This afternoon, I ran the W&OD 5K, as part of my half marathon training (still deciding which one will be my first half: Frederick or Cleveland). Upon arriving, I waited in the American Legion parking lot with my boyfriend until the start of the race.

My initial thought of this race was that it was going to be relatively fast and would allow me to shatter my previous 5K record from last June.

Once the race begun, I realized that it was going to be a little challenging, as it was a little crowded with other runners on the trail. After we crossed the bridge over Route 7, the pace picked up as we approached the first mile marker. The first mile I averaged around an 8:45 pace, but things started changing after crossing the bridge once more heading towards the second turnaround at Little Falls Street.

My legs felt refreshed, but I hit a wall of sorts around the second mile marker. I felt a little fatigued, which is odd considering I’m generally full of energy during a short race. I came into the second mile at 18:32 (breaking at a 9:15 pace).

After a walk break around the Great Falls Street intersection, I took whatever energy that remained and hauled ass to the finish line. As I crossed the line, I noticed my time was 30:45 (9:45/mile pace).

I broke my 5K record, and I was met by my boyfriend, who bought me an iced chai and a hug.

Overall, I would recommend this race to my fellow runners, and a special thank you to the race organizers and sponsors for everything.

My trusty Asics 2170s and my hot pink CEP compression socks helped save the day