Ward Rodeo 5k run. I was the designated "race director". I got up at 6:00am to set up the water station and route signs. I wasn't expecting a large turnout as the hoedown went late last night and I figured most people would be too tired. But we had 25 people show up. There were 3 women. One was walking and the other was just a jogger. BIG competition! I didn't have time for a warm up and I could feel that my legs were tight. I usually don't have a time goal...I just shoot for a PR. But given the circumstances of the week, I really wanted to go all out and get under 24:00 minutes. Since I ran a 7:58 AP for a half marathon last weekend, I hoped I could get it done. BUT I haven't raced a 5k in 3 years. Anything is possible.
I explained the course and my son got to shoot the start gun. Hubby was the official Ipad time keeper! The young men went out like lightening and we adults just laughed at them! Soon enough we started to reel them in one by one. Someday they will learn! AP: 7:47 - 23:16
Mile 1 (7:46) - Slight down hill. Definitely working hard, but am feeling good! Mile 2 (7:41) - Flat with a few small rollers. Working on catching #5 guy. Mile 3 (7:48) - Caught #5 guy and passed him with a vengeance and was hoping to just maintain. Saw #4 guy walking, but he was too far ahead to catch him. Starting to climb temple hill. Turned into the neighborhood and heard my kids screaming. We finished on the grassy area of a neighborhood. #5 overall and #1 female. My kids were proud Mom finally won a race (it is about time!!!!).
My ankle felt good during the run, but when I was done it started to ache. I couldn't have gone any faster, but it seems like only 11 seconds/mile faster than my time last weekend....well, I should have been faster today. We waited for a few others to come in and then started then kids 1K. I ran with them and they started like a bunch of wild Indians!!! Finally, they calmed down and I ran with the kid in 1st place. My son was right on his heels, Annie was right on Carter's heels and Abby was right on Annie's heels. It couldn't have made me prouder than to take second, third and fourth place! After the race, there was a children's parade, breakfast, children's games, mutton busting, chicken chasin', calf riding, bull riding, snow cones, popcorn, cotton candy, nachos and filthy Barlow children! Good times by all. Stress Fractures thoughts to come.
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