I’m Back! The Inaugural All Access 5k

Just a quick post to celebrate my return to racing after six weeks with a stress fracture and a further two of easy recovery running. I wasn’t sure what to expect with (a) no speed in my legs whatsoever (b) no runs on asphalt for eight weeks and (c) much race-rustiness in the system. I honestly intended on taking things relatively easy, but after talking to my daughter’s ex-high school coach before the race, I decided to “go for it” in the first mile and make decisions based on how the foot felt. Long story short, my biggest fear was re-fracturing the fracture, but “coach” assured me the bone would be stronger from the healing and it wouldn’t break again. He did warn the stress may be diverted to a different part of the foot, but that’s a different story…

Anyway, on to the race. It was great to chat with “good guys” Ryan, Jon, Ed, Chris and Billy before the gun went off (apologies for the people I missed here….). I think they were genuinely more excited for me to be racing again than I was myself! I was also trying to motivate wife Ally who had a great training run on Friday afternoon and was keen to run well. I predicted a sub-25 minute finish which would have been her fastest 5k for some six years. We wished each other good luck right before the off..

The first few steps felt very weird. Not sure if it was just my imagination or if I actually looked as ridiculous as I felt. The lead guys soon broke away and I found myself in about 15th place heading into the first right turn. The gravel surface wasn’t great so I took things easy on the bend before opening up a little on the straightaway. I passed several runners in the next half mile and at this point in the race found myself in a good rhythm, breathing comfortably and most importantly of all, foot feeling good.

Most of the remainder of the race is a bit of a blur. I know the first mile was a 5:48 and convinced myself the Garmin must have been wrong. From here on in I tried to focus on my stride turnover, breathing and relaxation. I know I tensed up a few times and needed to shake my arms out to release the stiffness. I didn’t notice a split at mile two (turned out it was a 5:54) and just tried to stay with good friend Billy Chorey in the last third of the race. Billy has also had foot problems recently, but you’d never guess by the way he powered through the field into seventh place. By the way, thanks Billy for helping to keep me on pace — appreciate it!

Not far from the finish we were “treated” to a nice run up the ramp towards the lawn seats and back down the other side. Not sure why it came as a surprise as I’d already seen the course map and knew we’d be running it at some stage. Anyway, we hit the three mile mark, took a sharp right turn and there was the finish line with the clock ticking up to 18 minutes. I won’t say I sprinted for the finish but I did try to quicken my pace. Billy was clear in front of me, but from behind, up raced fellow 40-44 age grouper Edward Ferguson. I don’t think you’ll see a stronger finish than Ed’s – most impressive and I definitely had no answer. First thing I did on crossing the line was congratulate Edward on a great victory (turned out to be an age-group victory too) and shout over to Billy to get some ice on his foot…..I could see he was hurting. My official finish time was 18:07, but I was more concerned in heading back to the three mile mark to wait for Ally and to cheer her on.

Just a few minutes later, here she comes, looking strong and ticking along nicely. After a few words of encouragement I followed her footsteps, rounded the last corner and was pleased to see the clock still displaying 24 minutes something as she crossed the line. As predicted Ally had broken 25 minutes and logged her fastest 5k for years. Well done!!

So, that’s it — a faster than expected return to racing and best of all, no real foot issues. Definitely feels good to be back and thanks everyone for the kind words and huge cheer when I went up to collect my 2nd place age group award. Really means a lot to have all your support….