Chapman 5K - Race Recap

This race was a late addition to my calendar - I think I registered three weeks ago, when the girls at Team Sparkle tweeted about putting together a team. I adore Team Sparkle, so of course I was in.

I picked up our bibs and bags Friday on my way home from work (Chapman is literally down the street from my office), and it was SO FAST and easy. And man. The swag did not suck, either...

Tech tee, reusable drawstring bag, panther paw (Chapman's mascot!), tea, more tea, iPhone arm band!, chapstick, chips... Super rad for a $25 race.

The race was held about 15 minutes from my house, and started at 7:30, which meant a pretty reasonable wake-up time here. This time, everyone was coming along - all three girls were running (plus me), and The H was (FINALLY!) spectating.

We got there around 7, picked up #2's new lime green sparkle skirt, and were ready to race. There were pace groups, but they were pretty weird... 7-10:59 group, 11-14:59, and 15+. Random. #1 made her way up to the front. I knew she'd be running on her own, but I wasn't sure how much of a race she could eek out. She runs every day in PE, but hasn't run any type of distance in awhile.

#2 and #3 were with me. #2 is NOT a fan of running. Not one bit. Gabby tires easily, so we borrowed a jogging stroller for the event. But, she got out a couple times and ran for a bit - she probably ended up running about .75-1 mile, all told. Super exciting for her :).

#2 decided (after starting SUPER fast) that she was over this racing business around mile 1.5. I got her to run alternating blocks, at least, and despite her complaining, she was smiling the entire time. I think her default setting is just constantly "mildly displeased".

The course was really cute - ran through downtown Orange, through some cute neighborhoods full of old Craftsman style houses. A bunch of residents were out cheering, and, randomly, playing the trombone. Of course.

Then, around mile 2.5, the course loops back into the Chapman campus, which was full of spectators, cheerleaders, bands, etc.

At this point, #2 decided to TAKE OFF, and I didn't see her again until the finish line.

Final time, 38:41. I am SO proud of her - her final kick was hilarious, and she totally had a great time.

I convinced Gab to get out for a little bit, hoping she'd run through the finish line, but she made it about .25 away and was tired again. Oh well. I strolled in slightly after #2 at 39:36.

#1, though... Let's discuss #1.

Remember back in June, when she ran that 5K, and finished in 25:xx, and took 2nd in her AG?

I was expecting, since that course was hilly, and this was flat, for her to pull out a 23:30-24 minute 5K.

22:08. That's a 3:30 PR.

Good for 2nd in her AG. Again.

Crazy, right?

It was a great race - I think their FB page said something like 2000 participants, so not too giant, but not teeny, either. There were TONS of volunteers, tons of spectators cheering, and two (two!) water stations. The course was super spectator friendly, running basically in a giant, counter-clockwise loop. Oh! Plus, a full oatmeal bar after. That was pretty great, too.

Team Sparkle was out in full force (there are tons of pictures up on their Facebook, as well - link HERE), and I FINALLY met Madison, one of my Ragnar teammates! Sarah was there, and PR'ed - go congratulate her!

Annnd, Margot, the Faster Bunny came out to spectate as well.

I'll totally do this race again, in a heartbeat.

Plus, afterward, we found some random diner, and ate delicious food.

I totally earned that, off of my 3.1 miles. Don't judge me.

Thanks, Team Sparkle, for peer pressuring me into this one!