5K race report (Read 553 times)

Never done one of these, (race reports, that is), so I figured I'd write down my observations. Today I ran the Johns Hopkins Blue Jay 5K to benefit Juvenile Diabetes research. It was located about a 5 min walk from my apartment, so I sorta had to do this race... Anyway, I warmed up for about 1.5 miles, and got a bad side stitch, so I was really worried that I would be in agony for most of the race (running aside lol), but thankfully, that didn't happen. Really the only people who were running this race were fraternities and sororities and the athletic teams (track, XC and lacrosse). So there were a bunch of slow-ish people, and then really fast people. Mile 1 - Mostly downhill, was really afraid of getting a side cramp, which usually happens on downhills for me, so I didn't start out super fast. Felt good through the first mile. Passed up a lot of sorority girls which was fun. Settled into a group of about 6 people who I stayed with the whole way. 7:50 pace. Mile 2 - Mostly flat, started getting super thirsty, but didn't stop for water (maybe bad idea?) 8:29 pace. Mile 3 - Long uphill. Holy shit I'm dying. Good thing I train on pretty hilly terrain, because a lot of people slowed here, and I was able to pass up a few more people, but the hills were getting to me as well. Kept going by laughing at this silly XC kid who kept flashing every girl he passed as he loped along. Kind of annoying, but funny. 8:37 pace. Overall, 24:55, 8:03 pace, and a 2:57 PR. However, I think the course was not quite 3.1 miles. Also, we ran a small part of it on the grass, which slowed me down a bit too, because it was still soggy from the rain. I'm kind of annoyed with my (very) positive splits, and I was hoping to hit closer to 24 min. Perhaps I should have started out a little slower. I think overall, I paced myself pretty well except for the last hill, which really shouldn't have slowed me down as much as it did. No beer at the end, but lots of Panera bagels and Powerbars.

Good job,labrat!. This is the type of race I know well, but I am way back there..My running buddies, DD1, GS4, and Econo have all decided that slowing down for water doesn't make sense for a 5K, but does soon after. Thanks for sharing.. Woods Lady

Congrats on a pretty solid race. PRs are always nice! As you keep racing your feel for pace will improve. I still struggle with it too, and I'm willing to bet that the majority of folks on this board have trouble with it as often as not. You're dead on w/starting a little slower, learning to start easy - finish hard will get you in the right mindset for racing. Once a week or so finish off one of your easy runs w/a fast finish from about 3/4 or 1/2 mile out. It'll get you to feel fast at the end of a run but won't really burn you out. As far as the water stop goes, unless it's hotter 'n' bejeebus out there I wouldn't bother and I think you were right to pass it up. Nice job, and keep it rollin'!!! Q

thanks guys! Q - thanks for the advice, I will give that a try!

1. Bratosaurus? did you just call me fat? 2. you would have been in your element in this race! 3. Nah, he was just lifting up his shirt, so not a huge deal. And he didn't flash me, so I'm obviously not in contention with the hawt sorority gals. and nope, i leave the barfing to my canine friend next door.

No, a Bratosaurus is a fierce creature. If I wanted to call you fat, I would have went with Bratapotamus. You're welcome.