Tory Row 5K

Yesterday I ran the Tory Row 5K put on by Jayne Karolow, Events and Communications Manager of Tiger and Bears, a restaurant group that represents Miracle of Science, Middlesex Lounge, Audubon Circle, Tory Row and Cambridge, 1. I had a goal in mind for the day but I haven’t run over 5 miles since the Boston Marathon and I’ve only done a handful or two of runs. Plus I’ve only done two speed workouts in the past month! I did a practice 5K on the treadmill on Tuesday in 24:09 so I thought it was realistic to run the race in the 23s. However unlike the treadmill, the course was not entirely flat and I wasn’t able to reach that goal BUT I’m still happy! And even more I was able to enjoy the race with my brother, Lauren, Becky and Becky’s mom!

And the start was right next to Lizzy’s Ice Cream. I’ll definitely have to check this place out. (Love that this Lizzy spells it like me!)

The race was pretty small so we all started pretty close to the start.

Lauren acted as our official race photographer. She didn’t run because she ran 25+ miles in the Reach the Beach relay on Friday and Saturday.

And… we’re off!

I went out the only way I know how to run 5Ks… HARD. I tried not to look at my Garmin and to really just concentrate on running a fast pace. There was a turn around at about .50 miles where I could see the leaders and my bro was leading at that point. I felt pretty good in the first mile- it was fast but I didn’t feel dead.

Mile 1: 7:23

Then we hit some hills and I slowed. I definitely need to work on my second mile in 5Ks. Around mile 1.5, my speedy friend Seppa passed me. I set my goal to keep her in my sights. But with all the tight turns it was hard to do that. My only regret in this race is that I didn’t try to go with Seppa. Maybe next time?

Mile 2: 8:03

When I saw my pace was above 8, I told myself to toughen up and finish strong. The last mile was on the same road. I remember looking down at my watch around (I think) 2.60 and thinking my brother was probably done by then. Around 2.90, I thought I had a good chance of running in the 23s, but as I turned the corner for the final stretch, I just missed that chance.

Mile 3: 7:52

Mile .14: 6:21 pace

3.13 miles- 24:13- 7:42 pace

Not a PR, but I’m getting closer! Plus, when I set my Goals for 2011 in January, my 5K goal was to break 24:15, so I accomplished that : )

Becky finished shortly after and then we got celebrating.

You know, with 10AM beers. It’s never too early right?

Then we listened to the Awards Ceremony. My speedy brother ran 18:19:56 which is 5:56 pace. Yep, he’s fast. He won his age group and got this awesome sweatshirt! I tried to steal it, but felt guilty : )

After the race, we headed to Veggie Planet for breakfast. I got a veggie omelet and it was perfection. I loved the vibe of the Veggie Planet- health conscious delicious tasting vegetarian food! After brunch, I said goodbye to the On-the-run Family and headed shopping. I forgot how much I love the basement of Urban Outfitters. When I was in HS, we used to take the train into Boston to head to the basement to get the “Steals.” Such a good stuff! And while I waited for Dave to pick me up, I grabbed a mini-cupcake from Sweet. I felt I deserved it : )

It was a great little Sunday and I loved spending time with my friends and my brother. Running brings so many people together and brings me so much happiness. I love the sport and I look forward to many more runs/races with my blog friends!!!

Oh, one other thing. The 5K is hard. But how awesome is it that its ONLY 3.1 miles? I can’t wait for the next race!

Whats your opinion on the 5K distance?