Medved Lilac 5k PR

I am not a 5k runner by nature. I have actually done as many 5ks (6) as I've done marathons. But, in my quest to work on my speed, I am working on my shorter distance racing. And today was the Lilac 10k/5k, and thanks to some good friends weighing in, I opted for the 5k in my hopes to break 21.

I did my 3.4 mile shakeout run yesterday and 1 mile warmup this morning, and as always during the warmup, wondered how I could run minutes per mile faster than I was during my warm-up. I also met Bill Rodgers, who was so nice (he was running the 10k).

We had a nice little chat, and I asked him what he thought about Boston this year, and he said he thought it was a mistake, which made me laugh, because I did too! It put me in a good mood before the start.

I think trying to find a good starting position can be tough in a small race - is it cocky to stand at the fro

nt? Should I be in front? I knew I was at least somewhat deserving, because there were a couple of kids to my right saying the fastest they could go was 6 MPH (10:00 miles). But to my right were a bunch of really fast looking guys - guys who I've seen win races in Rochester. To heck with it, I'm going to get toward the front.

And then, bang!

Oh my goodness, 6:25 for the first mile. Holy cow, not ready to run at that fast yet for more than one mile. But it went by so fast - I could hear them calling out 5:50s, and the pace felt comfortable as 6:25 clicked by. And then it was time to be real: keep going, try to pass people, and hold on for dear life. I knew I could potentially finish in the top 10, so I needed to make sure to try and pass as many women as possible. I got a few during mile 2, and then I was just sitting pretty, trying to just keep the pace going. Went through mile 2 13:05, so clearly was not able to sustain 6:25s, which is okay.

I passed a couple of kids, and then was going back and forth with a few guys

. Was hanging on and just couldn't wait to see the mile 3 marker. And lo and behold, it finally appeared. By the way - this picture is the proof that I totally need to work on my form. Heel striking, hands swinging - hopefully I can fix this at some point. Anyways...

One of the joys of running in Rochester is that I know a ton of people in the running community. Lot of friends from my hometown, and people whom I've met through running. And as I was going through that final stretch, the last .1, I was so uncomfortable and tired, but there were numerous cheers of "Go Vanessa" that just kept me going.

20:45 (6:42 pace - see, I knew I couldn't do 3 6:25s)

A PR by over a minute! Was so happy - it was tough, but it felt great. And I even came in 8th out of women, 43rd overall (out of 1010), and I won my age group! My mom and I had a nice morning together, and she got to watch the award ceremony. Overall, the race was a great feeling and a terrific way to kick off the short distance racing season.