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| Starting line at Super Mom 5K 10K Half Marathon |
Placement: 16th overall, 1st masters
Results: Here
Race Website: Here
Weather: Low 80s, no wind but warm
Garmin Dump: Here
Previous Years: First Year for Me
| Mile | Time | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 9:19 | Sluggish start. Latter half of the first mile was uphill |
| 2 | 9:44 | Some rolling hills before we hit the turn around. |
| 3 | 9:20 | Nice bounce back. |
| 3.06 | 0:31 | Legs felt like rubber |
| Total Miles: 3.08 - 26:56 | ||
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| Line-up for bibs |
Introduction
Well, here we are again at Bill Briare Park in Las Vegas, just on the border of Summerlin. I've been here about 5 months now and I've run at this park 3 times (counting this race). The first one was the Chilly Willy 5K and the second was the Run Through the Decades 6K.
Having a break from racing last weekend, I was eager to jump into another race and being a fan of the Five Star NTP racing company (they have decent age group awards) and a halfway decent price, I decided to jump into their Mother's Day run. Albeit, it is a week early, it was something to do, under $40, and fairly close to home. It was also on a course I know well.
Mostly I was there to turn in a solid workout, test for any improvements, and just get out of the house for a bit. With some luck, maybe I'd place and win an award.
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| Heading towards the starting line. |
The Race
The race started at 8 AM and by the time I got there, the sun was blazing and it was already pushing 75F. By the time I left, my car would read 80 degrees. It felt warm.
I was actually shocked a bit when I saw a fairly lengthy line to procure your bib. Fortunately, it moved quickly. Normally when I've done Five Star's races, there isn't a line-up at all. I think they had a pretty good turnout this time. Fortunately it wasn't a big deal.
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| I look tired even before the race started |
After getting my bib, I stashed my bag and did about a 10 - 15 minute warm-up. All I can say is I felt sluggish and warm. In fact, by the time I made it back to the starting line, I was dripping sweat and my warm-up wasn't exactly that long or that quick.
I've also been pushing the proverbial training envelope throughout the week and my legs just felt flat. This was a low key race so I wasn't too worried about it but conditions basically indicated that it wasn't going to be a PR type of day.
The race started promptly at 8 AM, and the 3 race distances started all at once around the perimeter of the park. The 3 races included a 5K (the most popular), followed by the 10K and half marathon. I had flirted with signing up for the 10K and I was grateful I hadn't pulled the trigger on that distance.
I felt like I was struggling despite the flat or somewhat downhill nature of the course. I was running about what I'd expect to for a normally hot day, but my legs just weren't there.
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| Stretch of bike trail in the first half mile |
The first half mile -- it went around the eastern perimeter of the park, went quickly. I knew though that once we exited the park, the climb would begin. It is a steady grind for the next mile until the turn around. There are a few stretches that are quite hilly. but for the most part, it is just "uphill".
The race had about 150 runners in it and the front runners had set off well ahead of me. I felt like I was running solo for most of the race. Not many people were behind me and I didn't have anyone to work with.
The first quarter mile was somewhat congested but I was able to run the pace I wanted to, mostly because I had lined up fairly close to the front. There seemed to be quite a few casual runners that were lined up in the front that probably shouldn't have been.
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| Bonanza Trail at the half mile marker |
As we made our way on the 8 foot wide bike trail, I just felt flat and I knew it was going to be a struggle.
Mile 1 came in at 9:19. Definitely a lot slower than I wanted, but not completely unexpected. I was dripping sweat and my mouth was dry and I felt like I was working way too hard. The first mile, after the exit to the Bonanza bike trail, is just a grind up. And my pace dwindled.
It doesn't get any easier the further the race went and the Bonanza bike trail, after passing my medical buildings and a shopping center, gave way to Kellogg Zaher Park. And here it was another half mile of grinding uphill. My pace, at best, was marathon pace and I just felt cooked.
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| Just shy of the first mile marker |
Fortunately I arrived at the turn around. I lost count of how many runners were coming back already but it was around a dozen and it didn't look like anyone was in my age group.
Once I hit the turn around, I knew the next mile was going to be fun. It was smooth sailing for a while and while I was exhausted and fighting fatigue I was hitting sub 9 minute miles. This was the pace I wanted to run throughout the race.
There wasn't any one to pick off though. I did get some shouts of encouragement from runners heading out, which was really nice.
Mile 2 came in at 9:44. Disappointing but given that the first half of that mile was uphill, it wasn't unexpected.
I really had to will myself to push onwards. I was still coasting for the next .75 miles as I let gravity assist me in my return to the starting line. Despite the race being a "wash" as far as a respectable time went, I had hopes that at least I could redeem myself a little with the closing mile.
I did forget though how hard the last quarter mile is. Your legs are just fried at this point and you have a very slight uphill to get back to the starting line. It is gradual and almost imperceptible but you see it happen to other runners. Their fast 5K pace suddenly turns into a slog. I saw a good number of people even walking.
Despite being so close to the finish -- so close I could hear the finishing music, I just had nothing and my pace once again was reduced to a marathon shuffle.
I glanced a few times behind me and a pair of women were approaching but I think whatever age group award I was going to get was signed, sealed and delivered.
I crossed the finish -- it was finally over.
Conclusion
So this race wasn't an A-race for me. It was just an excuse to get out, get in a solid effort, and have a little fun. The Five Star NTP group does have very generous age group categories and that is one reason why I do their races.
I wound up, after discounting the top 3 finishers, get awarded the first masters runner. I think there were runners in their 50s who finish in the top 3.
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| Finisher's Medal and awards |
I didn't get a shirt for the race but the design was cool (it was an extra charge). It was cotton though and something I probably wouldn't have worn. The medal was cool and I got 3 pins to add to the lanyard to indicate my achievement.
For $35 the race just right. They did have a water station at the turnaround. Refreshments at the end included prepackaged crackers and water. I think if I had been running the half marathon, I'd probably have been disappointed. But for a $35 5K - I was fine with it. Also their award claiming system is top notch. Within 5 minutes of finishing, I could collect my award and leave - with no fanfare. I do miss the clapping and recognition, but at the same time, I could continue on with my day.
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| Runner's finishing |
My performance was "okay". I mean I came in pretty tired from a series of harder runs but my time: sucked. I expected something in the 27s but I was darn near 29 minutes.
I think the fatigue in my legs and the heat just wilted me.
This race is ideal for runners looking for a fun morning. The course is entirely bike trail. It isn't scenic by any means, but I've never been bored on it. The half marathon is a multi-lap course, so it may not appeal to those looking for a stunning course.
The organization was spot on and I was happy with my experience. There was a good friendly crowd here as well. One caveat is the bathroom situation. There are no porta potties here and only the park's restroom. You could run about a mile to the Zaher park or use the restroom inside the Winco (about .75 miles away) but there were lines for the bathroom and the men's toilet was clogged. This situation isn't uncommon. Just a word of caution to try and take care of business at home before the race.
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