That is all I have to say about that. The weather was beautiful the day before and the day after but the day of....rain.
The temperature teetered around 40 degrees and a steady rain fell. Part of me thought "what kind of special crazies go run in this kind of weather"? Well, there were more than I thought.
Upon arrival, we hurried inside because the weather was undesirable. Check in was easy enough. We got our goodies (dry-quick shirt and a drawstring bag) and attached our bibs. There was a table with oodles of area 5K's coming up. So, of course, we snagged a few we thought we might enjoy.
While waiting, I always size up competition. I try to see who would be in my age category and if I think I can beat them. I know....it is just about getting a personal best and about finishing strong, yadda....yadda. I don't get disappointed if I don't place but, in all reality, I do WANT to place.
First up was the kid's race. It was a mile and all participants got a ribbon. It was pretty cute. I love the fact that events are doing this now. It demonstrates health and fitness at an early age.
Then everyone else made their way to the start. The rain was still falling and the wind made it brutal. The sound of the gun and we were off. I started out pretty dang quick. I was so afraid I would hit a slick spot and bite the pavement. The race was clearly marked and there were numerous volunteers throughout the course, cheering us on and giving hi-fives---in the rain! Kudos to that awesome group!
At mile two, I was starting to feel my pace slow. I pushed and found a nice, steady pace. I got passed by a few people...I passed a few people and it wasn't long before it was the final stretch. I heard a woman come up on my right and I pushed harder.
She pushed harder.
I pushed harder.
She pushed harder.
It was a legit race to the end with the spectators yelling and cheering. Sadly, she pushed a little harder than I did and beat me by 2 seconds.
My time, however, was pretty good. I gladly accept it.
They had the times printed out so we could check and not hang around if we didn't need to (I had some place else I needed to be). I didn't place (came in 5th). Booo. But that is okay!
They had the best refreshments so far we have seen at an event.
So the review of the Sprint into Spring event in Valparaiso:
Terrain - pavement, some off pavement spots with mud due to rain
Organization - well done, race was clearly marked, T&H Timing did the chip timing, water/snacks available after the race (fruit, donuts, sandwiches, cookies)
Cost - $25 before deadline; if you got it in before deadline you got a quick-dry long sleeved shirt and a drawstring bag (several samples inside the bag from local businesses) - proceeds went to Lutheran Preschool Scholarship Fund
Time of Race - 9:00am
Overall - nice race, not too far from home, typical small town 5K, despite the rain it was still a good run.
Award - Medals to top 3 in each age category
My Time - 28.57
Race on, friends.
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| The race is on! |
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| Crossing the finish |
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| Hubby crossing the finish |
