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.
Congratulations on a new RP!!! Very impressive!
I have run a few 5K’s, but my favorite race distance is an 8-10K, although half marathons are super fun too. I love races…they always keep me motivated throughout the year!
It’s so funny to see my city in your pictures – you probably ran right by my house! :D
Congrats on your PR!
Congratulations!!!! I think it’s great that you’re out doing what you love. Loved the pics of Sketchie today – how cute!
What a great time Angela! Congrats!
Wow! Great job! I’m doing my first ever 5 mile race on Sunday. I usually go for longer races (10k and half marathon). A half in my favorite so far! I also just signed up for my first full marathon. I’ll let you know how I feel about long distances after that!
Congrats! I just have to say, Sketchie is one of the prettiest cats I’ve seen. What beautiful markings and eyes! :)
Congratz to you! I really like your choices for both breakfast and after the run. Healthy choices provide needed nutrients and electrolyts for the longevity that is so desperatly needed in lengthy workouts.
I’d like to try a 5K or maybe even a 10K as I think it’s totally doable. Given that I live in SK however, there’s not too much going on at this time of year. I used to think that I wanted to run a marathon or even a half marathon, but now I’m thinking that’s too much time to dedicate to training and thus 5 or 10K is more in line with my time committment. I’ll have to look around and find a race to sign up for. Thanks for the inspiration!
Congrats, on another race!! I love your pink jacket. Question, is that a brown rice tortilla? If so, how do you make it soft? I find that they are so dry that I cannot roll them up?!?!
I love Vega and could not train without it. Congrats again :)
Hi Angela! You always look so cute on race days, how on earth do you do it?? Would you mind sharing some tips/favorites for cold weather running? I think maybe you’ve done it in the past, I’ll keep looking! Thanks!
I love your blog…you are inspirational! Do you still not use a scale? (You look so tiny!) I am addicted to my scale but want to stop. Please tell me!
Go Speed Racer go!! Congrats:) Such a good feeling!!
That’s really funny, because my PR right now is 23:08 and I’m 29. I haven’t been able to break 23 min… I’d better start doing some of your speed workouts! Maybe I can drop 30 seconds off my PR too :) Congrats on a great race! Also, I ate my last grapefruit yesterday and just seeing that picture made me so jealous of you… must.go.get.more.grapefruit.
Angela!!!! 4th place?! That’s insane! You’re sooo fast, seriously. I don’t think I could ever be that fast. I ran my first 5k in 28:47 and I almost cried crossing the finish line I was so exhausted. You go girl!!!
Good job on the race! That protein powder is my current favourite – so yummy!
My normal runs are 6 miles, which I consider pretty easy. Right now I am loving half marathon runs. My current training is for two marathons, one in June (Ann Arbor) and then in October (Detroit). Yesterday I completely my longest distance so far – 18 miles!! I have a set training plan where I run 3 days a week and cross train the other 4 days. Congrats to you on such a great run!
Great post, Angela! Running a 5k sounds like so much fun, but I’ve never done one myself. I enjoy running (especially shorter distances… don’t think I’d be up for a half marathon) but just recently I went out for a 3.5 mi. run and came back limping. My right knee was just a little sore, so I figured I’d torqued it slightly on the terrain, but even now it aches a little when I try to jog. Afraid I might be out of commission longer than I thought to let this recover… such a bummer when I feel so good being active!
So impressed with your race time! The first race I ever ran was a 5K and sprinting to finish at a 10:00 minute mile average was intense. I haven’t tried a 5K since I was 15 so I would be curious to see how differently I would perfom now that I have several years of running under my belt and a completely renewed perspective on training.
Great job! Congrats!!!
Not sure if I could run in the cold! You make the 5K sound like something I could do — although I doubt I could do it in a decent time. I downloaded the Couchto5K program this weekend and I’m supposed to do my first session tonight. Fingers crossed!
Ang = fast like a cobra!
Way to go! :)
I WAS starting the 9 week couch to 5k training this past sunday, but have an awful cold. I will have to cut off a week and start this sunday. I am super excited to run my first 5k ever!!!!
Wow! I’m from Southern Ontario too.. and you’re brave to run a race right now! Congrats!
Congrats!! I always feel inspired after reading your blog. BTW Sketchie is so cool, I think he should have his own blog ;)
You are FAST girlfriend! Congrats! you must be thrilled! I LOVE the entire Vega Sport line… The protein bars taste ridiculously indulgent and I jokingly call the Pre-Workout Energizer running crack because I SWEAR I can feel a huge burst of energy flowing through my legs after I take it. Amazing stuff ;)
My favorite distance is 13.1 miles. I love half marathons because while I am not super speedy I have a ton of endurance. I can just go on and on and on. A speedier 5k is one of my goals though.. I would love to finish a 25:00 5k… right now I am hovering just around 27:00. I am really looking forward to following your running Angela!!
Lesson learned: pee before you leave home! :P
Your race time is so motivational to me – 4.32/km is like sprinting for me! I definitely need to work on my speed. :)
Hi and congratulations on the awesome run! I am in week 6 of the C25K and am loving it. At first I tought it was a slow start and then I thought the time runs increased by too much, but now I just figure they know what they are doing and I find it to be just challenging enough.
I have a couple of 5Ks planned for the end of March and am really looking forward to them.
I did the Runners Den running program before I had my second daughter and I used to run before both girls. Starting the couch to 5K next week – going to make myself an exercise calendar and switch between running and my new spinning bike (!!!). I am going to sign up for the Ancaster Old Mill 5K in June – and see if there is anything in May. I think there might be something in Burlington??
Great time!! Wow!!
Where do you get those great glass straws – please share! :)
Thanks for always inspiring me. You have no idea.
Good morning,,,you really are a speedy gonzales!! Wow,,,congrats it looked like it would have been very invigorating. I only started running over a year ago,,,I’m 46 and wish I would have started yrs ago(I love it). My best time so far is 26 min. for a 5K, but usually do a 10K…and have been trying to incorporate one or two speed runs. I have always done yoga and weights but really enjoying the running and the hot showers and yummy food after never seems as good as then. Love the kitty photos too,,,hope your day is a great one.
Congrats on an awesome 5k race! That is an awesome race time!
Way to go! You are a little speed demon… that is AMAZING time. I am happy when I clock a 9:50/min mile-LOL. I’ve never run a 5k but you have me thinking twice about that. I have my 3rd half marathon this Saturday. Keep up the running, it keeps us sane. :-)
Congrats! And what a great time! I just did my second 5k on Sunday, so much fun, need to do more speed work like you to shave off a few more minutes lol. I have never run a 10k or a half, I plan to one day, but I’m having so much fun with 5k’s right now, like you said, much less prep and stress.
Good luck on your next race :)
I ran my first 5k in December and am signed up for my second in April! I am still not in great shape, but I felt so accomplished, especially after tackling all the crazy hills. The next one is flat, so I expect my time to be much better.
C25K is how I started running! I’m now using the same site to train for my first half marathon :-) I highly recommend it. You have to stick with it and not try to push ahead. It’s paced very well. Since we are on the topic of running, what is your favorite brand of sports bra? Now that I’m doing longer distances I find that nipple chafing is becoming a real problem :-\
I love that you did this race. I tried running last year with no luck. Iam back running started this week and just did my first outdoor run (in the beautiful GTA weather!).
I am planning on a 5 km Run this year, or more than one!
PS. Wendel (my pug) was as impressed as Sketchie. lol
Keep me inspired!
Goodluck Trish! :)
Congratulations on an excellent race, Angie! You are so fast – I hope I’ll be able to run a 22-minute 5K one day!
That is a great 5k time, congrats!
I’ve just started running (6 months) and have run 2 5ks. First 10k in 3 weeks, and a 15k in July. I need to work on recovery food and prep food, what do you suggest?
AMAZING job, Angela! That is a seriously awesome time. :-) I love 5Ks too. It’s the perfect distance for me because i’m not a huge fan of longer runs. I can’t lie, I LOL’d when I got to the part about you mistaking the finish line. Aww! You still rocked it, though! Also, Vega chocolate protein performance is my FAVORITE protein powder ever. I love the mild chocolate flavor. Are you a fan?
Congrats on the great time! Great place!
I got through about 8 weeks of C25K about a year back and was doing well. I really liked the progression – just enough of a challenge each week and not too intimating. Then I hurt my knee and hip. Chiropractor said I had to stop and switch to elliptical sessions. :(
I’ve since lost some weight and tried restarting C25K. I am in week 2 and it’s going soo much smoother. I forgot how good it feels to run. I would like to do a 5K in the near future. But have’t been brave enough to sign up for a race yet and really commit.
But you make it seem so easy, and FUN!
you’re really inspiring! I am not much of a runner, but I really want to get into it and do races. It looks like a lot of fun and something to feel accomplished about. How did you get the motivation to be a runner?
Hey Megan! You might be interested in reading about how I got started: http://ohsheglows.com/2009/08/20/my-running-journey-from-1-minute-to-10-miles/
I really want to get in to running, but need to build up slowly. My can easily run 5, 8, 10k but I struggle to keep up. I think I focus a lot of my energy on strength work instead of cardio. I’m hoping to add in more treadmill work soon though! P.S. nice stats on the protein powder…definitely looks like it would help with recovery
I love 5Ks! Running a ST. Petty’s Day race next weekend. They’re so quick and fun. I guess I need to do some speedwork now!
I came across your website through a google search, and noticed we both ran the frosty this year as I was scrolling down I noticed I was in one of your pictures lol. I mean what are the odds, that is to funny. Your time was awesome :) maybe I’ll see you there in 2013.
ahhh that is too funny! Now Im curious which runner you are in the photos! heh. Glad you found the blog. :)
How cool! I am way too lazy for any type of running stuffs, but that’s great you are into it
Awesome pics of your cat by the way, he looks terrific:D
WOOHOO!! kudos to you on your 5K…i have actually only done two, one in March of 2014 and one in May of 2014 which i won first place in my division..it was called the Athena division (women 50 and over and 160lbs and up) i figured i could win this because women my weight would usually be bigger than i am..anywho i ran it in 28 something, my goal is to stay under 30 so i’m ok with that time, and it was better than the first one i ran, that was 29 something. I did C25K for the first race because i had’nt ran constanly for a while, and i just finished another bout of C25K with my sister. I’m hoping to get back to the 5K like the one i won in, however this time i may be a bit under 160lbs so i probably won’t win anything in that race. I actuallly have a desire to be an avid runner but don’t really like running if that makes sense. I am an Army vet and loved running while in the Army though. Cheers and happy running!!