Autism 5K recap ...

I heart 5Ks. I don't often race in them (since they don't seem to fit well into a half or marathon training schedule), but really, I heart them.

This morning was the Autism 5K. My first non-virtual 5K in a year. In fact, the last time I ran one was the 2009 Autism 5K. Last year, when I ran, I remember gunning it and just praying that I had enough in me to make it to the finish. I did and I finished the 3.15 miles (yup, this course is long) in 25:19. I was so excited.

Fast forward to today. I really wanted to go sub 25. I had accomplished this on my treadmill (but that is pace controlled). I needed to do it on my own. So, I arrived nice and early and met up with G, SpeeDee (who paced G's oldest), and V.

Oh, and a special thanks to Teamarcia, who hooked me up with the sweet socks I am sporting.

After a quick warm-up jog, G, V and I headed to the start line. And after MANY announcements to stay tight through the start as to not trip on the curb, we were off. I had decided I was going to shoot for sub eight minute splits and try to stay consistent. I heard my watch beep at mile one at 7:40. WOW! I was shocked and I was still feeling really good. It was also at that point that my Garmin started beeping every two seconds. The lap counter was full and it was asking me to clear it. Not really possible while running. So I ran the next two miles "blind." I just tried to keep up with the people around me. At the two mile mark, I was amazed by how quickly the first miles had gone by. Apparently, the faster you run the shorter the course feels. Crazy concept, right?

I really started feeling drained with about seven-tenths of the course left. But I knew I was super close to the finish. And when I came around the final corner and could see that the race clock was still under 24 minutes, I kicked with all I had. When I crossed the line, my Garmin read 24:08 for 3.15 miles (7:39 pace). A 1:08 PR! (official results are not up yet) Can I tell you how pumped I am? And can I also mention how annoyed I am that the race was long? I was so under 24 for 3.1 miles. But it's all good. I'll show that course next year.

And because I know you love them, here are some post - race pictures ...