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5k Race for Women in Congolese War

April 17, 2010 (Morning)

Exercise Type: Run

Weather: Cool

Comments:
Planned to run a race in RCP this morning, but when I found it it was sponsored by the Heritage Foundation and a bunch of right-wing political groups I just couldn't bare to put down the $35 entrance fee. So instead, I drove our 50 miles to Frederick to race in the Run for Congo Women, part of national series or races designed to raise money for victims of Congolese war, which grew out of the Rwandan genocide and has since grown to be the size of WWI. The race was very informal and I has a solid lead after about 5 seconds, which I kept the whole race. Went out strong but holding back some in the first mile (5:28), then got lost a little ways into mile 2 when I came upon direction sign that had blown over. The second place runner set me straight, so I started my watch again and sped off on a gradual uphill, though I'm sure it messed up my momentum. Oh well. Mile 2 was about 6:10 not counting the time I was backtracking to figure out the route. Third mile was stronger, probably around 5:30 again, and I was pleased with my kick which started a good 500m out and came in strong down the last straight away. 18:01 by the clock, but I'm calling it 17:40 based on my watch time. That's 5k PR by 7 seconds (set last fall), though not as fast as the pace of my fasted 8k in cross country. Still have a ways to improve, but I'm pleased given the conditions under which I ran.