Auto Show Shuffle 5k race recap

This recap is a week late, but it's definitely better that way. Had I posted it on that day, I may have posted something silly. Something about being mad at myself or frustrated with myself. Now? I'm over it and know I was being ridiculous. Now I can give a much better, less dramatic recap.

Let's start at the beginning. I didn't sleep much the night before. I was nervous. I have no idea. Maybe because I haven't tried to race in a while. Either way, I didn't start off on the right foot for the morning. Ryan drove me downtown and we accidentally took a wrong turn and ended up at the tunnel to Canada. We tried to find a turn around and there wasn't one. Just as we found a little turnaround right before the tunnel, we were waved over by border patrol and had a full interrogation plus car search where Ryan had to surrender his keys.  Once they realized we weren't looking to smuggle illegal things or cause harm, they wished us luck on the race and sent us on our way. It was scary at the time, but it's pretty funny now.

The race took place right by the riverfront. It is gorgeous, but it was chilly and windy as all get out.

This was our view when we first got there:

beautiful sunrise on the water.

And Ryan took a pic of me right by the water before the race:

love love love that background.

We made our way to the building where all of the other racers were hanging out so I could use the bathroom.  And then went back outside to snap a few more pics before the race started.

The start/finish line (out and back course)

a water view of the Ambassador bridge.  So pretty.

Right at 8, Lila Lazarus (who created the race and used to be a Fox News personality) gave a pretty inspiring speech about keeping Detroit healthy.

Lila talking (and Emily, the race director - also the RD for Rock CF, to the side).

Then, we were off. I felt so good that first mile - 7:30 something. It didn't feel hard at all. I slowed a little bit the second mile, but still managed to run it in 7:40ish. Then, I hit a wall: the wind. I watched my pace slow..slow...slow. I felt like a cartoon character who was trying to run but they never moved. I just didn't have it in me. My legs wanted it, but my lungs were fighting the wind and I just let my pace drop. That last mile was so brutal both physically and emotionally. Somehow I still managed to give a cheeseball thumbs up to Ryan.

I crossed the finish like in 24:59, not my best, not my worst. Yet, I was still angry with myself. I felt like I did well those first two miles and let myself just give up that last little bit. It happens and now that it's over, I'm okay with it, but at the time, I was frustrated and disappointed. However, I still ended up 5/39 in my age group and 48/400ish overall. Okay by me!

After the race, I chatted with the race director, Emily for a few. Emily, my apologies, I didn't put two and two together when I was there (that were the same Emily of Rock CF) and had no idea if you knew who I was. You  hven with the wind. Right on the Detroit riverfront is truly beautiful. If there was a race in the spring here, when it wasn't also so cold, I would sign up in an instant. However, even in the cold, I would want to do this race again.

Disappointing races happen. They make you a better, stronger runner. They help you learn and grow. If there were never challenges, you'd never grow smarter. And I have another 5k in two weeks, so maybe I'll get my act together for that one ;)

And you know what also helps? Trudging through snow, wind, and cold for 7 miles and still feeling awesome. Today's run was definitely a confidence booster. 

7 in 1:00.58 or 8:42 pace. The exact pace I need to maintain to run a 1:54 half. Perfect.

Let's chat:

-How have disappointing races helped you to pick yourself and toughen up to be a better runner?

-Anyone race this weekend? How'd it go?

-Did you do anything exciting/fun this weekend?

-Who else is ready to just leave snow behind and take a tropical/warm vacation? 

Megan