The race was at Montrose, and I decided to cycle the 9 miles up there since it would have taken me longer to take the public trans. I was really excited to take my sweet 15 year old Specialized hybrid on its longest journey to date.
The weather was perfect. Sunny with a cool breeze. I knew it would be a great day to wear my splitterz.
Team New Balance
The last time I wore my splitterz was in 1998. Somehow after moving 20 times in the past 16 years they remained in my running shorts box. I couldn't bear to part with them. The elastic was shot (no surprise) but the drawstring worked perfect.
FF Cheer Team
The 4 "heritage" shoe companies (New Balance, Nike, Asics, and Brooks) were present showing off their latest models. There was also a team competition between the 4 shoe brands. I was lucky enough to land a spot on Team New Balance through being a FF cheer ambassador as well as a comped entry into the race*.
All smiles before running my longest in weeks.
The ankle was feeling better this week so I decided a 5k would be a good way to "test" it out since Thursday's one mile run didnt allow it to fully warm up.
First mile: Yay I'm running. This is so fun! (Looks down at garmin after half a mile and sees 7:00 pace) CRAP must slow down Im not trying to PR this race.... Split: 7:30
Second mile: yay I'm still running relatively ankle pain free. I really should slow down a bit so my ankle doesn't explode. Split: 7:35
Third mile: slowing down to be smart. Don't care if people pass me. I'm having an absolute blast. This is so fun! Split: 7:53
The last tenth I was just enjoying myself... perhaps a little too much...
Time: 23:53
Respect the races, yo. Tuck in your shirt.
Immediately after crossing the finish, I got some ice for my ankle, because it was tender.
I was so happy to run again.
I started a bit further back than I normally would, and didnt experience any course crowding even with Montrose's narrow paths. There was one water station filled with smiling volunteers- one of which said "take some water, It's good for your soul." It was hard to resist getting some of that water.
Post Race FF Cheer Team
I cycled back home and against my better judgement, didn't put my leggings back on- thinking i'd be ok with the splitters. I proceeded to chafe a quarter sized area of my leg. You know it's bad when even neosporin stings wickedly bad on contact. The whole ride home I just couldn't stop thinking how my legs felt so trashed from the 9 mile journey up and the 5K.
It was a fab day to enjoy with friends and I was thankful to have this opportunity through FleetFeet*.
*As always, Everything written here is my own opinion blah blah
