I competed in a different kind of race today

After much prompting from my friend I competed in a 5 km run today. I survived the experience, and actually enjoying myself immensely. This is all part of my new philosophy of living in the "challenge zone".

It was interesting to be a newbie at the event, as it gave me an appreciation for what it must feel like to come to an autox for the first time (it's been a long, long time since I was an autox newbie -- 21 years!). Anyway, the entire event ran much like a grassroots race -- people were pretty excited by their hobby, and were excited for others to participate, too.

It helped with the cabin-fever I've been experiencing -- two more months before the cars come out.

I'm ridiculously proud of the fact that I finished (mid-pack, no less), even though 5k is a cake-walk for serious runners.

Rob

Congrats. I wouldn't dare compar what you accomplisehd w/ what experienced runners can do. You have a pure, solid victory in that. Good job.

Can I ask your approx. age? I am on the "Fit by 40" plan. Finishing a 5K someday would have seemed impossible a year ago, but in another year perhaps.

pinchvalve wrote: Can I ask your approx. age? I am on the "Fit by 40" plan. Finishing a 5K someday would have seemed impossible a year ago, but in another year perhaps.

I'm 37 -- almost 38 (June birthday). To be honest, I've only become "active" over the last two months, although I am naturally slim (aerodynamic) with a fast metabolism. I don't smoke, and I am careful about what I eat.

For training I've been riding my road bike on a "rolling road" style trainer about three or four times a week for 20 to 25 minutes. This is a trainer where the bike runs on rollers front and back, and it requires quite a bit of balance and core strength. I've also been cross-country skiing and downhill skiing in preparation.

I ran 4.5k of the 5k, and power-walked twice when I felt like I was nearing the my cardiovascular limit. It was a bit easier than I expected, and the cheering of the spectators was much appreciated. For perspective, I ran the distance in about 31 minutes. FTD was 16 minutes. My friend, who runs marathons as a hobby, ran it in about 24 minutes (of course, her training program included a 30 minute warm-up run before the 5k).

I'd say run it now, and set a benchmark :)

I get winded running 5 yards to the mailbox and back...

Great job on the run! That's got to feel good.

I used to do 10K's in central Texas in the 80's, and loved it. I did them more like HPDE's than races. I KNEW I couldn't run with the serious folks. Pro's and semipros got to start at the start line. I was always way back in the throngs.The point was to participate, finish and have a good time being healthy.

The Capitol 10,000 and the Stroh's Run for Liberty, both in Austin, were the most fun. "Carbo loading" on 6th Street the night before was always a blast...

I actually preferred to start toward the rear. I was probably a little faster than average back then, so I got to pass lots of comely lasses with good looking a.... sneakers. The post-run stretches and cool downs were especially nice to witness.

Edit: An Achilles tendon blowout took the fun out of my running, and still haunts me on occasion today. Be careful, pay attention to your body's signals, and know when to pull up.

What was your time? My 2x a week run is just over 5k and I'm curious how I would do in a race like this. I am usually in the 23-24 minute range at the 5k mark according to my Nike+ Ipod thing.

I recently finished the fat by 42 plan. I couldn't run 5K if my life depended on it. Smoke to much, and love to eat. I do walk all the time. Wouldn't say I was unhealthy, but I'm not fit. 6'2 265# according to the docs i should be 185.

Hopefully a heart attack gets me before Alzheimer or dementia. One of those got my Grandfather, the other my Grandmother.

Congrats on the run! I am always amazed at people that run in events like that. Living in Charleston, SC we get to watch the 30-40 thousand people that show up for the 10K Cooper River Bridge Run. Running is definitely something you have to work for.

SupraWes wrote: What was your time? My 2x a week run is just over 5k and I'm curious how I would do in a race like this. I am usually in the 23-24 minute range at the 5k mark according to my Nike+ Ipod thing.

My time was 31.06 -- although we all were "started" at the same time (we didn't trip the timer as we started) so it may have been a bit less than that. I hadn't run 5k before -- mostly just biking and other exercise. The next one is in March -- I'm going to aim for a 29!

Toyman01 wrote: I recently finished the fat by 42 plan.

LOL!!! You made me spew coffee on my computer, you fat bastard!!! You also just sapped all desire to exercise I had, at least for this week.

slantvaliant wrote: I used to do 10K's in central Texas in the 80's, and loved it. I did them more like HPDE's than races. I KNEW I couldn't run with the serious folks. Pro's and semipros got to start at the start line. I was always way back in the throngs.The point was to participate, finish and have a good time being healthy.

Hahaha...that's a great way to do it. That is the way I am with bicycle racing....I start towards the back because I know I don't have the legs to run at the front. I enjoy myself and use the best line and maximum cornering speed (sound familiar, anyone? ) to try and pass as many folks as I can. The only difference is that I watch the ladies race from the sidelines as they run at a different time from the dudes.