Good Times 5k Series Bikini Run and a PR!

New 5k PR - 21:20

Photo courtesy of Ted Tyler

Yesterday I ran the Bikini 5k, which is part of the Good Times series in Lowell. Steph came up for the night so we could run the race and then do the first loop of the Baystate Half Marathon course today. Unfortunately, I chickened out and didn't run in my bikini last night, but I DID run a PR!

It was a pretty hot night, but there is always a nice breeze along the river. I was very relaxed going into the race, and I think that played a part in helping me to a PR. Also, the miles weren't marked as well as I thought they would be, so I missed my first mile split completely and it was probably good that I wasn't so concerned with pace. I felt great for most of the race. I felt really strong. Once I could see the finish I saw the clock read just about 21 minutes, so I knew it'd be close to my best time and I was beastin' til the end. I crossed the line at 21:20, a 6 second PR for me!

Photo courtesy of Ted Tyler

I'm really thrilled with my time. The past two weeks I've kind of stepped up my training a little bit, and I think just having that faith and trust in my fitness was important for my mentality going into the race. My past two weeks of training have been important not in that I am running a lot more or faster, but that I am feeling strong. I feel like my body can handle a lot more than previous summers, and I am hoping it's because I am going to have a "break out" season. I have steadily improved since my senior year of high school, but not by any huge margins. My senior year of high school and freshman year of college I averaged low 22-minute 5ks, and this past sophomore year of college I averaged high 21's. I feel like I've been stuck in that range for quite a while... 3 years to be exact. There's no doubt I have improved - in more ways than just lowering my times - but now I feel I have the base and the strength to go much farther and faster.

I am really excited for the upcoming cross country season! This PR is a big confidence booster, and something I think I really needed. It's awesome to feel like hard work pays off, even if it comes slowly!