Historic Kirtland 5k

I was a little anxious when I woke up at 5:30 ~ and the temperature was 77 degrees outside.  Not a good start to my overheating little mind.  Luckily the morning was overcast...so it didn't seem as hot...and there was this really big hill to start the race weighing on my mind also.  I didn't get to wear my Purple Raider gear that I purchased yesterday {black & a little thicker material} but second choice, my new NERC gear was a fun choice.  Mike was excited to wear his NERC tank...and use the {non-existent} NERC portapotties.  Started the day off right with a group selfie.

Mike, Kelly, Me, Dodd

Looking good ~ all Matchy-Matchy!

My NERC friend Brenda,  back from her summer long vacation...with a bum knee...took some great photos during the race.  I tried to smile every time I saw her...this was at the start {see...it is a BIG hill} so I was even able to muster a wave.  Finally a race picture where I don't look like I'm dying!  {and you can tell how fast I am because I'm a little blurry}

See kids, running hills is FUN

After running UP this big hill ~ you get to go around the Mormon Temple and back DOWN the hill.  I love downhill!  Then we did the WEIRDEST thing {and it seemed so wrong}  we ran through the finish out onto the road.  I really don't want to see the finish that early in the race!  Passed the 1 mile mark and the lady yelled out 6:54.  WHOA.  My watch beeped 1 mile a little later and it was a 7 something pace, so I felt a little better.  The rest of the race seemed downhill.  We went out 615 to Morley Farm ~ after an initial incline, it seemed downhill all the way there.  Then we looped around the driveway and ran it back to the finish ~ thinking it was going to be an incline, I was surprised when it too seemed downhill.  I worked on keeping my focus on the present and not the miles left to run.
While reading Born to Run by Christopher McDougall last night I was struck by the fact that FAST runners, while having good mechanics and speed, are FAST because they LOVE to run.  So instead of focusing on the breathing and the pace and the people running faster than me and the people walking {doesn't that look so much easier than what I'm doing?} I focused on the fact that I CAN run fast and isn't it a great thing!  And I LOVE racing and testing myself and pushing myself each time.  It's FUN!  And my mind was in a much better place ~ rediscovering the WHY I'm doing this.  {the Grand Prix points are an added bonus!}
And I got a few of those today!  First place in my age group {and it was a ten year one ~ 40-49!} with a time of 23:35 {7:36 pace}  I finished 4 seconds behind Mike {23:31} and 2 minutes behind Dodd {21:35}
So the finish was Dodd, Mike, Me and the places were 2nd, 5th, and 1st.  I've said it a million times, it sure is great to be an 46 year old female.

Scenes from the Historic Kirtland 5k