The day before Soles2Souls 5K, I have to admit I was a little giddy to be finally running a race again. And yet, I was a bit nervous. I had taken some time off to deal with some foot pain and then got hit with the flu a week after I had gotten back to running. So, in the last month and a half I had only run 5 times. I was sure this was going to be rough, but I was excited to be “back in the game.”
Race day started out a little off for me when I realized that I only had one banana left and it looked like it had been the loser in a rousing game of dodgeball. Even though it looked battered and bruised, I picked it up hoping it looked worse than it really was. When my thumb almost went through the banana, I realized that my usual pre-race “meal” was not an option. I grabbed a bar instead and hoped I wouldn’t regret it later. As I headed out to my car, my foot caught the edge of the driveway and I rolled my ankle, almost falling in the process. Oh no! Not right before a race! I took a few test steps and was relieved to find out that there was no pain in my ankle. I figured the day could only improve.
Happily the morning was dry, but it was quite chilly with temperatures in the high 30s when I arrived at West Hills Christian School for Soles2Souls. The school parking lot was already full and cars were beginning to line the street. I found a spot not far from the parking lot and made my way to check-in. Check-in was quick and easy. I got my race number and a WHCS shopping bag with various race fliers and coupons and was ready to roll. I still had about 45 minutes until my race started so I headed back to my car with my stash and sat in my car for awhile to keep warm. I emerged from the warmth about 20 minutes before race time so that I could get my body warmed up.
The 10K runners headed out first and about 15 minutes later it was time for the 5K run. For a private school fundraiser, I was suprised to find so many runners and walkers participating. The total registered for both distances was 460, so it was a great turn out for a small event. The great participation raised about $4,000 for the school’s track and field team!
Parents, students, teachers, and the rest of us made up quite the span in ages. A prayer was said and then we were off down the Fanno Creek Trail. It was a bit congested at first, as we all converged on the trail at once, but it didn’t take too long for us to get spread out and settle into our own paces. I enjoyed watching the many kids dart out with enthusiasm while their parents tried to convince them to start out slower.
The trail meandered through a variety of areas, including a pond with ducks swimming in it. The rain from the night before left many puddles and I watched the kids power through the puddles like they weren’t even there, while most of the adults tried to avoid getting too wet. The volunteers along the route were enthusiastic and seemed to know many of the participants. It was a positive, cheerful atmosphere to be sure. Soon we turned off of the trail and ran alongside Scholls Ferry Road for about a block. I was happy to turn onto the quieter, tree-lined streets, even though there was a slight steady incline. My lungs were reminding me that I hadn’t been running as much as usual, but I tried not to slow down. Since the route was a loop, we were rewarded with a slight downhill slope back on the trail in the last mile.
I caught up with 2 kids who were discussing how far they thought they still had to go. The girl looked like she was fading, while the younger boy was enthusiastically running without the ability to keep his body moving forward in a straight line. His serpentine running style was directly related to his enthusiasm. When we got to the 10K sign that said Mile 6, I told them that they only had .2 miles to go. The young boy said, “.2? That’s less than half of a mile! We’re almost there!” That made me laugh. Obviously, they are doing a good job at teaching math at WHCS.
After finishing, I walked around the vendor tents and noticed a raffle based on our bib numbers. I checked my number and I was a winner! I got to take home a delicious cake from The Cakery. That pretty much made my day right there. Soon I was getting cold and decided to head home before the awards ceremony. I later found out that despite my lack of running in the last 6 weeks, I had won my age division! I guess you should always stick around – just in case. Despite the crazy start to my day, it turned out to be a real winner!
I highly recommend you add Soles2Souls to your race calendar for next year. It has a small race atmosphere, but is very well-organized. It is family friendly, with kids of all ages participating side-by-side with their parents. There were plenty of post-race snacks and water, and many great raffle prizes. I enjoyed the atmosphere and the fact that we were supporting the track and field team of a small school. I will definitely be back. After all, I did win a cake!