Race Report for Run to the Rock

I got up early this morning and drove out to Plymouth, Mass for the Run to the Rock 5K. This was my speed workout for the week. Tomorrow is my long day for the week (16 miles). This was the first time I’ve ever run a 5K that required the runners to take a shuttle bus, but whatever.
My wife worked last night, so I took the kids with me so she could get some sleep. My mom lives in the Eastern part of the state and she met me at the race, not so much so she could see me, but more so she could see the kids. Parents are funny that way when they become grandparents.
The weather forecast was for off and on showers, so I planned ahead and brought the rain cover for the stroller. Good thing I did, because a few minutes before the race the rain picked up and by the end of the race I was soaked to the bone. Those of you that know me though, know that I love running in the rain.
The course started in Cordage Park and ran a zig zag pattern Southeast along the coast to Plymouth Rock (hence the name). The course was super flat (perfect for the stroller) and would have had some pretty views of Plymouth Harbor, if not for the rain and fog.

Run to the Rock Course

The course finished right in front of Plymouth Rock and there were quite a few spectators assembled. The Race to the Rock is a running festival with a 5K, 10K, and Half-Marathon. If I had not just done a Half-Mary 6 days ago, I probably would have opted for that race instead. That being said, I was happy I did this race.
So, how did I run? Despite the race director asking all stroller runners (both of us) to start at the back of the field with the slow runners, I started up front. I sprinted out quickly to get past the mess so I didn’t have to spend the first 1/2 mile weaving and settled into a comfortable pace. I did the first mile in 6:41 before slowing down a tad. I really focused on my stride and opened up on the descents and took short speedy strides on the uphills. I’ve noticed now for the past few weeks that my breathing has been much easier. I’m not sure whether to attribute this to an improvement in fitness or the fact that the summer heat has passed, but either way, I’m liking it.
I finished in 21:33 for a 6:57 pace. This is a new PR for a stroller 5K. I CRUSHED my previous best with stroller (23:26) by 1 minute and 53 seconds. What really makes me happy though is that I almost set a PR for the 5K period. My 5K PR is 21:27, so the stroller only slowed me down by 6 seconds. I wonder how I would have done without the stroller today. I ended up finishing 17th out of 198 runners.
After the race, I collected my medal and t-shirt (see below) and hung out with my mom and the kids. We strolled around Plymouth for a while before going to lunch. It was a great way to spend the day. Now it’s time to get back to studying.

Cheers,
Denis

Run to the Rock Medal and Shirt

Soaked to the bone