I signed up for Detroit Runner’s Virtual 5k which was supposed to be run on Saturday, March 5.  Saturday I did my long run and then Monday I ran 4 miles on the treadmill.

So yesterday I ran my 5K race.

I was tired of the treadmill at the gym so I braved the 14 degree temps at 7 am in the morning. I dressed in my usual winter layers and hoped that the roads wouldn’t be too icy.

They weren’t  – just here and there you had to slow down and walk over the icy patches.

Ever since October when I started training for my first half marathon, my pace has slowed to a crawl – sometimes over 12 min/mile. Always over 11 min.  That’s OK for long runs but not for a 5K.

Even when I was training for 5ks, my runs were slower than my actual race pace. I can’t seem to motivate myself to not stop when I get tired. In a race, I can push myself because I am very competitive.

So on this cold morning, with teary eyes and runny nose, I finished at 32:19. Not even close to my 27:20 PR but under 11 min/mi is a good run for me these days.  (The last mile was 10:15)

Today it was raining!! I stayed after work and used the treadmill.  For the first time!! Yes, we have 2 treadmills at work.  They are on the stage in the gym.  Lucky the curtain is closed.  It is dark and there are no TVS and no people.  Kinda creepy.  I watched an episode on “The Good Wife” on my iPod and ran my usual SLOOOOOW 3 miles.

Tomorrow is a REST DAY!  I have a race on Saturday — Runnin of the Green – 4 miles. A new race for me!! I’m excited!

Happy Running!