This event was special as it was my daughter's first 5K. She was nervous, and I remember my first and being so nervous, thinking what if I am last or can't finish. However, she DID finish and she wasn't last!
We got there early as we always do. It was downtown and they had a couple food vendors and dogs were everywhere! We recently lost our dog of 9 years a few weeks ago. So, seeing all the pooches made me want another.....soon, perhaps. There were many people already there. We grabbed our bib and packet and mingled around the area. Not only did my daughter do the race but our buddy, Missy, did as well.
Before the race started, they introduced some of the K9 units and their officers. They were beautiful dogs. The Lake County Sheriff's department had a group of bagpipers, (who knew that was even a thing?) dressed in Scottish garb, play Amazing Grace. The stage was set up for a band to play - Lounge Lizards - and the guitarist played his rendition of the National Anthem.
It was time to line up. The 5K was started first and the 1 mile dog walk started 15 minutes later. My daughter was nervous and apprehensive. I gave her a pep talk and the gun went off. She stayed with me about half a mile before I broke ahead and weaved my way forward.
One word.....HILLS.
This was the hardest race we have done to date. The first hill was brutal and was right at the get go. Then there was another.....and another.....and another.....it got to the point that when we turned a corner, I audible said "Are you kidding me". Then I thought I probably scarred my daughter for life. Her first 5K and it was a brutal one.
I leaned at the waist, ran on the balls of my feet, leaned into the hill and pumped up them. I continued on. Throughout the course, residents came out to cheer the runners on. The course was well marked and water was at the 1.5 mile mark. They had people at each mile calling out times - which I liked. I passed the first mile and my time was 8.30. Say what? I have yet to run that fast of a mile!
I passed the 2 mile mark. I kept pushing and at one point thought - "I will just walk. Just for a minute. Just to catch my breath and give my legs a break." But I knew if I did, that starting to run again would be a problem. So I ran. At the 3 mile mark, an officer cheered us on saying only a few more blocks. I pushed through.
There was an older lady (in her upper 50's) that I tried to at least pace with. I tried my hardest to catch her. She was about 20 feet ahead of me the entire race. Even when she stopped to walk for a minute, I could not seem to catch up to her. She ended up winning her age group. Kudos to her!
Finally, the finish line (after another holy hill!). The clock said 28.15. Holy crap! I assumed my time was going to be one of my worst. The hills were killer and I figured I was slow and not doing well. However, once I crossed the finish line, I had a personal best of 28.39! If it wasn't for the hills, I know I could have been under 28 minutes. Crazzzzzzy!
I have not been able to get to my weight training class lately. It is available 3 times a week at my gym and I try to go at least twice. My sister instructs it. I have to say.....if I had not taken that class, I would never have made it up those hills (not once did I walk...ran the entire time). That class has strengthened my legs, my quads, my calves and my core. You never realize how your body has changed and how it has gotten stronger until you do something you never thought you could!
I didn't win a medal. I came in 6th in my age category. I will take it. I may not have placed but I am getting a little faster and in my book, that is a win!
They had a band play and fireworks but we did not stay. I was exhausted and hungry so we opted to go and grab food. Overall - nice race, great cause!
So the review of the event Guardians of the Night 5K-9 in Valparaiso:
Terrain - pavement, hills...hills...HILLS
Organization - well done, race was clearly marked, chip timing, water at 1.5 miles, water/snacks available after the race (fruit and water)
Cost - $20 before deadline; if you got it in before deadline you got a quick-dry shirt and a bag with a Frisbee, snacks, water, Gatorade and even treats for your pooch! - proceeds went to the K9 department
Time of Race - 6:00pm
Overall - nice race, not too far from home, well organized, nice area, pleasant volunteers, positive atmosphere
Award - Medals to top 3 in each age category
My Time - 28.39
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Race on, friends. BeastModeActivated
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| Before the race |
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| After the race |
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| K9 Unit and bagpipers |
