Race Report - 2012 Sherwood Park 5K

This race logo just looks better than the crappy picture I took of my shirt and race bib;-)

I had registered for this race a while back, but since I also needed more than 3 miles for the day, I decided to run to and from the race to get closer to a half marathon for the day. I made sure to print directions, just in case. I also triple checked the map online, cause I didn't want to miss the race start because I got lost. I was prepared. And yet, I still managed to get lost. If it hadn't been for a fellow runner, I would have missed the race start. Instead, I got an extra mile on the way to the race.

When I arrived at the race start, Ed had already arrived. He had also run there from home. The race start was scheduled for 7AM and I got there just in time to put on a dry shirt I had packed in my new CamelBak Octane XCT that I was testing for an upcoming race. When Ed and I lined up at the start, I noticed a coworker and a couple of other familiar faces in the very small field of runners.

After a few comments by the RD, we were off. I kept the lead runner in sight from the start, but I had no intention of blowing up early. Instead, I followed in third place just behind a female runner who was off to a great start. I figured I would fade sooner or later, since I already had a few miles in the bag. Ed and another runner stayed just behind me and the rest of the field was a little farther back. The five of us were pretty much on our own, with the lead uncontested, but the four of us fighting for second place pretty much for the entire race.

I avoided focussing on the mile splits and instead focussed on running alone. I wanted to make sure I stayed close to the runner ahead of me and 1.5 miles into the race, I moved past her. She continued to run strong just behind me and when I started to fade with about a quarter mile to go, she made her move. I was too tired to try to pass her again and instead, I focussed on staying with her. She finished in 19:59, which left me with a finish time of...you guessed it....20:00 flat...for the second time in 4 days...ugh!!! Oh well, I finished 3rd overall and 1st age group, not bad for a training race. However, I am so ready to run sub 20 for a second, third, fourth time...

I believe the race had a total of 41 finishers, but I really think it should grow to a bigger event. The race course was reasonably flat with lots of turns and very few long stretches of road. Lots of shade as well which is a good thing when temps rise above 90 degrees by 8AM. Thanks to all the volunteers and the RD for putting on a fun event. I will be back next year, determined to break 20 minutes;-)