It has been over 3 months since my last race. I realize that really isn't a long time, but since I haven't been running any long races (marathon or longer), I enjoy running races more frequently that every three months, especially in the summer. After getting back from our family trip to the U.P., I started to search for possible races to do before Fall comes around. I stumbled upon the Green Bay Beer Run 5k and honestly, before I even read into the details, I was sold and knew exactly what race I would be doing. Basically, an event group out of Milwaukee organized a Beer Run in Green Bay. This was the second year of the race. The race was hosted by Badger State Brewing Company (one of my favorite local breweries), and included free beer after the race, a hoodie, and a pint glass. It was a no brainer for me!
Training for This Race
This year has really been a "so-so" year for me, training-wise. I trained pretty hard and consistently leading up to the Bellin Run 10k in June, but since then, I have just been doing what ever the hell I feel like. Some days, its just an easy 3-4 miles, while other days I feel like going longer, even up to 14-16. But other than that, I really haven't been doing anything specific for shorter races like this. So, with my training being really inconsistent, I was a little curious to see how much slower my time would be. I definitely was not going in expecting a PR.
Prerace
The race didn't start until 10:00am, so I was able to sleep in, which is always nice. My mom, who was running in place of my dad, drove us up to the race. Once there, I got in a really nice warm up, where I got to run around Lambeau Field. The weather was just about perfect, with temperatures in the upper 70's. After my warm up, I got to the starting line and began scoping out my potential competition. I was shooting for a top 3 finish, more just to get the "Badger State Brewing Prize Package" than anything.
Nutrition Plan
An hour before the race, I took my usual Anti-Fatigue Caps, Endurance
Aminos, and then took my Fully Charged about 10 minutes before the start
of the race.
Miles 0-3.1
After the gun went off, I took an early lead, which I honestly didn't care too much about. I generally like sitting in about 3-5th. It seems to keep me focused and motivated. Similar to a greyhound chasing the stuffed bunny. But, none-the-less, there I was, leading the race. After the first mile, it came down to me and two other guys. We had a pretty easy pace going...relatively speaking. It was a pace, I thought I would have no trouble maintaining. Shortly after passing mile marker 1, we dropped the third guy. So it was down to me and one other guy. He chatted a bit and he made a comment about me pushing a good pace. I joked and said something polite about pushing each other, when inside, I thought, HA! If he's struggling at this pace, there's no reason I can win this race. Shortly after the second mile, that ended up being the case and he slowly faded behind me. I didn't see him until after the race. For the final 3/4 of a mile, I just tried to stay focused and push my pace while not imploding. I ended up coming across the finish line in 18:13, which was luckily good enough for 1st overall.
Post Race
Immediately after the race, I accepted my prize for winning the Green Bay Beer Run. I got a Badger State Brewing Company beer pitcher along with a $20 gift certificate from the brewery. I was pretty excited about the prize, because, as I stated, I love Badger State Brewing! After the 2nd place guy crossed the line, him and I chatted for a good 30 minutes or so, while I waited for my mom to cross the finish line. Turns out he was the owner to Copper State Brewing in Green Bay. I have not been there yet, since it is a relatively new brewery to the area, but after chatting with him, I will be sure to make it a point to swing on in. He was a super nice guy and had the love of beer in common. After my mom came across the finish line we grabbed our free beer and then headed home as I had to work later that night.
What's on Tap
At this point, I'm really not sure what's on tap. As of writing this, we have already been on out big trip to South Dakota and now we are well into October. My family is most likely going to run the Freaky 5k in Appleton the weekend of Halloween. We usually race this event every year and this year will be no different. The same goes with the Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving Day in Appleton. I don't anticipate anything changing with my training. I'm guessing I'll keep running close to everyday and get in as many miles as time allows and as I want to do when I lace up my shoes.
