The MGC {Not So Long Run} 5K Recap

Here's the thing about weekends in February where we're not traveling & staying put in Columbia:
 

I get to run ALL the 5Ks that I want!
 

& there are so many to choose from. This is the best time of the year for running in Columbia because it's cool/cold out, not humid, and the races aren't contending with football season. Don't be too surprised if you see a lot of race recaps coming up on the blog because I intend to take full advantage of the perfect running conditions around here and the numerous races to choose from.

 

This past Saturday, I ran in the MGC {Not So Long} Run 5K.
 

The entire race itself is called the MGC Long Run since most people run either the 15K race or they do the 15K relay. Me? I had no interest in running 9.3 miles this weekend nor did I have any interest in sweet talking friends into running the relay with me. I stuck with the little 5K race.
 

Mile 1
9:21/mile
 

I have never, not once, regretted wearing a tank top and shorts while running. Never. Until this race. I have never been so cold at a race - I was FREEZING and my toes/fingers/arms/legs were numb for pretty much the entire race. I spent the entire first mile thinking about the insanely hot shower that I was planning on taking after the race.

{this was the weather after the race if that gives you any indication of how cold it was on the shady course}

 

Mile 2
9:20/mile
 

Should have worn more clothes.
Hey! There's our church!
Should have worn more clothes.
It's Columbia - WHY IS IT SO COLD.
Should have worn more clothes.
SUNSHINE! Can I just stop and stand here?
Should have worn more clothes.
 

Mile 3
9:36/mile
 

There's a long, slow, gradual hill that takes up most of this mile. It was more brutal than it should have been. Luckily, once you turned back on Gervais and headed towards the finish line it flattens out and then goes downhill a little bit. Favorite part of this mile? We met back up with the 15K runners - the LEADERS of the 15K to be specific. They were flying by us one by one, but I did get to see my favorite female Columbia Runner {Shawanna White} run by so that was fun! I finished right behind her {for the first and last time ever because girl is fast}

Seeing her fly by me did encourage a pretty good finish line sprint from me - 7:38/min pace for the last tenth of a mile. That's never happened before!

 

Final Results

Watch Time - 28:56

Chip Time - 28:54

Pace - 9:25/mile

Age Group - 5/23

Gender - 18/148

Overall - 72/262


{& yes, I ran back to my car as soon as I crossed the finish line to throw on two long sleeve shirts & a jacket to try and warm up}
 

Race #2 of 2017: Complete!

5th place in my age group? Not too bad. The race also came with a finisher's medal for everyone and some great long sleeve shirts. As far as race swag went, the race organizers knocked it out of the park.
 

Next Up: the Valentine's at Ballentine 4 Miler next Saturday morning. I've never run a 4 mile race before so I'm kind of excited about this one. It's also the first time this one has ever been put on so I'm curious to see how they handle the out & back course that you have to run 2x and the relay portion of it.
 

Happy Monday, y'all!