Inaugural OK5K Run

Ran the inaugural OK5K Run at Mount Trashmore this morning — a small, but well-organized new addition to the local race calendar with proceeds from the race benefiting Eggleston Services programs for the disabled. Eggleston Services has been around since 1955, and has helped thousands of individuals with disabilities gain freedom from dependence on government support by providing them on-the-job training and stable work opportunities.

Anyway, on to the race recap. I decided to just jog an easy mile as a warm up today. Last week at the LEE’S Friends Run on the Wild Side 5k I ran a two mile hot and humid warm up which probably did more harm than good. Lining up at the start today, I felt much more refreshed and ready to race.

The race started promptly at 8:30am and I soon settled into a good rhythm just behind the lead pack. The trickiest part of the first quarter mile turned out to be avoiding the race cameraman who somehow managed to fall off the back of the pick-up truck he was riding in. Oops. Luckily he was okay.

I took the lead just after the first right turn, but wasn’t able to shake off eventual female winner Octavia Rinehardt and good friend Jon Leiding until we’d passed the one mile mark. I glanced at my Garmin and was pleased how comfortable the 5:42 felt.

Mile two was all about maintaining focus and keeping the stride ticking over. Thankfully I was able to follow the excellent bike lead (Michael Kottmer) through the many folks out exercising on the paved trail around the Mount Trashmore lake. Thanks Mike for clearing the way.

The first loop was soon over and it was nice to receive some encouragement from the finish line folks and numerous spectators/volunteers. I pressed on and reminded myself I was half way done. Mile two was a big surprise in that it was quicker than the first mile — 5:38 to be precise. I still felt fairly strong but was concerned Jon or Octavia could still come from behind and steal the win.

Thankfully I was able to maintain a good cadence and rounded the final bend far enough in front to hold on for the win. My finish time was a big surprise. After last week’s 18:12, my main goal was to break 18 minutes today. Imagine my surprise as the clock still displayed 17:20-something as I crossed the line!

The race win was definitely nice, but the official time of 17:21 very encouraging — just 12 seconds off my lifetime PR and my third fastest 5k time ever. Good times!

Thanks to everyone involved for putting on a great event. Hopefully this one will be around for many years to come…