So, I ran/walked another 5K this weekend. It was more of a "fun run" than I had been involved with before. No one could tell where the starting line was or where the course went. I knew when I signed up that there were no timing chips, but I anticipated a large timing clock. I didn't see one anywhere, so as the run started, I looked at my watch (regular watch, not digital) and made note of the minute hand.

Five minutes into the run, I was ready to stop and go home. I knew the run took place at the park, but assumed it was on paths or trails. No. The first part was on the grass. It was unmowed, bumpy, uneven grass. Then it shifted to a local farm where we ran on the tractor paths. Part was smooth, part was uneven, part was weedy, but it was covered in... rattlesnake holes. There were even signs telling us to watch out for rattlesnakes. I spent the entire run looking at my feet making sure I did not trip and fall. The course was also made up mainly of switchbacks. I'm okay with an out and back course, but we must have made at least 4 tight u-turns! Those turns, combined with the bottleneck, really slowed me down.

Just as I crossed the finish line (also the start line), I saw the miniature timing clock. 35:15. I checked my watch after I crossed the finish line and (using the minute hand only) figured I was somewhere in the 34 minute range. Considering the course and the fact I spent more time watching my feet, I can't complain. (My PR is 33:57).

So, the bottom line is that I am not a fan of "cross country" running. I did not feel comfortable with the uneven terrain. I also know I need to avoid the true fun runs, or least go with a different mindset. But after seeing a lot of parents and kids running together, it has made me more excited to find a kids run that I can do with my 4.5 year old!

Every run is an experience that I learn from. This 5K was no different!
Now, I just need to sign up for some runs this summer!