AZ RoadRacers Summer Series Race #4

This 5k race was on July 18th. It was a pretty roasty-toasty morning and for some reason, I could not sleep the night before because I was so nervous about the race. I started out fast (per my awful running style) but I didn't take my Garmin with me because during short races, I tend to waste time looking at it, so I was not too sure of my pace.

Start line at Kiwanis Park


The race was around a park in Tempe and like usual, I wanted to stop during the middle of it! I really need to get some more mental strength for these 5k's. They seem to go on forever!
At mile 3, I was hot and my legs felt rubbery. I slowed down my pace and in my head, I was giving up. I was just so tired! I was the third female so far. I reached for a cup of water and my good friend Terri passed me! She is an awesome runner and a very experienced racer. I really admire her running and am just thankful we are not in the same age group! LOL! She goes out evenly and kicks up dust at the end, even at track practice. I really need to practice this strategy! She ended up finishing 7 well deserved seconds before me.

About mile 1.5. I was already hot and tired! :)

Finally the finish line!


I finished 4th female, 1st in my age group with a time of 19:39 which is 6 min 20 sec per mile average. It was a new PR for me, so I am happy about that! I am aiming to get between a 19:30-19:40 on the last summer series 5k at South Mountain, but I have heard it is a tough course so we will see. I am definitely going to wear my Garmin and start at a better pace to finish strong. Honestly, I was a little dissappointed in myself for giving up like I did, but oh well, live and learn. :)
Me, Mark, and Terri after the race. Good job friends!