Tiro-Auburn Firefighter's Festival 5k

GF and I headed to the tiny hamlet of Tiro for an evening 5k.  I ran this one last year and it was one of my fastest.  Last year's weather conditions were much worse than this year's experience.  It was in the high-80s and sunny last year.  This year it was in the low-70s and overcast with some light rain during the last half of the race.  This year's race was also much smaller than last year's race and I'm really hoping they continue to hold it in the future.  The folks who were there all looked like serious runners.  I was a bit nervous at the start.

We made our way to the meager start line in the center of town and took off.  The first half mile was a gradual downhill and I started out very fast.  I tucked in with the lead pack and tried to hold it from there.  There were five of us in this pack until the eventual winner took off like a gazelle.  The course was nothing special as we wound down country roads.  I hit the first mile in an amazing 6:09.  That's certainly PR territory for me but I knew I could not sustain that pace.  I passed one runner during the second mile as we continued on.  I was just under ten minutes at the turnaround point but was feeling the effort.  We started back to Tiro and I hit the second mile in 12:48.  Finally, the typical side cramp I get in these evening races reared its ugly head and I simply tried to keep moving.  I was holding steady in fourth place.  Two runners were gaining on me as I made my way back to the first straightaway.  I gave it whatever I had left and hit the finish in 20:09.  This is my second fastest 5k ever!  I barely held on for fourth overall and first in my age group.  The age group award was awesome this year as I received a $15 Dick's Sporting Goods gift card!  GF and I promptly made our way to the festival's food tent and made short work out of a lot of food.

Considering the lack of training for shorter races, I'm very happy with my time.  I'm seriously considering going after a PR at my next 5k.  The next one on the docket is a GF PR attempt at the Ontario Fourth of July 5k this coming weekend.  Unfortunately, GF has been battling a case of plantar fasciitis and we're waiting to see if she can compete.

Next race: Ontario Fourth of July 5k- Ontario, OH