Mine has actually been really great.
I ran my first 5K, in I really can't tell you how many years, but lets say more than 10 years ago.
Literally even a few years back when I was racing consistently it was only Marathons.
I hit up the packet pick up Friday. This was seriously bitter sweet I tell ya!
I loved the opportunity that I was given to participate in this race. (Thanks to Alaska Air for the Sponsorship!!!)
When I went up to the area with the different race sections for bib numbers. Having to pass the marathon runners bib station and not stop was tough. But I got over it (a little) and hit up that 5K table with a big smile.
On a side note, don't you just love those huge chandeliers? This packet pick up was at one of the historic buildings at the Utah State Fair park.
Race morning, last minute decision I grabbed what I call my sports bra/body corset. LOL Yeah, I haven't quite lost all the weight I want yet and it's basically one of those full upper body sports bras, and since mine is like several sizes too small I knew it would suck in all my extra stuff, and make me feel better about wearing a tighter race shirt. (Laugh, it's okay, because I do ha ha.)
I know, I know some people think not loving your body the way it is, is body shaming. Well frankly I don't care what people think.
I knew I would feel a little uncomfortable with the tightness around my upper body from having it all sucked in, but when I looked in the mirror and liked the results better it made me feel better about myself and that's more important for me!
When I walked out to my car and had to scrap the frost off my windows. I decided all the extra layers and including the tight corset, LOL. Was a good choice!
I cranked up seat warmers on high, and turned up the heater and headed out.
I took the drive up into Salt Lake City, and being a local gal (even though I rarely go up to SLC). I wasn't going to pay for parking unless I had no other choice. Drove around the block down the street a bit from the finish and Oh Yeah, found an awesome free parking spot. SCORE!
I got there a bit on the early side, so I just sat in my car and stayed warm until about 15 minutes til race start and then I walked the less than half mile to the start.
There were a lot of runners out there, that years back you probably wouldn't have ever seen getting into the fun of a 5K.
I'll tell ya, when your alone at a race. You are a BEACON for groups to grab because there must be some sign that says, single girl grab her to take our group photo, LOL.
I really don't mind, this used to happen to me a lot at marathons too.
Of course that was until one group that after I said yes, each person in the group hands me their individual phone to take the same picture with. Seriously, in the age of text and send. They couldn't forward a picture onto each other?? Oh well, I grinned and did it anyway. Then walked into the corral so I could avoid additional amateur photo opps, LOL LOL
The race starting temp was 38 degrees, and when I finished it was still 38 degrees.
In other words absolutely PERFECT running temps! I bet the marathoners were absolutely loving the running conditions!
In case your wondering this event also hosts:
Full Marathon
Half Marathon
5K
10K Skate
26.2 Mile Bike Tour
Kids 1K
The 5K course, super easy basically close as you get to a flat course in Salt Lake.
The race was fun, and very well organized.
Gorgeous spring weather and surroundings, with beautiful snow capped mountain peaks around you, could you ask for a better race/day?
On a funny note: I was a little shocked at how many stop in a 5K just slightly more than a mile into the race to grab a drink and walk. But it was okay by me, I think I passed 100 people at that water stop and only counted 2 passing me a few minutes later. BONUS!
Truthfully, I was running this purely for fun. I had no plans, other than to run the whole thing and have fun doing it. I also decided not to run with any music, so I could people watch and enjoy the crowds and conversation around me. After all, this is my first race of any kind in over 3 years since I got the work injury that damaged a few tendons in my left foot.
Because "runner" people watching is awesome!!!!!
On a side note, a father and his 4 year old and 6 year old running with him, passed me effortlessly, yeah and beat me. It just made me wish I had thought to bring a young niece to run with, LOL. Next time, I will do just that
I did pass a 92 year old, who called himself "one of the young guys out that day." He made me smile, and just love that some people are able to stay active into their 90's, that is just awesome!!!
On a 2nd side note, after noticing the finishing times in my age group for the 5K, I realized if I had been in marathon shape I could have easily placed or won my age group. Definitely something to consider for the future, and I who knows I just might run it again and try ya never know:)
I had a great time, and while some people enjoy a fastest ever PR, I had a different kind of PR, I had a "My worst Ever 5K time PR", LOL LOL
(Could I of run faster? Possibly, but I decided to use what I like to call my "I can run this pace forever", pace.)
Not even kidding about that, It was my absolute worst by far. But who really cares, I didn't!
I was out there having fun. I can't even tell you how entertaining it was to listen, watch others.
Not only that, but how motivational it was to hear some talk to their friends and push each other. Many of these 5K runners these days I noticed, this is their first race ever, or first time getting into running. Their reason's why are all different, it's an entirely different experience than running a marathon on so many different levels it's a world I have been away from for a very long time, too long!
Overall, I actually think I walked away from this opportunity with some valuable lesson's learned. One was, I was far more proud for total strangers who didn't even realize I was listening/people watching them. Than I was for anything I had done that day, and I really enjoyed that learning experience!
I even heard the best comment ever from one of the organizers on the speakers as I was leaving.
He said, even if your not out to try and win. We give you 26.2 miles of uninterrupted running, biking or 10K skating through salt lake with zero traffic stops, the only time you'll ever get that in the city.
I smiled because that is a great way to look at any race. Even if you aren't there to compete against anyone but yourself, you really should look at a race as a fun/great opportunity to run with no stoplight limitations, LOL
The Salt Lake City Marathon is a very well organized event.
The finishers area was huge and I tell ya like a runners buffet.
I grabbed a banana for a quick breakfast and a water. Skipped everything else, in my mind I couldn't help thinking about those middle and back of the pack marathon runners who would be coming through several hours later from when I was there.
While I am sure they had plenty, I decided one less 5K runner taking some would leave a bit more for one of the endurance runners who would enjoy it/need it more than me!
Although, I will say I was highly tempted by the freshly cooked pancakes hot off the grill, LOL But those would have put me way over my calorie intake for the day, ha ha.
(They gave nice looking shirts out for the 5K didn't they!)
When I finished I stayed long enough to see the first place half cross the finish. Would have enjoyed staying to see the marathon runners finish, but I didn't want to wait in the cold and knowing me it would just make me bummed I couldn't be one of them.
Back when I used to do 5K's you never saw finisher medals unless you won, or you were a kid. I don't know why but I still think its odd they give them in every race now.
I know, I know I am from a different street race era I guess I gotta get with the times. LOL
Not sure if I will keep it or just donate it to one of those charities that use them at Special Needs sporting events.
REST OF THE WEEK
My running improved this week, still not where it should be now nearly 2 months in. But I decided to bump things up a bit a few days, and my body responded nicely and actually liked it better than the easier mileage I had been doing in previous weeks. Oddly the extra miles run together didn't even bring any soreness. (Which was kinda a bummer, LOL.)
On the plus side, we are into spring here. Which means snow one day, rain rain and more rain other days with the occasional pop of sunlight on other days. Even the ducks think it's spring, as I saw my first group of ducklings on a run this week. One of my tree's that I call the purple one is in bloom too and thanks to all the rain and snow this week, everything looks so fresh and green, love it!
What else have I been enjoying this week?
Well I participate in the Influenster program, and each month lately I've really been enjoying all the fun new products they send for me to try.
This month I am really enjoying this Ralph Lauren "Tender Romance" fragrance.
The best part about it, it's not just a trial sample they sent, it was a small bottle so it's going to last a while. Which is awesome because I love the scent!
So that is a little bit about my week.
Have you run a fun race recently?
Are you like me, do you enjoy taking it all in and get a little more enjoyment of listening and watching others, than from your own accomplishments too?
Today, I am linking up with HoHo Runs and MissSippiPiddlin today for their Weekly Wrap! If you have a post to link up, and time to participate and visit a few others in the link up, you should totally come link up with them too!
