WOW - 2nd Overall..... and a New PR!

I really just don't know quite what to say.

Today was just awesome. You have to understand that 1 year ago, the Inaugural Saratoga 5k Fun Run was my very first race since I had run back in high school. To put that into perspective.... I am 38 now. Last year for this race I was 50 lbs heavier and came in dead last. You can see last years results here. You can see more about my running journey here, and my overall journey here, but for now back to the race.

Yes, you read that right.... I came in SECOND OVERALL! It was not a really big race, but it more than doubled from the first year when I think there was a total of 27 runners. Today I think the total runners was somewhere in the 50's, which is not bad considering this is a very hard and hilly course. It really and truly is the hardest course I have run. To give you an idea, here is a shot of the elevation:

I started the race near the front of the pack, and the Chik-Fil-A cow was there and was starting off the pack. I was following him and trying to go around him when he stepped over right in front of me and I ran into him.... that had to be a sight to see! I almost fell over! I ran for the first 1/2 mile with a pack of runners and then started to pull away a bit from them when we got to the first hills. When I was almost to 1 1/2 miles I started to round a corner when one of the course volunteers said "you can catch him"...... What? Him? not Them? I was pleasantly surprised, but I had thought there may only be one in front of me. I ran the rest of the race kinda watching my shoulder to make sure nobody was coming up on me..... It was so much fun! The first place finisher finished in 21:xx and my time was 23:23.

I haven't run a 5k since January because my training turned towards my First Half Marathon. I have only run one 10K during that time as well. One of the cool things is that this race set a new PR for me! 23:23! And that was on a very difficult course to boot! I can't wait to see what I can do on a normal course. I heard a couple people mention that this race was 4 minutes longer than a 5k they ran just the week before. And I think they were in the 20's so that is quite a difference. I don't think it would be that much of a difference for me, but maybe a minute or two.

Here is my splits on my running log: link Robbie said the race results will be up tomorrow, I will update the post when they are posted.

Well, the results are in and my 2nd place stood :) Here is the results from today >> link and some pics as well >> link Hey..... I even got honorable mention on the front page. Thanks Robbie!

14 comments:

  1. As you say .... WOW!!!!!

    That is incredible, fantastic and like .... WOW!!!!!!

    Made me smile this morning! :)

    Well done. You must be very proud!

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  2. I'm flabbergasted! Well done Tim!

    You must be so pleased when you think how far you've come.

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  3. Thanks guys - I still cannot believe it actually.... and yes I am very proud and very pleased. I still am in disbelief in how this journey has come along and where it has taken me.

    I am not done yet. :)

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  4. Impressed and jealous all at the same time. Awesome job!!

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  5. WOW! Congrats big time! That's just got to be an amazing feeling. It also gives me hope that one day I can run with some speed!

    Great job! - William

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  6. Great job Tim!!! I wish I would have been there to see it but as I said your last post I woke up after a late night and just didn't make it.

    Congratulations!

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  7. Good job Tim,
    as always, you never cease to amaze with your progress,
    makes me want to try a bit harder, and be a bit more consistent with the program,
    Good luck with the half,
    NB

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  8. That's awesome Tim! Way to knock off your sub-24 goal! Great time and finish. Congratulations!

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  9. I love reading stories like this. Good Job Tim! Keep training hard.

    Brian

    The Endurance News Network
    http://www.endurancenews.net

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  10. Thanks all for stopping by.... now what to do for an encore? :)

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  11. That's really amazing. I get your site's RSS feed and just recently read your post on last year's outcome, so reading this entry now makes it all a really great story. (The Chick-Fil-A part, incidentally, *kills* me.)

    Congratulations on the 50lb weight loss and fantastic 1 year turnaround. Totally inspiring.

    John at Hella Sound
    http://www.hellasound.com
    http://twitter.com/hellasound

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  12. You are doing great job Tim.It is awesome.congratulations on the 50lb weight loss and fantastic 1 year turnaround.
    ===================================
    WoW Gold

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  13. You are doing great job Tim.It is awesome.congratulations on the 50lb weight loss and fantastic 1 year turnaround.
    ===================================
    WoW Gold

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  14. Thanks guys - I still cannot believe it actually.... and yes I am very proud and very pleased. I still am in disbelief in how this journey has come along and where it has taken me.

    I am not done yet. :)

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