The 5k that wasn’t
If I were to run a 5k right now in 23:21, I’d be thrilled. It would mean I’d be very close to once again getting to a PR in that distance.
I ran 23:21 in an advertised 5k today.
Only problem is that was for 2.9 miles. And no, it wasn’t a Garmin issue or a weather issue causing watch problems. It was less than 3 miles, no doubt about it.
This race has problems with getting the distance right — read this post from my friend Jeremy who did the inaugural running of this event with a different course route. (And yes, I totally stole his title for this post.)
What I was hoping for today was to test where I stand with a 5k. I’ve done very little in the way of speed work lately so I knew heading into it that I’d probably be around 25 minutes. Maybe, in the right conditions, be a little closer to 24 minutes.
With this pace, I would have hit 3.1 in 25 exactly. I’ll never know though what I had left in the tank to close it out strong, or if I could even close it out strong.
I’m not going to sit around and obsess about my time and how I’ve gotten so out of 5k shape — it is what it is. And it’s what happens when I run without training for something.
Now, the work begins …
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For me, I find a slow 5k to be extremely motivating. It ignites the fire to get back to where I know I should be.
A few months ago I ran an advertised 5K in under 17 minutes. Clearly it was not actually a 5K…not even close! Afterwards they made a comment like “yah, sorry we just realized it wasn’t actually a 5K”. This was a super small memorial race, so I guess somewhat understandable…but still frustrating! Good luck in your next one!
At least it’s a 5k, and something that you can probably easily find to do another weekend soon. When my half marathon was short by 0.30 miles, that was a bummer, I knew I could/would/should have PR’ed, but I really don’t know! I guess that’s how you get sucked into running, things like this!