Once I graduated from college, I realized I needed an emotional break from the 5K. I raced other distances for the next three years, trying my hand at some half marathons and coming close to a PR in the mile. But while talking it over with my coach this afternoon, I realized training for it would supplement my half-marathon preparation well, and there are a decent number of fast races near where I live in eastern Pennsylvania.
Not going to lie, my PR of 14:20 is looming over me, and I know how much the race is going to hurt. Yet I want to give it a go-anxious thoughts notwithstanding.
MARCH 16: I'm beginning to remember I have a love/hate relationship with the 5K on the track.
In college, it was far and away my best event. I graduated in 2021 after earning all-conference honors at the Big South Championships my senior year. It's the race I have the most experience in-and I'm really proud of that 14:20-but frankly, the distance scares me.
Nothing hurts like a fast 5K. I've gone into dark places during them. If you're running at your fastest and the field is competitive, it feels like you're being pulled behind an airplane on a rope, hanging on by one hand. Any lapse in concentration or effort, and your PR is toast.
In the moments after running a fast time, however, you're flooded with endorphins, adrenaline, and relief. The agony is over; it's time to celebrate.
MARCH 20: I forked over $26.38 and registered for the 5K at the Penn Relays in Philadelphia.
A race that's under $30? That's rare. Most big races are quadruple that these days. Running at the Penn Relays has always been on my bucket list. It's the biggest track meet in the world!
This story is from the Fall 2024 edition of Runner's World US.
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This story is from the Fall 2024 edition of Runner's World US.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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