5k For AJ!

Money, it's gotta be the shoes!

I found out about this 5k about a month ago and signed up right away.  AJ is a local boy with Duchenne's muscular Distrophy and the race benefits AJ's Fund.  Since it was nice and close, I got there early to help set up and get some Clif Bars out, too for runners and spectators.  They had a real nice turn out for a first year race.  The day also had a 1 mile walk that started 15 minutes after the 5k.  I'd say there were at least 100-125 people total with about 75 or so doing the 5k.  Things seemed to move smoothly for registration and there was PLENTY of food and water after for the runners and walkers as well!  They also had a raffle.  There were two tickets in everyone's goodie bags, but you could also buy more (proceeds to AJ's Fund!!).  So, all in all, I will definitely do this race again...now for the race...

I know all the roads, and even the grassy parts, as I've run on them often.  The race started off with a Runner's set!  Go!  I started off at about an 8:00 pace because I wanted to see how long I could hold it for.  I figured I'd eventually have to slow down, and I was figuring I'd end up with 26-28 minutes for my time (if you're a regular you know I've had partial muscle tear issues and a recent illness so I haven't run much at all this year).  Well, after about a 1/2 mile, I was feeling really good, so I sped up.  And then sped up some more and still felt great!  I kept a really nice, fast pace for the entire race.  I passed runner after runner as I kept up the pace.  As I reached the last 1/4 mile I thought I heard someone cheering on another runner behind me, so I kicked hard and then even faster as I saw I might end up under 23!  And I did!  I finished in 22:56!  Wooo!  3-4 minutes faster than I hoped for!  I also ended up 16th overall, but (wow) only 4th or 5th in my age group...stinkin' fast 40-49 year olds...Near the finish line I thought I heard someone cheering on someone behind me, so I picked up the pace to make sure I didn't get passed.  I didn't.  I also hit a sub 5 for that last push :)  And felt good doing it!  This was also my first race in my Mizuno Wave Universe 4's and they felt great!  GLad I got two pairs :)

Anyway, as I said, it was a great race and I'll definitely do this race again next year!