This was my first repeat-race!  I ran the 5k Great Race last year for the first time, and absolutely loved it. It gave me confidence and excitement to continue running and I looked forward to running it again all year long.

I had originally signed up for the 10K but after doing the Run Around the Square earlier this summer, I knew I didn’t have a 10K in me yet. Of course, I probably could have done it – but it wouldn’t have been much running on my part, and I would have had an awful finish time. Besides, I wanted the chance to beat my first 5K time…and I did!  In fact, I have a new PR!

Since I knew the course already, I really looked forward to this race. It’s a very easy, downhill and flat race and this year, I ran it HARD. I started off fast, I ran down the hills, and even continued to run on the slight uphill on the Blvd. of the Allies. The only hard part for me this time around was the finish. I couldn’t push it out hard enough at the end…I just ran that last leg because I just wanted to be done running! And turning the corner near the end and seeing the boys and Kenny near the finish line kept me from not crawling at the end…I love seeing them at the end of all that hard work!

I walked twice for one minute each.

I crossed the finish line at the clock time of 31:44, but my chip time was 30:51 – my new personal record! (Clock time starts at the starting gun, my chip time starts when I cross over the starting line, so my real race time was 30:51).

I shaved a whole 5 minutes off my RATS 5K time, and 2:28 off my last year Great Race 5K time. 

We ended up eating at The Bagel Factory in Shadyside. They were the official bagel supplier of the race, but really all I need after a race is water and a banana (it’s the only time I crave a banana!). After I downed the banana and ice cold water, we headed over to Shadyside and had warmed bagels with eggs (Kenny and me) and french toast for the boys. And a big ol’ cup of joe!

I am not sore at all today. Last year, I was sore for a few days post-race, but this year, so far, I’ve felt great the days after the races. Progress!