Race Recap: Brimfield Old Settlers 5K

I was a last minute entry for this local race. As I've mentioned before, we have greatly scaled back the number of 5K's we're running this year. Mainly due to cost... entry prices have gone up substantially in our area, and our income has gone down this summer (thank you furlough). I participate in charity 5K's mainly for fun, to mingle with local runners, and get my hubby involved. I prefer the longer distance races and traveling new places, so that's where I spend most of my "race allowance".

When I found the Old Settlers 5K in Brimfield, IL for only $15.00 (+$2 for online registration), I quickly signed up both the hubby and I. The event also had a free kids run and a free kids bicycle race. So for under $35, we had an entire morning of fun and fitness for the whole family. Can I just say how much I love small towns...

We drove out to Brimfield Thursday evening to pickup our race packets... bib, shoe chip and a cotton tee. The course records for the race were posted up on a big wall. After 22 years of running, there were some speedy fast times on this well-advertised flat course. The race is part of the town's annual Old Settlers Day celebration, which began that Thurs evening. We grabbed some food and let the kiddos enjoy a few carnival rides.

Sole Sisters before the race!

Race morning was more hectic than usual, having to get all four of us ready to race. Definitely much easier to get out the door when it's just me running! We arrived in Brimfield with plenty of time to find parking in a good "getaway" spot. I laugh now at how much we strategized over this, thinking we'd be dealing with crowds or traffic after the run. Yeah, you get neither on a Saturday morning in Brimfield, population 869.

I chatted with a few friends before the race and then the call to lineup came quickly. My Garmin wasn't cooperating and still searching at the start. No biggie, somewhere in the first mile she found satellite, but I waited for the first mile marker to start her up so my splits would be consistent with the mile markers. A guy at the first mile marker called out times and I was delighted with where I was at...
Mile 1 - 8:24

The course circled the small community. Morning temps were cool and comfortable, but the sun was coming on strong. The few times we hit shade, I found myself slowing to linger there longer. My legs have been super sluggish lately, so I wasn't sure how long I'd be able to push sub-9 pace. As it turns out, mile two popped off even faster...
Mile 2 - 8:14

Throughout the race, I had been going back and forth with a guy pushing a wheelchair-type stroller. He was an incredible runner. The only reason I could catch him was because he stopped at the water stations while I whizzed through. In our last miles, I caught him for the last time as we pushed up a minor incline. He yelled out to me, "You're having a good run!" I replied, "So are you! Geesh, I don't know how you do it." I used to push my little babies in a stroller, but can't imagine running this pace while pushing an adult.

As I came down the last long stretch, I saw a few friends up ahead and had the fleeting thought of trying to catch them. Nope, no go. Exhaustion was setting in. I don't run this pace very often and it was certainly taking its toll.
Mile 3 - 8:27

I tried to give a little sprint down the finish and thought I squeaked in under 26 minutes. Official time later said not. Dang it! But regardless of my time, I was happy with this run. It didn't exactly feel good to go fast again, but it is nice to know I haven't completely lost my speed - due to lack of training this summer.

Official Chip Time 26:01

8:23 avg pace

F35-39 #6 out of 26

After the 5K was done, it was the kids time!
Big Girl running the 1/4 mile dash and Little Girl ready for her first bike race!

We are all different, and running means different things to different people. I know many love the excitement of big races... but I personally adore these small town events. Afforadable, no hassle driving in and out of town, easy to bring the family along, easy to run without congestion, and there always seem to be "extras" afterward. We stopped by the pancake breakfast to refuel and wandered the flea market. There was also a parade, but we didn't stick around for that.  I'd run the Old Settlers 5K again in a heartbeat.

The best part was when this lil man asked to have his picture taken with me! He reads my blog and told his mom, "It's kinda like meeting a celebrity!" Haha, thanks buddy!