Race Report: Sweetheart 5k

I talked my non-running husband into walking the Sweetheart 5k.  The medal was too fun to pass up and I couldn't do a sweetheart race without a partner.  I planned on running my race and then going back to meet up with him so we could finish together.  

I have run this course before for another race, Overrun Ovarian cancer 5k in 2012 and I actually PRd. I wasn't trying to PR this race since it was a couples thing for us. Before the race we got to hang out inside which was nice and I ran into a few friends and made a new one.  Before we headed out I had to take a quick pic of my outfit to share with the Sparkle Skirt Princess FB group and the Swirlgear community.  Especially since this was my first race wearing Swirlgear, and the long sleeve shirt was perfect for the 28° temperature.  

I took my place toward the back of the pack and waited for the start.  I started my Nike+ app and set off.  There were a lot of people walking this race, which doesn't bother me at all, but the course was pretty crowded.  One lane of the street was coned off and I dodged around people until the very end.  I felt really good the entire race.  There are several up hills that I remember walking part of last time I was on this course, but this time I felt strong and kept running the entire race. I have figured out that I hold myself back and don't race like I could.  Part of it is that I still see myself as the "big girl" trying to run and part of it is fear of burning out too early.  I know it is all in my head and I'm trying to leave it all on the course.  This time I raced my 4th fastest time, 35:57, despite the crowd!  I think I'm getting better at pushing myself and I know my strength training has helped so much.  

After I received my medal: 

Which is one of the cutest medals I have, I walked back to meet with my hubby.  He refused to run ;) but we crossed the finish line together. 

 He said that he had fun, we'll see what other events I can talk him into.  He is going to Shake with Your Sweetie tonight at Bar Method and then dinner to celebrate Valentine's Day belated.  It was really fun to share this race with him and he was a good sport!