helpful, but I'd call this virtual race a success!

Post-race "glow" ;o)

Thanks for setting this race up, Kristina! I really enjoyed having an "excuse" to really push myself on what could have ended up being just another weekday run!

 

Have you ever run a virtual race?

ABK