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Race Result
| Racer: |
Jennifer Burg |
| Race: |
Chemis-Tree 5k |
| Date: |
Saturday, December 22, 2007 |
| Location: |
McLean, VA |
| Race Type: |
Run - 5 km |
| Age Group: |
Female 35 - 39 |
| Time: |
0:21:30 |
| Overall Place: |
16 / 230 |
| Age Group Place: |
1 |
| Comment: |
The elusive first female finsher overall! |
Race Report:
A December race always is a sobering thought for me. The unpredictable weather and chilly thoughts are not the most pleasant. Nonetheless, I felt truly compelled to race the Chemis-Tree 5k for two reasons: my coworker’s brother and my Grandpa, both who lost their lives to cancer, specifically brain tumors. I would brave any condition for such a cause. Luckily, the weather cooperated. Temps were hovering around 40 with light winds and cloudy skies. The 10 am start was ideal for a cold winter day.
After last week’s clothing debacle, I decided to just go with a running top and leggings…sans all the typical outdoor gear I train in. I also decided to run in a new shoe Nike had sent me, Nike Free. I trained in them for the week prior and felt comfortable. I wisely waited till the last 30 seconds to strip down. I lined up at the front with my two running partners. We all were aiming for PRs and were under the impression the race course was flat and fast. That was wrong indeed! Funny enough, post race, I heard someone exclaim…”how is it possible to run up hill an entire race!”
The first mile I paced a 6:40 and thought I would be able to hang around a 6:30. The hills took a toll though. Once I had a visual, I settled in around 6:50, give or take per the hills. At the second mile marker, I knew I was in the lead pack and was playing off of another female. At 2.5, she was really struggling and I pulled ahead. Coming up on the straight away I could hear those words….here comes the first female finisher. What a great feeling! I came across at 21:30. In retrospect, I slowed too much worrying about burnout through the hills. I ran a conservative 5k in comparison to my training. I can’t help but have those what ifs in my head….a flat course and warmer weather…..Hmmm.
For now I will enjoy my last race of 2007:
6:55 pace, 21:30, 1st female finisher and 16th overall.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Jen
Photos at:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/14028388@N05/sets/72157603524676219
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