5K - Dirty Air - No PR - But I Won!

After CrossFit on Tuesday and Wednesday, I had a hard time walking and using my arms. My legs were better this morning, but my arms were still toast. My dad and daughter accompanied me to the race, which was so nice of them. I love it when any of my family members come to races. After a 1.5 mile warm up and some strides, I got to the start line and off we went. There were 5 of us women who formed a nice little pack and we all stuck together for the first mile. It was very cool and surreal... it felt like we were all working together, pacing each other. We hit the first mile at 6:25, right on target.

At the mile 1, another runner and I left the pack and stuck together. It felt good to push each other. At the turn around I left her. We had a headwind going back and man, did it slow me down. I forgot that the entire 2nd mile is on a dirt path so that was kind of tough to maintain good speed on. My 2nd mile was much slower at 6:42 (I think). By the end of mile 2 I was thinking, "GET ME OFF THIS DIRT!"

Finally left the dirt and headed back to the start running on the road. I felt my upper body starting to seize up from all the lactic acid (left over from CrossFit AND building up from the race). No big deal, just run through it. My legs felt pretty fresh.

Then I started to feel this tightness in my lungs, kind of burning. No side stitch or cramp, it was like a weird sensation and then I started to feel like my airway was blocked a little. I know my lungs can handle racing a 5K, but I didn't realize just how much the nasty air from all the California fires would affect me. It affected me! My lungs actually hurt (well, something deep inside my chest and ribs hurt). Instead of taking my normal, heavy breaths at the end of a fast race, I was taking these short, shallow gasps. It didn't feel all that great.

Anyway, last 1.1 mile was 6:54 (or thereabouts). I finished the 5K in 20:44. Still way off my PR from before Boston, but that's okay. I'll get there eventually. I ended up winning the women's division so I got my 2nd trophy in the series. Two more of these 5Ks to go. I feel pretty confident that I'll get that sub-20 at the end of July.

Once again, GREAT job by Larry! (He's the race director). And to Shaun (owner of the running store where we work). Together they have organized a great little, local race series. I love it!!!

I'll post some pics soon. :)