My first 5K

I got to see the end of the mile race. It was the most heart breaking thing I have ever seen. Their was a boy in first about 4 feet in front of a girl, at the last moment he veered off course (i have no Idea why). His family caught his attention and got him back on track but not before the very confused second place girl passed him. He had first place and he screwed up. Needless to say he was very unhappy. I would like to know why on earth he left the path right before the big sign that says FINISH (boldly). Pat says he was upset for a while. I would have been upset too if that were me!

Now onto my race.

Here is Pat and I before the race.

Notice that I am using him as a pack mule as he was not running. He was also the designated photographer. I may need a new photographer. This is the photo of the start of the race. No he was not trying to be artistic. He thought he had 2 photos of the start, this is it. I kind of like it.

The race started off good, too good. My first split is 9:15 seconds unofficially. I felt great! once I started the feeling that I could pass out (nerves) left me.

Unfortunately the "frequent" water stops that they mentioned on the website really meant only ONE for the whole 5K. I was terribly thirsty by the time I hit the one mile mark. the next half mile or so went by but I really was upset that I decided not to bring my own water. Once I got the water I stopped to drink it, I really had to finish it, I should have had more. Unfortunately the water was directly out of someones hose. It was gross. Just after the water station was the u turn. I was momentarily confused as many people kept going. It turns out they started the 5K and 15K together.

I ran with a lady for another half mile or so. At the 2 mile mark they read our split at just over 16 minutes, I laughed and said his watch was way off, she agreed. She dropped back on the big hill near the end. I almost kept going but then the nausea hit. It was too powerful to actually keep going. I had to stop as I was gaging. I walked until it had mostly passed (about the top of the hill imagine that). The rest of the race was somewhat a struggle but mostly because my stomach was still a little unhappy.

I finished the race 32.17. Here are the photo's of me approaching the finish line. None of me at the finish line as the camera battery died 1 minute after the following photo's were taken. (It was full when we left). I had the energy for a better finish but not the stomach so I was very disappointed.









What I learned;

1) running after a cold is not easy or fun
2) bring my own water
3) Sunblock is good (though the excess sun really came from the mineral show)
4) Eat more before the race, I'll have to ask Angela what she eats before she runs.
5) consider wearing shorts
6) have pat take more photo's and make sure he has a fresh battery

and optional wear a watch

After the race we went directly to a mineral show that was roughly in the area. We drove through Hackettstown and saw 23 Garage sales (and one sign for a garage sale). It must have been garage sale day in Hackettstown. The Rock show was nice and though I would really like less rocks in the apartment Pat is at least buying smaller rocks.