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Through Heather's Looking Glass

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Run for Relief 5k Race Recap

March 11, 2013 | Race Recaps, running

I haven’t run a 5k in a year, and I haven’t PR’ed in a 5k in almost two years. I have been focusing on distance and not speed for many many months, so I was curious as to how I would do. Bobby has been doing a lot of speed workouts since he wasn’t training for the Princess half like I was so I KNEW he would PR, but me….not so sure. We drove down to the race Saturday morning on a beautiful sunny day. The weather was nice but it was rapidly getting warm for the 9:00 start time. We picked up our bibs and race shirts and did about .6 miles of a warm up run before the start. There was a time years ago that I would NEVER dream of warming up for a 5k. I mean, why drain your energy before the race starts, duh! Oh, how much I have learned!

 

photo 1123

 

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We lined up at the start (Bobby was up ahead of me with the fast folks!) and then we were off and running. I wanted to stat slow and run negative splits, and I am still struggling with not getting caught up in the excitement and starting off too fast. I calmed down after about 4 tenths, but those first tenths were too fast. I was glad we warmed up a bit before the start, I think that helped me as well. I kept my garmin on pace instead of distance or time, and tried to stay around 9. The first mile evened out with y fast start and slower second half, and I was on to mile two. I picked up the pace, finally warmed up, and was running in the 8’s. I saw Bobby going back the other way and gave him a high five. I was surprised at how good I felt, and was happy to make it to the turn around.

 

Mile 1.5-2.5 felt pretty good. I passed the water stop without stopping, and kept cruising along, glancing at my pace which was going anywhere between an 8:20 and an 8:50. I hit 2.5 and started to get very warm. I was ready for this to be over, so I switched my Garmin over to distance so I could count down the tenths. I think this was my mistake because although I told myself pace didn’t matter because I was giving it all I had, I don’t think that was the case. I think I accidentally slowed down in that last half mile, but what can you do. I made it to the final turn/three mile marker and saw the finish line. I kicked it in and went pretty fast, further solidifying the fact that I wasn’t going fast enough that last half mile. I crossed in 27:52, a new PR! I was happy to PR, but mad at myself for slowing down at the end.

 

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I grabbed some Powerade and met up with Bobby, who also PRed, running a 23:19! He has worked really hard to improve his speed, I was super proud of him.

 

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Thanks to my KT Tape I didn’t have any calf issues. Hooray! Yes, yes I like to match my tape to my outfits. Sassy, I know!

relief2

 

After everyone finished, we headed over to the awards ceremony. Apparently I got 5th in my age group out of 18, not too shabby. This was a military race so there were a LOT of very fit and in shape guys and gals running this one.

 

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I enjoyed this race, it went through a quiet neighborhood so lots of houses to look at to keep my mind occupied. They had volunteers giving directions at all the turns, and had a water stop at the halfway point. The awards were nice, and they had donuts, bananas, and water/PowerAde after the race. It started on time and I would definitely run it again! I even really like the race shirt, very neutral and nice.

 

photo (20)

 

I can’t believe I have PR’ed in three different distances in 3 months. Now I think I need to find a 10k so I can make it 4 in four months!

 

QOTD: runners, did you race this weekend? If you didn’t or aren’t a runner, how was the weather where you live this weekend?

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Comments

  1. Ana says

    March 11, 2013 at 2:49 am

    For the 10k I think the Azalea Trail is coming up soon. 🙂

  2. Jan @ Sprouts n Squats says

    March 11, 2013 at 3:55 am

    Great work on the PR! I’ve mainly done distance races not 5ks but I am thinking of mixing it up and starting to focus more on speed not distance.

  3. Ali says

    March 11, 2013 at 5:21 am

    great job on the PR! My KT tape color scheme this weekend was a hot mess but it’s ok because I ran at my house so no one saw haha

  4. Carol Landry says

    March 11, 2013 at 5:12 am

    Congrats to you on your PR. I also ran a 5K on Saturday and think I might be done with 5K’s for awhile. I PR’d at 25:35 and have the shin splints to prove it. The half marathon I did in New Orleans a couple of weeks ago was much easier than this race! I would much rather run for distance at a comfortable pace. Lesson learned!

  5. Miz says

    March 11, 2013 at 6:23 am

    it was so so stunnnning outside this weekend.
    I be happy.

    xo

  6. Carissa @Fit2Flex says

    March 11, 2013 at 6:32 am

    Woohoo! Go Heather and Bobby! I haven’t run a timed 5k in about 2 years. I focus a lot on the longer distances, but I’d like to do one soon.

  7. Mindy @ Road Runner Girl says

    March 11, 2013 at 6:32 am

    Woohoo Heather! Congratulations on the PR girl!!!!

  8. Lesley says

    March 11, 2013 at 6:36 am

    Hooray for the PR! I did 4 miles on Saturday and it was quite humid, but thankfully overcast. We had t-storms in the forecast all day but they didn’t hit until Saturday night. I was very thankful I did my run Saturday because yesterday was ridiculously windy.

    Love the shirt!

  9. Heather (Where's the Beach) says

    March 11, 2013 at 6:56 am

    Nice job! I signed up for my first 10k April 6. I went from doing 5k to half marathons and bypassed the 10k distance. So I’m kind of looking forward to it just because it’ll be different.

  10. Jen says

    March 11, 2013 at 7:22 am

    Yay! So happy for you and Bobby!

  11. Kat says

    March 11, 2013 at 6:35 am

    You really worked hard and its obviously paying off awesome job!

  12. M. Love says

    March 11, 2013 at 7:39 am

    Congrats on the PR!! That’s awesome news! Love the pink skirt!

  13. Karen :0) says

    March 11, 2013 at 7:11 am

    Awesome job! Congrats on a great race!!

  14. Carly D. @ CarlyBananas says

    March 11, 2013 at 8:26 am

    I’ll have to try KT Taping my calves. They’re always SO TIGHT.

  15. Laura @ Mommy Run Fast says

    March 11, 2013 at 8:34 am

    Wow, Heather! Fantastic job, and cograts to Bobbi, too! 3 prs in 3 months? You are on a roll! So thrilled for you!

    • Heather says

      March 12, 2013 at 3:00 pm

      thanks, I am pretty stoked after a year of no PR’s.

  16. Megan says

    March 11, 2013 at 7:37 am

    Congratulations on a super PR! It’s always such a great feeling knowing that even if you’ve focused on distance lately, overall you’re in such better shape that you CAN pull off a speedy race.

    I ran a 10K (well, supposed to be a 10K – check out my post!) this weekend and would have had a massive 10K PR. But oh well!

  17. Carla M says

    March 11, 2013 at 7:49 am

    Great job! Awesome PR!!

  18. Frank@The Fat Runner says

    March 11, 2013 at 7:56 am

    Wow three PR’s. You are on a roll. Definitely go for a 10K next!

  19. Julie M says

    March 11, 2013 at 8:21 am

    Congrats on the PR. I PR’d on a 10k this weekend. I definitely relied on my Garmin to keep my pace on track. I’m glad I did bc other runners started slowing down around mile 3, but I picked it up.

  20. Amanda @ Run Principessa says

    March 11, 2013 at 9:40 am

    I really have to try and throw some speed work into the mix for my training. I focus so much on just getting the miles done. I wish I could go faster, but if I don’t train for that I will never be able to! Makes sense, huh? 😉 Congrats to both of you on the PRs!

    • Heather says

      March 12, 2013 at 2:59 pm

      exactly. I always tell myself to race fast I have to train fast!

  21. Kira says

    March 11, 2013 at 10:22 am

    Great job!!

    There is still time to register for the Crescent City Classic! 🙂

    • Heather says

      March 12, 2013 at 2:59 pm

      LOL. the disorganization of that race stresses me out.

      • Kira says

        March 12, 2013 at 4:44 pm

        I haven’t done this one before, but I have read the bad reviews. They have a new race director this year and have completely overhauled the race from what I’ve read, so I’m willing to give it a chance.

        • Heather says

          March 12, 2013 at 6:10 pm

          What race are you talking about?

          • Kira says

            March 12, 2013 at 6:23 pm

            The Crescent City Classic

          • Heather says

            March 13, 2013 at 6:51 am

            got ya! I was confused for a minute there lol!

  22. Nicole G says

    March 11, 2013 at 9:58 am

    I ran the NWM Virtual 10K this weekend, but it was lovely weather! This week we’ll actually hit 72 (haven’t seen that number here since September!!) so it will be nice to run outside for a change! Congrats on the PRs! It’s nice to see improvement after training so hard!

    • Heather says

      March 12, 2013 at 2:59 pm

      Too funny. 72 is cool to me!

  23. Madeline says

    March 11, 2013 at 11:19 am

    Congratulations!! A PR is a great feeling 🙂

  24. Emily says

    March 11, 2013 at 1:50 pm

    Congrats on the PR! You are on a roll!

    • Heather says

      March 12, 2013 at 2:58 pm

      thanks 😉

  25. Kierston @candyfit says

    March 11, 2013 at 2:26 pm

    Great job on the PR!

    My first race with be in May 🙂 5k!

    The weather was absolutely gorgeous!

    • Heather says

      March 12, 2013 at 2:58 pm

      You will rock it!

  26. Elizabeth C. says

    March 11, 2013 at 2:47 pm

    Congrats on the new 5K PR. I think that focusing on endurance can definitely help in smaller races. It means you can run harder longer! nice job.

    • Heather says

      March 12, 2013 at 2:58 pm

      exactly! thanks.

  27. Elisabeth says

    March 11, 2013 at 3:10 pm

    I particularly love to see people excel in races that contribute towards a cause. Win-win for everyone! Also, love your mirror! Happen to remember where you snagged it? Random, I know.

    • Heather says

      March 12, 2013 at 2:58 pm

      Not random! Got it a few years ago at bed bath and beyond!

  28. Jenelle @Mile Twenty Eight says

    March 11, 2013 at 6:35 pm

    PRs are always exciting! Nice job

  29. Kelly @ Cupcake Kelly's says

    March 11, 2013 at 6:35 pm

    Great job, Heather! You look great. Definitely go 4 for 4.

    • Heather says

      March 12, 2013 at 2:57 pm

      thanks I think I’m going to!

  30. Libby Syzdek says

    March 11, 2013 at 7:02 pm

    Awesome job!! I haven’t run a 5k in years, like you I have been working on distance. Yesterday I was supposed to do a 3 mile recovery run after an 8 mile run on Saturday. But I wanted to see how fast I could run a 5k. Sure enough faster than I have ever run a 5k before. I am running 5k in a couple of weeks and am excited to see if I can even beat what I did on Sunday! Thanks for the motivation and great job on all the PRs!!

    • Heather says

      March 12, 2013 at 2:57 pm

      that’s awesome!!! Good luck!

  31. Sara says

    March 12, 2013 at 6:40 am

    I love your pink shoes! Have you done a review on them? What are they?

    • Sara says

      March 12, 2013 at 6:46 am

      Nevermind, I just saw your reply to my other comment. Thanks! 🙂

      • Heather says

        March 12, 2013 at 2:56 pm

        no worries!

  32. Kimberly @ Healthy Strides says

    March 12, 2013 at 11:01 am

    Congrats on the PR! I was hoping to try for a 5K PR last month but I ended up sick. I’m antsy to try next month!

    • Heather says

      March 12, 2013 at 2:55 pm

      oh boo!!! GL next month!

Trackbacks

  1. runningwithsass says:
    March 11, 2013 at 1:46 am

    Run for Relief 5k Race Recap…

    I haven’t run a 5k in a year, and I haven’t PR’ed in a 5k in almost two years. I have been focusing on…

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I am Heather Montgomery, a 30 something southern girl living in Knoxville, Tennessee with my husband Bobby, 10-year-old daughter Emma Kate, and our goldendoodles Dolly and Luna. I’m just a regular girl who likes to workout, travel, hang with my family, text, and eat chips and queso. Be sure to check out my “about me” page for more info!
Thank you for visiting, and feel free to contact me with questions, (or for PR inquiries or press trip invites) at Support@HeathersLookingGlass.com.

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