To be honest, I have lost a good bit of self-confidence in my 5K running lately. Earlier this year I was 5K PR'ing left and right and shaved over a minute off my time in the first half of the year. I am not sure if it is a direct effect of the summer heat, but my 5K times have been suffering. Not drastically, but about what they were last year. As a result, I have been frustrated and just beating myself up a bit lately over it. I know, I know, the tough summer runs are what make for faster Fall races. Patience isn't my strength sometimes though.
I totally crushed the first two miles! Like, CRUSHED them! I was on pace for a 1+ minute PR. Well, just past mile 2 things fell apart - fast. The only thing I can possibly compare it to is 'hitting the wall.' I didn't know you could really 'hit the wall' in a 5K, but that is what happened. I was done - mentally and physically. I don't know if I was pushing my body too hard too soon or if the sun in the final stretch got me or what. It was ugly, though.
I honestly have dreaded writing this portion of my recap, but I have to keep it real. I just let the race get me. I panicked and let the final mile beat me. My third mile was about two minutes slower than my first two miles. Don't worry, the last .1 I kicked it back up and finished strong.
After catching my breath and getting some water, I headed back toward the final stretch to cheer on the runners including Momma K. It was kind of fun watching the runners (especially the kids and pups) running through the fire truck spray at the final turn. Momma K was a little less than thrilled about it because of her glasses, but it was a nice way to cool down for sure.