Everyone knows I put minimum effort into training for a 5k. I normally have a half marathon soon after, so I have to keep my focus on that goal. This one was no different as my next half is in a couple days. This was also my first 5k in over three months. So I did a few three milers at a good pace and came in just hoping for the best. My left hip has been giving me some issues, too, though it doesn't seem to be affecting my running.
This race started at Veterans Memorial Lake Park in Norwalk. The scenery was gorgeous for a fall run. We've also had very mild weather for late fall, so the overall experience was very nice for this time of year. On to my thoughts.
I lined up near the front of the meager start line as it didn't look like there were too many people looking to race. Many folks were dressed up for Halloween, giving this race a different laid back feel. We started by running a trail between two of the park lakes. A few younger folks started out in front for the first half mile or so. Ah, youth. I started out at a good pace and looked to maintain steady splits throughout the race. It took little time for me and another runner to pull out in front of everyone and make it a two person race. My first mile came in at 6:42. We wound through the park and made a few short loops. The scenery was great throughout as it was either wooded areas or open areas with views of the lakes. It continued being a two person race, though I would occasionally pass him for a bit, then he'd pass me for a bit. I think we both decided to give up on that and run step for step for a bit. The second mile came in at 6:55. I think this picture shows that I was working my butt off.
I made my "move" early in the final mile because I knew I would not have much of a kick left. My pace was just too fast compared to my training. I passed the other runner as we made our way back to the thin strip between the two lakes. But I didn't build much of a cushion and he was able to stay about 5-10 meters behind me as we headed downhill to the finish. I tried to hold on but he passed me with a .1 mile left and won by six seconds. Disappointing as it is to lose a race at the very end, I'm still very happy with my finishing time of 20:25. This ties my fourth fastest 5k time. I also just realized that three of my five fastest 5k times have happened in 2015. That's a surprise.
This race gave me a bit of extra confidence going into Sunday's half marathon. Massillon will be my last half marathon of the year.
Next race: Made in America Half Marathon- Massillon, OH
