Fiesta of Five Flags

This year we both got the chance to participate in the Fiesta of Five Flags Race in Pensacola, Florida. The last couple of years it has only been Kent, who sadly left me sick in the bed at the camper. But this year I was able to accompany him. Initially I signed up for the 10k but to change to the 5k. That was okay as I was very glad to feel like running.

Having run the race a couple of times already, I knew about the hills before us even though the worse was in the first part of the 10k race. I felt very good and was doing well...much better than I expected. My time and pace was on schedule. Then the "hill" came up, which I thought I was prepared to "take" but I wasn't ready for my good energy to leave me so quick. Knowing I had a great downhill ahead, I tucked my chin and went for it. I felt very good in the home stretch and took advantage to sprint in through the Finish Line. A PR was not in the plan because of the hill mentioned but I did want to meet a certain time. As it turned out, I did.

It was a good day for racing and I was so excited to feel like doing it. I came in 82nd with a finish time of 26:58. To top it all off, I received 3rd place in my age group which was a surprise. The trophies were real cute and reflective of the fiesta itself.

Leonard Vergunst, Race Director for the Gulf Coast Running Club, blew his competition away...as usual...coming in second overall. He received the 10k Masters Award coming in at a blazing 37:20; that's a 6:01 pace!! WOW...Congrats, Leonard!! You amaze me! I can't believe we're the same age...what an inspiration!

Here's my trophy. As soon as my picture is posted, I'll put it here.


Look at all those cute little five flags.