Sweetheart 5k

What a gorgeous day to race!!  Of course, any day with sun was more than welcoming with all the dreary, rainy, windy weather we've had for months.  The LA Fleet Feet Running Club does a great job doing this race.  This year, a half marathon was added to the 5k and 1 mile races.  And, I really liked the way they incorporated all of them.  They started the half at 7:00, the 1 mile race [I think at 8:30] and finally the 5k at 9:00.  The 1 mile race was over before the 5k began.  By the time the 5k runners were coming in a large part of the half marathoners were finished.  To me, it was a great time saver. 

The morning of the race it was about 44 degrees.  A little cool but the sun was out and was warming up the cool air.  My goal this time was to run as best I could knowing I am still far away from my "norm" and to be in under a 10 minute pace.  I know, I know...that's pitiful "for me".  I'm dealing with this and slowly but surely I know it will get better.  Kent was not up to his par either but again...we did the best we could with what we had.  We ran into a couple of friends of ours from Laurel.  Phillip is a great runner and his wife, Peggy, is a great racewalker.  It was good to visit with them a little. 

I felt pretty good after we got started.  My breathing was like it use to be: a little labored but not breathless.  It felt like a good push.  Keeping my focus and running "my" race helped me to do my best.  This is such a MENTAL sport for me right now.  As I ran under the Finish Line clock, I saw the time of 30:07/08.  I was so excited that I had maintained a good pace for 3.1 miles and I had made my goal of under a 10 minute pace. 

Here's a shot of Kent coming in strong.  Great form!

Got a few shots of the best Alabama friends ever. 

As you can see they were hard at work...enjoying every minute they can.  Great job, guys! 

Got a photo of Phillip and Peggy with their awards.  He got Sr. Grand Masters and she got Grand Masters.  Congrats!! 

Got a quick photo of my friend Tim who always has his camera strapped to his hip.  Congrats, Tim and Michelle!

Then he yelled out and got my pic...woo-hoo!  I hardly get a pic that is not a selfie! 

It was a great day.  Kent placed in his age group.  I came in 7th in my age group.  Not good for me but I'm glad I wasn't last, ha!  I had NO idea how close I was to placing in my age group.  Get this...the lady that was directly ahead of me was in my age group [#6].  On top of that 3 out of the 4 people right ahead of me were in my age group.  That means had I run 17 seconds faster, I'd have placed!!  I couldn't believe that.  All I can say is that I ran as well as I could and it is what it is. 

I am thankful for a beautiful day, good food and great friends.  Thoroughly enjoyed visiting with several after the race.  My friend, Moe, who is fighting cancer looked well.  Met a new friend and are now FB friends.  My sweet hubby got an award.  Yep, it was a great day indeed. 

I'll continue to work hard on my running.  I will NOT give up.  Until next time...I hope you will go out, do your best and

Run 4 It