Saturday, November 28, 2009

Race Report - Anoka Jingle Bell 5K

I finished out my 2009 racing year this morning with the Anoka Jingle Bell 5K. I've done this race a couple of times before and really like it. It's at my old high school (which I graduated from just a couple of years ago, of course), most of the race is on a paved trail along the Rum River, and it's just the right size - not too big, not too small. I set my current PR (24:45) at this race last year and was hoping for a new PR this morning.

Sophie and I were at my mom's after Thanksgiving, so instead of driving 70 miles to Anoka, I left her house at 9:20 and was at Anoka High School by 9:25. Registeration, bathroom, and about 8 minutes of easy jogging for a warmup and I was ready. I remembered my Garmin this weekend and was hoping a visual reminder of my pace would keep me moving.

What is up with race amnesia? I did not remember this course as hilly at all. And then we turned onto the path along the river and started with the rolling hills. I felt like I managed the hills well and ran the first mile strong at about 7:45. I started feeling it the second mile. This is an out and back course, so I felt a surge once we hit the turnaround point and I knew we were on the way back. But I still managed to slow down a bit in that second mile. The third mile, I was done. Less than a quarter mile from the finish, I walked. Seriously. Just stopped running and walked. When I realized what I was doing, I got my ass moving again. Ran up one final hill and saw the finish. Crossed the line at 25:28. So much for a new PR . . . but for my second 5K in less than a week, not too bad.

It's been a fun year of races. I'm looking forward to running some easy base miles in December and the first part of January, and then ramping up the runs for marathon training. 2010, here I come!

14 comments:

Erika said...

Heh, you walked and you still beat my "almost puke at the finish" time...

Enjoy some laid back running in December.

MCM Mama

Sarah said...

Two 5Ks in one week! You are crazy!!! What marathon are you going to be training for??

Anonymous said...

Sweet 5K!

On the other hand, "It's at my old high school (which I graduated from just a couple of years ago, of course)..." - THanks for making me feelso old!

Jeri said...

Great job on the 5k. I'm sure your body is happy there isn't a 3rd 5k thrown in there any time soon. It is nice that the weather has been so crazy, so at least we're not racing through snow drifts! I actually know a kid from Anoka that went to my college to play football (there were actually a lot of guys from that area that played for us, which was weird). anyway, small world. :)

Mel-2nd Chances said...

great way to wrap up 2009 races! Yay for training for another marathon :)

joyRuN said...

Very awesome! 25:28 is my gonna-die-if-I-don't-finish-soon time :)

Jess said...

Nice job, even if it wasn't a new PR!

I Run for Fun said...

That is an awesome pace for a hilly 5K...especially when this is your second 5K in a week!!!

Katie A. said...

Awesome time with the walk break in there girly!
Great way to finish up the year, too! Have a great week! :)

Marlene said...

Love the local races!

You've been racing like crazy - congrats on another strong finish.

Felice Devine said...

Nice job on the 5k, especially so soon. Yay!

Julie said...

Now I know someone is as crazy as me:) I ran in both of those 5k races and yes the hilly parts sucked. Running is a healthy addiction!! I am signed up for a few half marathons for 2010 too....the Lake Minnetonka Half, the Stillwater Half and the Napa to Sanoma Valley Half. Keep training and stay healthy!!

Ali said...

Your time rocks ... 25.28 is awesome ... I'd be lying on the side of the road!

Congrats!

Julie said...

Hi Heather,
I found your blog when I was looking for the results to the Anoka Jingle Bell run. I love the idea of blogging with other runners. I started my own running blog shortly after viewing yours...it is up and running:) I would love to be one of your blogger pals. My blog info: http://minnesotamilagehighheelstoasics.blogspot.com/