Ras na hEireann 5k

SUMMARY

·                     Date: Sunday, March 13, 2011, 11:00am start

·                     Location: Somerville, MA (Davis Square)

·                     Conditions: 46F, clear and dry, little to no wind

·                     Distance: 5k / 3.1 mile race (mostly flat)

·                     Finish time: 20:11

·                     Average pace: 6:31 / mile

·                     Overall Finish: 130th out of 5,114 total runners

·                     Age Group: 51st out of 700 runners in the M30-39 Age Group

PRE-RACE

Was really looking forward to this race, especially the post-race party! Had my usual lentils for dinner the night before and leftovers the morning of the race. Arrived at the race site, and started seeing running friends everywhere. Ran some warm up strides through Somerville with the speedy Tyler H. Luckily I was using my race belt for my bib number and had two emergency safety pins to give to Alex E. of City Sports as we made our way to the starting line.

THE RACE

Started out pretty close to the front. Thought I went out a bit too fast at first, evidenced by a spike in my heart rate, so eased up a bit after that first half mile. After that first mile, tried to hold a fairly even pace through the remainder of the run, with a little extra kick at the end. The course itself was nice, a bit of a loop around the Davis Square area. The finishing stretch was scenic along a bike path. Shortly after passing through the finishing chute, I turned around to see a buddy finish and then heave a bit until he couldn't hold it in anymore and started throwing up. Well, he wouldn't be the first guy that crossed a finish line and puked, nor will he be the last. The finisher's medal was a really cool shamrock.

Here are some pictures of me heading towards the finish line:
[Race photos credit to Capstone Photography.]

See Sunday, March 13 on Endomondo for the workout details.

POST-RACE

The whole of Somerville was abuzz after the race. Met up with friends from City Sports run club at On The Hill Tavern to enjoy post-run splendors.

Finish time (5k / 3.1 miles): 20:11 (pace: 6:31/mile)
Finish place (overall): 130th out of 5,114 runners
Finish place (age group, M30-39): 51st out of 700 runners