Architects for Humanity 5k/Margarita’s 5k

I ran another double 5k this weekend. I found both to be a little disappointing. So instead of posting both reports separately I’ll post them together.

Race: Architects for Humanity 5k
Date: May 1, 2010
Location: Boston, MA
Distance: 5k

Official Result: 26:53
161/340 Total

Full Results Here

I was in Boston to watch my old crew team race the other Boston schools in the Women’s rowing beanpot. I decided to run a little 5k going on right near my old boathouse.

I was decked out in my new camo and purple running skirt and compression socks. I had a mixed review on the skirt but I’ll wait til after it’s been washed and worn again before posting my official opinions.

It was a relatively small race on the bike paths around the Charles. Much bigger and it would have been difficult to navigate the paths when one wanted to pass.

I started the race at a great pace. I was so excited, I was on a nice flat course, I was going to PR. But it was 75 degrees Fahrenheit out. And I kept waiting for a water station that never came. I watched my split slip as I kept running along. My mouth was so pasty and I was so dehydrated by the end that I didn’t care about beating my time, I just wanted the race to be over.

If I had known about the lack of water I would have brought a water bottle with me. Lesson learned: know where the water stations are on the course.

I did love running in the old area though. It’s been too long since I raced rowing.

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Race: Margarita’s 5k
Date: May 2, 2010
Location: Exeter, NH
Distance: 5k

Official Result: 28:20
293/583 Total

Full Results Here

Including yesterday’s race I ran 12 miles on Saturday.  I wasn’t feeling fresh for this race but I still think I could have done much better in today’s race.

My complaint was the start of the race. We didn’t have chip timers, I didn’t know where the start of the race was, and the course turned and narrowed immediately preventing people from sorting themselves out by speed. I felt trapped in the crowd and couldn’t find my stride. By the time it opened up a bit I had settled into a slower pace. I still found the course narrow.

If I could modify the race set up I would have used timing chips and waves based on goal times. Because the cluster of people and strollers I had to fight to find a 9:30 min/mile pace was unpleasant. Maybe next time I will try to find the starting line and get a better position.

The main reason the race was so popular was the post race entertainment. Margaritas is a Mexican food restaurant and we got some very yummy post race food.

As well as free Margarita and beer

This is why we run right?

No matter how bad the race was, at least we burned some calories to make up for post race celebrations.

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