Yesterday I ran the Round Lake Frost Footrace 5K. Even though the Frosty Footrace is in February, it is kind of my “goal” 5K race of the year because I actually stand a chance of placing in my age group (2nd place in 2010 and 1st place in 2009). The race is nice and small (although it’s growing in size – up to 322 participants this year!).
Erin came out to run this 5K with me (as she did last year). I was really happy she was able to come, despite her recent shin scare! Racing is just more fun with a friend! And it was nice that Erin’s husband came too – Steven actually had company during the race!
And of course, a ton of Grayslake Running Club members were there. It was so awesome to be a part of the club this year and have so many people to cheer on – and to cheer me on to!
My goal was to run 8:00 minute miles and beat my previous PR of 24:51 (if you’re doing the math in your head, you might see where this is going). I also really badly wanted to place in my age group. So, I was a bit nervous before the race. Even during mine and Erin’s warm-up run, the jitters didn’t go away.
But enough of the dilly-dallying. How did it all go down? I will give you the short and sweet.
Mile 1 – 7:42
Despite an initial hiccup at .3 miles (my shoe came untied!) and hills, I felt good. Erin and I stuck together.
Do you see me?
Mile 2 – 7:51
I felt okay. I was starting to hurt in my stomach. Erin and I stuck together.
Mile 3 – 8:30 WHOA what happened?
So, there is this big hill about 2.2. After we ran past the boys and cheesed it up
I seriously walked for 10 seconds up that hill. I felt like I was going to barf. I was kind of disappointed in myself, because I wanted to push the pain aside, but couldn’t do it. I caught back up with Erin and we ran the rest of mile 3 together. I encouraged Erin to pass me in the end, I knew she had more of a sprint left in her!
Last .1 – 0:54 (7:18mm)
And she did. Go Erin go!
I finished strong. But as you may have already guessed, I did not PR! I ran 25:00, 9 seconds slower than my PR. Oops! (Garmin stats here, and I should note, it was in the 30s and kind of sunny).
Photo Credit to GRC friend, Joe!
Erin and I held each other up after the race to avoid collapse:
Just kidding! I cheered on some more running club friends, then we went inside for awards, and…
I got first place in my age group!
Photo Credit to GRC friend, Joe!
And Erin placed third in her age group! Read her post here!!! I am so incredibly proud of Erin!
Thanks Jason and Steven for spectating, taking photos and generally being awesome husbands who put up with this running business!
We took one more running club picture, and took off to enjoy Steven’s deep dish pizza!
So, I am really happy with how I did in this race! So close to a PR, but I just missed it. Oh well! I was really happy to place.
Although, I have to say – 5Ks are fricking HARD. Seriously, in that last (slow) mile, I thought of saying to Erin, “I don’t like running!” Maybe I am just built for endurance. Yeah, that’s it. Endurance!
P.S. Check out my left foot. What. The. Eff?
Congrats on your FIRST place! Now you’re the superstar!
Congratulations!!! Even though it wasn’t a PR for you, it is still an awesome time – you can rightfully be proud! Loved seeing the pictures.
As for your foot, you had a picture like that from another race last year, and it still looks scary – like it’s got to hurt. Does it hurt or do you not even notice it?
Thanks Amy 🙂
My foot doesn’t hurt at all. That just seems to be the way I land! It would be interesting to have my gait analyzed though and see if that is why I’ve had so many stress fractures.
Congratulations on such a great race! You are speedy!
Congratulations on first place!!! I wish I would have heard about the race, I may have run it.
Wear the medal proudly.
Thanks 🙂
Check out my training posts on Sundays – I list my next race on the top of each post. The next one is a brand new 5K in McHenry in two weeks 🙂
Great job on this race and on your 1st place AG award! You were so close to your PR! Great race!
That vegetarian place in DC is called Maoz. It’s kinda close to Dupont Circle. I had a groupon for it but I’d go back. It was tasty (and had awesome fresh squeezed juice!)
I ate at a Greek place in DuPont Circle, that was kind of a hole in the wall. Can’t remember what it was called. Must not be the same place (I doubt that place would have had a groupon!).
I always seem to have trouble with that third mile too! I can never run three consistent miles! great job on the 5k and congrats on your AG win!!
I’m sorry about your PR, I know that must be disappointing, but you did awesome and should be so proud of yourself! Such great pictures too.
You WON! That’s awesome!!!
I really wanted to do this, but with James’ birthday party Saturday (and too many other things I smashed into that day), he was one hot mess Sunday morning. I couldn’t make it out the door in time…I cannot wait for basketball to be over so I can resume then NORMAL craziness in my life.
YOU DID SO FREAKIN GOOD!! Congratulations!
Oh my gosh that’s AWESOME!!! Congrats on a crazy great race!
Nice work!
You did amazing! You’re going to blow your 5K PR out of the water this year. Just wait til you run one with fewer hills during that third mile.
And, I can’t say it enough, thank you for pushing me through.
Ha. That is what I was thinking. Those damn hills! And I think I started too far back from the start too, for non-chip timed!
You’re welcome! 😉 How are you feeling today?
5ks are so hard!!! you did amazing and CONGRATS on your first AG place!
Amazing time, Kim!!! Very proud. 🙂
When I land, my foot does the same thing but on the inside. I had my gait analyzed in September, and found that I overpronate severely on my left side which is why my ankles hurt so much when I run. I can’t believe it doesn’t bother you! Crazy!
Thank you!
How has your running been lately? Are you still overpronating big time?
Congratulations on your NEAR-PR! That is a seriously awesome time. I love that you and Erin ran this together and both placed in your age groups!
Thanks! 🙂
The three of us should do a 5K together sometime 🙂
Congrats! That’s a great time!!! I agree 5ks are tough, it’s hard to push, push, push the whole time.
Congratulations to you on your age group! That’s awesome!
Congrats on getting first place in your age group! That is so exciting!! And way to almost break your pr so close!
woohoo! first place, what what!? that’s awesome.
as for the left foot…. ouch!
CONGRATS, Kim!!! I can’t imagine placing first in your age group?! You and Erin are so fast – and I love how much fun you guys have together. 🙂
Congratulations on your AG win and speedy time! Awesome job! 🙂
Thank you!
That is a kick ass 5k time, even if it is not a PR for you! I think 5ks are so hard too…I’d much rather run long and slow down!
Congrats! Also, you race a ton!
Thanks!
My goal this year is to run one race a month. Is that a lot? 🙂