Frigid 5 Race Report

Yes, I am shamelessly stealing Terri's race report format from the 6k she just did.

Now, onto the race report! (yeah, even stole that line!)

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This was a 5 mile race, not 5K. I mention this only because it seemed like there were a lot of people at today's race that might have thought it was a 5K. Not that anyone said it, but when the race started people took off like a bat out of hell. I am use to that with a 5K but I figured a more even race pace would have ruled the day being a bit longer of a race. I can't tell you how many people I passed during this race. Felt great! Take that you 8th grade twerp who thought you were so cool when you zipped in front of me at the start! Yeah, I saw you walking! Punk. What? WHAT?

I also think that a lot of these runners had never run at Mitch Park either. Mitch can be a beast--lots of peaks and valleys. Nothing ridiculous, but enough inclines to give your legs some work. I told the wifey at the beginning to take it easy on the declines, to use that time for some recovery. Steady pace. Most of the ones around me could have used that advice. Mitch is where I do most of my training so I knew what to expect.

At every decline, I got passed. At every incline, I would pass them back, and then some. It actually became a little game for me. I would accelerate into the hills and pass runner after runner. It really was a great feeling.

Elevation chart from today's run.

I ended up leaving the wife at one of those hills. I know it is V-day and all, but come on! She was slowing me down!

The pros about this race:

• nice selection of food post-race. Catered by Panera Bread--can't go wrong there.
  
• very well organized. This race seems to be getting more and more popular each year. They were expecting 1000 people but I think the numbers were closer to 700.
  
• timing chip. First year for this race.
  
• running (at least part of the way) with my sweetheart.
  
• it's Mitch. I love Mitch!
  

The cons about this race:

• no timing mat at the start line. I HATE this. Why even have timing chips if you are only going to put a mat at the end. Ticks me off.
  
• a bit expensive, I thought. $26 for a local race is a bit steep.
  

My stats:

• Garmin watch time and distance = 45:29, average mile pace = 9:12 for 4.99 miles
  
• Official time (remember there was no mat at the beginning): 45:44 for 5 miles, average pace of 9:09.