Personal issues? check.
Concert the night before? check.
Battling hamstring issues? check.
About a week before the 2nd annual race for Northeastern U's Pharmacy program, I was told by my doppelganger/ "son" that I'd be running in his place for this 5k. The previous 5k run in Cambridge about a month ago was not at full strength so I knew I'd be in the ballpark of mid 22:xx's. After some aggressive leg days, I was ready to test my hamstrings out.
As we are in the city, we Uber'ed to the Northeastern campus, near the Fens (the site of the race), as I and the students that I've worked with came to and realized who I was without scrubs on and more importantly, the students sans scrubs and dressed as, well, students.
My doppelganger would definitely not run today as the cat at the place he stayed at last night had caused everyone to question if someone had possibly farted on his face at night (oh, sophomoric humor, how I miss you). Discussing it with my doppelganger, we may have jinxed my running without throwing up streak by talking about it pre-race. Idiot son.
Under the impression the race was to start at 1pm (gotta love the late races) I was warming up earlier than what was the actual start since the course was still being mapped out at that time. I donned my bib and ran around to warm up as the day wasn't bad for a race (40s and sunny) save for the wind at times.
My coach of a "son" told me to sprint the whole race and to not lose to the dude vaping before the race in a man bun (because this is a college student race, of course). I was a bit intimidated as this was a small race made up of mostly kids a decade younger. As a small race, you can get exposed quickly and lost as well.
As we lined up, we were told right before that we were too far ahead of the starting line and that we actually had to stand in the dirt right before the path to not block any citizens walking around. The #5 finisher and I laughed at the fact we were just told to take a 90 degree left turn to start and to run two figure 8's through the Fens and a little more for the race. Even funnier? We were told if we wanna sprint this race, to head towards the front (which I was already there by accident).
Over a bullhorn: 5...4...3...2...1...
And we were off, jostling for position as the kids sporting cross country gear sped past me, friendly elbows aside. The first mile was spent making sure I stuck to a group since the path was new to me. The students that doubled as support and directions along the way were oddly great for motivation despite the peculiar pharmacy posters about antibiotics, I wasn't sure who was going to read them.
There was a group of three that I ran with then decided to make a move with #8 in all black as we would trade the lead for the better portion of mile 1 and 2. I took a left turn right in to #8 and we exchanged sorry's and kept the pace up some more. A majority of the race was spent viewing #5-#8 in the race as we ran in a long line. I tried to draft off people (mostly #8) as it was quite windy.
I started the race pretty quick and hoped the people in front of me would fade what with experience on my side.
At mile 2, I edged past #8 and the water stop around that time would help as I skipped it altogether as #8 fell back and #6 in the gray shirt fell to my pace. Without a watch, I had no real idea about pacing or distance as I just sat on #6's pace, mimicking bursts of speed and just maintaining. As we passed a building, there was probably 100 meters left as the path veered off the main sidewalk and a bullhorn and a chute of cheering students (and my doppelganger) as I held back throwing up. No finishing kick.
Initially, I was told I was in 5th place. I was just happy with the even race (and came in as the first Asian/ ahead of vape bro). Officially, 7th place at 19:55.
And gotta love the running community, #6 and #8, we all sought out each other after the race to congratulate each other and for pushing us further. Such an underrated aspect of it all, understanding what each other had to go through.
Here's the controversy...uh 19:55? no way. Felt short and without a GPS watch, I had to find out later it was really 2.9 miles. If it was actually a 5k, I'm guessing I would of been right under 21:30. Heeeee's baaaaaack. Let's hope the running gods keep me (and my hamstrings) going until October.
Notes:
I was hesitant to buy a GPS watch as most of the end of last year was spent running with hamstring issues or at the very least, a fear of re-aggravating the injury. I think I feel confident enough now to go ahead.
IG framed picture of my "son" and I will be posted shortly.
pacing...without a trusty GPS watch, I relied on the two runners that kept me in the crosshairs. The pacing was great (at least as far as I can tell without splits)
Like parties, races are more fun when I'm on the verge of up chucking apparently.
#SmallRaces4life toeing the line and starting the race as soon as possible instead of waiting, so much better
