Rec.Running Race Report: Run Through Redlands 5K,
California. May 2, 2004.
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Somewhere between mile 0 and mile 1, it felt like I had
been wandering around in a desert without water for two
days. My throat was dry beyond Dry. I couldn't even
generate saliva. Now I have a new experience to boast
about. I thought the only time you couldn't generate saliva
was when you are dead.
Thinking back to mile 0, I had started a little behind the
start pack. 0 to timing mat in 9 seconds, using the solar
energy of the sun beating down right into our eyes. A bit
slow, much like a hybrid car.
Then instead of taking advantage of the carpool lane like
a hybrid car can, I was forced to weave myself like a big
SUV on the freeways of L.A. From my high pedestal, I could
see dozens of tiny kids bolting out like souped-up
Japanese cars. However, unlike a real one, within about
200 meters, quite a few of them either started slowing
down or came to a complete stop. I should learn how to
honk using my vocal chords.
But my throat was on my mind. Or was it on my nerves? With
the throat nagging me, I kept looking for the water stop
which I figured would be around the midway mark. Never saw
the mile 1 marker. But the water stop, when it finally
appeared, was better than the sight of a cheap gas station
in California. Like a gas guzzler, I gulped down some and
splashed some into my face.
Within a few minutes, mile 2 marker popped up. My Timex
showed 13:47. Enlightenment dawned upon me and I relegated
my desire of a sub-20 finish to my on-board to-do-list.
Transported my physical system through the next mile and
turned a curve onto the finish stretch where I sprinted
like crazy. That felt good. Just like a souped-up car
without brakes.
Last 1.1 mile took 6:35, which is a 6:00 pace. Overall time
- 20:19 chip, 20:28 gun. Finished 28/1000+ and 2nd in my AG.
Overall winner was 16:16.
The left side of my brain was disappointed and the right
side was happy. Disappointed that I couldn't break 20. Happy
about that last 1.1 mile and that I have a new PR.
I think that missed mile 1 marker played a role. I wasn't
able to pace myself well. Also, the fact that I don't race
much didn't help. This was my first race in about 6 months
and only the second one in 18 months. I think I'm going to
race another 5K in the next two months while this one is
still fresh in my memory.
Another thing that I think I should do is more tempo runs of
a longer distance. Most of my tempos are around 2 miles.
The weather was definitely hot. I heard at least a couple of
people complaining that they should've had more water stops.
By the time we left, it was somewhere around 95+ F.
Food - water, orange, and orange juice were free. Some food
on sale - burritos and popcorn. A bit of a disappointment.
But, they had free massage at the finish area. I feel like I
just had a tire change.
Overall, I guess, if I have a chance, I'd probably go back
and run it next year.
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