Those Damn 5K's

Hey look, I'm running!This morning I ran the PTI 5K on the Runway with the goal of running under a 22-minute 5K. I remained haunted by my last 5K in which I came in just a few seconds over 22 minutes, a scenario that could have been avoided if I hadn't walked for 10 seconds with less than a half-mile to go. 

Physically, I was pretty sure I could nail under a 22-minute race. Mentally, I don't do well in these short races. I get to a point where I'm uncomfortable and I just... quit.. It infuriates me even as I'm doing it. "Keep running!" I tell myself. "Slow down if you need to, just don't quit."

So once again, there's good news/bad news. The good news is I exceeded my goal. Best case, I was hoping I could run a 21:45. I ran a 21:37, which is just under a seven-minute/mile pace. I came in second in my age group and was the seventh female finisher overall. 

All of which would make me quite proud, IF I HADN'T WALKED 3 TIMES DURING THE RACE. 

That's right, you heard me. Not once, not twice, but three times! Loser. I stopped for water then two times in the last mile I stopped for about 5 seconds each time and caught my breath. 

Did I need to? Not really.  I just knew it would feel better to stop, so I did. Somehow, some way, I need to figure out how to push past the pain and keep going. I'm not sure how to do that other than to (gulp) keep running 5K's.

On the bright side, with every race I run, I break down a new mental barrier. A year ago or less I would have scoffed at the thought of running under a 22-minute 5K. Now I think I'm capable of running close to a 21-minute race.

If I can get the mind-thing under control. 

You know what this means. More 5K's.  ACK!!

Cheers,

Dena