U Can Finish 5 Miler

Today I did something I haven’t done in more than 6 months — RACE!

It started with a 5:45 wake up and a quick 3 mile warm up. I wanted to make sure that I still got in the 8 miles I planned for my training run. The best thing about splitting the run up like this is that while 8 miles isn’t terribly long (in comparison to running 20!), it can start to feel long around mile 6 – especially when you are a little bit rusty. Today there was none of that today! The 3 miles consisted of 1.5 miles out and back, which made it felt nice and short.

I got home around 6:30, did a quick shirt change, and then helped the kids get ready (they cheered me on!). Paula arrived around 6:45 and a few quick pics we headed over to UCF for the U Can Finish 5 Miler (somewhat related side story: for many, many years UCF was referred to as “U Can’t Finish” because of lower graduation rates) .

I’ve decided that’s a lucky hat.

It took us maybe 10-15 minutes to get there and to make things easy, Dan dropped us off near  the Arena (where the race started). I still have no idea why I haven’t done this race before – it’s so close to home and even with almost 1,400 finishers it didn’t feel like a cluster. Nice job Track Shack!

Before the race we ran into a few friends, although I have no pictures of this actually occurring because I left my phone behind. #bloggerfail. That said – it’s always fun to see friends at the butt-crack of dawn when you look your finest.

(Courtesy of Paula)

The race started on time and with one last wave to my family – I was off! The first mile seemed the longest (there was a lot of dodging) , but then the miles seemed to tick by. I took the race SLOOOOW as a) I am still trying to build back my higher mileage and b) it’s as fast as I could go. It was also pretty humid at the start – although it was nothing compared to last week, so I can’t complain!

The race course was really nicely laid out. There was a few twists and turns and some very minor uphills that kept the race interesting. Plus, I didn’t realize that UCF was so pretty! It’s changed a lot since I check it out for colleges a gazillion years ago.

Around the 4 mile mark I got to high five the kids – and B even ran with me a little. He was SOOO excited.  I saw them again right before the finish too. I wish I had known they would be there, I would have had B finish with me! I ended up coming in at 48:34, which was slower than the pace I was going for (9:30) – but since it’s my first 5-miler race that’s a PR baby! Speaking of the finish – Carissa was there announcing her heart out. I don’t how she does it – especially because she always seems so alert and chipper!

Also from Paula.

After the race (which Paula rocked!!), we ran into Danielle, Kelly, and a few of Kelly’s friends. The last time I saw Kelly was right before her marathon in May. A lot has happened since then, so it was good to catch up.

We then headed back home for pancakes (and obviously a shower) which resulting in me passing out in carb-coma and taking 2.5 hour nap. That felt good. Actually, the whole DAY felt good. I love getting up for a race again. Can’t wait to do it again in December at OUC!

So in summary — yay for a good training run and race with a great friend. What a nice way to start a Sunday!