Memory 5k Race Report

Another gorgeous day for running in Northern California. The Alzheimer’s Aid Society Memorial 5k meanders in and around a cemetery and an upscale neighborhood with lots of shade, and the temperatures were moderate. Sacramento mayor and former NBA great Kevin Johnson was in the field, as well as former state assemblyman Lloyd Levine, but the real celebrity today was Austin Ramos of Fair Oaks, who won the race in 14:56. I can’t remember anyone else ever going sub-15 in a 5k around here. The second-place finisher was more than a minute-and-a-half behind him.

I ran an excellent and steady race, finishing with a strong kick uphill over the last 200 meters. But it did illustrate how ill-advised my Funny/Viper Challenge was two months ago. Even healthy and with some solid speedwork under my belt, I didn’t approach that whippersnapper’s 5k time.

Mile 1 – 7:41

Mile 2 – 7:35

Mile 3 – 7:34

Mile 3.1 – 0:46

Finish – 23:36
146th out of 953
14th out of 35 in 50-54 age group

I’ve only got one more 5k this year, at the end of next month. I might shave a little more off that time, but distance and endurance take center stage for the rest of the year. I’ve got a 14-miler tomorrow.