I’m back, baby!
What’s happened since my last organized race? Oh, not much, just a move to Ohio, new job, bought a house, had a kid, had another kid, built a different house, etc. You know, the usual. Times change, participation remains.
Emily and I needed a race to target to motivate our winter exercise routine in dreary Ohio. The inaugural Franklinton 10 Miler and 5k turned out to be our race of choice. Of course we were sticking to the 5k distance this time around. I had managed a handful of treadmill runs leading up to the race, but that training was broken up both the flu and a Disney vacation. Coming into the race I knew any time under 27 minutes would be a win.
Race morning was overcast and there were threats of thunderstorms, but they seemed to be clearing up before the start. We had our rain jackets on just to be safe. I think sweating in hard shell rain jacket probably slowed me down a touch.
After the start, I crossed the Scioto River and found the 9 minute per mile pace guide. This race had numerous volunteers holding pace signs as a guide. I thought this guy seemed to be booking it for a 9 minute pace and turned out to be right. Though I eventually passed him, I ran most of the first mile at or near this pacer.
I kept struggling to keep my heart rate monitor from sliding off my chest, which may have helped distract me from the pain of putting out a constant effort. I have been cycling for most of the last eight years and I find that my heart rate does not have to max out on every ride like it does when I run. Nonetheless, I powered on to the halfway mark and turnaround point of the out-and-back 5k course.
This was a good course run mostly along the Scioto on a shared use path, so no cars or potholes to dodge. There were gentle gradients at points but no serious inclines to tackle. Still, when I was climbing up to the bridge to return to the finish line, I felt every tiny percent of gradient. The finish hit me quickly after crossing the bridge and I only had the time and energy to make a slight sprint toward the line.
The results were better than I expected given my training, shape, and the weather. An average of 8’26” per mile, according to Strava, and near exact mile splits showed a consistent effort throughout. My final time was 26’44” - under the stated 27 minute goal. I was just happy to break 9 minute miles, honestly. The official results are below along with some photo eveidence of the effort. I don’t know how many running races are in my future, but it felt good to put one more on the board.