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Today I ran the St. Patrick's Day 5K. I ran this race consistently until 2006. Then in 2007 - 2008, I ran 3 Days of Syllamo which I decided to skip this year. I wasn't sure if I want to run today, but decided last week I would do my long run on Tuesday and see how I felt. The long run went well so I decided to sign up since I was free on Saturday and I kind of missed doing this race.
Temperature today was 43 F and humid but it had stopped raining and the streets were wet. We hoped to arrive early enough to warm up for 3 miles on the course, but needed to use the restroom too many times so only had a mile warm up. The course was supposed to be certified, but there was a slight detour today. I had run it before as the Jingle Bell Run in 2007 when I had a terrible race and didn't break 20 minutes that day. I had not yet run it as the St. Pat's run so today was my second time running this course (other than the slight change).
The race starts out at a slight up hill which is also a downhill at the end. The race was not chip timed. I lined up in front and we were off to a fast start. I had to get around a few people at the beginning before settling into a pace. I thought before the race maybe I could try holding a 5:45 for the first mile. However, I tried to get the pace down but 6 min seemed to be where my body wanted to be today. On College I notice someone lined up right beside me running. I look over and it is Katie. I feel like I am having to work a bit in this first mile. Breathing kind of hurt and I had phlegm issues as well. The first mile was 6:01 so not too bad.
I think I am now warmed up so I will try picking up the pace. It happened but didn't last and Katie is still running beside me. Mile 2 was 5:56 so a little faster. The breathing didn't get any worse or easier. Before mile 3, Katie pulls ahead on a downhill. I catch up to a guy that had passed us earlier and stay behind me. When we turned the corner on the street with the finish line, I decide to pass him which I think was a bit soon. He caught back up and really sped up. I let him go even though I was running faster and downhill. Mile 3 was 6:06. Overall time was 18:28 which is the second fastest 5K I have run on a course that isn't short.
I really wasn't sure what kind of 5K shape I am in, but overall I am happy with the time with no taper and pretty even splits. Some years, my time would be good enough for first place in age group, but this year it was not good enough for top 3. Placed 4 of 28 in age group and 17 of 584 overall. Hugh placed 3rd in his age group and 65th overall.
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