Winona Lake 5k/10k

15 May Winona Lake 5k/10k

Conditions were perfect for a race today. Hardly any wind, cool and on the verge of warm, but not hot. For this race, you could choose to run the 5k race or the 10k race. I choose to run the 10k since I missed the Indy Mini and enjoy the longer distance. Mentally, it was tough to pace myself. I have not run very many 10ks and have no idea how fast I should go. I ended up running the first 5k at the pace I would normally run a 5k race. Big mistake. Though I was in the lead for that entire time, I soon realized my mistake as the guy behind me was slowing closing the gap. I began to give up as I could hear the footsteps and breathing getting closer. He passed me at mile 4ish. I congratulated him (maybe I should have glared at him instead). My breathing began to get out of control as I reacted to the situation, rather than stay calm and focus.

Thankfully, Mike McKieghen, a running friend and small group member (also winner of the 5k), helped coach me through the finish line. I wish I could have had someone like that through the whole race. I know I wouldn’t have finished as strong if I didn’t have the extra push from a friend. It was a painful finish (see photo below). By the look on my face, it was the most awful experience ever. It hurt, but I promise, it wasn’t as painful as the face says. I think I was over exaggerating.

The race ended up not being measured correctly. It was estimated that rather than a 10k (6.2 miles) it was only about 5.1 miles (a whole mile off). I came in second over all, a mere 10 seconds away from a win.