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Friday, September 12, 2008

To 5K or Not to 5K

I have a 5K on my race calendar for tomorrow morning, but I'm not sure if I really want to do it, so I figured I'd elicit some blogger help in the decision process.

Pros:
  • Since I've been a running slacker this week, a race may be just the thing I need this week to motivate my running.
  • I haven't had a race since July, and this 5K is on the calendar as a way of jump-starting the fall race season, which will be relatively busy (I've planned for a 10 miler, 10K, 3 half marys, a 5K, and a partridge in a pear tree); see sidebar for race schedule.
  • The race is first thing in the morning, and if I get up, race, and get home before 8 am, I will feel like I accomplished super things before the start of the day.
  • I've raced this 5K before, so it's a chance to set a new course record.
  • It's at 7 am, so the temps should only be in the 80s.

Cons:

  • I've been so tired this week, I would really like to sleep in tomorrow. And getting up early and preparing for a race seems almost silly when it's "just" a 5K.
  • I have not been doing any speedwork lately, so I doubt I will PR.
  • Despite being scheduled at 7 am, it will be in the 80s, and it has been so humid in the mornings lately (like my sunglasses fog over kind of humid) that I think this won't be the kind of prime weather conditions for racing.
  • It's kinda spendy for a 5K ($30 on race day).
  • I've raced this 5K before and the course is not great -- it doubles back on itself -- and the t-shirts are blah.

So, what'cha guys think? I have an equal number of pros and cons, but do they each carry equal weight in the decision? I just don't know. A huge part of me is saying "Why bother if you're not that in to it?" But another part of me says: " Jeez, Jess, you're such a whiner this week! Get your ass out there and race!"

Which part should make the final decision?

15 comments:

Wes said...

If it ain't fun, don't do it! Have a great weekend!!!

nwgdc said...

Agree with wes. 30 bucks for a 5k!? No way.

Steve Stenzel said...

I'm breaking with these guys. I saw DO IT!

We should remember that we're VERY lucky when we utter the words "JUST a 5K."

Just my 2 cents.

(Sleeping in sounds good too...)

;)

Unknown said...

Jess.... Please do it !!!! Just for the hell of it. You won't have more guilt trip on ya. After that, go right to your favorite beer. You will be glad you did.

J said...

Do the 5k!!! It will be fun and a great way to start the day!

Anonymous said...

Sleeping in is a nice treat. But, if you get up early to run, it is a great reason to take a great afternoon nap.

TonyP said...

I have to go along with the "do it" crowd.

E said...

If it were me, I'd probably do it. You know the course, so you know what you're in for, and it won't be such a big deal if you don't PR. After all, it is only a 5K.

Good luck!

chia said...

I say screw it... unless there is cool schwag or other amenities that justify the $30.

I have a fully supported 20 miler tomorrow with a kick ass t-shirt that only cost $12... feel free to join in on the fun ;-)

Aron said...

geez i must run expensive races because all the 5ks i have done were $30!

i think it might get you pumped and ready to run again!! would be fun and a great way to start the day!

i do love sleeping in though :)

Anonymous said...

Just do it!

Hopefully it will get you excited for race season.

I'll think of you while I'm sleeping in LOL. (But hey, I got up at 5:30am today for a 20 mile run.)

Unknown said...

Do it but just have fun with it! IF you set a course record great, but if you're tired, just getting out there is good.

J~Mom said...

I am tired so I vote for sleeping in tomorrow!

Unknown said...

Do you believe that JESUS CHRIST, died on a cross for your sins?

I, PATRICK, AM JUST AN INSTRUMENT GOD USES TO TELL OTHERS ABOUT HIS SON, JESUS CHRIST, WHO DIED ON A CROSS FOR MANKIND’S SINS.

sRod said...

Slacker here, still catching up on posts. A bit late on this one, but: get your ass out there and run!

That's it. I've made my peace.