SPARC 5K (19:53)

Saturday I ran the SPARC 5K. SPARC stands for substance abusive prevention and resistance community. The organization focuses on providing awareness to help prevent substance abuse in youth as well as to educate youth about substance abuse. This is a cause I feel strongly about.

This race was close to my house, so close that I was able to run to the race as a warm up. If I can run to a race I’ll almost always run the race. I woke up around 6:15 am to eat breakfast and drink coffee. I was ready to go to the race by 7 am. My mom met me at my house and ran over to the start with me which was about 1.5 miles (2.4K) away. When I got to the race I had to sign up. It was $35 to sign up the day of the race, which I think is expensive for a race that doesn’t offer prize money but as I said the race was convenient and for a good cause. It was also an inaugural race and I am sure as it grows each year prizes will eventually be offered. I do not regret spending the $35 because the experience was priceless. This race brought me so much joy.

After I signed up I was told that they were out of small t-shirts (a common problem at smaller local races) but I was offered a choice between a medium and a youth large. I chose the youth large because I am on the small side and I already have a lot of race t-shirts that make me look like I don’t have shorts on. It fits great and it is now one of my new favorite t-shirts. The little things matter sometimes and I really appreciated the fact that the woman at the table noticed how sad I looked when she said she was out of small shirts and quickly found a solution.

Then I found Lyndsey. She was in the area doing her long run and came by the race to cheer me on. She also took some photos and videos, hung out with my mom, and eventually ran back to my house with us as part of her long run. I was happy she came. Lyndsey is a former athlete, fellow distance runner, new blogger, and a very good friend. She is finally home for the summer and I couldn’t be happier about that!!

Brittany, one of my training partners and former high school teammate, also ran the race. This is something else I couldn’t be happier about. During the race we had identical strides and when I discovered this afterward I proclaimed that we are “solemates”. If you don’t believe me check this out.

I love this so much ❤

We were the 1st & 2nd female finishers and we finished 4th & 5th overall. I first met Brittany in high school when I was a freshman and she was a senior. About 2 years ago I ran into her at a race and we started training together. Now I can’t imagine it any other way.

Saturday morning was really hot and humid. I felt like I had taken a shower during the race. The race also had a lot of turns but I can’t complain about the race course because I often train on those roads. In a way, I feel like I had an unfair advantage because I was really comfortable with the course. I felt really focused the whole time and the race went by quickly. Not once during the race did I have that feeling of dread where I thought “Is this over yet?” That is a sign of a good race.

This race was an actual 5K and it finished with a lap on the track.

I wasn’t concerned with my time or place during the race, I just wanted to run the best that I could that day. I ran on feel. I felt a little sluggish but still strong. Overall, I feel really confident with how my training is going and my plans for the rest of the summer and fall.

Would I run this race again?

Yes, absolutely. The race was convenient, for a good cause, and in a place I frequently train. The race volunteers were very nice. When I was given my medal they even thanked me for attending. Because of this race, I got to spend the morning with good friends and family.