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.