Miles 169-171: Mt. Olive Cuke Patch 5K

What a great start to a beautiful weekend.

After a very long week of work and hot stickiness, I was blessed with a beautiful (and quiet) Friday and an even more beautiful Saturday morning.

Today's race party was whittled down to two: my friend David and myself. A few months ago, Renee booked her family vacation to start today; a few weeks ago, David's wife Glenna, a teacher, found out her students secured a spot at a state competition; a few days ago, James realized he was going to have to work today.

James was particularly bummed, as this would have been his third year running this small race on the fast and flat course around the Mount Olive College campus. Mt. Olive, North Carolina is in fact home to the Mt. Olive Pickle Company. Every April they put on a Pickle Festival and for the past ten years, they have been hosting a 5K run. And yes, the goody bags have a free jar of pickles.

When James ran it two years ago, he said there couldn't have been more than 50 people. Last year, there was 100. This year, I would estimate 150, and the local running team from the Raleigh Running Outfitters shop showed up (and smoked all us local yokels). 

I wasn't really sure how the race was going to go until it was already almost over. James not being there really messed me up - I woke up too late to eat anything of substance; realized I hadn't done running apparel laundry in over a week and had to scrounge up stinky clothes; didn't have time to make prerace coffee.

But the weather really was something spectacular. It's the kind of weather I wish I had at every race - sunny, breezy, cool, and dry. For once, I edged myself to the front of the pack with David (who regularly runs in the 20-22 minute range), and took off.

I had forgotten they didn't mark off the miles on this course, which in the end, helped. I did remember, though, that the course layout leads you to believe you're coming into the final turn about a half a mile before you actually do. I was breathing hard but coming into the final stretch, I kicked it up into high gear, and watched the final second tick down as I sprinted across the final line.

Miles 169-171: a 5K PR of 24:55, 8:05 min/miles.