Category Archives: Krystle’s Race Training

Race Recap: Springfield 5K

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Granted, I have not been blogging lately.  No excuses!  Of course, it is hard balancing training, work, and life.

Since I last logged on, I ran another 5K.  I have decided to focus on shorter distance races, instead of pushing myself towards the half marathon.  Since the knee injury last year and the pain that I am still experiencing due to scar tissue, I am playing it safe this time around.

Last Saturday, I ran the Springfield 5K, which was held in conjunction with the Springfield Days festival.  My friend urged me to run this race, as he was planning to run the 15K.  While the 15K was tempting, I opted for the 5K to attempt to shatter my previous record:  30:45 (which I accomplished at the Walter L. Mess W&OD 5K in March 2012).

The 5K started off downhill, so I was able to run faster than usual.  I would guess my pace was in the  8 minute/mile arena.  However, the early downhill did have a negative impact, when it came to keeping the pace in the flat portions of the course.  I knew going fast in the beginning might backfire and result in some walk breaks a little down the line.

By the time the 5K runners separated from the 15K runners, I knew it was going to be a reversal where we would have to go back uphill again.  For some reason, my body was not too thrilled.  If my quads were able to give me the middle finger or scream, they would have on the Commerce Street hill.  I just dug deep and pushed myself to get up that hill in one piece.  By the time I got over that hill, my adrenaline kicked in and I sprinted back to the line.

Overall, I placed 12th in my age group with a time of 30:36 (9 seconds off my previous time).  If you are looking for local races, check out RunWashington.com.   The next race I am looking at running is another 5K during Father’s Day weekend in Cleveland.  Hopefully, I shave a minute off this time (if things work in my favor).

Recap of the W&OD 5K

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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.

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

Springing Back into Things

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First, I owe all my readers an explanation on where I have been lately.  Don’t worry…nothing bad has happened to me, but work had been hectic (which is good), and the last thing I want to do at the end of the day is to turn on the computer. 

I have also resumed half marathon training and have decided to take a few Bikram and Vinyasa yoga classes.  This has taken me off circuit for a while too.

However, it is politics that burn me out.  Honestly, I would rather share my love of fitness or baking.  After all, there is a great need to be well rounded.  You will see more of this here.

There will still be some political stuff.  After all, we need more liberty and less government in our lives.

Be on the lookout for more posts.  I’ll try to post a recap of the Fairfax County Republican Committee Convention, as well as a race recap from my first race of 2012.

So…what have I missed and any predictions for the start of the baseball season?

-Krystle

Running Injuries Are The Devil!

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      Normally, I do not post personal things on the blog.  However, I am in the midst of training for my first 5K race (which was supposed to be the Crystal City Race on July 26th–thankfully, I have not even registered).   I have actually been doing well with the running by exceeding the 5K (3.2 miles) and running 4 miles every other day.   Well, it looks like I am sidelined with a nice running injury…a torn calf muscle! 

     If there are any runners out there, who could provide advice on how to deal with these common ailments or encouragement, I would greatly appreciate it, especially since I do not want to be sidelined until next year.  So far, it looks like the ice pack and pillow will be my new best friend until I recuperate.