5K Owned

This past Saturday five family members, including myself, took part in a 5K race in Gorham, ME. The family members were my cousins Derek and Trevor, my sister, and my wife. This is a smaller race that only drew 56 runners total. Because of that I felt Trevor had a good shot at possibly winning the race. Besides Trevor having a great shot, the rest of us had a chance to do well in our age categories.

The conditions were good. No wind, a bit on the warmer side, and mildly humid. It could've been worse, it could've been better, but no complaints here. I did a better job of controlling myself on the start. The first 5K I ran I went out way too fast and battled through lactic acid pain the rest of the race. This race I was better prepared and paced myself at the start. Trevor got out in front early and I lost sight of him before the first mile marker. My goal was to hit the first mile in about 6:50. I was ahead of that pace by 14 seconds and I felt surprisingly good. My fear at that point was if I was going to be able to maintain that pace for the remainder of the race. I just kept telling myself to stay loose and just go by feel. I was somewhat winded, but I was not in any pain. My lower legs felt a little tired, but nothing I couldn't continue to run through.

Shortly after the mile marker I passed two people that shot out at the start. At the water station I just grabbed a cup and threw it all over myself to cool off. That felt great. I then settled in behind an older guy that seemed to be keeping a good pace. Right before the two mile marker there was a short hill and he faded badly on that hill and that was where I was able to pass him. I passed the two mile marker at 13:40 something which put me at about a 7:00 minute mile for the second mile. Way up ahead was a younger kid, part of the Massabesic X-Country team. I didn't think I'd be able to catch him, but on the next to last turn, I found myself gaining ground. I didn't want to kick too early so I held back as long as I could. At the last turn before the finish I was right behind him. Shortly after the turn I made my kick and pulled ahead by about 10 - 15 yards and was able to hold him off through the finish. I was definitely winded when I finished but as I look back I feel maybe I could've pushed myself a little more. My cousin was ready to punt after the race. Maybe that's pushing a little too much but I feel maybe I should've been hurtin a little more than I was. I will keep that in mind for my next race.

To sum it up we all ran well. Derek PR'd by almost a full minute. I PR'd by 11 seconds, my sister PR'd and my wife hit her goal of finishing the race without stopping. Trevor PR'd and finished third overall with a time of 18:44. Trevor also won 1st for his age group while his brother Derek took home 2nd in the same age group. I won my age group and my sister finished 2nd in her age group. All in all it was a successful run on many fronts. The lack of participation played a role in all of these accolades, but nonetheless it was fun and a great feeling to be recognized.

Ladies and gentlemen, you're 3rd place finisher:



A look at the final results: