As I have already mentioned, this was my 6th time running this 5K race. My times have been: 32:49, 31:15: 29:10, 29:49 and 30:54 (with a stress fracture.)

But really, who cares? It is such an emotional race. Everyone there knows someone who has had or died from breast cancer. Many are survivors themselves.

This year was even more important because one of my good friends has recently been diagnosed with a recurrence (after having been cancer-free for 14 years.)

I made a sign for my friend & I to wear on our backs.

I parked my car at work (to avoid the crowds) and walked the mile to where the race began. It was cool and overcast and the forecast was for possible showers so I brought a jacket & an umbrella, just in case.

I got there early to meet my friend, MaryPat and her niece Courtney.

We then headed out to the start. I moved to the front (out from under the overpass) trying to get a signal on my Garmin.

I have run this same course 11x. It starts uphill and ends downhill with many inclines around and through the park.

I just tried to run a consistent pace (after the first uphill).  I wanted a decent time but didn’t want to get injured one week before my half marathon. (I broke my foot on this course on June 1!!!!!)

My legs felt really achy for the first mile.  I had to stop to tie my shoe (yes, it was double knotted) but as the race went on I felt better.

I was very thirsty and stopped for water. Otherwise, I ran (even up the hills.)

Finally I saw the finish line and I had little left but I was determined to finish under 30 minutes!!  And I did (29:59 – gun time)

I waited around to watch my friends finish.

I grabbed some water and bagel. My friends had to leave (we used go out for brunch) so I had the choice to make – run 5 more miles (and call it my last long run) or save it for Monday (but rain is predicted for Monday too plus I play tennis.)

So….

I walked (UPHILL) back to my car and changed to a dry shirt and continued to run toward the park.  I really didn’t have time to admire the scenery while in the race and it wasn’t raining.

Then I ran around the lake pausing periodically to take pics.

I finished up and returned to my car.  In total, with the walks to and from the race and this run/walk – I added 5 miles to the day.  Not exactly a long run of 8 miles but it may have to do for now.

I would have to call my 6th Race for the Cure a success! My chip time was 29:54.

GOALS:

• Not go for a PR.. I have more miles to run and a half marathon next weekend.  – I didn’t try for the 1st 2 miles but sped up during mile 3
• Not get injured. – Nope, feel fine, nothing hurts.
• Not be my slowest. – Nope, 3 slower and 2 faster.

I met them all!!

Splits:

• mile 1 – 9:40 (shoe tie stop & long uphill)
• mile 2 – 9:51 (water stop)
• mile 3 – 9:13
• .14 –       7:09

Happy Running! Good luck to all those racing this weekend!