This was my second year running the Philip Rivers 5k. The first time around, I had no idea what the Rivers of Hope Foundation was and now it holds some personal significance. As many of you know, I work in foster care advocacy at a non-profit organization, Voices for Children (VFC). You might remember, I was raising funds for VFC while training for the Chicago Marathon last year. The Philip Rivers 5k raises money for the Rivers of Hope Foundation which distributes funds to important agencies serving foster children, like VFC. This year, I had good reason to run it.
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| Philip Rivers, Chargers QB and founder of the Rivers of Hope Foundation |
The race has grown exponentially since its start two years ago. Over 4,000 people participated in the race and over 7,000 people were in attendance. I was thrilled to see so many runners and walkers out there on Saturday because I knew each bib signified money for a great cause.
I have to admit, I was little nervous about this race. I was the 2nd overall female to finish two years ago, and I knew that would not be the case this year. I haven't done an ounce of speedwork, I am just coming back from an injury, and the field was much larger this year.
To my great surprise, I managed to finish in 21:31 (6:56/mi pace) and 3rd in my age group (and I beat Philip Rivers, boo-ya)! Angela finished only 1 minute and 1 second behind me with a finish time of 22:32 (7:15/mi pace) and 5th in our age group. We were pleased with our times because neither of us have done any 5k specific training.
This is only the second 5k I've ever done in my life, and now I remember why. 5ks are brutal! I was in pain the entire time and by mile 2.5 I wanted to just quit. I would choose a marathon over a 5k any day of the week. I actually enjoy speed work and tempo runs, but the 5k is a grueling race. In half marathons and marathons you can settle into your pace and get in the zone. I find my rhythm and feel like I can go on forever. In a 5k, you never settle. You're constantly pushing from the moment the gun goes off. I find absolutely no joy in these kinds of races, but from time to time they are a nice little kick in the butt.
I sometimes wonder what my finish time would look like if I did some 5k specific training. A part of me really wants to see what I am capable of and another part thinks that is crazy talk. I love the long stuff, and for now I will stick with that.
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That's a kick ass time, especially for not training.
ReplyDeleteI love 5ks, but MAN are they hard.
I like 5Ks because I know the pain will end soon. But I love distance because it's more of a challenge for me, and a lot of the time, I mess up the pacing and bonk out early. That's all part of why I love it -- trying to get it right with so many miles for things to go wrong.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you on 5Ks they are horrible! I have been running for nearly 9 years now, have done 8 marathons and have only done one 5K - at the end of a sprint tri! It's so HARD! But I also think they must be so good for you - a period of specific 5K training is bound to give you dividends when you go longer... Nice win though!
ReplyDeleteThat`s an awesome 5K time!! I did my first ever 5K run last month but I`m with you on the long runs! They are SO much easier!
ReplyDeleteJesus mother christ!!! 21:31? That is freaking amazing- so amazing!!! I totally get more nervous about 5k and 10k races- I feel like I need to sprint the entire thing whereas 10 miles or half marathons I can coast a little more :)
ReplyDeleteAwesome that you did a 5K and saw Philip Rivers!
ReplyDeleteGreat job on the race!! I'm with you, I don't like doing races that short because they involve so much pain. The shorter the race = the more intense pain it is. That's why I've only done 1 5K in my life, the shortest race I like to do is 5 miles. My favorite distance is probably half marathon because you can settle into a good pace but it isn't as slow as a marathon.
Really nice job!!! Do it...train for a 5K :)
ReplyDeleteGreat job!!
ReplyDeleteWow, you're speedy, way to rock it! I run in the 11s right now on a good day. My current magic mile is 11:30 (I'm a Galloway runner) and just hope to get a 30 minute 5k one day. :)
ReplyDeleteI prefer 10ks I think over any other distance. It's not too short and not too long.