Kerstetter 5K Race Report

In March of 2010 Elyria Police Officer James Kerstetter was shot and killed in the line of duty.  Each year since 2010, there has been a 5k run in his memory.  The race takes place in downtown Elyria near the police station and you finish on Kerstetter Way (the road was renamed to honor James' memory).  I have run the race three of the four years it has taken place.  We were on a family vacation in 2011 so I was not able to participate.  For the last two years I have participated with the Lorain County Blue Foundation Team.  This past Saturday I met up with my fellow team members to honor Officer Kerstetter and all other fallen officers. 

Source

We had some pictures taken before the race and talked about our goals.  I mentioned that I seem to be struggling to run fast ever since I turned 40.  I decided that I would be happy if I finished in 25 minutes or so.

Lorain County Blue Foundation

Stonebridge Girls

I started in the back with my team which was a nice change of pace from starting closer to the front.  I went out too fast as I always seem to do in shorter races.  I was definitely working for the miles.  Right around mile 2, my neighbor Chris passed me and told me to come with him.  I may have told him that I was too old for this sh*t.  He quickly reminded me that he was just slightly younger than me.  In the end I couldn't catch him to save my life.  I did manage to have a kick at the end in spite of the fact that I slowed down each mile and finished in 25:57.  I definitely cut it close with my goal of being in the 25's.  Of course I was not happy that Chris beat me as this was the first time he had done so in a race.  My running friends reminded me that I had said I would be happy to run in the 25's and I had done that so I should be smiling.  I was actually surprised to learn that I had finished 1st in the 40-44 age group.  This was my first win in my new age group as I turned 40 in May.


Receiving my award



1st place 40-44

Couldn't catch Chris but I still won my age group!

I really enjoy this race and I'm looking forward to running it again next year!

Keep running, you're simply the best, and you inspire me!!

A Hidden Gem

So I have lived relatively close to a local park for almost 9 years and until recently I had no clue there was a 1/2 mile paved path there.  One of my neigbhors mentioned to me that he runs there while he has his kids ride their bikes to playground days.  As another one of my neighbor's said when I mentioned that I had run there this morning, it's a hidden gem.

The entrance to the park

 When I woke up this morning (without setting an alarm...hey it's summer break for me), I scrolled through dailymile to see what everyone's workouts had looked like from last night and early this morning.  I happened to notice that Amanda from Get to Goal had done speedwork in the form of 400's and it motivated me to do the same.  With the knowledge that I am about 1 mile from the park, I headed out with the plan to run the mile warm-up to the park and then do 4 x 400's with a 400 recovery after each one.  The path worked perfectly since the first half was my speed interval and the second half was my recovery interval.

The beginning of the path.

I haven't done much running in general lately so logically I haven't been doing much any speedwork so I was pleasantly surprised that all of my speed intervals were between 7:37 and 7:51.  Not bad for a "spur of the moment" decision thanks to the motivation from Amanda.  After I completed my speed session I ran another lap, took some photos and then headed back towards home to get in a mile cool down.  I am trying to walk at least a 1/2 mile after each run since I read on the internet that it is good for you so it must be a fact.  HA!! 

Just gorgeous to run past while on the path

I am so glad that my neighbor mentioned the beauty that is a workout in this park!  I will definitely be returning to do workouts in the future.  The added bonus is that there are a few exercise stations (step ups, sit ups, etc) along the path.  I didn't utilize them today but I do plan to utilize them in the future and will be sure to snap a picture to share with all of you!

Keep running, you're simply the best, and you inspire me!!