Another PR--Liz Hurley Ribbon Run 5K

I ran the Liz Hurley Ribbon Run 5K on Saturday, October 20, 2012.  See my entry here about last year's race. My situation was pretty much identical to last year's.  Like last year, I was running as part of my preschool work team in honor of two breast cancer survivors at my school.  Also like last year, I had just done a marathon a week earlier (Chicago last year and Baltimore this year).  So I was going into the race pretty unprepared to race hard, but still willing to give it my best effort.

I started the race with Candace and Kathy, two girls from my Fleet Feet team.  Liz Hurley herself started the race and took some pictures with all of us women at the start line (the men's race was earlier).  What a sea of pink!

Candace, Katie, Kathy
All pictures courtesy of Gregg Gelmis with We Run Huntsville.

Liz Hurley at the race start (We are directly behind her in this picture.)

In the first mile, I ran with Kathy.  Candace had the lead.  After hearing the split for the first mile, I slowed a little, knowing that the third mile was harder since it had an uphill.  I wasn't going to be able to keep up that pace.  Kathy passed me and eventually one more female--someone we didn't know--did too.

Start line (we are in the middle, front row)

Kathy and Katie

I pushed hard in the 3rd mile after cresting the hill.  I didn't know if I could PR today or not, but I knew it was a possibility.  I gave it my all and look very serious and determined in these photos.  I am very near the finish line in these.

It looks like I am about to suck my thumb in this one!

When I saw low 19 on the clock as I approached, I knew I had done it!  I crossed the finish line in 19:40 (chip time).  I am very surprised that I was able to PR today given the conditions.  Kathy pointed out to me that the Spooktacular 5K held next weekend is a much faster course and a better one to PR at.  So maybe I can beat this time next weekend!  I am happy to see my 5K time finally getting lower into the 19's. According to the McMillan Calculator, my 3:12 marathon translates to a 19:42 5K.  Pretty close!  So now two new PRs, one week apart!

Mile 1 6:01
Mile 2 6:37
Mile 3+.1 7:05 (6:26 pace)
19:40 6:21 overall pace
4th overall female, 2nd in age group