my bib
Today was the New Balance Fall Classic. Although today it was more like the Winter Classic. The Fall Classic consists of a half marathon, 10km, and 5km. I signed up for the 5km, as last week I finished the Couch to 5K running program.
-1°C, slush and ice and snow flurries is not my idea of great running weather. I had about 10 layers on to keep warm including toque/beanie and scarf. I forgot my gloves but luckily the race organisers were giving away free race day gloves. I ditched the toque/beanie and scarf before the race started. And I left the gloves and the first water station.
my chip - it was stuck on the back of my bib, rather than a chip I had to attach to my shoelaces. I like this much better.
The run went okay. Last year I tore my right calf muscle. Today is was fine. My left calf not so much. It was so tight I thought I might have to stop running and walk. I warmed up and lightly stretched before hand so I'm not sure why it's acting up. I have never been so glad to see the 4km sign.
I signed up for a post race massage on both calves. Now I can barely walk. The right calf is fine, but the left is definitely chucking a hissy fit. Boot camp starts again tomorrow, so it had better recover soon.
My event shirt. I upgraded from the t-shirt to the 1/4 zip and I'm glad I did. It's fleecy on the inside and warm.
I started the Nike thingy on my iPod when I crossed the start and hit done as I ran past the finish line. According to it I ran for 37 mins 37 secs at a pace of 7:55mins per km. It says I only ran 4.75km.
According to the Fall Classic results page my chip time for 5kms was 36:00 mins even. I was 20th in my age group and 153rd overall. (There were 244 runners who finished the 5km). I am happy with 36 mins. The last time I ran a timed 5km race, about 4 years ago my chip time was 44mins. So I've dropped 8 minutes off my time, and I was running with a dodgy calf. I had three goals in mind today. a) finish b) run the entire 5km and c) finish in under 40 mins. I met all 3 goals.
Next up? I'm going to stick with 5km for a bit, and work on speed and hills. And then Pam and I are going to run a 5km in the spring. Right, Pam?