Fitgers 5K

This past weekend I joined over 1800 runners for the Fitgers 5K.  The wind and light rain and snow shower did little to deter the mood of us on the starting line.  Not even a 10 minute delay could reduce the energy of the record crowd. 

When the gun went off we took off on the slight down hill towards canal park.  Aided by the down hill I went through the first mile 5:12 but still felt relaxed and in control, even exchanging words and encouragement with my fellow DRC team member Eric Nordgren and a racer from Thunder Bay, Canada. 

As we approached the second mile the wind picked up and met us head on, and we would have a slight up hill and head wind for the remainder of the race, and the slower conditions showed in my 5:28 last mile split.  I finished in 6th place in a gun time of 16:44 - my fastest certified 5k time for several years. 

I have not yet started doing a lot of speed work, and have been focusing on base work recently, so I did not have high expectations in terms of time or place at Fitgers.  I was really happy with the race and surprised myself with my turn over and higher end capacity.  I think this is a good sign for my first ultra of the season this weekend at the Chippewa Moraine 50k and for the rest of the season. 

Best of luck to everyone racing this coming weekend and in any of the great spring races coming up.  Enjoy the great spring weather we have been having!