My mom and I weren't able to leave until after work on Friday, so we went straight to the hotel to bed. But Saturday morning we were ready to go for a day of fun. First on the schedule was the Frericks 5k around campus.
I knew it wasn't going to be a super competitive race because it tends to be a lot of the parents and younger siblings that walk the race, but also a decent number of runners too. I did a short warm-up around the Ghetto and lined up at the front, where I noticed there were no other girls except for a tiny 13 year old. She looked fierce and ready to race.
The horn sounded and off we went. I had a strong start but almost immediately felt like I was straight-up sprinting and obviously couldn't hold that for 3 miles. Erin and her sister Elise were standing near Marycrest, only about 3-4 minutes into the race and as I passed them I said "this already blows." As I kept going, I felt a little better and came through the 1 mile mark in 6:47. I was nervous for the 2nd mile because I knew it included Stuart Hill, the longest hill on campus.
"If a hill has its own name, then it is a probably a pretty tough hill."
Getting up the hill wasn't quite as bad as I thought it would be, but it was still rough. I was just looking forward to the downhill, and I passed 2 people on my way down (both guys, just the one 13 year old girl was ahead of me and she wasn't even in sight any more). I don't remember exactly what my split was for mile 2 but I do remember thinking I was still on basically the same pace, around 6:50.
The third mile was also difficult and by this point I knew I wasn't going to catch the girl ahead of me and I could tell when we kind of zig-zagged through KU Field that there were no other girls anywhere near behind me. I saw Erin and Elise again and was feeling better than when I saw then at the beginning, but I was also ready for the race to be over. I had no idea where the race ended bit just tried to keep pace. Then I finally saw the 3 mile mark and the finish and kicked in with what I had left. I finished in 21:20, averaging 6:52 pace so I was happy I stayed very consistent the whole time. And I won a UD sweatshirt :)
After the 5k we went straight to the football stadium for tailgating. Dayton's football team isn't anything special - except for the few years this kicker graced the field.
Tailgating for the football game was a lot of fun! All the parents made delicious food. Mom made these brownies and a turkey appetizer. Erin's parents brought Chic-Fil-A chicken which was also amazing.
Tailgating for the football game was a lot of fun! All the parents made delicious food. Mom made these brownies and a turkey appetizer. Erin's parents brought Chic-Fil-A chicken which was also amazing.
I wasn't really drinking much because of marathon training, but I did join in on a few beer games! I miss college. And all these people. It was so so warm out and I was beat, so mom and I went back to the hotel for a nap. But then it was back to campus for dinner at Milano's with Patrick and Erin.
After dinner, I went to Grace's brother's house to meet up with all of my friends again to watch the OSU game. We had a great time just hanging out, watching the game, and chatting. It's so rare now (except for weddings) that we are all able to get together so it was really special :)
We're all best friends.
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