5K Results - Motherhood Uncensored

I was up early thanks to my alarm Margot and the refried bean fajitas I had last night.

Running tip #4791: Do not eat anything with beans the night before you run.

I arrived to the race fairly early. Okay, really early. I should have reminded myself that this is a pretty small race since we're in the suburbs of Atlanta, so I didn't need to get there that early. But alas, I was there, watching people stretch, warm-up, and run (??), along with trying to figure out how to put my number on.

I know it's not brain science, but I was nervous.

Right before I arrived, the huz texted me that he had been called into work, so I would have to leave right after the race to get back. Nothing like a little extra motivation to get my ass moving.

I picked up my packet, did some stretching, and finished up my Zone bar, banana, and water before heading off to try to figure out where the starting line was. I ran into a couple of women that seemed to be my age, one of whom was a regular 5K runner. Her sister-in-law was doing her second race and didn't really seem to keen on participating. When she heard it was my first race, she said something like we'd both be the slow ones, which was really encouraging of her. Gee thanks, lady.

We headed over to the starting line where they told us to stay in the cones and the yellow tape - otherwise we'd basically get lost in the forest. I heard someone say to watch out for the roots on the ground and the start caller asked he slower folks were asked to move toward the middle and the back.

The course itself was very flat, but difficult in that it was basically a trail run. Well, it was a total trail run. We ran on gravel and rocks for awhile, then some dirt, and for most of it, a harder thick grass and mud. There were at least five spots where I had to slow down (not significantly but still) to stay clear of big mud holes in the middle of the trails.

And then there were the huge piles of horse shit. Pretty gross.

I'm used to not stopping for water, so I passed the first couple of water stops, and tried to keep a good pace, passing some walkers and slower runners. There were a few run-walkers that would walk until you got near them and then take off running faster which was a little annoying. And at times, it was hard to pass people because the trails were narrow.

I definitely had to concentrate to not fall into holes or trip on the roots and rocks. And when I had to step to the side of the mud holes, I slipped a few times, which was kind of annoying, to say the least.

I started to feel it near the 2.5 mile mark, so I grabbed some water, splashed it over my head, and scurried to the finish. I saw the big timing clock say "32:30" and I admit I was a little disappointed. However, I sprinted (well, my sprint that is) to the finish line and passed the annoying run walker (who was playing with her ipod the entire time and complaining about the "Rutts" (roots). I figured I had nothing to lose and I might as well try to get in before 34:00.

My official time: 33:34 - Actually, I didn't really listen to him and then some guy handed me a blank card. I quickly realized that I was supposed to write my own time down (whoops), but I'm pretty sure that was right.

Turns out it was the fastest time in my Female 30-34 age group. Cool!

The two women I had met earlier on (who were in a different - and younger age group) asked me how I did. And the one bragged that she had won her age group (I believe she had a 31:50). I didn't say anything, but I sort of chuckled a little bit, since I had won my age group too.

Unfortunately, I couldn't stay for the awards ceremony because I had to get home to the kids, so I don't have any pictures of my special medal.

My legs were covered in mud and my pretty running shoes paid the price. Wah. But I did enjoy the experience of running in the woods. I'm betting the shade of the trees helped make it a little cooler.

Overall, I'm pretty happy with my performance. I was 66th overall out of at least 100, so basically in the middle of the pack.

But I'm definitely going to try to step up my training this month in preparation for the BlogHer 5K. My celebratory purchase: a running watch. So that I can really time myself and push a little bit harder on my runs.

I'm off to nurse to a sore left knee (not sure what's going on there; it's never bothered me before), and get some rest. Even though I don't think I pushed myself as hard as I probably could have, I'm still dead tired.

Up Soon: Bill Gookin's 5K Race Results and Pictures!

Comments

[Angela in Ohio]

Congratulations! Good job!

[Melissa Wardy]

Great job! My friends & I just ran the Race for the Cure 5K in Madison. Well, one friend ran and got a great time. My other friend and I ralked. Congrats on winning your age group :)

[mothergoosemouse]

YAY!!! Congrats to you, horse shit and all.

[Karianna]

AWESOME! OH AWESOME! How great. And a special medal and horse shit, too? what a day!

[Mel @ A Box of Chocolates]

You go girl!! I'm so proud. You beat my 5K times by over 6 minutes. You would have kicked my butt. It sounds like some heavy duty running too. Isn't it a great feeling to finish your first race!! So when is your next one??

[Bill]

Fantastic job - congratulations on winning your age bracket...that's really stellar!

The whole trail run sounds WAY harder than pavement running. Ruts, roots, rocks, mud, grass, and poops? No thanks.

[Karen Sugarpants]

Great job Kristen! :)

[Amy]

Good job Kristen! You kick ass!! Jillian would be SO proud!

[Erinn]

Wow! I'm impressed! Traveled on over here from mels box of chocolates... she and I did a 5K together a few weeks back! I can't believe you had to avoid horse crap! Good job on that! So where outside Atlanta are you? my hubby is from Conyers.
Erinn