Eagle 5K

Yesterday I ran my first 5K of the year, the Hudsonville Eagle 5K.  It's a fairly small 5K with a lot of the local elementary kids participating in it.  It was a pretty low-key way to start the race season.  It was sunny but COLD, around 18 degrees, when we started.  Thank goodness I had been running outside throughout the winter and was kind of use to running in the cold or it would have been uncomfortable.  Several times throughout the run I thought to myself that I can't wait for summer races!  I would much prefer to be warm over cold.

All bundled up and ready
to run in the cold.

The course had a couple of hills which made me nervous since all the roads I run at home are flat.  The hills weren't too bad but I do feel like I should probably find some locations to run near me that aren't completely flat to help with future races.    

I ended up running the 5K in 27:25.  Not horrible, but not as fast as I was hoping.  I should have picked up the speed on the last mile for sure but I had been "running" with someone else for most of the race and the pace seemed to be working pretty well so I didn't push it.  Do you ever pick someone else to "run" with during races?  Or, do you find it annoying if others start running next to you?  Anyways, my time was fast enough to place 1st in my age group and 26th overall in the female division.  That makes me feel a little better about my results.

Race bib and small medal I received for
placing first in my age group.

My goal for the next 5K I run is to be under 27 minutes and my ultimate goal for the year is to run the 5K in under 25 minutes.  I know that is quite a bit of time to shave off but I can already run two miles in 16 minutes so I just need to work on pushing myself more during runs and also to build up my endurance by going on more longer runs.  I'm hoping to also add in a couple 10Ks this summer also.  If I can manage I would also love to try a half marathon but that may be pushing it.  Anyone have a favorite training plan they follow?  

If anyone is still reading this post, sorry for the rather long and likely boring recap of my first 5K of the season.  I am just really excited to see how the year goes since I have been so much more committed to running and working out these past 6 months than I have been in many years.  Races are addicting and I can't wait till I run my next one!!