Type
Running
Location
WESLEY-BOLIN-PLAZA
Description
Phoenix Turkey Trot 2024
(5 kilometers run)
Returning to the running races in the United States
Note
I planned to join ApacheJoe for his running race. He mentioned that he would participate in the Gilbert Turkey Trot over Thanksgiving weekend. I googled “Turkey Trot,” found one, and registered. Only later did I realize there are many “Turkey Trot” races across the United States, and I had signed up for the wrong one!
Since the registration could not be changed, I decided to go ahead and participate. The race was early in the morning, so I made good use of my jet lag. I did a 1.5 km warm-up and then started looking for the starting line. I spotted the finish line but could not find the starting line. In the distance, I noticed a massive crowd—3,500 runners piled into one huge line. I had never seen a race this big before.
I made my way around and approached the starting line from the front. I was not right at the front but still set off with the leading group. As a result, my pace at the beginning was 3:30/km, far too fast for me. The rest of the race played out as it usually does when you start too quickly—very painful! Next time I run a huge race like this, I will start further back and spend most of the race passing slower runners. It would be much better for my morale.
My goal was 4:10/km, with a stretch dream of 4:05/km. Finishing with a pace of 4:14/km is not terrible, but I know I can do better.