It’s about time I got to the Ringing in Spring 10k recap! This past weekend, I participated in my first race of the year in Valparaiso, Indiana called Ringing in Spring 5k/10k. I participated in the 10k last year (Time: 54:04) and did the 10k again this year. It’s a well organized, USATF certified race and 100% of race proceeds benefit the Valparaiso Family YMCA and its fitness programs.
My Mom joined in this year and walked the 5k (not to mention she did another 5k race the weekend before- SO proud of her) My cousins also joined in on the 5k too—it was a family affair!
It was a bit chilly outside to start at 9am, but once I got moving I was good to go. I didn’t have a specific goal in mind, just wanted to see what I could do. I figured if I try to push myself a bit, it would make up for the 8 mile long run I was supposed to do for half marathon training (only 2 extra miles- no biggie.)
The walkers and runners all started at the same time, and although I assumed they told walkers to “start in the back,” no one seems to listen to it. So the first mile was spent weaving in and out of people. I was a bit frustrated by that but then I saw the most awesome sign ever and literally laughed out loud.
I checked out my watch after the first few miles and saw I was averaging around an 8 minute mile. I couldn’t believe it! At that point, I tried to keep up that pace in hopes of a 10k PR. Most of my running this year has been on the treadmill doing intervals so I guess that must have helped because I didn’t feel like I was going that fast!
Sweet action shot by the race photographer—I was JUST about to get my wave on for the camera…
I finished feeling great and tried to kick it at the end (although I was just about out of energy…I kept thinking…I’m gonna PR…I’m gonna PR!) And then…I did!
The thing was, the printout was different than the website results. The printout posted in the pavilion and on the TV screen with live results said I did it in 49:49 (8:02 pace), but the timing website said my chip time was 50:16 (8:06 pace) and total time was 50:50. So which is it?! (Either way, it was a PR for me over this 10k at 51:45 so I’m happy!)
Place: 81 of 446
Gender place: 23 of 256
Female 25 to 29: 2 of 29…which got me a fancy medal!
What I loved about the race:
1) No paper race packets…instead, I got a “virtual” race bag via email with special offers, etc. Good call.
2) Option to forego the race shirt (I did this because I have WAYY too many shirts to count.) Also brought down the price. I ended up paying $16 (and got a $5 rebate for doing a trial run of Active Advantage) which brought it down to a whopping $11.
3) Option to switch race between 5k and 10k while you are on the course. How nice is that?!
When is your first race of the year?
How fun!!! And so cool that your Mom is joining in on running!
It was a blast! And hopefully my Momma will be running in no time!! ;-)
Congrats on your PR! Haha 49:49 was my 10K PR for almost 2 years at one point :)
Thanks Mo! What’s with that time?! Too funny- what is your new PR?
Awesome Job Val!! Congrats on the PR It was a great race (Although I did not have the guts to try the 10k :))
I am with you on the first part weaving in and out of people! I didn’t expect that!
Thanks Kristin- congrats to you as well and getting back into running! You did great at the race! (And I’m sure you can do a 10k in no time!)
Yay, congrats on your PR!!! That’s cool that your family joined you too, I wish mine would get in on running (but unfortunately they all think it’s a little crazy).
Um… my first race of the year was in January :) But my next one is at the end of this month!
Thanks Anne :-) Yeah next on my list is getting the hubs to run– we are doing a 5k in June so gotta help him train! See you in a few short weeks at the WI Half!
Yay for PRs!! That electronic race packet is an awesome idea! And I love all the signs on race courses, they are the best!
That sign was fantastic…probably one of the best ever! And I love a green race! Hope to do a race with you at some point!
Congrats on the awesome race! And I think it’s so cool that your family was there, too!!!!
I would think that chip time is your official time. I wonder what that read out was. What did your watch say? Was it close to chip time?
My first race of the year was also in January, like Anne ;)
You have so much speed in you, girl!!
After spending most of Sunday hanging around the timing people at our 5K race I think there’s some data chugging and math that the timing software does to subtract the time you cross the start mat from the time you cross the finish mat and that the first result is not always correct. Maybe that 49:49 was if you were the first person to cross the timing mat?
We did Virtual Bags this year for our race, too.
Thanks Erin! Ready to rock the Iron Girl tri again this year?! ;-)
Ooooh ok that makes sense. Yeah I think the 50:16 would be right then (and my watch said 50:17 so that makes more sense).
LOVE virtual bags- genius idea!
This is great inspiration, Valerie! I’m so proud of you for being so dedicated to running and fitness in general. How great that you got a PR and a medal! Woooo! I’d love to run a race someday, but I know I’m pretty far off from that point. I think it’s amazing that people in your family did the race as well – so cool!
Also, I’m dying at that sign. I’m a 9-year-old boy at heart and still think farts are funny.
I so appreciate it! You could totally do a race– it’s all about starting with baby steps and going a little longer/farther each time!
And I’m SO with you- farts are ALWAYS funny. Call me immature but I giggle every time!