On Saturday I was able to participate in Albany's Oktoberfest 5K. This race is a part of the Oktoberfest festival and participants are able to get into the festival free with their race bib. The festival is kind of lost on me as I do not enjoy beer and I am a pescatarian. Still, I'm always game to participate in a 5K.
The race field was HUGE for a local race. There were at least 1,000 runners registered. Considering it was the first chilly fall day and it was rainy, that's an amazing turnout.
There were pace markers at the start line so runners could place themselves appropriately. Normally, I'm one of the only women lining up at the 7:00 or less pace maker, but I was pleasantly surprised to see a bunch of women join me. I think I was the only person in this part of the starting area wearing long sleeves! I don't know how people can run in shorts and tank tops when it's cold. Looking around, I knew there wasn't much of a shot of placing in this race, these women looked so much faster.
With a "runners set" and then an airhorn blast, we were off. I was surprised to find that I was feeling really good. Typically I take the day before the race off from running. However, on Friday I was feeling really twitchy, so I ran a light 2.8 miles just to shake out the legs. I think the fast field helped push me.
As I was running and checking my watch, I realized I had a chance at a PR. My reach goal for the 5K this season was to get under 20 minutes. I'd been hovering around that mark in races and I knew on the right day with the right course, I would be able to beat that mark. It turns out that day was Saturday. I know I got a boost from the fast and flat course and from quick runners who were pushing me to go faster. When I could see the finish line clock, I knew I would get it and sure enough...19:55. I'm so excited! I finished first in my age group and 7th woman overall!
The race field was HUGE for a local race. There were at least 1,000 runners registered. Considering it was the first chilly fall day and it was rainy, that's an amazing turnout.
There were pace markers at the start line so runners could place themselves appropriately. Normally, I'm one of the only women lining up at the 7:00 or less pace maker, but I was pleasantly surprised to see a bunch of women join me. I think I was the only person in this part of the starting area wearing long sleeves! I don't know how people can run in shorts and tank tops when it's cold. Looking around, I knew there wasn't much of a shot of placing in this race, these women looked so much faster.
With a "runners set" and then an airhorn blast, we were off. I was surprised to find that I was feeling really good. Typically I take the day before the race off from running. However, on Friday I was feeling really twitchy, so I ran a light 2.8 miles just to shake out the legs. I think the fast field helped push me.
As I was running and checking my watch, I realized I had a chance at a PR. My reach goal for the 5K this season was to get under 20 minutes. I'd been hovering around that mark in races and I knew on the right day with the right course, I would be able to beat that mark. It turns out that day was Saturday. I know I got a boost from the fast and flat course and from quick runners who were pushing me to go faster. When I could see the finish line clock, I knew I would get it and sure enough...19:55. I'm so excited! I finished first in my age group and 7th woman overall!
Post race finisher picture!
The awards ceremony was VERY delayed and it was cold, but eventually I got my medal. The medal came equipped with a handy dandy bottle opener. I really enjoy when medals fit the theme of the race.
Finally, it was time to celebrate our accomplishment. We headed off to Oktoberfest. I was pleased to see that they also were offering wine at the bar. It's a good thing it came in a very nice classy glass.
Cup'o'Wine
All in all, this was a fun way to kick off last weekend!
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