Today was the local Turkey Trot 5k and I was able to take part this year :) This was by far the biggest race I've taken part in this year and every time I do a large race I have some mixed emotions, but more on that later. I was able to get there with plenty of time to settle in and finally got to meet fellow SWEET workout ambassador, Aimee. She is an amazing runner! We got to chat about running, and the local marathon (and half). I'm super excited for her because she has qualified and will be running the Boston marathon next year! How awesome is that?!?
I made my way to the start line and began to realize just how BIG this race was. True to form I lined up further back than I probably should have, but I was going to do this as a fun run. Well.....when the gun went off the plan changed, lol.
Now, I'm not gonna lie, this is where the mixed emotions come in. I love being at races, I love seeing families being active together, I love the energy of the crowd, but the crowding makes me feel a bit claustrophobic and I feel this need to find some space. I know this is partly my own doing by lining up too far back. I tried my best to just relax, find openings where I could, and run the best race I could today. The course was great, had a few hills (which I love) and was well marked and manned. The only thing I would say was a negative was I didn't see mile markers or see anyone calling splits. Not a big thing, but I would have liked to have seen it.
Without mile markers I just ran based on my RPE and to my surprise, my time was better than I had expected it to be. No PR, but a solid effort and I'm happy!
So, the soul searching part... I have been thinking about if I should train to race the 5k distance or move on to longer distances. My decision? Longer distances. I'll still run the 5ks, they're fun and a good test to see just how fast I can go. But for whatever reason, I feel let down if I don't place...which is silly. I don't tend to feel that way with the longer distances. Maybe because I see them as a race against the clock and myself. That nagging feeling when I don't place at a 5k takes the fun factor down a notch, and the fun is one of the biggest reasons I run and race.
When I started racing, or should I say entering races, it was to celebrate the fact that I could cover the distance. There was a childlike giddiness that came with just being part of a crowd that was running. I felt like a kid that was running over grassy hills chasing butterflies. My heart was light and happy and I was proud because my effort was my best. Placing wasn't even a thought.
I don't know when the "I've gotta place if it's a short race" mindset kicked in. I have absolutely no issue with those who run to place in a race. A race can be many things to many people. For me, however, I want the challenge and the joy of movement to be what I come away with every time. Not disappointment of not winning an award. So that said I think my focus is going to be more on the 10k - half marathon distance this coming year. I just feel that's what I need.
So with that I'm giving thought to my upcoming race season as well as other fitness goals for 2016. Wow, I can't believe I just said that! lol! I do have one more race on the calendar for the year, but it is truly a fun run for me. I have no desire to rush this last run, and when I post about it you'll see why ;)
Oh, and finally, I did reach the big 3-6-5 this past Tuesday! It's quite a feeling to look back at the past year and think of the many runs I was able to do. Everything from one mile to 13.1, blazing heat, bitter cold, morning runs, evening runs, indoor, outdoor. Fitting them in between family, a full time work schedule, and other obligations. Enjoying the leisurely long runs on my days off. Discovering virtual racing, running local races. It's been an amazing year, and I can't wait to see what the next one brings! Today was runstresk day 367 and I'm looking forward to seeing just how long this Runstreak can go!
With that I'm off to enjoy the rest of my Thanksgiving. Until next time live happy and run lots!<3
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