2016 Trot for Tots 5K Race Recap

As many of you know by now, I set a goal at the beginning of 2016 to run a sub-25 5K. I was on track in March, but a super short course left me feeling cheated. Then, while I technically completed my goal in November, I still wanted to see the magic numbers on the finishing clock. 24:XX. I was already signed up for Trot for Tots 5K, so I wasn't worried about getting another crack at my goal.

Registration was super cheap ($20) and included a long sleeve tech tee. The race was a 35 minute drive from my house, but parking was easy and all near the start line. I picked up my packet Friday from the sponsor store, Pro Bike + Run, but they offered same day registration and packet pick-up.

I was grateful for the 9AM start because it was super chilly out, in the 20's and snowing. While I went to bed Saturday knowing the forecast said snow, I didn't quite believe it until I woke up to see a powdery, wet inch of snow all across the ground.

After a late night at 2 Christmas parties, I laid my Flat Jessie out as I made coffee & an english muffin (no worries, no 'noodle and nanner' repeats). I hadn't yet run outside this winter in temps comparable to race temps, so I was a little nervous about how to dress.

I arrived by about 830AM, and hung out in the registration area for a few minutes before I made my way outside at 845 to start my warm-up. Luckily for me (though unluckily for her) Ciara was feeling under the weather & decided not to run. So I had my very own paparazzi (and someone to hold my car keys!). 

I ran about a half mile warm-up before taking my place at the snowy start line.

Mile 1 - 7:57
I was pleasantly surprised that I was not slipping on the snow. It was still relatively untouched and I ran in the tire track of a car who had driven out to set up the course. The pace didn't feel labored, but, in a bad last minute decision, I pushed my jacket sleeves up to see my Garmin, leaving my hands totally uncovered. They started to get cold, so I wrestled with the cuffins on my jacket for a minute, and succeeded in covering one of my hands.

Mile 2 - 8:38
My core started to heat up hardcore thanks to the jacket I was wearing. My hands were comfortable, so I didn't want to push my sleeves up, I unzipped the jacket as far as I could and kept on. I maintained effort but the trail started to feel slicker. I felt like I wasn't propelling myself forward with each step so much as I was just spinning my wheels. I saw Katie (who went on to finish first overall female) pass me and I called out some encouragement, before finally hitting the turnaround.

Mile 3 - 8:48 + .1 - 8:08 pace
It was at the start of mile 3 that I earnestly wished a 5K was 2.1 miles, not 3.1 miles. The further along the course I got the harder the snow was packed and the slicker the trail was. I settled in behind a gentleman in red and kept my eyes on him. I finally ditched my ear warmers which was a great choice. I was really starting to sweat. Finally, the finish line was in sight and I busted ass to slide by the guy in red just ahead of me.

Check out that crazy mane of hair behind me

Finish Time - 26:44 (official 26:49)

Afterwards I headed inside the community center for hot chicken noodle soup, hot chocolate & a blueberry muffin. Once it was all said and done, it was good enough for 2nd in my age group!

The weather was not on my side, and while 6 months ago I would have spent the rest of Sunday in a foul mood, moping around, I'm not that person now.

I didn't run the race I wanted. The course and weather didn't cooperate. BUT, I placed in my age group, which is always so exciting! I got to see two good friends and go out for a delicious post-race brunch. There will be other 5K's and I'll have my time. Guess this just means I can't slack off the next few weeks. I want redemption in January.

How do you deal with poor race conditions?
Did anyone else race over the weekend?
What post-race foods do you love to see offered?

Linking up with :Holly & Tricia for Weekend Highlights + Marcia x Patty x Erika for Tuesdays on the Run