A Mermaid, a Chick and a Rooster

On Saturday, I ran in two 5k race events! Summer decided to cue in a bit early and the day was hot to trot, but I had a lot of fun at both events all just the same.

The first was the Mermaid East Bay event. I had participated in this race before and was hoping to crush my 5k time from the previous year. I did ever so slightly, but it certainly wasn’t my fastest 5k race. In fact, these last couple of months, I have really noticed my speed has declined. Yes, I am still working through some injury stuff, but it is still hard to see my pace slower than I am use to.

The race started at 9am and unlike last year, it was already getting hot. The course was slightly altered and was on a different direction from the previous year, still running on dirt and gravel around Quarry Lake though. The air was extremely dry and the bugs were out in full force. I ran what seemed to be the longest 3 miles of my 5k race history. I crossed the finish line at 24:52 at a 7:42 pace. I was immediately greeted by an old highschool friend who recognized me. After we chatted and parted ways, UMM informed me I had little bugs plastered all over the side of my face. Really? Why does it always seem that when I run into people from my past, I look like roadkill. Waiting for the results to be posted, I chatted with lot’s of friends who also participated in the 5k and 10k events. I was a bit down with my performance and shocked to see that I placed 7th overall and 1st in my Age Group. I received some cool swag and then I was off to the next race that was held in Campbell.

So sweet, UMM made a sign for me!

The Gurls

With a quick costume change, UMM and I again matched our clothes for the next race as it was the SVTC 1st Annual Chick Chaser. Upon signing in, our calves were marked with a “C” for being in a couple. Some other people had an “S” for single.
This race was so much fun as the ladies (chicks) got to start first with a three minute advantage. Then the men (roosters) began and it was a race to the finish! It was mid-afternoon when the race began and it was hot hot hot. I knew the course well, but I was miserable. Many men caught up with me in those hot 3 miles and then managed to pass me, that included UMM. Every rooster that passed me however was very nice as they said encouraging words! It was nice to hear especially from those super fasties! I crossed the finish line in 25 minutes with an average pace of 8:03. I finished 26th overall, 9th female, and 5th in my age group.

Again, I can’t stress how much fun this race was. At the finish line, I was greeted with a keg of beer sponsored by the Sonoma Chicken Coup. There were plenty of snacks and cheers! It was a very well organized event and well put together. UMM and I were even awarded Fastest Couple! We were stoked as there certainly were a lot of fasties out and about! So much fun! I can’t wait to participate in this event again next year! 

So that is my tale of two 5k’s in a day. Super fun, yet incredibly tiring, but certainly doable!!!