09/01/2012 - Newtown 5K

Race Date: Saturday September 1st, 2012
Race Name: 7th Annual Newtown Road Race 5k
Race Price: $20
Race Description: Relatively flat, fast course is offically sanctioned and certified by the United States Track and Field Assocation
Race Location: Dickenson Park - 50 Elm Drive, Newtown, CT 06470
Race Information: Run is through the beautiful community of Newtown and includes many landmarks of this special town

  

Race Distance: 5 kilometers
Distance Traveled: 49 miles

Race Time: 9:00am
Weather: Sunny, calm, temperatures in the 70's

Swag: T-Shirt, Pen, Pencil, Chip Clip
Food & Drink: Water | Fruit | Bagels | Juice | Pizza | Donuts | Brownies
Number of Participants: 534
Results: http://www.plattsys.com/m1shell.asp?eventid=921

My Results

Time: 21:35
Pace: 6:57
Place: 40 of 534
Men (Age 30-39): 5 of 46




Personal Race Info
Pre-Run: 2 Tums
                 Salt Stick Plus Pill
                 Gatorade w/ Chia Seeds
                 Gu Tri Berry Gel

During-Run: N/A

    I woke up and felt like going back to bed. I don't know if it was all the unhealthy food I ate yesterday but I just wasn't feeling it. I pulled myself together and got out of the house just after 7 for the hour long ride to the race. About 15 minutes into the drive I realized I forgot my heart rate monitor. I didn't have time to drive back to get it so I just had to except this wasn't going to be a good day.
    Driving through Newtown, CT was a pleasant surprise as it was filled with old, magnificent houses. I got to the park early enough that I got a parking spot right near the start/finish line.  Picked up my bib from the registration desk and was surprised that I didn't get a t-shirt. Went back and asked about it and it turns out they would give them out after the race. This seemed strange for a normal road race but I could actually see it working out better for most people.
    Did a bit of a warm up around the park and checked out the scenery. It was a nice park but not much in terms of picture taking. You'll see what I did find after the race later on. Still was not feeling good about this run before it started. I was towards the front of the start but some young girls got all pushy trying to get off to a quick start which of course didn't last very long. The race itself was pretty flat with a few slight up and downs. The last mile or so was on a rocky dirt road and was tougher to run than the rest of the run. I was able to pass a few people in the last mile. I really felt I could have done better if I had felt more into the run. I pushed pretty hard for the final sprint so that no one would pass me.

    The food and stuff they had after the race were pretty good. Lots of different drinks and food. I had a banana, water, capri sun juice, 1 munchkin and a bagel w/ cream cheese. I saw lots of people eating the pizza but I didn't feel like it looked that good. I went and took some picture while waiting for the results to be posted.

    Overall, once the race was over, I felt like I enjoyed the race and was glad I went. Once again I was out of the medals but I still feel like I ran a pretty good time. Maybe since the course was so flat I should have done better. I might have to make sure I come back to this race next year to see how I can do.