Perhaps. But we did. My husband and I left Friday and spent the night in Grand Rapids, Michigan to be able to participate in their Pajama Dash 5K.
He and I decided to do a "15 in '15" challenge this year. We plan to do 15 (or more) 5Ks in the year 2015. Might not seem like much to the seasoned runner, but to us it is a big deal - considering we only started running 4 months ago.
There are slim pickin's when it comes 5K races in March. So, after much searching and debate we decided on this one.
We were pleasantly surprised!
First, there were volunteers directing us where to park with smiles on their faces despite the fact that it was 12 degrees. The venue it was held at was a Salvation Army club and was super nice.
Upon entering the building, we were easily (and pleasantly) directed towards where to go. Registrations was a breeze. With it being a pajama run, of course, everyone was in their jammies. Matt and I wore matching Batman pajamas *grin*
Wait was in the gym where they had snacks and drinks available before the race (this was new, most races have them after). There was a raffle (Matt won a mug) and it was just a pleasant vibe. An announcer on the microphone kept us up to date on when it was going to start and encouraged everyone to have as much of the snacks as they would like.
They then announced rules, the course and had an older gentleman step up to pray before the race - fantastic!
We then went outside. They had a young gentleman sing the national anthem - first time for that too! It was heart warming to see the group of 200 runners place hands over their hearts, remove their hats and join in comradery of respect for our nation. Warms the heart, it does!
The countdown and we were off! I wanted to get a PR (personal record). I pushed pretty hard at the beginning. The first mile was a slight incline which was killer. I am recovering from a tight/sore hamstring....and it was letting me know it wanted to protest. I kept going though. A couple people passed me, I passed a couple and after the first mile, it was just me and this shorter woman in front of me. I was trying my hardest to pass her but her pace matched mine and despite how much I tried to push through and go faster, my thighs did not want to!
Mile 2. This is where I really try to push and get good time in. I don't want to start too fast and wear myself out so I reserve my energy for the last mile. I still was having a hard time catching that woman! Finally, I just beared down and ran.....quickly passing her. I kept going to put distance between us. I slowed down and by now my legs were saying - what are you doing?!
I then got passed by a father and his daughter.....pathetic, I know. If that wasn't shameful enough, a woman and her dog passed me! True story.
I saw the finish and took a deep breath and pushed through it. I make it!
As runners came through the finish line, the announcer congratulating them, thought that was awesome. Then they handed finishers a medal, love bling! And we could get water immediately and they had where you could go get a print out of your time. I glanced at it. 30.06. Grrrrrr! Not my PR, not even close (28.49 is my PR). But I did place 3rd in my age category. That stinkin' woman with the dog got second, of course she did.
Afterwards, they had a Jammie Run for the kids - it was a mile race. How cute is that? They gave out awards and we got snacks and PANCAKES! I love pancakes. For real - it is unnatural how much I love them.
Anyway...I may not have gotten a PR, my husband may have not placed (he got 4th, though!) but we had fun. We did something we didn't think we ever would. I applaud those that can do the 3.1 miles in 20-something minutes. I will never be a first place contender and I am okay with that. I am out there, I am doing my best and that is all that matters.
So the review of The Pajama Dash 5K in Grand Rapids:
Terrain - pavement, moderate vehicle traffic but well directed, 40 volunteers helped keep things very well directed, inclines, quite a few turns
Organization - very well done, registration was a breeze, course was clearly marked, One of the best 5K's we have attended thus far, medal and tshirt given with registration, water and snacks available before and after, pancakes available after
Cost - $25 before deadline, tshirt and medal included
Time of Race - 9:00am
Overall - nice race, very well done, money went towards Salvation Army Scholarship funds, no complaints
Award -All participants got a medal, top 3 winners in each age category got a mug and a gift certificate to a local burrito place
My Time - 30.06
Race on, friends.
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