Firecracker 5k

July 4, 2008 Rockford Park, Wilmington , DE 00:24:03 07:46 77th overall 14th female 8th age-group

100% humidity on the fourth of July this year, we drove to the race in the rain, and it rained while we warmed-up, but it stopped for the start of the 5k. The start went well and I was feeling great, but about five minutes into the race my mouth was dry, completely dry. All of the sudden I could not get air and I had to stop, bent over coughing I thought that I was going to have to walk back and as I couldn't get air my eyes darted around to find the closest volunteer. I waved Shawn and Otmani pass as they came by me, I did not want them to worry or stop during their race. Soon after I was able to get my breathing under control and decided I would continue on.

I made it past the mile marker under 7:45, with the stop, so I must have been flying for the first mile. I could still see Shawn and Otmani, they were running together so I ran towards them and made it to them at the turnaround. Coming back was tough in the humidity and a short incline upwards. Otmani slowly crept ahead and I did all I could to continue, but the last 400 meters were really painful and I had to pee so bad! I got to the finish and fell onto the grass, 5k's are so painful, just like a 200 free ... a long sprint. We all had pretty good times for the conditions, enjoyed a short warm-down swim and a full day of bbq and drinking.