Yesterday, Lt Dan Berschinski returned to Peachtree City after spending almost a year recovering from losing both of his legs serving our country in Afghanistan. As part of his welcome home, the Peachtree City Running Club put on a 5K race to help raise funds to defray some of the expenses he and his family have incurred as a result of his injuries. I haven't run a 5K in over a year, but I had to run this one.
The morning was warm and humid, both the temperature and dewpoint were about 70 degrees. Since I suspected that there would be a big turnout and parking would be a mess, I parked about a mile away and ran to the start as a warm-up. There was a big turnout, normally for these 5Ks there are several dozen runners. I'd estimate the crowd this morning to be several hundred, probably even close to 500 runners and walkers, all out to support Lt Dan. (of course, while running, I couldn't help but think of the movie Forrest Gump and the Lt Dan in that movie who also lost both legs.) Lt Dan was there to start the race and also at the finish to present the awards.
It was a little crowded at the start and it took awhile to settle into my pace, but I was able to run a good race, just a little bit outside of my comfort zone. Since the course is on the same route I run frequently, I was able to run most of the tangents and my Garmin read 3.12 miles at the finish line. My splits were:
Mile 1 - 10:12
Mile 2 - 9:37
Mile 3.1 - 10:39
Total time - 30:27, a 38 second PR!
The timing and results were no-frills. You noted your time crossing the finish line, then wrote your name, age, and time on a piece of paper and put in in the appropriate sex/age basket. There were already at least a dozen slips of paper in the 50-59 basket, but only one in the 60-69 basket. Looks like I have to either get faster or older to get any age group awards.
I think that I have a sub 30 minute 5K in me. I need to have better weather conditions, also, running 9 miles the day before probably didn't help my time ;)
Here is what I did the rest of the week:
Tuesday - 4.78 miles in 50 minutes, 11:31 pace
Wednesday - 9.42 miles in 1:50, 11:41 pace
Thursday - 4.6 miles in 50 minutes, 11:58 pace
Friday - 9.19 miles in 1:50, 11:59 pace
Saturday - 5K
Today - Planning to run about 15 miles in 3 hours
Growing up and growing out.
2 weeks ago
2 comments:
Wow, what a great cause. And congrats on your PR!!!
Found your blog through Frayed Laces. My sister lives in Peach Tree City, so I've know how hot and humid it can get. I, too, thought of Forest Gump as soon as you said Lt. Dan. Wish I could have been there to run with you. Looking forward to following you on a regular basis.
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