Stampede 5k Race Recap

I've run the 10k distance of my hometown race many times, but this was my first time signing up for the 5k. Health issues and struggles with endurance and the summer heat made the shorter distance the best option for this year. I could have done the 10k, but it's a race and I wanted to race it, not just run it. You get me, right?

I woke up Sunday morning to 65 degrees, partly cloudy skies, and a cool breeze. Holla! I drank a cup of coffee and got myself ready including wearing a festive new pair of Brooks Launches that I had bought the day before. I made myself a bottle of Tailwind to sip on the short drive to the starting line. The race is held in conjunction with a festival; at that time of the morning, the grounds were quiet. Having worked packet pickup the day before, I learned that there were over 800 registrants for both distances and the kids' race! I knew we hit the big time when one of the Chicago news stations had a cameraman set up at the start line.

Busse Woods Running Club participants

My running club had a tent set up and I walked over to meet up with them. After the group photo, I walked over the start line to line up for the race. I heard my name and a neighborhood friend came over for a hug. She recently started running and asked me what my finish goal was. I hadn't really set a goal for the race but I told her anything under 30 minutes. With the perfect running conditions, I was hoping to run strong and not have to stop to walk. My friend told me she was going to the back of the pack and would see me at the finish line. I wished her luck and soon, we were off!

For this race, I decided not to listen to music and instead focused on how I felt. I let the crowd pull ahead of me, and in the crowd, I saw my friend zip by. When I looked down at my watch, I saw that I was running an 8:50 pace. I was a little surprised and concerned because I hadn't run that pace for a while. I didn't know how it would work out, but because the conditions were right, I decided to roll with it.

About a half mile in, the runners around me all settled into a pace. I spotted my friend's ponytail about 50 meters ahead of me and decided to keep her in my sights. Being a competitive kind of person, I wasn't sure how I felt about her beating me but I reminded myself that I was running faster than I have in a while. "Run your own race," I told myself. "The only competition is you". Without my music to distract me, I kept myself focused and calm. Mile one: 8:47.

I still felt good at this pace, so I continued on. I started to consider the possibility of actually running the whole distance at this pace. I thanked Mother Nature for the perfect running conditions. I dialed back into the crowd around me. I passed people who were walking. Everyone's breathing was getting heavier. The young girl running next to me was landing with heavy footsteps. I started to close the gap between me and my friend. Mile two: 8:46.

Having run this race so many times, I knew that coming up was street where the 5k runners split off from the 10k runners. As we approached the turn-off, I passed my friend. Her breathing was ragged. She called out to me and told me she was "dying" and said I could "beat her". How to respond to that? I told her to keep going, that she looked strong and I continued at my steady pace. I was starting to feel tired too, but with a half mile to go, I didn't want to slow down. It was time to dig deep. I was cautiously excited about my even splits. Mile three: 8:42.

As we approached the finish line up ahead, a woman next to me sped up. Was she in my age group? I had no idea, but it's on, sister! I gave it my all for those last 100 meters. Apparently, she had a little more left in the tank than I did and she crossed the finish line a few seconds before me. Finish time: 27:12.

I waited for my friend to cross and she did, about 20 seconds after me. I congratulated her and we went to the results table to see how we did. She won her age group and I came in second in mine. Our awards were a commemorative pint glass.

This is really a great little race that never disappoints. The course never changes and is flat and fast. The people who live on the streets along the course come out to cheer on the runners. In the past, on really hot days, they put their sprinklers on over the street so runners can cool off. Race results are available immediately. There are no medals, but I don't expect one for a 5k or a 10k. The shirts this year were a nice cottony-tech shirt in gender-specific sizes.

Putting that pint glass to good use!

Considering how I've been feeling this year, this race was sweet redemption for me! I was proud to have run such a strong, consistent race. Running a race with a friend who is relatively new to racing reminded me of how experience pays off. Sitting back and not letting my ego carry me forward worked out really well. The weather conditions were also a huge factor in my success with this race. Had the race been held one day earlier, the outcome would have been very different. There is no doubt in my mind that even though I loathe running in the heat, it has been good training for me. Honestly, I'm enjoying racing these shorter distances. I love to run fast and push myself, and the 5k distance is perfect for that.

Oh, and about that rule about "nothing new on race day"? Those new Brooks were great. They were light, responsive, and had magic in them. How else to explain such a good race?

New shoes for the win!

I broke the cardinal rule of running and snagged an age group award! /via @oldrunningmom @brooksrunning #runchat #running #nothingnewonraceday

Do you have a race you run every year? What is your favorite race distance? Have you ever worn new shoes to a race?

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