I have to admit, I was pretty bummed after this race. It’s a flat course so I expected to run faster than last weeks hilly course. I by no means ran a bad time but it still bummed me out but it was my own fault. Here is what happened.
Did my usual 1.5 mile warm up with Ryan. Legs felt a little heavy but I’ve run some of my best races when I’ve felt that way. This was the first year for this race and I was shocked at how many people showed up. Over 550 people for this race.
![IMG_1291[1]](http://mojamala2.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/img_12911.jpg "IMG_1291[1]")
The race started out and I went out WAY too fast. I felt good and wasn’t really paying attention but I noticed I was right by my cousin-in-law, MaryPat, who normally runs in the 19s and knew I was going too fast. Looked down at my watch and saw the a sub 6 min mile pace. By the time I noticed that though I was already at the half mile mark. I slowed way down but it was too late by that time. I had already wasted too much energy. My first mile was a 6:49.
After that, the rest of the race was pretty much hold on and finish. I was really holding on though. Holding a 7:30 pace the rest of the race was a real struggle for me. I felt like it was the longest 5K I had ever raced. In reality, I was just struggling from going out too fast. Second mile was 7:34. Somewhere around here my college troublemaking partner in crime, SuperEli passed me. I wanted to shout profanities at her, instead I shouted good job. I’m such a good BFF 
The last mile I kept telling myself “every step you take is a step closer to the finish line” so I kept pushing myself but it was not easy. For the last straightaway, I had very little sprint left. I ended up finishing with a time of 22:04, 2nd in my age group. UGH! 12 seconds off last weeks time! I was really bummed. It wasn’t until I woke up this morning and I was like “hey at least you can run and race again. There was a time where your IT band prevented you from doing so.” I really need to remember that.
![IMG_1302[1]](http://mojamala2.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/img_13021.jpg "IMG_1302[1]")
I think the fact that I thought I ran a bad race lead to me running a bad long run afterwards. I needed to get 14 miles in for the day so after the 1.5 mile warm up, the 5K race then the “cool down” with friends 3.10, I still had to head out for another 6.5 miles. I went and did it but it was one of the most mentally challenging long runs of the year. But I can only go up from here.
![IMG_1292[1]](http://mojamala2.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/img_12921.jpg "IMG_1292[1]")
![IMG_1300[1]](http://mojamala2.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/img_13001.jpg "IMG_1300[1]")
Some of the best things in the race packet were a scoop of free ice cream from Mitchell’s, chap stick and even fancy Christmas themed duct tape. Ryan gave up ice cream for lent and now I feel like I can’t eat ice cream either and it’s killing me!!!
What’s your favorite Race packet item? I feel like a lot of races don’t have actual race packets anymore. My favorite is chap stick. I get so many free ones that I don’t have to buy them anymore.
I got there too late and didn’t get a goodie bag. My favorite giveaway item, theoretically, are the vouchers for Cavs tickets that are given out at the Turkey Trot and other races. I use the term “theoretically” because I learned the hard way that one should redeem the voucher right away or else they’ll run out.
The flat nature of the race didn’t really dawn on me until today. I don’t think that I ever ran a race before that was so flat (granted, I have only run 4 races in my life before yesterday). I started out way too fast too (I think I was too excited for my first race of 2013) and had a ton of trouble slogging through mile 2, which seemed like it went on forever.
You still did great – congrats!
I love when we get protein bar samples in the goodie bags. Though it feels like race prices are going up and we just get coupons anymore!
This must be a new race? Cute race name and shirt, that’s for sure. Nice job!
It was great to see you on Saturday! Every time we head out for a run/race we learn more about ourselves! Good job holidng on and finishing it! Congrats on that second place!!
2nd in your age group is awesome! I think my favorite thing i’ve ever gotten was the free zoo pass when I ran the Toledo Zoo 5K. I love that zoo!
I’ve been following you Cleveland Marathon blog but never have replied before.
I was at this race and got 2nd in my age group too (one of the old ladies there). I was very shocked at the massive turnout for the race! I love any food samples that we get in goody bags, but it doesn’t seem like there is too much substance in any race packet anymore.
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