Green Turtle 5K Race Recap

Sunday was the Green Turtle 5K in West Ocean City.  I didn't hear about the race until a week before so it was kind of a last minute thing for us.  But I was joined by Colleen, Keith and Barry.  Chris and his daughter Jordan also ran in the race.  It was a nice morning, although the humidity was pretty high. 

I was curious to see how I would do.  I do not consider myself in "race shape" right now.  I am feeling good about my workouts at the gym but my runs have been less than stellar recently.  So I didn't go into the race with any high expectations.  I planned to just see how it went.

Here is a picture from the start of the race.  Barry is in the dark blue shirt on the far side of the photo and I'm in the white shirt.  It's hard to recognize me in this picture because my ponytail actually looks normal here!  It was about the only time that Barry and I ran anywhere close to each other.  He took off!

I felt really good at the start and ran the first mile just under an 8 minute pace.  During the 2nd mile I was slowing up a little bit.  The race was an out and back so during the 2nd mile I started to see the leaders coming back towards me.  Chris was in third place and looked really good.  I cheered for him.  There were 3 firefighters running right near me (the race was a benefit for the fire fighters) and they started talking about how Chris runs the Ironman races and how impressive he is "for an old guy".  I laughed and said "hey, he's my age!"  (even though he's a few years older) So of course chatting in the middle of the race doesn't exactly make for a great time.  I have got to learn my lesson...I'm way to social!

Barry passed me looking really strong.  I got to the turnaround and headed back looking for Colleen.  She wasn't far behind me but she didn't hear me cheering for her.  She had her headphones in and was more focused on getting the water at the water stop. 

Once I hit the 2 mile marker, I got more focused on the race again.  There was a lady about my age running right in front of me.  I noticed that she had been slowing her pace gradually for awhile.  So as I passed her, I said some words of encouragement.  I don't remember exactly but it was something to the effect of "you can do it...keep on going".  I don't know my pace for the 2nd mile, but for the 3rd mile I was trying to stay under 8:30.  I really hoped that the lady would stay with me and give me some challenge...unfortunately she didn't. 

As I came out of the neighborhood and realized that there was only about a quarter of a mile left, I picked up the pace.  The finish was in the Green Turtle parking lot.  As we entered the parking lot, I heard footsteps behind me and realized that I was about to get passed...so I sprinted with everything I had.  I did end up beating these girls but they gave me a good run for my money!  Note the bouncing ponytail!  hehe.

My time was 26:46 according to the chip time.  Not my best, but definitely a really good time for not being in "race shape".  I was pleased.  I ended up being 3rd in my age group!  Unfortunately they only gave out awards for the top 2 in an age group.  Oh well...at least I can say I was 3rd in my age group!

Here is Barry's finishing sprint.  He apparently thought the finish line was a lot closer so he literally sprinted full out for the last quarter mile.  He had a good time of 22:24.  I think this picture is hilarious.  Check out the guy in the yellow...he's like "where'd this guy come from?"

Colleen struggled with the humidity but still finished well.  In this picture she's flying...not even touching the ground!  Look at the determination on her face!  That's Chris' daughter Jordan right in front of Colleen. 

Keith completed his first ever 5K.  He entered as a walker, although he ran for the first quarter mile.  Unfortunately the rest of the race he walked in severe pain, as he was suffering with shin splints.  He was not a happy camper when I saw him after I made the turnaround.  Colleen, Barry and I decided to head back out on the course and walk with him to the finish.  I'm so proud of him and I REALLY hope that he doesn't stick to his threat of "never doing this again".  All I can say is YAY KEITH!

It was a great showing for our running group.  We decided to celebrate our accomplishments by going to breakfast at The Angler where Lisa is a manager.  I love races!!!  I can't wait until the next one...