First Time Out

First time I ran a 5k was in Kingston back when they ran it close to the airport. It was also Hare's first half. I was running 5k in about 40 min back then.

The announcer called everyone to take their places and get ready. I got in with the crowd. The gun goes off and we're running.

The course for the 5k was along the same route as the half -- 2.5k out then turn around while the halfers keep going.

As I'm approaching what I know must be the turn around, there's nothing to indicate it. Eventually, I get close to the 3k marker and turn around. Damn this is a badly organized run. How much time did overshooting cost me?

As I'm passing the 2.5 k mark on the way back, there are a couple of guys setting up a sign for it. ^$%$#@ slackers must've slept in. Well, that's what happens when you rely on volunteer labour.

I make it to the finish with a time of 25 min. Absolutely spectacular. Shows what you can do when you really put your mind to it and make the big effort. I am chuffed.

Later, when Hare comes in, she is much impressed.... for all of 2 seconds when she starts doing the math.

At a time of 25 min, I must've been going faster than her and yet she easily left me behind when we started.

Two days later, we discover that they staggered the starting times that year and the 5k'ers started 15 min after the halfers.

Had I known all this in advance, I could've trimmed my time down by turning around at the actual 2.5k mark. Not that many people turned out that year and I would've been close to a medal :-)