I ran the Running for Relief 5k this morning. It's a well organized and attended local race hosted by the Christ United Methodist that starts at the church (33rd S., 2375 E.) and then loops around the neighborhoods to the east. Allie, James and James' friend also raced. I jogged to the start from my house which was 2 miles then did another mile before the race started. The race started promptly at 9 and the first half mile went straight up the street until it turned north on 27th east. It went north of a block or two, turned left then another left then loop back up to 27th. From there it went north to 27th south, east on 27th for a few blocks, left on about 24th east then winded through the neighborhood to the finish. Possibly because I haven't been doing many fast workouts this felt like one of the more difficult 5k courses I have ever run. The first stretch up the straight up the street really gets your attention and then there are several other 1/4 mile climbs mixed throughout. Splits were 5:25, 5:30, 5:30. Definitely not fast at least I shocked the system enough that the marathon effort next week should feel like a breeze. :) I cooled down for a few miles after the race with the 5th place finisher then hoarded some frozen burritos with a grab bag. Reser's is a sponsor and apparently they give out frozen burritos every year. Plus they were handing out free car air fresheners. Now I won't need to worry about leaving my gym clothes in the trunk. I ended up winning a few tickets to the Hale Center Theatre, a night at the University Guest House and a hand crafted coffee cup. Pretty nice. They also did a raffle for a St. George Marathon entry and almost everyone won door prizes. The organizers did a great job.
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