I’ve been wanting to set a new 5k PR (personal record) for a while considering my last 5k race was more than two years ago. Never did I imagine that opportunity would be days after an ultra marathon PR, on brick roads and in a crowd of corporate Orlando.
The IOA Corporate 5k brings together athletes and non-runners from small and big businesses who call Orlando home to race along the streets around Lake Eola. The race begins at 7:15pm on a Thursday night; afterward everyone looks forward to free beer and a party!
My store and I joined the IOA Corporate 5k run fun with a Runner’s Oasis tent to support the runners. There was stretching, massages and yoga of course!
The Race
I ended up toward the front with a friend right before start. We knew the people around us were way too fast for us but we didn’t have time to make our way toward the back. The gun went off and we managed the first few fractions of a mile at a 6:00min./mile pace. Too fast!! I immediately backed off and had trouble slowing down and regulating my breathing closer to normal again.
The challenge rest of the race was pacing myself. Because I started so close to the front, there were a lot of runners left behind me. Those runners sprinted past me for the rest of the race, making me want to run even faster!
I eventually settled into a manageable pace where I was pushing myself enough but not too far where I’d need to stop. I wanted to beat 30 minutes but didn’t know how I was doing for most of the race. There was one clock at Mile 1 that said my first mile was 8:20.
It felt so good to push myself and work toward a time goal. I usually only run long, slower races where the pressure is much lower.
Before I knew it, there was the finish line! I finished at 27:31, a great time from my 31+ finish a few years ago. I threw up in my mouth- a sure sign that I pushed hard. Ha! There’s something to speed that I think I like. Can’t wait to beat this PR!
I refueled with some free bear and a Clif Bar. After the race some friends and I headed to Dandelion Communitea Cafe. I wrapped up the night with chili and blue corn chips with vegan queso.
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
Dandelion! I love it! I’m going through yoga teacher training at Shine On so I’ll be visiting Dandelion frequently.
AWESOME Ashley!!! I set a new 5k PR just last weekend!! Doesn’t it feel great??? Such a confidence booster to begin the season…
Great job!
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Great job, lady!
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congrats! Love the yoga poses!
Congrats–that’s awesome!!
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Thanks!
Congratulations!
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