The race starts and finishes near the Grandstand in the center of the Altamont Fairgrounds.

The 5K is an out & back on Brandle Road, using the first 1.55M of the half marathon race.

This is a new race for me but I have run the half marathon several times.

Although I think I might have run this same course or close to it when the Workforce Challenge changed its original course and date during the Pandemic.

All that being said, this race was never on my radar and I didn’t plan to run it this year.. or ever (it is hilly. lol)

But this was the goal race for the group of STEM runners that I mentored for 9 weeks this fall.

I have done this many times already and it really depends on who shows up whether or not, I run the race, walk the race or just run it slowly…

I never know until race morning.

Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:

As I’ve mentioned, I participated once a week in the 9 week Couch to 5k program with this group of new runners.

At our final Monday of training, the participants walked 5 minutes, ran 30 minutes straight and then walked 5 minutes. Not how I would run or train for a 5k but that’s what the app recommends.

The Wednesday before the race, one of the participants, who was not able to attend the race, did her own 5k. Many of the other participants including myself ran it with her.

It was a great confidence booster for all.

Instead of a long run the day before the race, I only ran/walked 3 miles in case I would have to race the race.

The organizer of the group picked up all our bibs.

Race Day:

The race started at 9:15 am. (15 minutes after the half marathon which started in the same place.)

We were asked to arrive at 8:15 to get our bibs and warm up.

I arrived early and sat in my car because it was COLD!!! and very windy!!

Eventually I got out went to meet the group and get my bib.

I had on my down jacket over my race shirt and was deciding whether or not, I should take my jacket off.

We were all cold but anxious to get started.  As I mentioned, it was the STEM group’s FIRST 5k ever.

While waiting, I chatted with other runners whom I knew that were actually racing the 5k.

All the mentors were assigned a pace group.  I had  the 11-12 min/mi. runners. And so I ran with those runners that I had practiced with each week.

Soon it was time to head to the start.

I put my bib over my jacket… I was freezing and I knew that I wouldn’t running so fast that I would get warm.

Mile 1-1.6:

We headed out and ran around the fair grounds before we ran on the road.

Whoa… my group was running a 10 min. pace, I wasn’t prepared for that and I cautioned them that this was too fast for them to maintain.

For a minute or so, I did get warm and unzipped my jacket.  That was short-lived since it was so windy.

And yes we gradually slowed our pace and soon we turned and ran the same route back to the finish line.

We were now able to see the slower runners and offer them encouragement.

Mile 1.6-3.15:

It got sunny but now we were running into the wind… yup, we had a hard time maintaining our earlier pace.

I told the participant that I was running next to that we could walk anytime she wanted.

Several times, I got ahead of her but I stopped to wait for her to catch up.

So we did walk briefly and when we got to the hill, she wanted to walk up it… (I didn’t mind at all.)

After that hill, we turned into the fair grounds and I told her we were  almost there…

A lie (LOL) since we still had several turns into the wind before we saw the finish line,.

Before the race, one participant wanted to finish under 40 minutes and the participant I was running next to said she thought she would run it in 38 minutes.

We crossed under 35 minutes!!

They were so happy and proud.

The STEM participants got their medals and then they took photos.

And we all waited until everyone had finished (some had walked).

Post Race Activities:

I went to check the results. I came in 2nd in my 10 year (old lady) age group. I could either pick a free race shirt or a $10 off coupon for another ARE race..  You can imagine how many shirts I already own….

Then I went get some post-race refreshments: chocolate milk, apple, box lunch of a sandwich, chips and brownie. (I really wanted something HOT.)

The STEM participants took lots of group pics.. and discussed having a post-race celebration in a few weeks.

Additional Race Reflections:

As I said, I’ve volunteered with STEM before but there was the largest group we’ve had continue in the training and actually run the race and the most serious.

I’m looking forward to volunteering again next Fall.

I had run the half marathon here several times before and I was so glad to not have to run it today with the wind and cold temps.

I may run this 5k next year if they choose a different STEM race.

I also realized that I could have run faster for the 5k distance but not much… those sub 30 minute 5ks are long gone..

But I’m still out there doing it and grateful to be able.

Positives:

• My race registration fee was paid for by STEM.
• STEM participants more serious than previous years.
• Well organized as are all ARE races.
• Participant guide emailed ahead of time with all needed race info.
• 5k and half marathon options.
• Shirts optional for an extra fee.
• Box lunches for all (including chocolate milk).
• Useful AG award prizes.

Negatives:

• Windy and cold temps.
• As a mentor, I couldn’t run my own race (but that’s not why I was there.)

Would I recommend this race?

Yes.  It’s a nice course and very well organized.

Final Stats:

out of 250 runners

we did run the first half…

Next Up:

A 10k on Thanksgiving Day:

Happy Running! Have you ever run a race as a mentor? Please share.

Since today is Tuesday, I’m linking up with Zenaida (The Running Teacher) and Jenn (Runs with Pugs).

and tomorrow:

I’m also linking up with: co-hosts Coach Debbie Runs, Confessions of a Mother Runner, Mile by Mile, and Runs with Pugs