NSV-Skeleton 5k Completed

A few weeks ago I posted a 5k NSV of 40:30 over a fairly level course which was nothing like the 5k I was entered in to do today. Goal going into it was under 50, hoping for 45 (4mph pace), it was a very hilly course.

Perfect weather sunny and 65, a smaller race of about 80-90 people walking and running. It was chipped this year which is great for us who start towards the back. However I found myself in the middle and was worried I was going to mess everyone else up. The cue to go sounds and I find myself trying to PASS others I was shocked. Before long my running buddy couldn't keep up and started walking while I ran on. My music quit so I frantically tried to fix it, somehow it got onto a light rock station but it worked it was all upbeat and kept me going. I had my runkeeper app up and heard my first half mile was under 7 min so I was stoked. Hit the mile marker in 12:20! I was shooting for 15 so I was happy as could be. They switched the direction of the course making my easy part more difficult (hilly) but I did the second mile in about 25 min total. Heading back home I jogged most the downhill, got slowed up by a kid who got a pricker in him so I had to stop and wait for cars to go by before heading on. Mile 3 sounds in my ear 37 min...um what? I was thinking 40s...so I start running that kid that got hurt was ahead again and slowed up as I was picking up so I had to slow a bit. Get into the lot for the finish I turn for home and see it says 38 something so I find the last bit that I have in me and finish in 39:03!!! (and miss the time mat oops). Broke my training records by over a minute!!! I am so excited right now its not even funny! I beat my goal for the day by 6 minutes and improved my time from 2 yrs ago (strictly walking) by about 13 minutes!!!! Its amazing how having people to focus on helps you out in a race!! Didn't place top anything for my age group but did win a $25 gift cert as a door prize so it more than paid for my entry