Pittsford Turkey Classic 5 Mile Recap

This past Sunday, I ran the Southeast YMCA Pittsford Turkey Classic 5 Mile (yeah, long enough name). I have ran this race for the last 4 years now and have really grown attached to it. Its small town, family feel with a good course and great amenities. By great amenities I mean they have AWESOME food after, homemade hot soups, pizza, and all your normal post race foods (fruit, bagels etc). Don't judge me, come on- post race food is important! Another perk of this race is that is starts and finishes at the YMCA (a really nice one too) which has locker rooms to store stuff and warm place to change and relax afterwards. Okay, the actual race itself is great too- there aren't many 5 mile races around here so I like to jump at them when I can.

In 2010 I ran this race in 35:10 (7:02 pace)[Placed 1st AG, 6th Female], I remember feeling so happy that I ran this time for my first 5 mile race.

In 2011 I ran this race in 34:30 (6:54 pace)[Placed 1st AG, 3rd Female] Exactly 7 days after running the Harrisburg Marathon (the one I ran 8 weeks after Rochester).

In 2012 I ran this race in 34:26 (6:53 pace)[Placed 1st AG, 4th Female] Exactly 7 days after Marshall University Marathon where I earned my first BQ (and 16 minute PR).

This year I ran this race in 33:10(6:38 pace)[Placed 1st AG, 2nd Female] Exactly 2 weeks before CIM. Apparently you can go a little faster when you don't run it a week after a marathon, novel idea.

Okay, a little more about it this year.

10 things that will sum it all up for you....

1. It was 17° and about 10-14 mph winds with snow/ice covered roads

2. I slipped and fell while warming up, in front of a large group of people. It was kind of like this, only not as cute.

3. I contemplated not running the race because I was afraid of getting hurt after that, CIM 2 weeks away-- last thing I needed was injury from being a clutz.

4. I started about 5th female and made my way to second by mile 2 and that is what I finished in. (1st place was pretty good amount of time ahead)

5. First mile was my fastest, miles 2/3 were slowest last mile was 2nd fastest.

6. I slowed down a ton around 2.5 because we were in residential neighborhood that the road wasn't cleared. I felt myself slipping every step so I pretty much played the balancing act waving my arms around praying not to fall(again).

7. Race outfit/Gear: Saucony Omni Tights, Gap Long sleeve base layer, Saucony Neon Pink long sleeve, Saucony Curve Crusader Sports Bra, Saucony Kinvara socks, Saucony Kinvara 4 GTX, Cheapo Knit gloves, Cheapo headband, Garmin 405 (somehow this thing is still kicking).

8. This was 12 seconds away from my PR- Can't wait to demolish that in the spring. I ran this at the same pace I did that hilly 10k in September, so obviously I have more in me for a 5 mile race that didn't come out this time. 

9. I felt strong for this, considering I went in with no time goal I was pleased. I think I have taken the last few weeks of training smart and hopefully that pays off for CIM. 

10. I ate my weight in homemade chicken noodle soup and pizza afterwards while waiting for my award (which was a $25 gift card to local running store!). 

Only picture you get. Because well... I don't have any others. 

Next year I am either going to win this thing or take 7th, because I have locked down places 2-6 already since running this last 4 years. 

Do you like the 5 mile race distance?

I love it and wish there were more of them ( I have only ever run 5 of them- 2 different races, this one 4 times)

Anyone have any slipping/falling stories for me?