Race Recap: Morton Arboretum Fall Color 5K

On Sunday I ran my first repeat race, the Morton Arboretum Fall Color 5K.  I looked back and verified that my time from last year was 30:02.   My goal for this race was to beat my previous time, but also set a new PR.  My previous PR, 26:11, was set back in May of 2012.  I thought I had a chance to do better, but I was utterly ecstatic when I realized that I majorly kicked my own ass coming in at 24:42.

This race is super close to my home, so I decided to drive myself instead of being dropped off by my family so I could enjoy some solitary time before the race.  There was plenty of on site free parking, but a little walk to the start line was required.  I decided I would start with the 8 minute milers, but before taking my place along the starting line I met up with a friend who was running her first 5K since having her 3 boys.  I wanted to make sure I told her good luck and snapped a picture of us together before we started the race.  We were both cool with running our own races.  I love friends who understand me.

I took my place, started my music and was anxioulsy waiting to begin.  When the gun went off I pressed start on my Garmin and ran my little heart out, but not before holding back some tears of joy.  I’m not sure I’ll ever be able to run a race at the arboretum without being overwhelmed with emotion.

For the first half a mile I was weaving in and around people so that I could run at my pace.   Once I was in front of the crowd I was able to sail through the remainder of the first mile.  However, it was a challenge to get my breathing under control during this time.  Then my Garmin buzzed and showed that I had run my first mile in exactly 8 minutes.  That was an awesome moment to see that number.  I wondered if I could keep it up for the rest of the race.

I was able to get my breathing under control as I got deeper into the second mile.  I ran the second mile in 8:17.  This still amazes me.  At the 2 mile marker I realized that I was running side by side with these two kids who were maybe 10 or 11 years old.  I told them they were doing awesome and to keep it up.  I decided to quit looking at my watch and let these two kids set the pace.  They were sailing along so I just made sure to keep in line with those two little speed demons.

Once I saw the 3 mile marker I pushed myself into a full on sprint.  A few yards from the finish line my husband and older daughter notice me.  I ran while looking backwards and shouting my youngest daughter’s name so she could see her mommy run.  Our eyes finally met so I turned toward the finish line and gave it my all.

I looked back at my splits and found that the last mile when I was inspired by those two youngins I ran in 7:45!  Thank you athletic kids who run 5Ks for fun on Sunday mornings.  You rock!

This race is awesome and will forever be one of my favorite 5Ks.  It was a year ago that I started to gain confidence in myself as a mother and began developing a healthy self image. This year I feel strong and confident and proud of the mother I have become.  I am also gaining confidence as runner.

How far have you come as a runner?