The Let’s Go 510! The East Bay’s 5k Completed My Virtual Run The Bay Challenge
/For those that don't know, I live in Boston. Not the Bay Area. Not San Jose. Not San Francisco.
But in 2016 I was still able to run and complete the Run The Bay Challenge.
You may be wondering: how?
Well folks I was a first-time remote runner ambassador for Represent Running. The Run The Bay Challenge includes the San Jose 408k, the Across The Bay 12k & 415k and Let’s Go 510! The East Bay’s 5k.
Since I live in Boston, Represent Running mailed me our my race packets (t-shirt, medal and bib) for each race.
The third installment of the race - Let’s Go 510! The East Bay’s 5k - took place in October. Due to race travel, I was able to finally tackle the 5k on October 22.
On a cool Saturday afternoon, I headed out to run a 5k on my normal running path. Unfortunately, as soon as I got about 1/4 of a mile down the road... the sky opened up and it started to downpour! It definitely wasn't rain - it was a torrential downpour.
But I had gone too far to turn around. :P
It was at that point where I knew I had to just run as hard as I could to get back to my warm house. ;)
In a shocking turn the path was completely empty during my run.
Since I didn't know it was going to rain, I didn't think to put my phone in a baggie. So even though it was in my pocket, it was getting a brunt of the rain on it.
I was praying it would get through the run.
Mile 1: 759
I knew that my second mile would be faster than the first as it has some gradual declines built into it, but I didn't expect a 30+ second difference. I think my desire to get out of the rain was helping. ;)
It's like my running path knew I needed some mile markers for the afternoon. :)
Mile 2: 7:17
Now despite having to pee, I knew there was no time for port-o-potty stops. I needed to get this thing done so I could warm myself back up.
I don't normally listen to music while I run, but this summer I got into listening to podcasts during ultra marathon training. It has stuck with me on some training runs when I need a little laugh or pick me up. On this run I was listening to an old episode of Chris Hardwick's The Nerdist podcast. Love listening to comedians together just kicking back and doing bits.
Before I knew it was I hitting the final mile marker!
Mile 3: 7:13
While I might have missed having an American Flag to look at at the start of the race, I was able to see one at the Finish Line.
Can you see the rain beating down?
FINAL TIME: 23:17 (7:31 min/mile pace)
WOO! I had fought the elements and won! :)
Boy that was a wet 5k, but I am really proud of the negative splits I was able to put up.
I loved being able to come home and put my medal on right away. You might not be able to see it, but I had the bib on underneath my jacket.
As I mentioned, this was the third and final race of the Run The Bay challenge.
Represent Running did a great job making the remote runners feel part of the crew. :)
If you are interested in taking part in the Run The Bay Challenge in 2017, the first installment - the San Jose 408k - is open for registration! The in-person race takes place on March 5 in you guessed it, San Jose. :) There is still the remote runner option as well where you can run the race wherever and whenever you want!
The #408k registration is open. It is currently $53 (remote and in-person) with a price increase taking place Sunday (Jan 8) at midnight.
If you register before Sunday, you will receive an 8-week training plan from elite runner and Under Armour Athlete Nick Arciniaga (@ownyourrun). He is multiple top 10 finisher at NYCM and Boston, as well as a 2:11 marathon PR.
Register HERE today!
Disclaimer: I did receive complimentary entry into this race as a Represent Running ambassador, but all opinions are my own. Ain't nobody got time for lyin'!
