Tuesday, August 13, 2013

Bergen Road Race Recap

A brief background on my history with this race- I signed up for it in 2011 not knowing what I was getting myself into. I had found it as a small town 5k and figured might be a good race, seeing as people love to talk about it. I was shocked to get to the start line that year, "Why do all these people have their names printed on their bibs?". I had no idea it was not only a small town race to benefit charities, but the 5k championships for USATF Niagara. I ran 19:16 that year only weeks after breaking 20, I was enthralled by the caliber of athletes I was surrounded by, I couldn't help but be inspired. 

I came back to the race last year after recovering from a broken foot, I knew I wasn't going to PR but I also knew that this race was what I needed. I needed to be around all those amazing athletes, I needed to push myself and this is the best 5k in the area to do that. For the first time since the accident (foot), I went under 20 again.

I'm at the point where it isn't even a question if I am going to do this race. It's a $15 buy in if you register early, you get the perks of small town race, but the competition and adrenaline as if it were so much more. This has to be one of the only small town races that a third of the field runs sub 20. Even if you aren't at that level, people love doing this race because you can't come to this race and be surrounded by those athletes, and not walk away motivated or inspired. Put it this way, you don't see many (if any) fuel belts at this 5k. Take a peek at their "All-time list", insane for a random small-town race. 

Okay done with memory lane- on to this year.

There was obviously a big lead up to this race for me,
 after I opened myself up in that post last week.

I got to the race pretty early, I did't want to feel rushed getting ready and warming up. As I was about to go warm-up, I ran into Joe which was nice because we did our warm-up run together. We chatted, and talked about how anything can happen- but  was going to do what I could to get that PR. I changed my shoes into my flats and made my way to the start. Even though this is my 3rd year doing this race, I still get goosebumps at this start line(one of the VERY few races that does that to me).

I managed to tie my Garmin on with a hair tie (MacGyver has nothing on me!), and prayed it would hold charge long enough for the race. [I've been putting off getting a new one, can't decide what I want]. I needed it though, because I wanted to know my splits to be able to pace myself. It's hard not to go too fast this first mile, because everyone just takes off like a bat out of hell. I did pretty well holding myself back, and brought in the first mile at a 6:10. I was feeling really good and just told myself to hold that pace, that's what I needed to PR. 


About a mile and a half in I saw my friend and her daughter cheering and I smiled and ran towards them giving high-fives. This was a good boost at the mid point to keep me smiling. After that my legs kind of started to tell me they were tired, and I fought back and said NO. I ran my second mile in 6:05, take that you silly legs

My 3rd mile was my slowest, but it didn't matter...I pushed through (not as strong of a final kick as normal) and was able to see the clock turn to 19:00...I knew at that point it wasn't going to take me 16 second to cross the line...

I crossed in 19:09, a 7 second PR :) I worked hard for it and got what I wanted but I definitely still have the drive inside for more (cue the Rolling Stones "I can't get no...satisfaction"). Don't get me wrong I am REALLY happy with my fast time and shiny new PR, but it's in my nature to always push for more and this is no exception.

Thoughts
I had a solid race, consistent paces and I ran smart.

I didn't have as much of a push as I'd like- 
this is due to the fact that I haven't been speed training, and I plan on changing this.

I have sub-19 in me for sure, no doubts about it....
When? I don't know (marathon training is priority right now)

Thank goodness, FINALLY a new PR. Definitely celebrated this long overdue victory.

The gear for the day (Saucony) Spark bra, Hydralite tank top, shorts, Kinvara socks, Kinvara 4s (warm up/cool down), and Type A5 racing flats.

Is there a local race that you HAVE to do?

Are you good about cooling down after races?
I actually did on this day, but I can be bad about not doing it a lot of times.

37 comments:

  1. Way to go Laura, great job!!

    Does parking your ass on the ground, panting like a dog and chugging water/sports drink count as cooling down? If so, then yes, I am great at the cool down after a race :)

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    1. Thanks Mike! Parking my ass on the ground is my usual cool-down to be honest. I am better about cooling down if I have someone with me to run with.

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  2. Awesome job on the PR and I cant even imagine running a 5k in 19 minutes!! Crazy fast!!!

    My go to always do 5k is Freezin for a Reason it was in January last year and in Feb for 2014. Holds a special place for me and it was fun. This year I am in on all the planning and our theme is Hawaiian and well if I can get in good shape I will run whole thing in grass skirt and coconut bra. Less than 6 months to go and cant get the motivation or time to do such.

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    1. Thanks Shelley!!

      You have plenty of time, I soooo want to see you do that!! You've got it!

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    2. Thanks.. But have a LONG way to go. Last year I walked it in a princess outfit with tiara and tutu.

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  3. So proud of this PR and such a solid effort. I had no idea this race was so important to you but it's really nice to read. The problem with 5k PR's is that distance runners want to go long in the better months of Spring and Fall. No one wants to train for a 5k and this leads to hoping a 5k PR comes in the summer. I know you have a sub 19 in the future and I def hope it comes with a fall race.

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  4. Congratulations on your PR :). I do agree that a fast field helps. I did one race that was in a small town, super small and I won. It was like... I knew there wasn't anyone behind me who could catch me, so almost like I could slow down, I was allowed to. But when you have fast people, you tend to run faster.

    You can definitely go sub-19... just wait until Fall because the heat slows us all down a little bit!

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    1. Thanks Amy, faster field definitely makes a difference!

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  5. Congrats on your PR! Always feels awesome to work hard and see the results!

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  6. Congrats girly on your PR!!!! You deserve it for sure! : )

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  7. Wow! Congrats. Your drive is awe-inspiring. And that race - phew! I'd learn that little tidbit and be sure to get there early for best spectating position ;)

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    1. Thanks! You're pretty darn inspiring yourself with all your mommying and training!

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  8. Amazing time! Congrats!!

    I am doing the Brooklyn 10 Miler this weekend because it's a local race I "have" to do. I wasn't going to sign up and then I was like... wait, how can I not?

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    1. Thanks!!!

      Yeah there are definitely races I'm like welll maybe I wont...and then of course I do it! Good luck!!!

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  9. Awesome PR!! Congrats!

    You inspire me to push myself!!

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    1. Thanks Nat!!! You inspire me to do more core work and Yoga, because apparently YOU doing yoga doesn't make ME any stronger. Weird.

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  10. Congrats on the PR! You've had such a great season this summer! You'll get your sub-19 for sure. And I love the blog makeover! Your picture up top is so pretty!!

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  11. Thats amazing!! Great pace, congrats on the PR!

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  12. Way to go Miss Speedy! Love that you are always striving for more. There are two local races that I MUST do every year. One is coming up in November. It was my first 1/2 marathon - the one that got me hooked on running/racing.

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    1. Thanks Angela! I love running the half that was my first, definitely awesome to look back and see how far we have come with the races that first got us started!

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  13. Yay, congratulations! 5K PRs are more gratifying that marathon PRs sometimes!

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    1. Thanks Kristy! 5k PR's are harder (in my opinion) to tackle than marathon ones just because every second makes a difference!

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  14. Woo hoo!! So happy for you, girl! I know how much you wanted this and how hard you worked for it! Plus you look GREAT in those pics! I love the running shoes.

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  15. Congrats! Very exciting that you worked so hard and landed a PR at a race that is really important to you. Is is even more meaningful now! I love that you strive for more but can balance your priorities! great job!

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  16. Woah- so inspiring!! You definitely have that sub-19 in you. I just signed up for a Labor Day 5k and I'm feeling far from 5k shape, but we'll see... huge congrats!! Oh, and I love the new header!

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  17. Holy smokes! You are on fiiiirrrrre!

    I'm doing a 5k colour run :)

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  18. Congrats on your PR, Laura! You know how it goes, once you hit a time, you are destined to go faster. 18's no doubt! So happy for you!

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  19. Woohoo Laura!!! Congrats girl! I KNEW you would PR!!! And I know the 18's are in your future for sure!

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  20. Great job on your PR!! You train so hard and are deserving of it. BTW...LOVE the new blog header! :) Gorgeous picture of you

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  21. WHOOP! new PR. that's awesome Laura!

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