Three 5Ks in Three Weeks

After a tough end to 2024 (plantar fasciitis from Oct-Dec), and a rough start to 2025 (COVID in January, bronchitis in March), I finally got in regular running in April and was ready to race in May. I knew I wasn't fully trained, but it was time to test my legs! So, I ran three 5K races in three weeks. Two of them were free timed "parkruns" and one was a real race. 

May 3: My first free Parkrun at Morrissey Park! I had heard about these weekly free 5K runs that are held around the world, especially in the UK, but never knew we had them locally. The US seems behind on these parkruns, but Champaign has a weekly 5k fun run every Saturday at 9am. Heard about this one from University of Illinois postdocs. Glad they told me because this was fun! I ran 23:35 (8/23 finishers). Happy with that result. No injuries, no return of PF. I knew I'd be back for more. 

May 10: Kirby Derby 5K. This is the second race in the Monticello Triple Crown (Allerton, Kirby Derby, Allerton). If you do all three, you get a fancy prize after the last race. Typically a nice fleece jacket or vest! After the parkrun one week earlier, I was feeling optimistic about this race. Knew it wouldn't be a PR, but I felt a solid effort was within me. I ran a 22:56 (1st age group, 14/306 overall). Felt good. Again, no injuries and no PF. I'm back!

May 17: Second Morrissey parkrun. Wasn't sure I should run 3 5Ks in a row, but what the hell! Plus, it was a free fun run. I knew the course and felt I could improve upon my first parkrun time (23:35). I finished in 23:23 (8/49 overall). Not a lot faster, but it was my "Parkrun PR." I look forward to regular Saturday runs here. Really nice people an an informal relaxed setting. Perfect for building and testing my speed. After this race, I was off on vacation to Seattle and Alaska. That trip was fantastic, until the end when I got very sick and ended up in the hospital. More on that in another blog post. 

Morrissey Park Parkrun: Free 5K Every Saturday!

I always dreamed of having free park runs all over the US like they do around much of the rest of the world. Wouldn't it be cool to have a local fun 5K race every week? Free? Well, there is one in Champaign, IL! It's the Morrissey Park parkrun. They have a 5k event every Saturday at 9am. 

Not sure why I didn't know about this run, but a postdoc at Illinois told me about it and I'm going to be a regular participant. My first parkrun will likely be on May 3--one week before the Kirby Derby 5K. It will be a good test of my speed before race day. I love the idea of evaluating my 5k speed a couple of times a month. If not running, then I can volunteer. 

These parkruns are a great way for new runners and walkers to socialize and meet new people. The setting is stress free and supportive. They do track results, but there are no registration fees or awards. Just running...or walking. Great participation event. If you live in the Champaign-Urbana Illinois area, come join the fun!

NOTE: The Morrissey parkrun has been cancelled for Saturday, April 26 since that is Illinois Marathon day! Good luck to all of those racers (5k, 10k, HM, marathon, and marathon relay). I'm skipping the event this year. 

Sandy Memorial Run #19

Lake of the Woods

Sangamon River

My sister Sandy passed away 19 years ago on April 22. I have a tradition that I follow each year on Earth Day. I take the day off from work, run on the trails, donate to my local humane society, and think about my sister. I still miss her. She loved nature and animals so it seems like a good way to celebrate her life. Today I ran three trails at local forest preserves: Lake of the Woods, Heron View, and Sangamon River. Beautiful weather and wonderful trails. Sandy would have liked to hike these trails. Not run, but a slow hike. Appreciating the flora and fauna. I should slow down more and appreciate life. 

Heron View

Next year will be 20 years since she passed. I'll need to do something special. Local trails are nice, but maybe a grand venture at the Grand Canyon...a rim to rim to rim run? Or qualify and run the Boston Marathon? Or do an Earth Day ultramarathon? Or the Avenue of the Giants Marathon (where my sister went to school)? So many options, so little time. 

Now it's time to shower, eat a celebration lunch, and raise a glass to my sister.