Vista Strawberry 5K

This morning three friends and I ran the Vista Strawberry Festival 5K.  I hadn't heard good things about the race and hadn't even thought to run it until one of these girls sent me a Schwaggle for the race.  The deal was $13.  No other fees so a flat $13 to run a local 5K complete with technical tee, finisher's medal and fresh strawberries at the finish.  I couldn't say no! 

And I'm glad I didn't.  The race itself isn't terribly exciting.  A long stretch, some hills, several turnarounds, nothing special... but the finish through the festival booths area was really fun!  It reminded me of finishing at the Chicago Marathon when you run through the finish area with so many people on either side cheering you on.  This was like that, but a much smaller version since there weren't hundreds of spectators but a few exhibitors instead.  But they were so great!  It was a fun way to finish a race! 

My PR for a 5K race is 22:50.  With the Ojai Marathon coming up next week I had planned to run this race at a comfortable pace and just have fun.  I ended up running it at a comfortably hard pace (7:10s) but slowed on the downhill stretch to an 8:06.  Ugh.  I really need to work on my downhill running.  I can crank up the hills and pass people, but I'm always passed on the downhills.  I don't know why I brake like I do.  Anyway, after that there were a bunch of turns that slowed my pace, too.  When I came into the final stretch I could see my time was close to 23 minutes.  I sprinted as fast as I could to get in under 23 but missed it by 2 seconds.  Heartbreaking!

Overall, very pleased with my effort today!

Finish Time: 23:02
Pace: 7:25
Division Place: 5
Sex Place: 17
Overall Place: 107