Thursday, November 28, 2013

Thanksgiving Day 5K Turkey Trot Race - South Davis Rec Center, Bountiful, Utah

Today I raced the South Davis Rec Center's 5K: http://www.turkey10k.com in an effort to burn some calories before over indulging today.  The race offered a kids' 1K dash, a 10K and a 5K.  I opted for the 5K on account that after running a marathon two weeks ago, I didn't want to go too nuts with the distance.

I've run their races before and they do a good job.  They are chip timed, they have finishing medals, and you have the comforts of a full-sized health club to use for preparation.  It is also easy to get to, about 25 minutes from the apartment.

The weather was only mild wind (negligible) and at the start it was probably in the upper 30's / low 40's.  I was in a long sleeved t-shirt, shorts and gloves and was fine throughout the race.

I didn't have any huge expectations on my performance this race.  Less than 2 weeks ago I did a full marathon and since then I haven't really done any quality workouts, let alone sharpened what left I have of my speed.  Looking at last year's results I figured I'd have a shot at an age group award.

The course starts off somewhat downhill - the first mile loses about 75 feet.  While I wanted to start off conservatively, it is hard for me to keep it in check and I rattled off a 6:45 first mile.  After about 1.25 miles the hills start and you basically have to make up for all the initial downhills.

I don't have the speed endurance that I've had in the past and I watched as my 7:00 minute miles turned into 7:30's and then 8:30's.  The last mile is absolutely brutal with about 100 feet of climbing stretched over that final ascent back to the recreation center.

I finished 3rd in my age group with a time of 23:22.  I am very disappointed with my time (I was hoping for sub 23) but overall I'll take it, all things considered.  Also, if you look at what I did for the Sweet Hearts 5K on the same course, I am EXACTLY the same: Race Results.  Go figure.

I did snap some pictures of their cool gym area.  If I was a Bountiful resident I would certainly join this gym.  It has racquetball courts, basketball, indoor track, treadmills, indoor hokey rink, wall climbing, weights and lots of pool areas.

With my age group place I wound up winning a pie.  While everyone gets very cool medals when they finish age group winners do take home a pie.  I chose Lemon Cream Pie...

I have signed up for their Sweethearts 5K in February so I am hoping to make some sort of improvement as I try to focus on speed and work on my mental toughness.

Long sleeved Race t-shirt

Bountiful Mountains

South Davis Recreation Center

South Davis Recreation Center Pool (closed)

Basketball Course

Indoor track where I warmed up.

Part of the weight room

Very cool finishers medal

Post race

Post race

One of these pies would be mine!

My "win"

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