Dash and Dine 5k - November 22, 2012

It was a beautiful Thanksgiving morning with temperatures in the mid 50's, sunny skies and a 10mph breeze from the SW.   I note the race conditions for two reasons.  First, the conditions were much warmer (nicer) than average for this time of year in Minnesota.  But also because the conditions didn't last very long once the race was over.  By early afternoon a cold strong NW wind blew in icy rain that changed over to all snow by mid afternoon.  By end of day the temps were only in the mid teens.  It got ugly, but fortunately the timing of the morning race allowed for beautiful race conditions.

This was my first 5k race since last winter.  After a strong half marathon last month, I felt confident going into this race.  The course in Chisago City, MN was relatively flat and I was hoping to challenge my personal best at this distance.  This is a small race (about 300 runners), so congestion is not a problem.  As the race began I went out fast, running the first mile in 6:15.  I was well on my way to a great time, but during the early stages of mile two, my right calf muscle cramped badly.  I tried to relax and keep it loose, but the cramp was too strong and didn't want to relinquish.  I had to shorten my stride and gut it out from here.

My 2nd mile was about 15 seconds slower than my first mile due to the cramp.  With a little more than a mile to go, the calf muscle started to go numb.  I wanted to finish with a kick, but it was all I could do to maintain my pace with the cramping leg issue.  I finished with a time of 19:52 which was 14 seconds off my best 5k, but it was my second fastest 5k among the 11 that I've run.  Overall I finished 13th among 284 runners and 1st in my age group of 17.  I need to run more 5k's in warmer weather conditions.  Most of my 5k races have been winter runs.  My next race will be New Year's Day.  

Race Results:
http://www.frontrunnerusa.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/dashdine5kresults2012.txt