Yes. It’s been over a month since the Celebration 5K, and I’m just getting around to the recap.
The only excuse I can offer is that it really wasn’t anything too exciting. It’s a nice race on a mostly pretty course, with tons of stars and stripes, and I enjoy it, even if it is July.
Obviously, it was hot and humid and muggy. The girls and I got a quick picture before we got all disgusting just from being outside.
The race was advertised to start at 7:30 AM, and I was a little disappointed when that was delayed by about 20 minutes to accommodate last minute walk up registration. I love that so many people were interested and wanted to participate, but I didn’t enjoy standing in the street, crowded in with other runners, getting hotter and more uncomfortable by the minute.
Twenty minutes makes a HUGE difference in terms of shade and temperature.
I was glad to be hanging with S, but I also just wanted to be on my way. Edginess sets in when I have to wait too long.
Finally, everyone was signed up and toe-ing the line, and we were good to go. The first mile is the worst: a long straightaway, in full sun at that point. Yuck.
Once we made the turn into the residential area that comprises the last 2.1 miles of the race, things were a little better. There are plenty of big trees throwing lots of shade, and some of the neighbors come out to offer additional aid to the runners. It’s just a nice, quality local race.
I’m not too impressed with my performance. It’s my fault. I could have pushed harder, but it wasn’t in me that day, and I am learning to be ok with that.
I rejoined S and T after the finish line. We really all just wanted some water and air conditioning. The Celebration 5K boasts tons of post-race watermelon, and even though it smelled delicious, it was just too hot to even bother eating.
The beer, however, was just what the doctor ordered.
With everything going on, I’ve really cut back on my 5Ks, and it shows. I am scheduled to run another one on Saturday, over a month after running the Celebration 5K, and I’m really not sure how it’s going to work out. I guess we’ll just have to see.
It’s been a tough, hot summer, and it will be nice to finally get into the fall and see what good the consistent training has done.
Do you race a lot during the summer?
Do you prefer morning or evening races?
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