Racing in Pinehurst

Sunday, October 15, 2017 · Mike Davis

Good morning,

Yesterday I ran in the Sand Hills Community College Fun Rock & Run 5K. This was the inaugural race, that was put on by the faculty with much help from the students that are in the Exercise Science program. I had two choices, either help as a volunteer, or run the race, and though I would have happily volunteered, I wanted to run!

After having been a part of directing the “Apple Harvest Day 5K” (https://nofinishlinerunning.com/blog/apple-harvest-day-5k-2017--nflr) last weekend, I guess I was eager to challenge myself. This was only my second 5K race this year, and it I am pretty sure, it was my ever first trail race. I had two goals, one being to push myself some, and see how it came out, and the second being to run totally by feel and not use my Garmin as a pacer. I had my Garmin on and I used it, but I only once checked out my pace. Instead, I kept a consistent effort level, though because it was a trail, it did not result in a consistent pace. My overall results were satisfying, I was able to maintain my desired effort level, and I enjoy the unique challenge of trail racing. I have run much of this trail previously, so it was not totally new to me, but as I said, I have never run a race on a trail. I definitely can see myself running more trail races in the future.

The event itself, was a wonderful production. A great race has many components, and at the top of the list is safety and fun. The organizers of this the “SCC Fun Rock & Run 5K’ nailed both! Everything was first rate, the course was well thought out, the pre-race stretching led by students was helpful (and fun), the volunteers were enthusiastic and the post-race band was great! Like any new race, there will be challenges with race numbers, but for its first year, they should be happy with the turnout. There is a lot of competition in Pinehurst (North Carolina) for attracting runners, but this race has the potential to standout!

I hope you have a great week and get to enjoy the great fall running near you!

God Bless!

Michael