“I wouldn’t say running solves problems, but it prevents me from causing them”.
(Funny Running Quotes)
My Walk into the Future allows me to find/adjust my adventures depending on what’s happening in my world.
I spent a lot of 2022 getting myself physically and mentally prepared to tackle a full marathon. One thing I discovered during this process was signing up and completing races was a more enjoyable way to log miles. Example: I used the 2022 OUC Half Marathon as my last long run prior to the full marathon. Not sure other folks do this, but it makes for a more exciting training format for me.
Decided to tackle the 2023 Bridge Busters 5k in Fort Pierce for the third time. My first attempt occurred in 2021 when we were coming out of the COVID-19 era when races were being postponed. I did not know much about this race prior, but it was enjoyable even though I had to make it up and over the Seaway Drive bridge twice to complete the 5k. This concept was daunting back in 2021 but does not generate doubts for me now—guess my running program has matured. LOL.
This is a smaller race and attracts around 150 local runners. The host organization uses the registration fees to donate to local education programs. The money goes to a good cause, and I get a chance to test my endurance—everyone wins in this scenario.
Selected this as my first post full marathon run because it is a hometown race, and most of the course is on Seaway Drive which I train on quite a bit—minus the bridges.
The weather was cool at the start, so this was an ideal way to launch into the 5k.
I did not have a set finish time in mind when the race started but wanted to run a better time than last year if possible. The double bridge crossing makes this a bit daunting considering the inclines we face going up and over. The downhill portion is always easier, but you must maintain a controlled pace on the first pass to ensure there’s something left in the tank for the last mile of the race.
Fast forward and I ran the following splits:
Mile 1: 8:51 / Mile 2: 9:09 / Mile 3: 9:02 / Mile .1: :53
Clock time: 27:52 (8:57 per mile)
This was an improvement of 45 seconds over my 2022 race time. Not bad considering I completed the full marathon less than 4 weeks prior. Happy with my recovery from the marathon and excited to get back out running again.
Not sure how fast 2023 will be for my racing times but happy with my first race of the year. Looking forward to getting more miles and races in this year.
What are you looking forward to in 2023?
Irie!
“Runner’s logic: I’m tired. I think I’ll got for a run”.
(Funny Running Quotes)
Walk Into the Future 