Race #6 is in the books and it was my best one yet.  I participated in the Hometown Heroes 5k in Wichita, KS on Saturday.  As with my other races since returning from the accident, I started my day with DDP Yoga to loosen up for the race.  Before leaving the house, my daughter told me that she thought I would win the race.  Of course, I said the same things I usually say, such as, “I won’t be the fastest one out there, but I am going to try my hardest.”

The race course was along with Arkansas River, which is pronounced Ar-Kansas not Ar-Kan-saw in these parts.  The weather was 67 degrees at the start of the race, which was the coolest temperature I’ve raced in this year.  The field was small—the largest bib number I saw was 94.  Rachel noticed this was a smaller race and told me to line up in the front for a strong finish.

I generally avoid the front as it is harder to pace myself to conserve energy.  I broke that rule but kept a steady pace.  I did not look behind or over my shoulder at any point after the first half mile but  I noticed I had a 30 second lead at the half way point of this out-and-back course.  My splits were 6:45, 6:45 and 6:55 so I was able to maintain consistency; however, I’d like that last mile back.  The course ran a little short at 3.0 miles which helped me finish at 20:30.  My 3.1 mile PR is 21:09, so I feel really good about the possibility of beating it in 2 weeks.

As for the finish?  First overall.  First time ever.  I’ve stayed humble in victory as I know the course was a little short and my 20:30 is slower than most first place finishes.  Nonetheless, I finished a race in the #1 spot for the first time ever.  I’m happy with it.  I guess I should have trusted an 8 year-old.  I’ll have her set my fantasy football lineup this week to pull out of this 0-2 start.