I’ve been wanting to switch it up on the races this year. I skipped Throo The Zoo last weekend. I’m glad I did because the runners got soaked in the rain!
I’m always mindful of my running budget too. A $20 entry fee is a no brainer if it’s an event I want to do. People often ask me, “Do you have to pay to run those races?” They begin to understand when I explain the race swag, food, beverages, shirts, medals and overtime for police escorts.
After my last two races being half marathons, I wanted to do a speed trial and attempt a personal record. I only told a handful of people about my PR goal and I thought about the accountability I owed to them all. Sometimes I share goals, and other times I do not.
Packet pickup was at Ken Combs Running Store. I have never been there and I was impressed with the variety of merchandise. The St.Matthews Street Festival 5k race shirt was a nice change from the typical neon colors.
Race morning weather called for low winds, partly sunny, low humidity and 48° at the race start. Perfect!
The St.Matthews Baptist Church parking lot had plenty of spaces available when I arrived about 15 minutes before start. There were signs leading to the restrooms inside the church. I took a look around and it’s a place I would like to visit for service.
Around 7:55, we were told to head towards the start line. I jumped about 3 rows back from the timing mat. I spoke to Lynn Reidling who I totally admire. At the age of 52, she places overall 1st for nearly every 5k in the area.
At 8:00, we were told there was a wiring problem with the mat and the start would be delayed for a minute or two. I was glad because my Garmin was taking forever to get a signal. Some runners did run ups but I was warmed up from a light jog around the church.
8:03 is the time we started and I got a gps signal. Perfect timing.
I felt strong at the start as I took my first turn. I passed Lynn but I knew the lead would be short lived. She has a short stride and swings her arms low around her belly button. Regardless of her style, Lynn gets down! Needless to say, she passed me in a half mile.
Lynn’s fast feet didn’t damper my spirit. I did a double take when I saw 6:34 for my first mile split.
The course followed a residential route and there was a water stop at the half way point. We had several elevation changes on this short course.
Mile 2 took forever to reach. My Garmin finally beeped at a 7:22 split. I knew I had to hold tight for a PR. I thought about the work I do in spinning as I owned the last hill.
I was passed by 5 guys and I was OK with that. A volunteer announced: #3 Woman!
I thanked her and I saw 2.65 on my Garmin. I thought about the 8.0 speed I finish my treadmill runs with, and I knew I had it in me to slay this last half of mile.
I was looking for the street Grandview. Where is Grandview?
Bam!
I make a turn and I see the church! 21 minutes and some change was on the digital clock. I sprinted to the finish as I showed no mercy towards 3 of the 5 guys from earlier.
My previous record was 21:52 set in December 2013 down in Florida.
I am so happy to report my official results!
PR of 21:35
Age group place: #1
Women’s Division: #3
Overall place: #33/259
A 32 yr old mother placed 1st with a 19:06 time. She didn’t stick around for awards because she had to take her child to t ball practice.
Lynn finished at 20:45. She came over to congratulate me on my fast start and compliment my form. Those words meant a lot coming from someone with so much pizazz. Lynn runs marathons also, so 5k isn’t her only specialty.
I needed this PR as a confidence booster and to remind myself that I am fast. I can and will get faster. I plan to transfer this speed to a faster pace in the longer distances.
Speed work, hill work, more weights, cleaner eating, continuing to spin, yoga and plenty of rest is the regimen I will follow.
TEAM 413!
♡KelsieLou♡
Congrats, KelsieLou! So happy for you! You look great!
Fondly,
Elizabeth
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Thank you Elizabeth!
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Nice Job! Congrats! I’m hoping to PR a 10k next weekend. We’ll see!
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Thank you! Whew 10k….my least favorite distance. Its tough to hold a fast pace for that long! I’m sure your track practice will help. Good luck!
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Thanks, yeah, it was a groupon deal, so I signed up. I’ve only done 2 10k’s and I remember how much they hurt. I hope the track work will translate!
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Can’t pass up a deal! I’m sure you can pull it off. Race day is more mental if well trained.
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You are amazing. I dream of being that fast…but these little legs just don’t fire like that. i try. Forget speed work, girl…you got that down. Endurance…that’s the key to longer runs! 😀 You are an inspiration. If you could pass some of that speed on to me…I’d be in heaven.
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Girllllll, you’re doing 1/2 marathons in my 10k time Ms.Speedy!
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You’re joking. I’ve never run a 10K in 40 minutes like you have. I have to shave 5 minutes off my time to hit that. It ain’t happening. 😉 The thing is…I’m not built to be fast…I’m built more for endurance races.
As one of my BondiBands says…”Not fast…meant to last!”
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The problem is…I want to be fast…er. LOL! I just don’t know if these legs will ever be capable of it. 😉 Help me get speedier…and I can help you with the endurance part!! I don’t get tired in longer races. It’s so weird.
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We’ll just have to push each other!
I have 1 more 5k next weekend, then I will be ready to train with you guys the following weekend!
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Awesome. I’ll be back for the following weekend. I’ll text with the meet-up time!
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Cool! Thanks Karen!!
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Holy crap woman you are fast! Nice job!!
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Thank you Chelsea!
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