Lawyers Have Heart 5k {Race Report}

At 5:30am on race morning, I received an email with “IMPORTANT INFORMATION about the race”. I opened the email and read: Due to heat and humidity, the race has been changed from a 10k to a 5k.

Best news of the morning. (Granted it was only 5:30am and I had just woken up - but whatever, it made my day)

I knew I could run a 10k, no problem, but with last week’s 100 degree weather, a major lack of sleep, and a little foot problem that I will disclose in another post, I just didn’t feel ready for 6.2 miles. I think I was the only person at the race NOT complaining of the distance change.

It was already 82 degrees by 6:30am. The course is mostly flat - but isn’t shaded and it's run on asphalt, so the sun can be brutal. Let’s just say I was sweating profusely when I crossed the finish line.

I felt pretty good. I was hanging out with my friends and excited about the afternoon activities.  But, 400m into the race, I knew it would be a long 5k.  I can’t totally explain it but I didn’t feel good or strong and nothing felt right. I think I would have dropped out if it had been a 10k.

I have only one thing to say about this picture: I need a tan ASAP

I crossed the finish line in 20:13 - 4 seconds off of my PR. I’ve never been so excited to be done with 3.1 miles before.

Despite not having a great race personally, Lawyers Have Heart was a great race and I would recommend it to anyone looking for an easy, local 10k (or 5k).

Reasons you should run (and love) LHH:

• Race officials were on the course at 5am to change the race (from a 10k to 5k) - they were spot on with the measuring (with such short notice). 
• Water, water, water - and more water
• Ice - there’s nothing better than crossing the finish line and getting a cup of ice
• Cold-water sponges on the course 
• Volunteers - they were great & plenty to go around
• Georgetown Waterfront - I have a thing for local races that are easy to get to

Thanks to Pacers & American Heart Association for such a great race. I can’t wait for a 2012 rematch.

Stats
Time: 20:13
Overall Place: 220/3361
Age-Group Place: 16/534
Sex Place: 29/??

I have a new goal after running this race: break 20 minutes in a 5k race. I plan to accomplish this goal in 2011. (Since I've said it to the world, I am now held accountable to achieving said goal - thank you)

PS - shout-out to Allison at Runner-in-Progress who rocked the run. Also, thanks to Allison, I had my 1st blogger meet-up.