Let's rewind a few weeks. I don't know exactly why I thought it was a wonderful idea to run a 5K the morning after getting home from a 9 day vacation, but at least I didn't register for the 15K, right? After 12 hours in the car and not getting home until after 9:30pm, it was time to get ready for a 5K in 10 hours.
Two years ago I ran the Cupcake Road Race and really enjoyed it. Well, due to schedule conflicts last year I was unable to run it but I made sure to get it on my schedule for this year. Even if it meant running it exhausted.
I went into this race with a "we will see what happens" attitude. Since my body was pretty exhausted, I didn't want to push too hard and get hurt. I also didn't want to set high expectations for myself then beat myself up mentally for not running well.
I surprisingly felt pretty great once I got started and I found my rhythm quickly. My first two miles were really good for me. I made my way to the water station and turn around and started my journey back to the finish. Then came the final mile....that stupid final mile keeps getting me in my 5Ks. It is so frustrating - I keep fizzing out in the last mile of my 5Ks but I can keep going at that pace for even longer runs....I don't know. Ok, rant over.
As I made the turn to head into the finish line, I knew I was close to my PR. Excuse me, what? That was not the plan for today.