Yesterday, hubby and I hit the mean streets (well, not so mean really) of Baltimore for the Kelly Shamrock 5k. We did this race last year and really liked it. I like it because it has a late start time, 1:15 p.m. (this is lovely for a non-morning person).
We got to Baltimore a tad bit early, which is good since it gave us time to hit the bathrooms (not port-a-potties) and walk to the start line. One reason this is a fun race is that it is the beginning of the Baltimore St. Patrick's Day Parade, so at the beginning there are TONS of people cheering you on (who are waiting for the parade to start). We arrived at the starting area and started to stretch when we saw our friend from college. We knew she would be there and had planned on meeting up after the race, so it was awesome we ran into her before the race. We hung out with her and her dragon boat friends (she participates in the Baltimore County Dragon Boat competitions. They are really fun! And if interested, they are seeking members) before the race. Everyone claimed to be slow runners. Whatever! Speed demons all! LOL!
Everyone got into their spot on the course for the start. Hubby headed up further in the crowd as he runs much faster than I, while I hung with our friend and her friends. I knew they would pass me sooner or later, but it was nice to start the race out with someone I knew rather than standing all alone. :-) The race started and it took us about 4 minutes to get to the start (did I mention there were about 4,000 people running?). And off we went! Down Charles Street (which is amazing!) where you start the race on a great downhill allowing the slower runners the chance to see all the racers decked out in their green attire in front of them. It's an amazing sight! I overheard one runner say he was glad he was a slow runner because those in the front wouldn't be able to see this great sight in front of him. :-) That's the way to put a positive spin on being a penguin.
Shortly after we hit the straight away, my friends pulled away, which was fine. I knew they would. And I ran the race alone, as I always do. But, this year, the race was different. My main goal the whole time was to stand straight. I didn't like how I finished the Princess 1/2 Marathon, all hunched over, so my goal now is to practice running tall. This year though, the race seemed much easier. Last year, I just kept wishing for the end. This year, I felt strong and in control. I also felt that I kept a good pace during the race, meaning I didn't start out fast and then slow to a crawl at the end. I felt as if I slowed up a little, but kept a basic pace throughout the whole thing.
Hitting the finish line was great this year! As I came into the straight away on Pratt Street, a lady yelled out great job stripped legs! (I had on cute white and green knee high socks) It made me laugh. As I turned the corner to the finish line, there was hubby and our friend cheering me on and then I saw the clock. I estimated I was about 4 minutes behind the gun clock and as I came down towards the finish line, it was saying 43 minutes and 30 some seconds. I knew if I picked up the speed, I might, just might, stand a chance at finishing under 40 minutes. So, I sprinted. And I finished at 39:36, a 12:45 minute pace. Woohoo! Maybe it's the running tall thing. Who knows? But, it was great to see that the race was as good as I thought it was.
After wards, we all met up and headed into the post-race area for our snacks and free adult beverage. Sadly, the line was so long we just gave up. We stood in the line for about 20 minutes and moved about 5 feet. Not worth it. And honestly, this is only negative in my opinion about the race, the awful post-race set-up. We decided to hit up James Joyce Irish Bar in East Baltimore. Tons of people there for St. Patty's Day and lots of racers. We got some drinks, had a fabulous lunch, lots of laughs, and an all around good time.
So, this year's Kelly Shamrock 5k was great! Great time, great friends, and great finish!
Sounds like a good time! And congrats on another great race. Have any pointers for someone who can't get out of bed in the morning to exercise? I already get up at 6 - any earlier just seems like punishment especially when you don't go to bed before 11:30.
ReplyDeleteNone. I'm not a morning person. I can't get up myself. I would say the best thing to do (since you're schedule is kinda crazy) is to do little things - take the stairs, park further away at the store, take the boys for walks (especially since the weather is getting nicer out). Once the weather gets nicer, I bet you'll find all sorts of ways to get moving! It's so much easier when it's not freezing outside. You can do it!
ReplyDeleteGo chris go! Way to pick up the speed & finish with some oomph. Posture changes EVERYthing during a run. If your posture is off, it can throw the rest of your body out of whack....leading to injury & a slower pace. My husband and I ordered the POSE dvd from amazon.com over a year ago, and adopted the POSE form, my time went from a 13+ per minute pace to averaging around 10. I did finish a 5k with a 9:13 or 9:20 pace just last month! Also, my IT band issues have been very much under control since working on my form & posture. Anyway, it's something to check into. :)
ReplyDeleteGreat job on the 5k!!!
Thanks Heather! I appreciate the comments on posture. It is something I am going to work on now that I'm not pushing myself for longer distances with a half. Hopefully, with shorter runs now I can get the posture thing down so I can do longer runs and benefit from the increased speed. ;-)
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