Mini Heart

I have been to a few races in the past, but there were some distinct differences between them and the Mini Heart. First, I was running alone. On the surface this might not seem like a big deal, after all there were thousands of people with me. But all other races I had someone there to push me or talk to. It just made the previous races seem easier. Second, this race was the longest racing distance I have run, a 15 K. Along those same lines this is was the first race that I have ever run that was really two races, the 15 K followed by a 5K. I will get to the set up a little later. Third, the hills! I have run on some hills and have run using incline function on the treadmill. All that training was nothing compared to actually running hills during a race. The uphills are tough. And the downhills are a breath of fresh air. Lastly, I have been training. All the previous races I have run, I never had marathon training under my belt.

The forecast called for rain and 45 degrees for the entire race. Luckily the rain held off for the most part with some drizzles here and there. The precipitation ended up being more of an inconvenience than anything. The 15 K started under cloudy skies and cold weather. I arrived an hour early and was all set to get going. Prior to arriving, about two hours before the race, I ate a runners breakfast of oatmeal, honey, brown sugar and a banana. Like I said, I was all set. I started my warm-up. I never understood running before a race, but I get it now. You really do loosen up and it helps a lot in the long run, especially on cold days. I ran for 15 minutes or so at a nice slow pace and then stretched out. I visited the bathroom before the race to get the pre-race "jitters" out. Then I made my way to the starting line. There was a lot of people and once the cannon went off, it took over 4 minutes before I passed the start line. I forgot how long it can take to get your pace set. Once I did have my pace, I held steady for pretty much the entire race. I felt good running too; always a good thing.
The 15 K time broke down as follows:
5 K split 28:06
10 K split: 55:15
15 K event: 1:21:09
Pace 8:44
Division Place (M 25-29): 141

When I finished the 15 K, I had a little over one hour before the 5 K started. This was a little bit of an issue. That is a long time on a cold day. I grabbed some water and used my Gu (energy gel). I went over to my car and dropped off my first medal. Then I started up again. I jogged for about 10-15 minutes and then stretched again. I still had some time left so I jogged some more and stretched some more. Once again, I used the bathroom and then lined up. I was much closer to the front of the pack this time. It only took about 30 seconds to start the race from when the starting gun went off. I started off strong with a sub 8 minute mile pace. That paced slowed as the race went on. I believe too much time lapsed between races and I was feeling a little fatigued, even after the Gu. Still I pushed on and despite a stitch in my side half way through I ran the entire race. Not only that my pace was quicker than 15 K.
5K Event 26:02
Pace 8:24
Division Place (M 25-29): 40

All and all, it was a good run. I made my goals for the race. Moving forward, next weekend I will run my long run (18-20 miles) then start to ease up. I must say, I am ready for the marathon to get here.