At the last minute I actually changed to the 5K from the 10K. They close that race at 1:15 and I was just worried about squeaking in under that time. So...Chip pick up was from 7-8:15 and the race was to start at 8:30. All the info was that parking would take 45 mins and we live about 25 mins away.
So at 6:25, I downed a bowl of oatmeal, and headed out the door. Made it to the zoo in 20 mins, parking took all of 30 seconds...and there I sat...what to do now for the next hour and a half!? At this point, I almost considered changing back to the 10K, but knew that mentally I just wasn't ready...seeing all these long lanky runners wasn't helping!
So at 7:15 I wandered over and picked up my chip, wandered back to the car, sent some texts, tried to relax. The parking lot actually didn't even start to fill up until about 7:45-50. And there are 2 other huge grass lots right across the street...so, note to self. At 8, I wandered back to the race start area and got in line for the all of TWO portopotties...a little nervously I might add. Chris and I had gone to his boss's 25th wedding anniversary party the night before and something didn't sit well, nope not alcohol...let's just say between nerves and the food...I was up a few times last night! About 8 people in front of me, a lady went in, stuck her head back out for some kleenex from her friend, and I never saw her again. so I was really freaking out....but all was fine despite no TP in my side either...again, note to self.
The start of the race was really frustrating. The 5K timed/Fun 5k was all lumped together. So although lots of people were walking and pushing strollers, I was right in the mix. I think it took me about 25-30 seconds (although it felt like hours) to get to the start. And I had to weave through walkers/strollers/kids goofing off for probably the first 1/2 mile. Made the actual part where you're going through the zoo rather frustrating.
As soon as you come out of the zoo, there is a long slow hill...my first in a long time! It wasn't too bad and I think at the top of that was the first water station...1 of 2 I think. I had to walk through the aid station because it was so wet (it had rained all day yesterday too) and I had forgotten Karah's little straw trick! I really needed the water because of last night's events and I've been super congested for the last 9 days.
I had to take about a 30-45 second walk break somewhere after mile 1 (race was really poorly marked) but did manage to run all of the hills in the race (and there was 1 doozy!) There were two runners with me that were doing the sprint and walk which was frustrating, but I did beat them both! I took a 20-30 sec walk break again about mile 2 (I'm guessing because that's what the aid stations marked?) But did run the whole rest of the race! Chris and the kids were waiting about 200-300 yards from the finish which was so nice. My chip time was 35:59.11! Considering the hills and that my best "treadmill 5K" time is 36:10, I was thrilled!
