Race Recap: Halifax Health Hospice 5k 11/11/17

Background/Pre-Race Goals
This is my race recap for the 16th annual Halifax Health Hospice 5k in Port Orange, FL.  We were supposed to run this race in September, but Hurricane Irma pushed it back a couple of months. Last year this was one of my very first 5Ks, and I finished with a time of 23:33 (7:36 pace). Last week I was still a little disappointed with my training. I wasn't at a great place with my speed and knew getting under 21 minutes would be an achievement. Once again this was not where I wanted to be so late in the fall series, but I tried to remain positive. 

Mile 1  6:35
The weather started out overcast and slightly chilled (good race conditions), but it started to mist right after away and continued for the first half mile. Fresh off my fall last week I was scared and found myself holding back with speed (even though I told myself it was irrational and to just run faster).  I have fallen a few times running around the city center and for some reason, I had this mental block. I should have clocked at least a 6:23 first mile. 

Mile 2  6:46
The weather stabilized, but my race anxiety did not. I managed a decent 2nd mile by my recent standards. I honestly felt okay cardio-wise, so that wasn't my problem. I just felt I couldn't go faster, like there was a wall in front of me.

Mile 3  6:55
A big part of the 3rd mile was on sidewalks (another nemesis of mine). I was trying to look down to avoid the possible unevenness while also trying to maintain my pace, and I failed at the last one. 

Mile .10  5:47
I felt good enough to sprint after the 3rd mile. The course turned into an open road for the last half a mile. The clock read over 21 minutes when I saw it which didn't come as a surprise to me. I obviously had plenty in the tank and should have managed this race better, but all I can do is take it as a learning experience and move forward. 

Results
Time: 21:09
Pace: 6:49
Overall: 10th out of 453
1st Place in age group 30-34 women