March of Dimes 5K RR

Three weeks after I began training again I thought I'd get out and run the local Bolt for Babies 5K out of Ballston in Arlington, VA. Since the course ran directly past my backyard I figured I'd kick myself for not being out there if I saw them race by. So without a taper and a few drinks the night before I signed up.

While race-day registering I started looking around at the competition. A few guys looked pretty quick so I knew I needed to go and go hard at the gun. I also knew the course had a few hills so if I could manage a decent first mile downhill and gut out the last two miles mostly uphill I'd be doing good.

The race unfolded as planned however the guy infront of me took off like a bat out of hell. I didn't even try to keep pace with him because I thought for sure I'd catch him in the hills. A mile into things I was surprised to see a 5:24 split. I didn't think my legs could move that fast anymore. With the lead runner still in view the second mile came in around 5:45. By the third mile first place was about 0:20 ahead of me and I wasn't interested in trying to catch him. I had just rattled off a tough 6:00 uphill and decided to coast home for a second place finish and maybe break 18:00, which was the goal to begin with.

The final results had me at 18:01 and second overall (I told you it was small). I won a three-month membership to Gold's Gym for my efforts. After the race my roommate and I went for a nice easy ride through DC to stretch the legs.