Service above Self 5k Race Report

It's a scorcher out there, folks! The race started this morning at 8:30. Last year it was pouring down rain, I hear, and this year the sun was blazing! 

We started out with the sun at our backs and some shade, so the first mile was pretty good. It was a small race, so there was no chip timing, so I started near the front of the crowd, and it seemed like everyone was passing me! I just had to pray that they were starting too fast and I'd catch up when they had to stop to walk! Soon the crowd thinned out, and I played leap frog with a woman pushing a stroller. I told her she was a stronger woman than me -- pushing those things is HARD WORK. She said she's about three minutes a mile faster without it! So of course, my only goal was to beat her (which I did!). I ended up a little ahead of her, but again, passing and then letting this guy pass me. He came up to me after the race and said, "Thanks for pacing me," which I thought was nice. We were both trying to break 30 minutes, but we didn't quite manage it. My time according to Map My Run was 32:13, but it also says I ran 3.29 miles. My 5k time according to the app was 30:16. 

I really don't know how I could've finished faster. I felt like I was pushing it. I just wasn't going as fast as I wanted to. We stuck around for the awards. Steve won first in his age group with a time of 21:12, which I think is phenomenal. The overall winner was literally from Kenya or someplace known for being fast. They got to my age group...AND I DIDN'T GET A MEDAL. Even though I would've gotten FIRST PLACE in the 20-29 category. Let me tell you, I was NOT HAPPY.  It's not my fault that ALL the runners now are in their thirties and apparently faster than they've ever been in their lives. I'd wait it out til I hit 40, except they'll all be making the journey with me! I wanted SO badly to earn a medal. I'll have to wait until the official times are posted. Maybe next year. (Even if I have to wear rollerblades!!!)