The GS Turkey Trot 5K in Odenton, MD on November 17th was a nice, simple course on routes I've taken as fun runs! It was really great to run a race closer to home that didn't require travel.
A mom friend and I walked/jogged over to the starting line hoping for some pre-race warm ups, but either we missed them or there weren't any like we had hoped. It was quite chilly, but we both stashed our coats with the ladies at check-in since we knew we would heat up during the race. It was probably between 30 and 40 degrees which made for great running weather.
The course was well laid out and well marked by volunteers. At each of the water stations (2 for a 5K NICE,) I didn't see a trash can or tarp for cups so I ended up carrying my cup until there was a volunteer I could hand it too or found a trash can. Part of the race course ran through the Piney Orchard Nature Preserve on the paved trail. There are also a few wooded trails throughout the preserve as well which make for some nice trail running in the spring and fall. (I have yet to try them in the winter with its ice and snow...)
This race was a smaller community race, but they still had over 100 participants. Due to the smaller size, and this being the inaugural race, they did not have race timing available. I'm not sure how they calculated the "official" race times they posted because according to the times I finished at the same time as my mom friend who finished right behind me by about 20-30 seconds.
I crossed the start line 9 seconds after the clock started and crossed the finish at 30:53 giving me a 30:42 5K time! I'm getting really close to breaking the 30 minute mark! According to the "official time" I clocked in at 29:49, but sadly I know that's wrong. I did come in 43 out of 122 though I have no idea how I did with in my age group.
Things I learned from this close to home race:
- It is nice to see people you know from "just around" at a race. Definitely get that feeling at a smaller community race.
- I don't like not having a timing device apart from the app on my phone in a race. It makes the race feel to much like a normal run to me. Though I do like running in a group, it really gives me motivation to keep up and not slow down.
- It is really nice not to have to get in a car to go to a race. Makes for a nice warm-up and cool down too.
- Unless it is below 20, I should run in a short sleeved shirt. I was way too hot by mile 2 and could have done without the long sleeves.
- I love running races with people I know, but that last half mile we are in it to finish and I don't mind breaking out at slightly different speeds. Kick it in to the end!
Some how we missed the awards for the top finishers and the best costume (there was a guy as a turkey, I bet he won.) Post-race food was pretty standard and happily included Girl Scout cookies. I was hoping for a little cookie love in the registration bags, but no such luck.
