New 5K PR!

My old 5K PR was set in September, 2001.  I was in really good shape, running high school cross country, and spent a week during the summer at Steens Mountain Running Camp.  After getting pretty out of shape in college I was sure there was no way I'd ever come close to 21:28 again.  Even when I started to get back into shape, it seemed like I could never crack 22:00.  Until today!!!

We made the long trek out to the middle of nowhere, also known as Pozo, California.
The 5K was a flat out and back through beautiful rolling hills covered with oak trees ("classic California landscape" as my dad would say).  We got there early and ran a 2 mile warm up.  It was starting to warm up, but it wasn't hot.  I went through the first mile in 6:50 and everything felt perfect.  I knew I was pushing hard, but I felt like I could maintain it.  I wasn't sure of my pace after that, but after the turn-around, I started to pass people here and there.

The last 1/3 of a mile was a long, straight stretch I thought would never end.  I was running as hard as I could, and I crossed the line in 21:19!!!  I beat my old PR by 9 seconds.  Mike was far more impressive.  He's only been running about 20 miles a week and he doesn't do speedwork, but he ran 20:55!  We ran a 3 mile cooldown, bringing the day's total mileage to 8.

Afterwards, they had breakfast and awards at the Pozo Saloon.

Waiting in line for breakfast...

Mmmm breakfast!

3rd in my age group (20-29). Going up to collect my prize.

I scored this awesome outfit!

They were giving away TONS of stuff! Mike got a running hat, we both got water bottles, and some new plants for the front porch.

I was supposed to run a total of 20 today, but I have a really bad headache, so I think I'm just going to do it tomorrow morning, then start the taper!