2025 Handcart Days Races 5KM Race Recap - Bountiful, UT

Official Time: 27:10
Placement: 2nd in age group (55-59), 42nd overall
Results: Here
Race Website: Here
Weather:  upper 70's slight breeze from the south
Garmin Dump: Here
Previous Years:  [2024] [2022] [2020] [2019] [2018] [2017] [2015] [2012]

Mile	Time	Comments
1	8:18	Solid start.  In control and slightly downhill.
2	9:02	I expected better. I felt like I was running 8:30 - 8:45
3	9:23	Uphill mile.  Once I reached the summit though, my pace quickened
3.07	0:29	Push it to the finish
	Total Miles: 3.07 - 27:11

Introduction

So in hindsight, signing up for the Handcart Days 5K race in Bountiful Utah was probably not a smart idea.  I had just run the Deseret News 10KM a few days before.  I've been battling a lot of over-racing, over-running and over training.

But the Handcart Days race is one of my summer traditions and for a budget price of about $30, it is worth the expenditure.  If you are new to the blog, then this course I do about 3 times a year. Once for this race, once for Valentine's Day and once for Thanksgiving.  In the past dozen years or so that I've lived in Utah, I usually do this course at least twice.

The race is held at the Bountiful Recreation center (otherwise known as the South Davis Recreation Center).  There is a gym to pick up your bib and flush toilets and a place to wash your hands.  Just a nice place to hold a race.

The Race

The race offers a half marathon and a 5K.  At one point, I used to run the half marathon, but as time has taken its toll on me, I've had to resort to attending the 5K.  The half marathon starts at 5:30 AM and the 5K, 6:30 AM.  I arrived at the race just a hair past 5:30 and was able to grab my bib in the gymnasium in short order.

Packet Pickup

I did a very short warm-up since it was already stiflingly warm.  I kept it very easy and did a few dynamic movements.  I was definitely feeling the effects of the 10K race that I did two days ago.  

I told myself that I was racing, but not racing.  I knew today wasn't going to exceed any expectations.  However, I was going to push myself as hard as my body would take it.

At 6:30 AM, we started.  

To save time, the course is basically a neighborhood run along two of Bountiful's larger streets.  With the early start, traffic wasn't that big of a deal and while the roads were open, there isn't much of a threat to one's safety.

Downhill on the first mile

The first mile of the course is a slight downhill and is always the fastest one.  After a mile and a quarter, one turns east and the long hill begins.  Your pace slows and the race really doesn't get any faster until nearly the start of mile 3.  The last quarter mile gives you a chance to rebound, but the race is largely already decided your fate at that point.

The climb at about mile 1.25

I went out fairly conservatively on mile 1.  Strong but not all out.  I felt like I was holding back a bit and I enjoyed the downhill as I benefited from the gentle downhill.  I don't think I looked at my watch once and I was pretty happy to run an 8:19 for the first mile.

I had been scoping out of my competition and I hadn't seen anyone that appeared to be in my age group.  However, I had been passed by a large number of people.  The race is popular with family and children but I was worried as during my warm-up I had spotted some speedy looking people who appeared to be my age.

Runners at about mile 3

Rounding the fabled corner that starts the climb back to the starting area.  I felt like my pace dropped. But I didn't want to get overly anxious about it -- once again never checking in with my watch.

I knew where the mile markers were at given previous history so I knew how much further I had to run at any given point.

I sped by the race's only aid station and was greeted with the long, slow grind.  It is a gentle grade that gradually gets harder.  I had people working with me and it was nice to have some competition, even if they weren't in my age group or gender, to work off of.  It made me not give up.

Mile 2 -- I knew would be slow, but not 9:02 slow.  And I was working too hard for that pace.

As always, I told myself the journey to mile 3 would be faster.  However, mile 2 to 3 is never faster. The hill just gets steeper.  And it is relentless. Again, I felt like I was running fast and I was working hard, but the summit just takes forever to reach.

Once I reached the summit, with about a quarter mile to go, I was able to switch gears, putting in a final sprint to the finish.  My watch did alert me to the fact that I had just run a 9:23 final mile, which was depressing.

Conclusion

What can I say? I came into a tough course, on tired legs, on a warm day -- I expected kind of a slow time and that's what I got.  I had a right to be a little miffed about it, but at the same time, there was no way I was going to turn in a massive, time shattering run.

I managed to check the results in short order and discovered I had come in 2nd place.

Medal + shirt + finisher's award

I wasn't too distraught about my time. Embarrassed a bit, perhaps.  But I was able to grab my phone and get photos and cheer on incoming runners.

Donuts -- they had more!

Post race refreshments this year included high end donuts, bananas, sports drink / water, oranges, packaged snacks, and yogurt / granola mixes.  It was actually a nice spread given the budget of the race.

The shirt was nice and one I'll definitely wear again.  The medal was cool and I think they've given out the cow bells before for an age group award.

Overall, from an entertainment standpoint, I had a great time and the race is a good value.  They've also greatly improved on the time it takes to hand out the awards.  So all in all, a great morning out in Bountiful.

Hopefully the next few races, with some recovery, will see an uptick of race times.  I've been working too hard of late not to get any benefit out of all the training I've been doing.

Upcoming Races

08/02: 2025 Runtastic Heber 5K - Heber, UT (Confirmed)

08/09: 2025 Alpine Days 5K - Alpine, UT (Confirmed)

08/16: 2025 PC2PG 10K - Lindon, UT (Confirmed)

08/23: 2025 Path to Opioid Prevention Half Marathon - Riverdale, UT (Confirmed)

02/22: 2026 Las Vegas Half Marathon - Las Vegas, NV (Confirmed)

03/26: 2026 Mount Charleston Half Marathon - Las Vegas, NV (Confirmed)

2024 Handcart 5K Race Recap - Bountiful Utah + Running Updates

Ready, set, go!

Official Time: 30:21
Placement: 2nd in age group (50-54)
Results: Here
Race Website: Here
Weather:  mid 70's slight breeze from the south
Garmin Dump: Here
Previous Years:  [2022] [2020] [2019] [2018] [2017] [2015] [2012]

Mile	Time	Comments
1	9:52	Easy start.
2	10:03	Holding steady
3	9:55	Had to bump up the energy expenditure to account for the hill.
3.08	0:31	Hell with it, sprint to the finish
	Total Miles: 3.08 - 30:23

Introduction

So most summers, I wind up doing the Handcart Days races in Bountiful.  The race is held at the county recreation center and is an affordably priced event that offers a chance to run on a very familiar course.

The race is tied to the local Pioneer Days events held in the Salt Lake area to commemorate the arrival of the first settlers into the area some 175 years ago.  The city of Bountiful has a parade and various celebrations and this race is the local running event.  I've been coming off and on (mostly on) to this race since 2012.

The 5K course, which I have had to have run more than 20 times by now, is always a good standard to use on where my current race fitness is at. And the handcart race is their 2nd race in a series of 5Ks scattered throughout the year.

The Race

So I should start out that this race recap is going to be a bit different that most others, in the fact that I wasn't racing this one.  It was all about simply getting it done.  I had no race goals, no personal drive to beat last time's time, or beat anyone.  If I placed in my age group, great, if not, I was okay with it.

I had registered for this race several weeks ago and it wasn't until a week or two later that I was put on a strict diet of no running.  This was mandated medically and it wasn't because I have Achilles tendonitis or runner's knee.  It turns out that I have a congenital hole in my heart.  I was informed about this late in the day on July 3rd just 12 hours before the Sandy City 4th of July.

Naturally, running with a structural defect in your heart is probably not the best idea.

Heading down the first mile

So the Farmington Days 5K became a photo op day and the Sandy City 4th of July was a total no show.  And there was no way I was going to be able to run the Deseret News half Marathon.  So a busy summer series of racing suddenly because a whole lot of nothing.  And as most of you know, there are no refunds with races.

I did wind up doing the Farmington Days race as a photographer.  I managed to get my t-shirt and post race breakfast but I did not participate in that one.  There was no finisher's medal and really no incentive for me.  It was extremely difficult to sit that race out and if you are a regular reader, you know I like to be fairly competitive, if only against my self.

First turn of the Handcart 5K

Over the past few weeks, I've gone to appointments to get this sorted out and to determine how concerned I should be and what the course of treatment should be.  So far every test other than the EKG (that showed there was in fact a hole in my right ventricle) has come back passing with flying colors.  

The first hill

However, I still have had symptoms of the issue: some high blood pressure, AFib issues, and unexplained wooziness.

Summit of the first incline and 2nd turn

So far the diagnosis is no surgery is required and to keep an eye on my high blood pressure.  Things may change though as I seem to have one more appointment on Tuesday, which will include a stress test.

Now the long climb back to the start

So with most indicators looking good and having run very likely a lifetime with this defect, I decided I'd take the chance and just easy run this one.  I've been walking 3 to 6 miles a day and still doing some light physical therapy-like exercises to keep myself active.

So that's pretty much what I did with this race: I started way in the back, walked a bit, and then started jogging at what felt like an easy pace.  It was nice to finally run but incredibly hard for me not to race it.  I was being passed by other runners and my breathing was light and easy.  I could certainly go faster.  It took a LOT of restraint not to smash this one.

For those not in the know, the course starts off congested, a gentle downhill for about 1.25 miles, and then a grind back to the start.  The last quarter mile or so is a fast and gentle downhill to the rear parking lot.

About mile 2.5 or so

Looking back at where I had come

I also took the opportunity to shoot some photos of the course as well.  Since I run this course so frequently it might help others get a sense of how challenging the course is.

Usually the point at which I am just so done with the race.

Conclusion

So my goal was to finish somewhere around 30 minutes.  If I beat 30 minutes, it would mean I ran the course too fast.  I was honestly figuring I'd get around 36 minutes.  I know if I were racing, I'd be in the 25:30 zone.

After finishing, I did sit down and found no major issues.  I did have a bit of AFib going on but after a while it did settle down.

I did wind up getting 2nd in my age group -- which was NOT expected.  I was just hoping to finish and get my medal.

Post race refreshments included yogurt, fruit, fruit gummies, muffins, awesome ice cream popsicles, orange juice, water, Gatorade, and chocolate milk.  I think in the past they used to have a pancake breakfast but this year they went all out with the post race refreshments.

Unfortunately, they didn't have my shirt size and they are pretty good about mailing them out.  I absolutely love their shirts -- they are ones I frequently wear.  The half marathon's medal was bigger but the 5K race's was definitely worthy of obtaining.  

Award Ceremony Commences!

As usual, I'll be looking forward to attending next year. I hope I'll be able to race it at 100% as well.

I'll be sure to keep my regular readers updated as to my running status (or find me on Strava)

Finisher's medal and age group prize

Upcoming Races

07/24: 2024 Deseret News Half Marathon - Salt Lake City, UT 

08/03: 2024 Roy Days 5K - Roy, UT (Confirmed)

08/17: 2024 PC2PG 10K - Lindon, UT (Confirmed)

09/07: 2024 Cedar City Half Marathon - Cedar City, UT (Confirmed)

09/28: 2024 Witch Run 10K - West Jordan, UT (Confirmed)

10/05: BLOCKED OUT WEEKEND

10/19: 2024 Haunted Half 5K - Salt Lake City, UT (Confirmed)

10/26: 2024 Haunted Half 5K - Provo, UT (Confirmed)

02/23: 2025 Las Vegas Half Marathon - Las Vegas, NV (Confirmed)

04/26:2025 Salt Lake City Half Marathon - Salt Lake City, UT (Confirmed)

2022 Handcart Races 5K Race Recap - Bountiful, UT

Official Time: 25:20
Placement: 1st in age group (50-54)
Results: Here
Race Website: Here
Weather:  upper 70's slight breeze from the south
Garmin Dump: Here
Previous Years:  [2020] [2019] [2018] [2017] [2015] [2012]

Mile	Time	Comments
1	7:40	Off to a decent start.  Slight downhill so it felt easy
2	8:20	Definitely feeling it here. I pretty much knew the race wasn't gonna go well
3	8:51	Just totally out of gas
3.08	0:30	Managed to muster up some sort of okay finish
	Total Miles: 3.08 - 25:20

Introduction

One of my summer traditions over the past few years has been the Handcart Races held on Pioneer Days Weekend here in the state of Utah.  We don't actually race with handcarts, but the local recreation center up in Bountiful, hold a 5K and half marathon race.

When I first moved here in 2012, I ran the half marathon.  Periodically I'd show up for the half marathon, but over time I've shied away from the half marathon.  Mostly because it is just too hot and it usually winds up being a "sufferfest."

This year was no different.  I marked it on my calendar and opted in for the 5K.  If you sign up early enough it is a nice bargain: offering a nicely run 5K race with a medal, t-shirt and even a breakfast at the end.  I really do like this race series.

The Race

I got to the race at about 6 AM.  The race starts at 7 AM so I was just in time to see the half marathon running head on out.  It was already 70 degrees and I was thankful I wasn't running the longer race.

One of the nice things about this race is that you do have the comfort of a recreation center to stay warm and have clean bathrooms.  The packet pickup was held in the gym and I was able to quickly get my bib, shirt and some giveaways.

I cycled through the bathroom and then did a quick 1.5 mile shake out.  I noticed right away it was warm and even though I'd describe my warm-up as "less than strenuous" I had worked up a nice sweat.

I assembled with a few other hundred runners at the start line just shy of 7 AM and waited for the start.  

However, I think there were some timing issues and it took about 10 - 15 minutes before the race started.  And those first 50 yards I actually felt really stiff.  It was a jolt to my system.  Also, a lot of people were lined up fairly close to the start that probably shouldn't have, so it was fairly congested for a while.

The race is basically a large square starting and ending at the recreation center.  It is a residential run for the most part.

The first mile is a slight downhill and leads you to believe you are going to have a fantastic race.  After my initial slowdown, I finally got some room to run.  I was working with another guy (who was ahead of me) in order to pace myself. 

In the past, I've been able to beat him in races but since I was injured / ill, he's been able to finish ahead of me.  Could I keep up and possibly retake my "crown?"

I was keeping up with him and he was within reach as I clicked off a 7:40 first mile.  A fantastic first mile, but I knew I'd have tough times ahead.  After about 1.35 miles, you have to ascend back up to the recreation center. 

I was gaining some ground on my target and once we hit the first corner (at about mile 1.25) I just simply ran out of gas.  I felt my pace drop and it seemed incredibly warm.  My target gained ground and I told myself to just hang in there, maybe I could gain ground.

But this race is very hard to negative split.  After the smashing first mile, most of the rest of the race is a grind uphill.

By the time I hit the return stretch I was wishing the race was over.  My next mile was an 8:20.  My watch kept flashing upper 8's.  I really became upset with myself.  

My competitor sped ahead of me as I lost ground, and hope of a decent race.

The final mile is always the worst.  The hill gets progressively harder and finally when it lets up, you have less than a quarter mile to make up the time to the finish line.

Once I did get to the top, I managed to find a bit of an extra gear, but at this point there was no one behind me and no one I was likely to catch.  But I did look at my watch and realize I had a shot at sub 25 (somehow).

Conclusion

Well, I never did catch up with my competitor and I didn't crush a 25 minute 5K like I had hoped.  It was warm and I just couldn't get anything going today. 

There were parts of the race where I just wanted to start walking.  

All things considered though my time was in line with what I've been running recently.  In fact, my time wasn't too far off from the 2020 edition.

I went back to my car and reclaimed my gear and went back for the free breakfast.  I knew the results were online but to be honest, I just didn't care that much.  If I placed so be it, if I didn't, I was okay with that too.

Breakfast was muffins, eggs, hash browns, pancakes, chocolate milk / Sunny D, and orange slices.  It wasn't my favorite post race breakfast but it was good enough.

I finally did check the results and was shocked to learn I had taken first in my age division.  Unfortunately there weren't any awards due to supply chain issues.  They are planning on mailing them out.

Overall, this race didn't sit that well for me.  I was really hoping for a better time but I have to remember this is a bit of process of getting back my fitness.  I am dealing with injury, post-illness issues and the related weight gain form not being able to run as much.  Definitely an uphill battle.  

I also think I gave up on myself.  While my pace was slowing, it wasn't as bad as I thought it was.  And ultimately that affected my overall time.

Either way, I am glad I went and I managed to snag a nice shirt and finisher's medal to add to my collection.

Upcoming Races

07/30: 2022 Alien Run - Farmington, UT (Maybe)

07/03: 2022 Timp 5K - American Fork, UT (Maybe)

08/06: 2022 Roy Days 5K - Roy, UT (Confirmed)

08/13: 2022 Bluffdale Badlands 5K / 10K - Bluffdale, UT (Confirmed)

08/20: 2022 Provo Canyon to Pleasant Grove 10K - Lindon, UT (Confirmed)

09/03: 2022 Swiss Days 10K - Midway, UT (Maybe)

10/01: 2022 Witch Run 10K - West Jordan, UT (Confirmed)

10/22: 2022 Haunted Emigration Canyon 5K - Salt Lake City (Confirmed)

10/29: 2022 Haunted Half Provo 5K - Provo, UT (Confirmed)

01/14: 2023 St George Half Marathon - St George, UT (Confirmed)

02/26: 2023 Las Vegas Half Marathon - Las Vegas, NV (Confirmed)

04/22: 2023 Salt Lake City Half Marathon - Salt Lake City, UT (Confirmed)

08/19: 2023 Rock 'N Roll Salt Lake City Half Marathon - Salt Lake City, UT (Confirmed)

2020 Handcart 5K Race Recap - Bountiful, UT

Official Time: 24:59
Placement: 2nd in age group (50-54)
Results: Here
Race Website: Here
Weather:  80 degrees, no wind
Garmin Dump: Here
Previous Years:  [2019] [2018] [2017] [2015] [2012]

Mile	Time	Comments
1	7:41	Rockin!  Good start thanks to a gentle downhill.
2	8:25	Pace comes to a halt here as I have to grind a ways up hill. Nothing major but definitely have to work at it.
3	8:42	Final push to the top of the hill then flats the rest of the way. Tough running here.
3.03	0:12
	Total Miles: 3.03 - 25:01

Introduction

Every summer -- at least for me -- brings the opportunity to the Handcart races up in Bountiful.  They are put on by the local recreation center in tandem with the celebration of Utah's settlers who arrived with all their belongings on a handcart -- hence the name, Handcart Races.

Normally, there's be a lot more going on at the park and the race would've been more heavily attended, but with Covid-19 wrecking havoc on the race scene, social distancing, masks and extra precaution were in order.

Masks were required for pre / post race as well as packet pickup.  

The Race

I rolled into the race just shy of 6 AM.  I got an opportunity to see the half marathoners start off, which is always nice, as it gives me a chance to wish those that I know well wishes.  I've done the half a few times and know that the half -- in the summer -- just isn't my cup of tea.  I've died so many times in the last 3 miles of it that I prefer to do the 5K.

Packet pickup was a snap.  Masks were mandatory and people were pretty respectful of that.  Since I was there early, I didn't really get that close to people and I was back outside in no time at all.

I wound up doing some drills and doing some easy running to kill time.  Around 6:50 (race start was at 7 AM) I made my way over to the starting line.  They had the starting line cordoned off for about 10 people per segment.  To play it safer, I went to about the second to last starting area and waited for the race to begin.  I had a good 5 minute wait before the race started. I made small talk while wearing a mask and keeping a distance from the other 8 or so runners in my block.

It took a few minutes for the other runners ahead of me to start.  But it was definitely interesting to start in the back of the race. Normally, I am up in the first third of the starting area.  I hope I wasn't hemming myself in, but with the fastest runners in the front and only lots of 10 in front of me, I  didn't have that problem at all with this race.

This race is entirely residential.  It isn't the most exciting course but it starts off with a moderate downhill and once you turn the corner at about mile 1.25, it is grind back to the start.  It forms a loop around town.  Normally, the course measures about 3.07 to 3.08 but it came up fairly short this time.

Since I haven't raced since March, this 5K was pretty much on my "A" list.  Plus, being about 15 pounds lighter, I felt like I was ready for a great race.

I blasted out the first mile and since I had a downhill I knew it was going to be fast.  I hit a 7:41 and was worried I had gone out too fast.  I still felt in control but it had been a while since I had ran that sort of pace. It was fun to start in the back of the race and work my way forward.  There was some concern about inhaling people's exhales, but I tried to stay as far away as possible and run off to the side.

Once I tuned the corner to head east and finally another right to head back south to the starting line I knew the race had begun.  Here, my pace definitely takes a hit as I see a slight incline and then another grind back to the top.  It looks daunting but it isn't that bad.  I dug down deep remembering all the hard work I had put into my diet and my training and quickened my stride as best as I could.

Mile 2 was a blur as was mile 3.  I just reminded myself to keep putting one foot in front of the other.  I did panic when I saw an 8:30 flash on my watch as I crossed the 2 mile marker.  Looking at previous results though, that mile is traditionally pretty slow for me.

I was running solo by mile 2.75.  Occasionally a speedy half marathoner would fly by me (they had an hour head start) so it was humbling to have one of them cruise effortlessly past me.

Finally, I hit the home stretch and I put everything I had in the last .15 of a mile.

Conclusion

I was really hoping to go sub 25 minutes on this race.  So I was a little disappointed with my time.  On the other hand though, I absolutely demolished my time from last year and even this February, by a good 50 seconds.  Once I saw that, I was a lot more excited about my time.

After finishing, I really wanted to keep running another .07 of a mile, just to make it official with my Garmin.  But they were handing out medals and I didn't want to be rude by sprinting through the finish area.  The course, for whatever reason, measured short with my Garmin, but I know I've done it many times before it is measures at about 3.07 or 3.08.

The race was well organized and quite a deal.  I could've run this virtually, but opted to run it in person.  Back when I signed up for it, Covid was a big deal but it hadn't escalated into what it is today.  So I had quite a bit of anxiety about how this race would go.  

I felt good about it and kept my distance from people.  Although I wish there hadn't been as many people while running.  Again, I tried to limit my exposure to others but you can only do so much.

The race was a bargain. I paid around $15 for the race.  I got a cool t-shirt and huge medal.  I placed second in my age group, but I didn't stick around for awards.  I think they are post race pick-up, so next time I am in the area, I'll try to swing by.

I didn't indulge in any post race food.  There seemed to be a lot of people in the area and I was doing my part to social distance.  I always bring my own beverages / food so it wasn't a big deal.  It looked like they had ice cream, bananas and bottled water.

I am very pleased with my results and it shows I am trending in the right direction.  It gives me hope I can get back down to some more competitive times.  It is definitely easier being 15 pounds lighter than February.

2019 South Davis Recreation Center Handcart Days 5K Race Recap - Bountiful, UT

Official Time: 25:41
Placement: 39th male, 2nd in the 45 - 49 age group
Results: Here
Race Website: Here
Weather: Low 70's and warm, no wind
Garmin Dump: Forgot it
Previous Years: [2018] [2017] [2015] [2012]

Introduction

6 - 8 weeks ago I decided in my infinite wisdom to sign up for a half marathon -- in the middle of summer.  At the time that I signed up the summer wasn't that bad.  The highs for the day were around 82 and for a Utah summer, it was very mild. 

Unfortunately it didn't stay that way and summer became just that, summer.  So with about a week to go before the race and with temperatures hitting the mid 90's on a daily basis, I opted to switch to the 5 -- despite a mildly bruised ego.

The race director happily switched me over at no additional headache or cost.  I was pretty happy with my decision when I saw race weather showing around the low 70's for the start.  I haven't been getting in as many miles as I should for a half and I don't think I am quite heat acclimated just yet.

The Race

I rolled into the South Davis Recreation Center just as the half marathon was starting off (6 AM).  They had in the low 100 runners and I watched them head on out with just a tiny bit of regret.  I grabbed my bib in short order and began a warm-up.

Unfortunately they were out of my shirts, so apparently they are going to mail me one.  Bummer.  It looked like a good one this year too.

My warm-ups went well and I felt like I had a shot at a decent race.  It was warm and I was on a light mileage week so my legs weren't too beat up feeling.  I was ready to run fast -- I had my fast 5K shoes on and despite the warmth it was a fairly decent day for a 5K.  

Photo of the west side of Bountiful where I'd be running in about 30 minutes

It was during the warm-up that I realized I had forgotten my Garmin.  Argh.  I hate that because it screws up everything.  I had some thoughts about using my phone to track my run, but my phone these days is a fairly large one and the last thing I wanted to do was lug around a heavy phone.

The race started promptly at 7 AM and we were off.  I was hemmed in at the start but within a few hundreds yards I was off.  People were jockeying for position and soon enough I had settled into a pace... not sure what it was but I felt like it was aggressively.

I remember the first 1.5 miles or so as we ran down one of the main drags in Bountiful was mostly working with a young boy who ran about 100 - 200 yards hard and then would stop and tie his shoe or walk for a bit.  I'd thought I have left him in the dust when he came flying by me again.  It was until about half way through the race that I finally got some peace.... 

I was hurting at this point and I sensed that this wasn't going to be my race.  My legs just felt a little heavier and I felt like I wasn't getting enough air.  At about the 1.25 mile mark you also start a steady ascent back to the start.  I've written about it before -- it isn't a crazy uphill but just a death by a 1000 cuts.  

By the time I got to the aid station (at about mile 1.60 or so as memory serves) I knew the final stretch was going to hurt.  As I made my way south on Main Street I counted back the numbers of times I've run this stretch and how almost always I've suffered through it.  I am so close to the finish line yet so far away.

It was demoralizing being passed by the speedy half marathoners.  They had had an hour head start and the ones finishing in the sub 1:30 range fly by me.  Here I was racing my guts out at mile 2 or so and they were on mile 12 and they darted past me like nothing.

I dug deep and I just keep pressing.  I felt like I was going to puke and fortunately no one was behind me for quite some time.  

Finally I reached the summit of the hill and knowing there was less than a quarter of a mile left, I pushed with whatever I had left.  Thinking back I don't remember much about this segment of the race other than it felt so hard and painful.

The finish line finally came and as I crossed I couldn't tell if I had finished in 25:13 or slower... but I wasn't too surprised with my time.

Conclusion

I walked off the light headed feeling and was kind of dejected as I thought about my time.  25 and change.  Ugh, not the race I wanted.

I grabbed my finisher's medal and went over and got some Gatorade.  I reviewed the race with a few people but I only knew a handful of people there.

In the past it's taken them a while to do results and today it was no different.  Sadly it took nearly 2 hours to get the awards handed out.  On the plus side, though, there was a pancake breakfast and plenty of food.

It also took a while to simply find my time and placement.  But I was in no rush and had plenty of time.

I was excited to see that I finished 2nd in my age group.  They had some pretty slick awards and all said and told, I definitely got my money's worth.  I paid $30 and got a premium medal, shirt, refreshments, and breakfast.  Quite a deal.

I reviewed my time from last year and yes, I was slower.  But I appeared to have struggled last year too.  So given the time of year, this is probably not an ideal time to race for me.

This race was a painful reminder that 5Ks are tough.  Yes, the distance is not very intimidating, it is the pace of the race.  From the outset, it is rough going and really a test of fortitude (at least for me) and mental strength to keep pushing the pace even though you start feeling hazy, pukey and jelly-legged.

This course is definitely a test one too, since I've run it at least a dozen times, so it is a good fitness indicator.  It also means that I need to work on my speed endurance in the near future to reverse my time's directions.