Autism 5K recap ...

Location: Glen Allen, VA
Date: 5/28/11
Temperature: Sunny, 75 degrees
Official Time: 27:27 (8:51 pace) for 3.1 miles
Garmin Time: 27:25 (8:45 pace) for 3.13 miles
Place in Age Group: 6/38
Overall Place: 123/531

Remember how I mentioned that I was signed up for a 5K this past weekend? And how I wasn't really going to run it hard? Yeah, about that. My predetermined plan of running three sub-10 minute miles was pretty much out the window once the gun went off. It was awesome (mostly).

The Good:

Team GBA - The posse was out in full force and were most definitely the fastest team out there. Three age group wins. Two 3rd place finishes. And almost everyone else finished in the Top 10 of their respective categories. We were on fire. And we looked good doing it.

The Outfit - Despite being a team, we didn't wear a uniform. Well, other than tall socks. Because, that's how we roll. And if you look closely at mine, you'll see that my socks have cupcakes on them. Pretty much the best thing ever. (Thanks VK!)

Mile 1 and Mile 2 - When I started running, I planned on being "reserved." And I thought I was. The rest of my crew bolted from the start. They were running so fast that I thought I had to be going slow. Yeah, not so much. Mile 1 clocked in at 8:02. And mile 2 was 8:34. Definitely too fast for me not to blow up in mile 3, but it was good to know I hadn't lost ALL my fitness.

The Shoulder - DID.NOT.HURT. That is all.

Placement - I some how finished 6th in my age group. With a sling. I think that ups my bada** status.


The Bad:

The Temperature - It was hot. And humid. And I hadn't run outdoors in a month. Enough said.

The Ugly:

Mile 3 - Yeah, I might have started out to fast. I may have forgotten that I had only run 3.25 miles since May 1st. And I possibly ignored the fact that the last time I ran more than three miles was April 28th. By the time I hit mile 3, I hit the wall. Hard. My lungs hated me. I walked at least a third of the mile. It.Was.Sad. (Note: I did run three sub-10 minute miles. Mile 3 was 9:50)

My Running Form - Although, I have been unable to track down a picture of me during the race, I know it was scary. I mean, I wore this ...

Yes, the outfit is sweet, but that sling. Ugh. It served it's purpose, but I know it had me looking all crazy. My friends told me so.