Cox Racing Services offers this 5k series each Thursday during the summer. This year, the races will take place over 12 consecutive weeks.
I was aware of this series last year, but, never participated. This year, it fits well with my Chicago Marathon training plan, so, I figured I'd check it out.
The cost of each race is reasonable ($13 for each race or $25 with tech shirt). They even offer a discounted price or those wanting to race the entire series.
I have not raced at the 5k distance this year. I planned on avoiding the distance, other than Rahr and Jingle Bell, but, I really need to do some speed work over the racing season. During my training runs, I typically run at a slow pace, and, in the hot weather, have found myself walking a bit. I knew the race setting would be the motivation I needed to push the pace.
I set a 5k PR last year at Rahr of 25:02 on a tough course. While I knew I was not in condition to challenge that time, I wanted to keep tonight's run under 9 minute miles, and hoped to bring it in in the 26:30 range. However, I really had no clue how I would respond to a quicker pace and shorter distance.
I arrived to the race site which was near Haws Recreation Center on the trail. The course was to be a flat out and back.
The start was not at a timing mat, so everyone got the same start time. As a result, those of us further back in the pack would travel a slightly longer distance. Due to the narrow trail and almost 180 runners, the start was a little cramped and the field didn't thin out until about 1/2 mile.
I planned to start at an 8:30ish pace with hopes of speeding up a bit in miles 2 and 3. Mile 1 was in 8:40. I felt like I was on a good pace and running my planned race. I kept a consistent pace for miles 2 and 3, but, due to the newness of the distance for 2015 and running a slightly longer route than 3.1, I finished in 27:30. 8:45 per mile per Strava (due to longer distance), and 8:52 per mile per the results. 50 seconds slower per mile than my PR average pace, but, it felt good to push for 3 miles.
I'll continue with the series for the next two weeks, and then take a 2 week break due to travel.
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