Review: Media 5 Miler

Besides the weirdness of seeing my high school guidance counselor Dr. Deady a)Outside of school b)Running a race, it was very nice. The course was a little sucky - very hilly, lots of turns (according to Dr. Deady there were 32 turns - I took his word on that), but a lot of community involvement. I didn't really need the Mardi Gras beads - who gives out beads in the middle of a race anyway? - but giving them to a kid on the sidelines was fun.

The people on the sidelines really made the race. Little kids chanting encouragement, old people with hoses and sprinkers, groups on lawn chairs cheering the runners on, chalk scribbles on the road and homemade signs...it was very nice. I really enjoyed it. The weather was fantastic, which compensated for the so-so course. Apparently 1200 people entered the race, but they spread out after the first mile.

I was quite pleased with my times as well. My splits were:

Mile 1 6:58
Mile 2 14:30
Mile 3 22:00
Mile 4 30:00
Mile 5 37:10

Oddly, they were all very even, which helped me remember them. I'm really happy with the splits though. I didn't think I had that many seven minute miles in me - I've settled nicely into a slow long distance pace. I'm not sure if I will run tomorrow - if the weather is nice, I'll take advantage of it, but we are kayaking, so I don't feel obligated to run.

Anyway, good race. I will return next year if I am in the area.