Running on empty...

Week Thirty:Run a 5K

The idea of running 5k had actually been suggested by several different people as an activity for Fifty-two to Thirty. In fact, completing a marathon was also brought up but that’s a commitment I am neither willing nor able to make at this time. Yet, despite being a casual runner, I was initially reluctant to the idea of a 5k due to the sheer intimidation involved. Not only would I have to do some serious training to prepare for the run, I was also unsettled by the thought of running in such a public setting. Usually I don’t mind being in the open but I wasn’t sure what types of hardcore runners I’d be dealing with in this situation. It’s one thing to run around a park or neighborhood, but quite another when people are taking themselves too seriously.

However, I gradually started warming to the idea thanks to the influence of several factors. First, there is a 5k called Tommy’s Run that is run by a woman I work with. Since this race is sponsored by my employer and is therefore patronized by some of my coworkers, I figured it would be a comfortable place to begin my competitive running career. Also, this woman reassured me that Tommy’s Run is a much more casual atmosphere than a lot of other races in the area.

Another reason I started to consider running a 5k was the recent emergence of two people I know as devoted runners – my brother Patrick and my boss Joe. Now, Pat has become a regular accomplice lately here at 52to30 and his encouragement was an obvious influence. Then, once he started to run regularly (always updating me on his most recent times) I was further inspired by our natural brotherly competitiveness. Always friendly, of course.

Joe, on the other hand, inspired me through his utter dedication. Although he only started running a few months ago, Joe has been borderline obsessive with his running and his progress is very impressive. Joe provided updates on his status nearly everyday and his commitment really inspired me to start running again. Therefore, after discussing Tommy’s Run with Joe and relating the information to Pat we decided to give it a try. This would be the first 5k for all three of us.

Unfortunately, by the time I fully committed to participating in Tommy’s Run, it was only two weeks before the race. Since I hadn’t really run since autumn, I knew I would have to put forth quite a bit of effort to make a good showing and I didn’t have much time.

To start, I drove through the streets in my neighborhood to accurately measure the distance of a 5k (3.1 miles to be exact). After determining the serpentine path, I figured I could run it about eight times in the two weeks leading up to the race without wearing myself out. Unfortunately, my first attempt was far from successful, as I couldn’t even make it one full mile before slowing to a walk with my lungs burning. I continued the walk/jog pattern for the full distance and made the trip in just under forty minutes.

Thankfully, however, I was not deterred and for my second attempt I adjusted my stride, which extended my stamina tremendously. Each successive time after that I was able to run a little bit longer without walking and eventually cut my time to thirty-two minutes. And while inclement weather only allowed me to get in six runs before the race I felt confident in my ability and was really hoping to break the thirty-minute mark on race day.

* * *

The day of the race was the first time I really felt nervous about this experience. It’s only natural to have some game day jitters but I felt like I did everything I could to prepare for running a 5k. I had a nice pasta meal the night before to load up on carbs, I didn’t exercise the day of the raise so I would be fresh and I was sure to stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water. I was ready to rock.

Pat, Jackie and myself arrived at Green Lake about 45 minutes before the race was supposed to start - Jackie wasn’t interested in racing, instead providing moral support and documentation. After stretching out and warming up for a bit I was really getting antsy for the race to begin before eventually being told to gather at the starting line.

As the starting pistol was fired, the large jumble of racers moved forward, slowly sifting through each other like a school of fish. However, the wide range of ages and abilities was immediately apparent as the obvious runners shot ahead and I was nearly capsized trying to pass an eight-year-old girl walking her dog in the race. Thankfully, after surviving this near calamity, I separated myself from the stragglers and settled into a comfortable pace. Or so I thought.

I’m not sure if I was running too hard due to the pressure or if it was the unforeseen obstacle of running uphill, but my hard earned stamina was nowhere to be found. Within the first five minutes I was feeling spent and I knew wouldn’t be able to run the whole race. Then, just past the twelve-minute mark (a little more than a mile into the course) I had to start walking. Rest assured, I hated myself for it.

After this brief respite, I picked up my pace and put another big chuck of the race behind me. Over the next mile and a half I slowed down a couple more times while alternating all my hatred and anger between myself and the actual process of running. In fact, it was during this stretch when I swore I would never run again. I had lost sight of anyone I knew and to make matters worse I was approaching a large, uphill portion of the course they decided to leave until the final mile of the race.

As I approached the hill, I decided to leg it out for the remainder of the race. I started chugging up the hill and made the next left on this final stretch at was likely my best pace of the day. With about a half mile to go at this point I truly started to feel the burn. However, despite knowing I was going to finish last out of everyone I knew, I had to finish strong just to make the effort worthwhile. Rounding the final bend towards the finish line I pushed myself into overdrive with longer, quicker strides and passed through the balloon archway at 33:19, a pace of 10:33 per mile.

After catching my breath, I guzzled some water, downed a few orange slices and eventually ripped into the complimentary pizza. My time was good enough 151^st place out of the 167 men that raced and despite being blown away by Joe (25:01), Pat (27:35) and our friend Brian (27:31) I’m very happy I was able to finish my first 5k. In addition to those lowly stats, I also failed to reach my goal of thirty minutes and I actually regressed from my previous best time.

However, despite all these negative outcomes I quickly rescinded my personal ban on running. I recovered quickly enough to put the whole experience into proper perspective and, aside from any excuse that tries to sneak it’s way into my subconscious, I should have known better than to wait until the last minute to start preparing for this race. The truth is, as grueling as running seems when you’re doing it, the physical and mental payoff is well worth it after you’ve finished. That said, I look forward to keep on running and hopefully making any future 5ks a little more competitive – at least among the people I know.