Race Recap: AMITA FitAmerica 5k

As an All Community Events ambassador, I received a free entry to the AMITA FitAmerica 5k. My recap of the race was not influenced by my affiliation with ACE.

Earlier this summer, I optimistically signed up for the AMITA FitAmerica 10k. I really wanted to do the half marathon distance, but I haven't been running much in the way of long distances. Fast forward to some blazing hot, humid weather and after a tough 5 miler the Wednesday before the race, I made the decision to drop down to the 5k. I had been having some success with the 5k distance this summer but with the excessive heat warning the morning of the race, I had no expectations but to finish.

I still needed to pick up my packet, so I got up and out the door by 6 to make the 20 minute drive to the race. I made 2 bottles of diluted Tailwind and drank one of them on the way. I saved the other bottle to drink while I waited to run. The race was to be held at the former AT&T headquarters in Hoffman Estates, Illinois. Although the campus was surrounded by a forest preserve, the course was on the roads and I knew there would be no shade. I hoped that the overcast skies would hold out for the morning.

Parking was easy and I walked to packet pickup, where I received my bib and a gender-specific t-shirt. I liked the design of the shirt but found out later when I was home that it was a little snug. To kill time, I skipped bag check and walked the shirt back to my car. I ran into one of the other ACE ambassadors in the parking lot and we made plans to meet up for pictures before the race. Once there, she introduced me to some other runners she knew, including the guy who led the pace group I ran with last fall at the Schaumburg Turkey Trot. Small world, right?

Fellow ambassador Alice with me

My tummy was bothering me a little bit and I made about 3 trips to the portapotty before lining up to run. Runners from all 3 distances (5k, 10k, and half marathon) lined up together. The Star Spangled Banner was sung, the mayor gave a brief speech, and then we were off. There was still a good cloud cover and a gentle breeze, but it was warm! I settled into an 8:50 pace. Not wearing my headphones, I tuned into the sounds around me. Even a half mile into the race, people around me were huffing and puffing; some already stopped to walk. We ran an out and back, returning to the start area and off to another out and back. Mile one 8:51.

lots of outs and backs

After the second out and back, we ran through a tunnel under the buildings. There were a few small hills, but nothing challenging. I started to slow down, even though I was conscious of my pace. The humidity was definitely taking a toll. People around me were walking. I came upon a guy who was breathing in an alarming manner; he reminded me of the Little Engine Who Could...except he couldn't. Puff, puff, wheeeeeeze. Yikes. Mile two: 9:01.

I tried not to walk. I really did. The sun was out now and it was getting really warm. We split off from the half marathoners and 10k runners about 20 minutes in. That is when I took a brief 30 second walk break to catch my breath and regroup. Once I started running again, I heard the breathing of a woman running just behind me. Have you ever had anyone pace off of you? I think she actually helped push me and I finished that mile without needing to stop again. Mile three: 9:28.

Oh, but there was that last 100 meters. I was so close, I could taste the finish. I could also taste imminent vomiting. I slowed to a walk to avoid regurgitating my Tailwind. The woman who had been pacing me urged me on. She was wearing a Wonder Woman singlet. I couldn't say no to Wonder Woman, right? As soon as I started running again, the nausea returned. I waved her on and walked a little more. This was just making me mad. I started to run the downhill to the finish line, where I was handed an American flag to wave while I crossed the finish line. Photographers lined the finish and I smiled broadly. Finish: 28:57.

not as fast as I'd like, but considering the conditions...

I staggered over to the finish area, caught my breath, and grabbed an orange from the treats available at the finish. There was a band playing and a few runners milling around. Soon enough, another runner started talking with me. About 15 minutes after we finished, the awards were posted. I finished first in my age group! The heat seemed to take a toll on everyone's finish times. While my finish time wasn't anywhere near what I had hoped for, I was glad to have done well enough for an award.

Free race photos for the win!

This was my first time running this race and it won't be the last. I've always enjoyed All Community Events' races--they are somewhat no-frills, but well organized with great course support. I was worried they would cancel the event because of the heat but instead, sent out plenty of notification and offered runners the option to drop their distance or to defer to another race. There was plenty of water available and a volunteer was handing out popsicles at the finish, which I just loved! While the course was nothing exciting, it was fun to cross the finish line waving the flag. I'm so glad I dropped down to the 5k. In fact, I'm really enjoying the 5k distance and I hope to have some cooler conditions in which to push myself to a faster finish time. I know it's in me!

The heat and humidity didn't stop me from winning my age group! /via @oldrunningmom @allcommunityeve @amitahealth #runchat #running #racerecap

Did you race this weekend? Does the heat and humidity affect your pace? If not, can you share your secrets for heat conditioning?

I'm linking up with Kim and Zenaida for Tuesday Topics.