Ocean's Run 5k Recap

OK, so week two of training is done!

Here is the breakdown:

Monday - Rest

Tuesday - 4 mile run with KB while pushing the stroller.  It was really nice run on the bike path.  Later, that afternoon,  my son wanted to run with me, so we set out for a 1 mile run around the neighborhood, with me, again, pushing the stroller.  He did a fantastic job!

Wednesday - 18 mile bike ride

Thursday - I woke up to find this happened.  I was psyched!  I set out for the gym for some strength training and a run.  My run was fantastic!  4 miles on the hamster wheel and I loved every minute.

Friday - Yoga for runners

Saturday - Rest

Sunday - The Ocean's Run 5k

Now, lets talk about this.  This was my first official race of the year.  I was really looking forward to this race, as it is to date, my favorite race.  If you remember, I completed my first half marathon at this one in September.  Not only does it hold a special place in my heart, it is run well, with great volunteers, plenty of water and fuel stops, and a nice spread at the finish.  It is put on by Tri-Mom Productions and they just do a fabulous job!

I was a little disappointed that they changed the date because I was just not ready for a half marathon.  I didn't want to miss it though, so I signed up for the 5k.

Elaine signed up to and my kids were signed up for the kids fun run.

Before the race.

The day was supposed to be sunny and 48, but at the start it was cloudy and windy.  It is a small race.  This year there were 119 people running the 5k.  We lined up and Mr. Running While Mommy got this great pic.

We took off and I told Elaine to just go if she wanted to.  She stuck by me.  I felt like it was a fast pace for me but I felt good.

The very beginning of the course is pretty flat and once we are on the road, we are running past the ocean.  It was breezy but we were warming up pretty fast.

This race has a water stop at every mile which really is a nice thing.   At the first stop and mile one, Elaine said we were at a 9:57 pace.  Really?!  This is clearly my fastest mile ever.  Could I keep it up?

It was great to run with someone.  I do enjoy my alone time but sometimes you just need a friend to talk to and today was one of those days.  It was also nice to see that I could hold a conversation and run faster than I had before.

Our pace was steady and I was sure I would hit a PR.  However, in mile three, my stomach really started to hurt!  I was sure I was going to be sick.  Elaine keep saying we are so close, you can do it.  I had my doubts but kept up.

The .1 mile marker was a wonderful sight, but I was still feeling sick.  I was very determined to finish and not get sick, that I didn't even smile when we passed a photographer.  Can't wait to see that picture, LOL.

I didn't do anything different to feel sick, except run faster than my usual speed.  I also suspect, I made myself a little nervous with excitement of possibly hitting a PR.

Coming down to the finish, I saw Mr. RWM and my son.  I held out my hand for a high five and then we crossed the finish line.

My best 5k time to date was 31:49.  To my disappointment, my time for this race was 32:46.  It didn't make sense.

Coming up on the finish line.  Honestly, I hate this picture of me, but look at Elaine!  Both feet off the ground!

Done!

We met up with my friend Deb, who thought the same thing.  Her GPS, said she ran 3.2 miles.  Hmmmm...

We got a few snacks and watched the last of the 5ker's and the first of the half marathon runners come in. My kids at this point had enough and wanted to leave.

They did have fun though.  They both ran .3 miles in the kids run.  My son, who is 7, came in third and the two boys that beat him were 9.  I say that is pretty good.  They both got some pretty cool medals too.

M coming into the finish, with two kids trying to pass him.

The smallest RWM coming into the finish!

My little runners!

Later, that evening, I got a message from Deb who found out some interesting facts.  The 5k course was in fact 3.2 miles.  Right away, Mr. RWM did the math for me.  For an actual 5k, my time would of been 31:44 which is in fact, a 5 second PR.  Woohooo, I'll take it!

Let me be clear, this was clearly written on the web site and I would of saw it if I had clicked on the course map.  I did not do that as I was familiar with the course having run it in September.

I have never been one to really focus on speed but I do realize I need to add a little more speed work into my routine.  And maybe, just maybe, I will hit a 30 minute 5k.  We will see...

Run Strong, Think Big! ~ Nicole