ithink2020's Fitness Blog: May 2007

Well, I know this race report is a little late, but better late then never! On April 28th, I ran my second 5k. It was the Nebraska City 5k Trail Run in Nebraska City, Nebraska. It was the first time I had ran anywhere that had hills. On with the report!

We got down to the starting line a little after 8:00 am. It was a beautiful morning. A bit cold when we first got up, but it was perfect weather for a run. I really didn't have any prerace fears or jitters this time. It was really different then the first race.

Going into this race, I was not thinking about a PR. Actually, I was thinking it was going to take a lot longer, because there were hills on this course. I was hoping to finish in under 40 minutes, but would have been happy with a sub 45 minute finish. Even though I wasn't trying to PR, I still wanted to do the best I could.

I read somewhere the other day, that if you want to PR in your next 5k, go out stronger than normal in the beginning. Since I figured I wasn't going to be close to my normal pace, I would try that out, just to get a head start.

There weren't as many people there as there was at my first 5k, plus the race was a road this time and not a park trail. I found a place in the middle of the pack and waited with everyone else. There wasn't a PA system, so when the race director started yelling the instructions, everyone kind of filed in and moved closer to the start line, so they could hear. So, even though I was in the middle of the pack I was only a few people from the starting line.

We were off at 8:30 am. The first half mile was flat, but then we started up hill. The first hill was not too bad and I still tried to keep my faster-than-normal pace, but could tell I slowed down a little. Rounding the top of this small hill, I felt my pace pick up a bit more as we ran down the other side.

Unfortunately, it didn't last long. For the next mile, it was up hill. At first it was gradual and I eventually slowed to my normal pace. Then about a mile into the race, we were presented a very steep hill. I tried to keep pushing myself, but finally had to walk for a bit. After I caught my breath, I was back to running.

As we were approaching the top of the hill, there was a volunteer saying, “Almost to the top...all down hill from there!” I looked up and only 50 yards away was the top of the hill. “I made it,” I said with a big smile on my face. We rounded a corner and started down a hill toward the finish line. Running down hill again felt really good and I had a big grin, until a second volunteer said, “Just keep to the right and you'll loop back up this way.”

“What! Loop back up!?!” As we came around the bend, I could see the bottom of the slope and how it looped back up to the top of the hill. Instead of turning to the right and heading back toward the finish line, we turned left on to a road that took us back up the hill. But I kept running.

I made it the top of that hill before I had to stop and walk once more. I have always thought that having to walk would be a defeating feeling. But when I started walking, I just reminded myself that my goal was to finish...even if it meant walking the rest of the race. As I reminded myself of that, I saw a baby stroller roll by me. A few feet behind was the father. Since we were on level ground at that moment, he was shoving the stroller so it would glide in front of him. As he caught up to the stroller, he would do it again.

As he passed me, I started running again. I was actually feeling really good about the race and kept pushing on. We turned a corner and started running up an old brick driveway. This race went through part of an estate with this old mansion on it. I think the driveway we were on was the original road up to the house. It was lined with trees that overhung the road, and it was beautiful. Then I again had to walk. It was a steep grade, but at least I had a moment to take in the sites.

As I got up to the top of the hill, I started running again. As we ran around the house, we started running back down the way we came from. This time, I knew it was all downhill!

Let me just say this. It is hard running downhill! The thing is, when you start running downhill, your pace starts picking up. Before I knew it, I was running near full speed. Then it happened. A wheel from the baby stroller went flying off! Luckily, the guy was now holding on to the stroller (since we were going downhill.) He kept the stroller upright as his wife ran back, grabbed the wheel off the ground and snapped it back in only a few seconds. It was almost like they practiced for this sort of thing.

Anyway, after the trail leveled out, I had to walk once again. I hadn't noticed, but I was running as fast on the flat part as I was coming down the hill. I had to walk and catch my breath for a minute. I didn't walk long, because I looked up and I could see where the trail opened out of the trees. I started running again and as I emerged from the trees, I heard my family yelling. I heard my dad yell something like finish strong. I also heard my wife and my sister yelling. So I started running as fast as I could. I just remember running faster and faster, feeding off of the cheers. I then looked up at the clock and saw that it read 32 minutes and something. I pushed harder than I have ever ran before and finished in 32:41, almost a minute faster then my first 5k! As I was crossing the finish line I jumped up and touched the banner.

I slowed to a stop, then stood there gasping for air. My family and friends tried to talk to me, but I couldn't respond with words. I was so out of breath, all I could do was point to the refreshment stand. As I was walking to the direction of the refreshment stand someone said, “Nice kick at the finish.” I gave him a thumbs up and got something to drink and eat. After a minute or two, I walked back over to my family. My wife, sister, parents and in-laws were all there to cheer me on. It was amazing!

As we were standing there talking, a gentleman came up to me and asked me for my name and where I was from. As I gave him the info, my wife asked if he was with the local paper. He said, “Yep.” My dad then asked if my picture would be in it. He said, “Sure will.” I don't know if it ever was or not, but if you read the Nebraska City newspaper, let me know if you saw my picture!

Well, it has been a while since I made a post, so I will quickly mention what's been going on. Rest. The Arbor Day 5k was really hilly and I took a lot out of my shins. I tried running the Tuesday after the Race, but it hurt. So, I didn't run for awhile.

Last Friday I finally ran again and it felt okay. Monday felt better and yesterday felt good. Since I haven't been much lately and the hills took so much out of me, I cutting back a easing back up to 3 miles. This week I have been doing 1.5 mile runs. Over the next few weeks it will go to 2, 2.5, then 3 miles.

On to the important part...I just registered for my First Half-Marathon! That's right, I've paid the money and will have a number for the Des Monies Half-Marathon on Oct. 21st.

I know the last few weeks I haven't been able to post much. However, I'll try to post as often as I can and keep everyone on my progress towards the Half-Marathon.