Dorothy Lane Market Dash 5k

I decided to do a local 5k only 8 days after the Carmel Half Marathon since I really need to catch up with some speedwork.  This race was sponsored by one of the local running stores and the Dorothy Lane Market located right across the street from my workplace.  It was hard to turn it down since it was so close to home.  Plus, I got a chance to chat with some coworkers who were also running the race. 

Today turned out nice as it was humid at the start, but thankfully the sun was partially hidden for most of the race.  The course itself had a few more hills than I thought it would.  Overall, this was a great local race.  On to the breakdown:

Mile 1- I wanted to come out strong for this race to find out where exactly I am at the beginning of this 5k gauntlet.  Well, I did indeed come out strong...way too strong.  The first mile clicked by at 6:50.  There was a lengthy downhill late in the first mile so that probably didn't help.  But I was feeling pretty good regardless.   We turned into the first of two smaller neighborhoods we'd be visiting.

Mile 2- The second mile has always killed my time in 5ks.  I believe it's actually worse now since I spend far less time training for negative splits in 5ks in favor of training for even splits in half marathons.  This one wasn't too bad.  We did a loop around the neighborhood and hit the two mile mark on the way back out.  I clocked in at 14:11 here for a 7:21 for the second mile.  Still not bad at all.

Mile 3-finish- Mile 3 started with a wicked little uphill and we turned into the second neighborhood for a short loop.  I felt pretty good but was having problems with pacing here.  There was nobody in front of me but I could hear someone gaining on me.  I knew there was a downhill finish so I picked it up with a little over a quarter mile left to hold him off.  Mile 3 clocked in at 21 and change.  Final time- 22:17.

This was an excellent event only a few miles away from my apartment.  It's hard to argue with that.  I'm also very happy with my place in the race- 20/230.  It's exciting to run a solid race considering I will be on my favorite 5k course this Thursday.

Next race: Duck 'n' Run 5k- Sidney, OH