Monday, October 22, 2012

Two Weekends, Two 5ks

The last two weeks have been quite busy - if you hadn't already guessed that from my recent post on my busy day.  I don't know how I got through it all without losing it. 

Let's start by saying I don't think I will be doing this again.  Two weeks of 50 hours work weeks, two races within 8 days of each other, traveling halfway across the country, and a best friends wedding.

But its over and done with and I finally feel like I can relax.

My first 5k race was a bit of a blur.  The Friday night before the race I was delayed in Detroit and didn't even know if I would get home to race at all.  I finally arrived home at midnight and made it to bed only to wake up at 7am for the race.

The morning was super cold but sunny and throughout the race I was just hoping my legs didn't give out on me.  Somehow I managed to run a 5k PR and earned 5th woman and 1st in my age group.  The course is flat and fast and I love racing this race even if I was very tired.


My running buddy even came out to the race to cheer me on (and even held my sweat pants for me too).  She is the best supported anyone could ask for.

First 5k finish time: 19:43



I felt really good during the race but I was tired.  Tired from flying, tired from working a lot, and tired from running a lot.

The next week, I continued to run a lot and work a lot and not get much rest.  I had a tough interval workout on Tuesday and then followed that with a mini tempo workout on Thursday morning.  I really don't know why I pushed so much during the week when I knew I had another 5k race coming up the following weekend.

I think I push myself to run more when I am stressed. I know it may seem weird but running more while I am stressed I think actually helps me to deal with the stress.

My best running friend was getting married on Friday but I still made time to get up and run.  I knew it would be a long day but I needed to clear my head and a good day (for me) usually starts with a run.  During my run I saw two shooting stars which I thought was a very good sign since I haven't seen any shooting stars during my dark morning runs.  I usually see a great deal of shooting stars during my August morning runs because that is when they are most common but not this year.  Seems October is the month of shooting stars.

The wedding went without a hitch and I was so honored to be a part of my running buddy's day.  We looked quite different in dresses than in running clothes.  Here we are with our running coach...



Saturday I made sure to sleep in late, drink plenty of water, and rest on the couch to hopefully be ready for the 5k the following morning. 

Sunday dawned a little chilly but sunny again and I actually wore shorts since it was supposed to be over 50F by the start.

This second race was held at my college and is basically a race for students and alumni.  I try to run this race every year since I get to see my college track coach as he is the race director.  I wasn't sure how the race was going to go this year but hoped that I could pull out a time under 20 minutes, just like the week previous.

I started right at the front of the race and when it was time to go all the men flew past me.  I knew most of them wouldn't be able to hold on for the whole race.  The wind was brutal for most of the first mile and then again at the end of the race.  I was regretting that interval workout from the previous Tuesday during the second mile but hung on to come in just under 20 minutes. 

Second 5k finish time: 19:53


It is a pretty small race and I ended up being first female which was an added bonus.  After the race I chatted with my college track coach.  He asked how my marathon in the spring had gone and I told him I didn't think I would run another marathon again.  In response he said that he had only run one marathon as well and it just wasn't the thing for him.  He then said that he thought that 5ks were my best race distance.  I am not so sure he is right about that but I do love 5ks.  They are just so fast and fun!

Only one more 5k to go in two weeks.  That will most likely be my last race of 2012 so I hope it is a good one!

10 comments:

Suz and Allan said...

Wow, great job on both 5K's! Sub-20 is so impressive. It sounds like it's been a crazy two weeks. Hope the next two are calmer for you!

Rebecca said...

You continue to amaze me with your busy weeks and staying calm and collected through everything! I am SOOO happy you were a part of my wedding and it turned out to be an awesome day. Could not ask for a more wonderful best friend. Great 5Ks the past 2 weeks.... and you will get a NEW PR in a few weeks!!

Lauren @ Sassy Molassy said...

Dang, nice work on the 5Ks! I definitely want to run the morning of my wedding. :)

Molly said...

Congrats on two great races, and for being the first female! you are a speedster!

Johann said...

Great running! You are fast, well done!

Marlene said...

Holy moly, I don't know how you survived the the last couple of weeks, let alone running 2 5Ks and winning your AG and then the race! Congrats!! You are killing the 5Ks this year.

Lisa from Lisa's Yarns said...

WOW!! You HAVE been busy. That is a lot to pack into 2 weeks. But you made it through! Both you and your friend look gorgeous in that photo with your coach!!

Anonymous said...

Holy moly!! You had two rockin' races and with that crazy week in between...that is truly amazing!! Congrats!! I find that I'm better at getting my runs in when I'm busier too. It's almost like I need them more then, because it's a perfect stress reliever.

Anonymous said...

I really don't know how you do all that!! You are amazing!! And Fast! Congrats on a new 5k PR!!!

Kim said...

Oh my gosh! Two amazing races! You do run best under stress! Congrats on the PR and 1st in AG, and the overwall win, speedy!!! :)

You and your friend look so pretty at her wedding! Isn't it funny seeing running friends in street clothes... and much more funny seeing them in "fancy" clothes?!