Scholars Run 5K

I have finally reached the point in local races where, when I show up to any given event, there are a handful of people who know me by name and have conversations with me. I have become so used to running out of town and out of state, that I forgot what it was like to run locally enough that you start to get to know people. 

It was a really challenging but fun race today. I somehow managed to ignore the heel/arch pain I’ve been fighting all week and get a PR. I ended with a 31:58. At mile 2, I decided that as long as I was done before 32 minutes, it would be a win. Mission accomplished. I'm inching slowly closer to my goal time of a sub 30 5K. I absolutely loved the fast downhill start. My first mile was awesome. 9:32. One of my best miles ever. 

It was so much fun to have some of the college runners our group has run with this summer manning the water station midway through the race. It's always nice mid-race to hear your name and someone shouting out some encouragement. I'm so glad I had the opportunity to meet them early in the summer and see them around at local races. 

I also had a little buddy running with me the last mile. He did amazing. I love helping motivate the younger kids through the last mile. Always rewarding, and it takes my mind off how I feel. 

Lots of positive interactions on the course and after. What surprised me was the Corryton Running Club runner who crossed shortly after me and made her way straight to me, looked me in the eyes, pointed at me and said very pointedly, "you are awesome." Right after that, Ruthie came over and said, "wow, you did great. Way to go." Followed by the trail runner I ran into who gave a high five and said "great job today." Just when you thought you were invisible... people did notice you and took the time to comment. More high fives from the college runner crew and then the awards. My age group, was of course huge again. I finished 6th though. I'm great with that. 

All around it was a good race. I’m bailing on my additional 3 miles today though. The heel pain is just too bad. Resting (from running) the remainder of the weekend. Hopefully I can get my syllabus and first day stuff finished for school while icing and resting the foot.