It stands to reason at least one of the three races in the Winter 5k Series will bring some weather that makes you question being a winter runner. So, imagine my shock when we received a gorgeous day for January’s 5k, which follows an amazing race back in December. Let’s hope this trend continues for February’s race, which will be on Valentine’s Day this year.
I started my day for the PRC 5k early, getting in almost 8.5 miles before the race on the nearby powerline trails of Beaverton. I love that the races never start until 9AM, because as an early morning distance runner, I prefer to get in some extra miles beforehand so I can enjoy some breakfast afterwards. This month it was a bit windy and cold but clear and beautiful. No rain, no icy patches, no problems.
I got back to Portland Running Company after my pre-race miles in plenty of time, checked in with my bib from last month, and headed over to the Maurten table where their sponsor was standing to get some pre-race fuel. Paula and Dave Harkin (owners of Portland Running Company) and the rest of the PRC family were there to help. Everyone is always in a great mood at these events and it’s truly contagious. It’s also a great perk getting to warm up in the store before the race, especially if your pre-race sweat starts to make you damp and cold.
Me and some friends headed down the block to the race chute, and after some witty banter from Dave Harkin and a beautiful rendition of the national anthem, we were off and running. The route is always the same – a trek through the nearby business roads to the Fanno Creek Trail and back again. I always love seeing the frontrunners coming back while I’m still trying to get to the turnaround, and all the friends both ahead and behind of me that I can cheer on. This is the best thing about out-and-back runs – you get to see everyone.
Having run beforehand and being tired from lack of sleep the night before, I struggled a bit coming back. Something about that last mile is always a bit hard for me. Being a distance runner means judging my pace for a 5k can be tricky, but I still got it in my head that I needed to kick it into high gear at the end. When I rounded the last stretch and saw the finish chute ahead, I saw a couple of people ahead of me I wanted to pass.
I am not typically a competitive person, but races sometimes provide me with a different mindset. Sometimes I zero in on a target to try to beat and that helps get me over that final finish line. For this race, it paid off and I “won,” though barely. When I finally stopped, I felt a little bit sick, so I know I gave it a pretty good effort.
As always, it felt good to walk it out a bit on the way back to the store, where french toast (Paula’s recipe) was waiting. And as typical, there was Paula Harkin, Mrs Run With Paula Events herself, manning the grill with a smile and talking to everyone like they were family guests in her kitchen. It doesn’t matter who you are at these races because Paula will always make you feel special.
Alas, I didn’t win anything at the raffle this month, but I sure do enjoy the post-race excitement. There’s nothing like hearing a 7-year-old finished the race faster than you did, but also it’s a small enough race that I still came in 2nd in my age group.
I’m looking forward to starting my Valentine’s Day off right next month at the last race in the series for the season. I finished a bit faster this month than last, so let’s see how it goes for the next round. I’m holding out for another stellar weather day, and I hope to see you there!
