I've been running these 5Ks since Pacers started them back in 2009, and this year I ran two of them. I checked in with fellow ambassadors Justin Covert and Richard Peyton to hear about their experiences.
How many Crystal City 5Ks have you run?
Justin: So far, 4 total! I'm going to be out of town for #5 next week.
Richard: I've run all of the races this year and I ran every race during the first year (2009). I missed all of 2010 as I was deployed overseas.
Why did you decide to run these races?
Justin: My girlfriend's idea. She just recently got the running bug (probably from me?). I normally would pass on running at 6:30pm on a Friday night, but she talked me into it. I actually somewhat postponed our first date a few hours because I was running the Independence 5000 last year in July. Maybe this year we'll run it together?
Richard: These races usually start my racing season. It is nice to have all 5 races in a row to use as a gauge of my fitness.
What is your favorite thing about the 5K Fridays?
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| Justin Covert |
Richard: Seeing the same runners race after race, is extremely motivating. I really enjoy the dedication that all of the runners show; especially with the bad weather that we have.
How would you describe the course?
Justin: Flat, fast, and smells WONDERFUL!!!
Richard: I think that the course is fast. The way that it loops allows me to try and run fast and I really like that I have so many opportunities to see and cheer for friends at different points; regardless of their pace relative to mine.
Did you have a goal for these races? If so, what was it? Did you attain it?
Justin: For these races, I wasn't expecting to PR seeing as I was coming straight from work, but I'm usually pretty anxious on Friday evenings. So far I've done quite well, despite the wild weather we've had lately.
Richard: My goals were to show up every week, run a Course PR the first week and PR at least twice over the subsequent races. I have one more week to try for the second PR; so everything is on track.
How much did your time vary from week to week? How do you account for this variation?
Justin: Oh.... I'm not that serious of a runner just yet. My times were pretty similar. I honestly haven't checked them, but the weather didn't slow me down too much, but didn't help much either. I'm just there to have fun, run the race, and see all the smiling faces.
Richard: My times were all over the place. Luckily that was on purpose. I had a different expectation for each race and I've met all of those expectations. But my times varied from 23:16 to 26:34
Which of the 5Ks was the best race for you and why?
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| Richard Peyton |
Richard: The middle race, 15 April. I ran my PR (23:16) on this date. This was also the Friday with the best weather. I am really looking forward to week 5 though.
What is your next race after the 5Ks?
Justin: I believe the next one I'm running is the Police Memorial 5k in DC. I've run this race for the past 3-4 years now, and it's always a hoot! Police Week in DC is always a good time around the city, and running along side these brave men and women from all over the US in memory of the fallen will always have a spot in my heart.
Richard: The Saturday after the last week. I will be doing the Earth Day 5k.
How have you benefited from racing consecutive 5Ks?
Justin: Conditioning, and a good nights sleep on a Friday evening for sure! I've managed to go to bed a bit earlier, and wake up for a weekend run (sometimes). I think one of the other greatest benefits (especially early in the season) is that I can start getting things together better before a race (race clothing, shoes, playlists, etc.). Nothing worse than getting to a race and realizing you forgot something.
Richard: I've been able to run conservatively and not worry about having an 'off' night. I knew there would always be another race, on the same course.
There is still one Crystal Run 5K remaining this coming Friday, April 29. There is still time to register!
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