It’s official: I’m hooked on 5k races!
My second 5k race is under my belt…err…bib, after yesterday’s Frosty 5k race in Burlington. I had such a blast. There was also a half marathon going down…kudos to the brave souls who ran it yesterday!
Unlike my last 5k race a few weeks ago, the skies were blue and the roads were clear. The temperature seemed innocent enough (-4C), but the wind was bone chilling being so close to the lake. Although, once I started running it wasn’t so bad. The cold isn’t as noticeable when you are breathless and busting some booty on the race course!
One thing I love about winter races? The later start time. The race didn’t start until 10:05am, so that meant that I could sleep in until almost 8am feeling nice and rested when I got up.
For some yummy pre-race fuel, I enjoyed a wrap with a banana and a couple spoonfuls of sunflower seed butter.
and a juicy grapefruit for extra hydration.
We got to the race about 45 minutes early, so I took advantage of the free time to empty my bladder. However, the porta potty line ups were huge and not moving very quickly. I waited in line for 20 minutes, before bailing at the last minute so I’d make it to the start line on time. What a tease! Needless to say, holding my bladder throughout the 5k was not fun. That grapefruit clearly put me over the edge…darn you, grapefruit!
There is something to be said about running a race with hundreds of other people (well, thousands if you count the half marathoners); it’s instant motivation and the excitement is contagious, even in the winter.
After a cold wait, it was finally time to begin!
I got off to a slower than normal start, but it ended up being a blessing because I think I would have gone out too hard. I just wanted to sprint to get warm!
The course itself was a simple “out and back” route on a linear, mostly flat course (along Lakeshore) which is perfect for setting a new PR. I love out and back courses because I get to see the faster people coming back (while I’m still going out) and it’s quite motivating to see them zoom by. The first place finisher had a time of 15:29! Crazy.
I felt so happy during the entire race and I think it was probably one of the strongest races that I’ve run, mentally and physically.
Soon enough I was rounding the last bend to the finish line.
See that YELLOW Powerbar “finish line”? When I rounded the last corner, I thought that was the finish line, so I gunned it as hard as I could only to discover that the finish line was actually a couple hundred metres further!
#epicfail
I was now out of breath and really struggling not to stop and walk to the actual finish line. The spectators really gave me my last bit of motivation to keep running.
There wasn’t any smiling for cameras or even looking for Eric. Just me and the finish line, baby!
The real finish line:
…and then I bolted to the nearest bathroom. :)
My official stats:
Chip time: 22:37
Ranking: 4th in my division (25-29 yr old women), 13th out of 390 women, and 52nd out of 577 runners
Avg pace per km: 4:32 min/km
Avg pace per mile: 7:16 min/mile
I beat my previous 5k race time by just over 30 seconds, so that was a nice bonus. I think the speed work has been helping!
I came home and made a recovery smoothie and then had a hot shower. Hot shower = Best feeling ever after a winter race.
I used this Vega Performance protein powder and added in a big frozen banana and lots of almond milk. Yum.
The nutritional info (click to enlarge)
Sketchie was overjoyed to hear about my race. Not.
So as you can tell, I’m loving the 5k distance. I guess I shouldn’t be too surprised because I used to run short distances in track and field and always loved them.
Here are some things that I love about 5k races…
- Shorter recovery time: I’m not too sore after my 5k races (just stiff muscles). After my last 5k race I took a couple days off exercise and then I felt fine to get back into my normal routine. After my half marathons however, I had to take 2 weeks off exercise to recover and occasionally sustained mild injuries. The reduced down time with the 5k is a major plus in my books! Of course, that’s not to say that you can’t get injured running a 5k because you obviously can with any distance.
- Less training time: My 5k training runs are between 3-5 miles, about 4 times per week. I don’t have to spend more than about 25-45 minutes out of my day to train. This is a huge plus when busy.
- Less Prep: I don’t need to bring water, energy gels, or anything else like I do with longer distances. It’s quite effortless to prepare for.
Have you ever run a 5k race or are you thinking about running one some day? For all of you runners: what is your favourite race distance?
If you are looking to start running, I’ve heard great things about the Couch to 5k 9-week running program. If you start now, you can run your first 5k race at the beginning of May! Maybe if some of you have done the C25k before, leave a comment below telling us about your experience. It may help others who are thinking about starting.
Wow, that was super speedy! Congrats!
I love your jacket so much it’s scary. Is it Lulu/do you happen to know the style name?
Yes I love your jacket too, who makes it??
Thanks! Yes, it’s Lululemon, the Run Distance Pullover I believe.
that is an amazing time, Angela!!
Congrats :)
I am currently looking for races to sign up, preferably 10K, as 5K is a bit short for me, I prefer longer distances.
Nice job! I jog/run with my dog usually around 3 miles a day, 5 days a week, sometimes longer and usually on very hilly roads. I have been doing this for several years. I have always wanted to do a 5k but am nervous I am going to be so much slower than everyone else! I am also a vegan (going on 6 years now :D) and in good shape physically but I think I put too much pressure on myself to be “the best.” Anyway, you might have just inspired me to finally run a 5k this spring! So thank you for that and congrats on a great run!
Also, I wondered what kind of straws you use? They almost look like the are made of glass. Great photography by the way! :D
Goodluck if you decide to do it! What I love about racing is that there are literally every fitness level and body type among the group. Its so inspiring! I always say as long as you have fun it doesnt matter what your time is in the end.
Awesome race time! so true I love the motivational feel of the crowds!!!!
Congrats on being 4th in your division, that’s awesome! I just bought a tub of the Vega One nutritional shake in chocolate flavor… it tastes so good with oatmeal, hazelnut butter, strawberries and some stevia to make it dessert-like. You should try it!
-Jess
congrats on your race. i am so lucky that we have way warmer weather this time of year. i did my first seasons 5k saturday and it was great. i just walked as usual but i still love getting up early and feeling accomplished by 9am. i got great energy for the day and worked in my yard and cleaned the house. i have 4 5ks scheduled in the next 2 months. just love it. keep it up!
Congrats on your time! That’s great! I could never run a 5k in less than 30 minutes. Shoot, it would take me almost 40-45 minutes to do a 5k :0( I guess if I wasn’t old and didn’t have surgery in both my knees I’d have a faster time. Oh well, this has definitely motivated me to get more running in – I love it!
I also LOVE your Sketchie pictures. Are you as obsessed about your pet’s paws and I am about mine – I just love their paws – so cute!
I’m running a 5K this weekend, getting exciting! You are CRAZY FAST! Seriously girl, you killed it! Love the new banner, I’ve been waiting for it to change over and it looks great!
That is awesome! Great job and dang it looked cold too. :)
Love your Sketchie and have a great day.
WOOO HOOO!!!! Congrats girl!!!! What a great PR!!! I’ve only ever ran an 8k…ever and it scared me so much to even jump into a 5K! Ryan {my man} runs races all the time and has a FULL coming up….barf!
xxoo
Congratulations on the race and your ranking; well done! (:
I would love to run a 5k! When I get a little older and I’m out on my own, that is something I’ll be looking forward to. I have a question for you, or anyone, about running in the cold weather. Whenever I’ve gone for a jog (to say I run would be overemphasizing, haha), the cold ends up burning my throat. Is there anything to help prevent that, or is it just something that you get used to/deal with? Thank you!
Wow, that time is amazing!!! Congrats!
I did the couch to 5k program and loved it. I have always hated running and honestly have no idea what possessed me to start. Probably the inexpensiveness (not a word I know) of it, and the fact I could go whenever suited me. No class schedule to try and stick to. C25K took me from a complete non runner (and former hater) to a runner, and a lover of running. I did the program almost 2 years ago and I have run a few races, one of them a 1/2 marathon, and I’m currently training for another 1/2. For anyone who has any doubts that they can run any kind of distance (and actually enjoy it), give it a try and just do it. It’s a great stress reliever and you’ll feel so good about yourself.
i am so jealous! i was supposed to dp the chilly half, but ITB pain was too much! i decided two weeks ago after a 15km run that since the pain started at 12km in each time, there was no WAY i could do 21.1. so back to the gym and strength training program for me…
last year i did the chilly and experienced the same thing with the washrooms! i however waited until i could go, and thats when the race started! i ended up with the 1:30 pace bunny because of that, which was a little too ambitious for me and caused me some serious fatigue halfway through! not fun! but still LOVE that race!
5km are my fav!!! (with or without my 8 year old). can’t wait to get another one on!!!
Congrats on the time too!!! You rock!!
T
Wow, great race, congrats on the new PR!!! I like 1/2 marathon, sprinting has never been my forte and track work, more slow twitching going on in these muscles and I love a long slow run.
Congrats on a great race! 10Ks are my favorite!
If you like short distances and a challenge – you should try 5 Peaks series over the summer. These are cross country runs (sport distance of 7 – 8kms) – There is a series for southern Ontario – Great Challenge and Lots of Fun!!
I’ve heard great things about them. Are they run on trails?
You are such an inspiration!!
Also- love the new banner!
Congrats on your (super zippy!) race! I am so jealous at how cute you looked running it; I always look like one hot mess. Embarrassing!
My favorite distance is 10k. While the 5k is thrilling, I feel like it cuts me off just when I’m just get into the “groove” (it takes me a couple of miles to get into the rhythm). I had fun completing a half recently, but I decided afterwards that spending any more than an hour doing any cardio puts me on the fast lane towards burnout. With the 10k, I typically run 5 miles a day 3 times a week, so I don’t need to train for an impromptu 10k with the exception of some speed training here and there. Plus, I’m done in an hour or less! I can walk away feeling like I got a GREAT workout but not be too stressed out at any time I used up that could have been allocated towards the other important things I gotta do in life. It fits nice and neat into my little life.
As for the Couch to 5k – LOVE the program! It is my go-to program every time I get back into running. I’ve tried other running programs, but always conclude that C25k is THE best to train mentally and physically.
I want to know where you got your hat from, I love it!
And congrats on the race :)