I can't believe it's been two weeks since this race and I'm just now getting to my (brief) race report. The short of it is that I ran a great race on a relatively short course in perfect conditions. This was originally going to be a PR attempt for GF, but she's still battling a case of plantar fasciitis. So I decided to try for a sub-20:00 race only one week after a solid 5k in Tiro.
We started out from the Ontario High School and I tried to keep with the front pack. That was a no-go as this was an insanely fast 5k. I tucked in with the second group which was still flying. The race was made up of some nice straightaways with a few minor rolling hills. I felt great but came out way too fast. The first mile clocked in at 5:52. I'm not even sure when the last time is I've clocked a sub-6:00 mile in a 5k. Maybe never. The second mile was also very fast as we made a few turns and made our way through Marshall Park. I was in a small group of 4-5 runners and was desperately trying to hold on. The second mile came in at 6:08, despite the fact that the only actual hill was near the end of this mile. We continued our way through Marshall Park before making a turn back toward the high school. There wasn't anyone I could catch in front of me, nor was there anyone on my heels during this last mile. I really wish there would have been as I might have run a PR. Still, I hurried toward the finish, high-fived a celebrating GF, and made my way to the line in 19:52. This is only the second time I've broken 20:00 in a 5k! I finished 9/148 overall and first in my age group. I can mark another 2015 running goal off my list.
GF is still battling plantar but she's improving. She's working on the elliptical and the stationary bike to keep her cardio up and we've gone for a few walks. We are doing the Shawshank Hustle here in Mansfield this coming Saturday and it looks like she'll have to walk a good portion of it. We're hoping to find her another 5k in the near future.
Next race: Shawshank Hustle 4 Miler- Mansfield, OH
