Run Nona 5k Recap

Today I did something that I haven't done in years....a 5k. I realized a couple of months ago that I have done a number of races since I really started running regularly, but I haven't done a 5k. There are a number of reasons for this, one of which is that my short training runs are more than 3.1 miles, so it seemed a little silly to run a race that is shorter than a short training run. That said, I wanted to have a 5k time to use for training and comparison, so I put it on my to do list.

It was perfect timing when my husband asked if I wanted to do the Run Nona 5k. He works in Lake Nona and several of his coworkers had signed up. The race was inexpensive and you got a tech shirt, so I was in. I am a sucker for a decent race shirt.

I picked up our race packets at Track Shack earlier this week. I do enjoy getting race packets there, because it is always really quick and the staff is friendly. It is also close enough to work that I can get them on my lunch break.

Far View of the Start

This morning we left the house about 7 a.m. and got to Lake Nona around 7:30 a.m. Since it was a pretty small race, there was no traffic and we were able to get in and parked easily. We hit the bathrooms and then headed to the start to take a look at all the costumes. 

At 8 a.m. the horn sounded and we were off. It is still a little strange for me when there is no lead up to the start. I think I ran too many large long-distance events and have a slightly warped perspective. Often, there is a person with a microphone getting the crowd excited.

UCF College of Medicine

The race was an out and back that started in front of the UCF College of Medicine, ran past the VA hospital under construction, into one of the neighborhoods being developed in the area and then back. While there are a number of large companies in Lake Nona, the area is still very much in development. At one point we had cows on one side of us and a field on the other. I think that was part of why this race exists...to get people to Lake Nona.

The run felt good this morning. It was just a little chilly, but that was the wind more than the actual temperature. My final time was 39:09. A faster pace than either of the other races I have done recently. I also felt like I could go another couple of miles.

Running a 5k was fun. It is not my favorite distance, but something I may have to do again soonish. What is your favorite race distance?

P.S. Sorry fo the terrible pictures. I just had my cell phone and I need a new phone with a better camera.