Thursday, December 26, 2013

Reindeer Run 5k Recap

This race was Saturday December 21,2013.

Although this race was called the Reindeer Run, for my own purposes I am renaming it the RAINdeer run. What would you expect for upstate NY race in December, 1600+ "reindeer" dashing through the snow. Nah, mother nature said that would be too cliche. So instead, we dashed through cold rain.

I decided earlier in the week I would run from my house to the start of the race for a warm-up (less than 2 miles). When I left the house it was 50 degrees and raining[am I seriously in Rochester, NY in December??] no biggie, threw on my Pallidium Jacket to keep dry and went on my way. 

By the time the race started the temps had dropped at least 15 degrees. I really had no time goals going into this, I wanted to end the year on a good note and whatever time I ran really didn't matter. It was super fun seeing all the families there, and people wearing toy costumes and/or reindeer antlers. 

I took off at the start then  I was like umm, why am I so close to the amazing Iron-woman Jennie right now? (because I started too fast, that's why). I backed off a little and took the first 2 turns cautiously (ice/slush/puddles on corner) and tried to settle in. It was awesome seeing people out there cheering, saw a few people I know which is definitely good to put a smile on my face. 
Hit the first mile in 6:09. Normally I would be happy to see this but I knew that 2 weeks off of marathon # 3 for the year, I wasn't going to be able to hold it. Trucked along on the inner loop (they actually close down a freeway for this race) just trying to save a little punch for the end. 
Second mile was 6:30. Ha. This is typical for me though, my 5k MO is 1st mile fastest, 2nd mile slowest and 3rd mile 2nd fastest. It was raining pretty good at this point and I was getting cold, my legs felt non-existent.

Third mile was 6:13, at this point I just wanted to get to the finish. I was soaked and cold and decided that it was time to push. This very well could be my last race mile of the year- I took all the mental battles I fought this week and put it to use. 

Final time was 19:31, good enough for 3rd female and 1st female reindeer!

[Luckily the owner of FF Ellen saw me struggling to keep my antlers on (I ran most of the race with them in my hand because they kept falling off) but she knew I tried so I still took the female reindeer award)]

After the race caught up with Laura for a little while (hadn't seen her since our run before Wineglass...too long!) and then waited for awards. 


Best. trophy. ever.

 Goofing off at home afterwards, I think I was still cold.


And my award for first female reindeer-- a Nathan Backpack and small handheld water bottle! Thanks Fleet Feet and Nathan! 

Thoughts: Although it wasn't a PR (wasn't expecting one) it was still one of my better 5k times. Anytime I can run a 5k under 20 without killing myself is A-OK with me. I really want to work on my speed this coming year. I know I said my goals for 2014 the other day and my running one is a half PR, but I also want to work on some shorter ones as well I think they will go hand in hand. 


9 comments:

  1. Congrats on first reindeer! That is one heck of an accomplishment ;) It baffles me that this isn't your PR- stop being so fast! Actually don't, that's bad advice. Seriously though, congrats on such a strong race. Only good things are coming for you in 2014!

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  2. Sounds like a wet race but a fun one.. Congrats on the trophy and prizes!!!

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  3. I am loving that race top! So cute! That honestly sounds like a cold and miserable race but way to get through it and win a sweet award.

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  4. Awesome time, especially for such horrible conditions! What I would give to be as speedy as you :) Looks like a fun race!

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  5. That trophy is so awesome! Congrats on the 3rd OA.

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  6. Im so jealous of your Trophy! It's awesome. I'm glad we got to catch up for a bit, hopefully we can run together more when it starts warming up. Congrats on 3rd and a great time!!

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  7. Congrats and what an awesome trophy!

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  8. That is an awesome time, especially just coming off the marathon!! Nice work, lady!!

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  9. 50s in December! I thought you were crazy for wearing shorts and a tank for a sec until I saw the temps. Awesome trophy too!

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