Return to Running: Running of the Elk 5k

I ran the Running of the Elk 5k as a part of my current marathon training cycle! It has been over two years since I’ve participated in an in-person race, like most people, thanks to the pandemic! I think we can skip the deep dive of why running hasn’t been my priority over the last couple of years (big move across the country -> global pandemic -> SURVIVAL).

While many people found comfort in fitness during the pandemic, I was the opposite. I loved being outside for walks, biking through the neighborhood, sitting on the patio, or swinging in my hammock; but the thoughts of structured running would cause me the most anxiety! I could get out for easy, casual runs but nothing more.

Fast forward to June 2021, I got a DM from Altra Running to try out the new Torin 5s. I saw this as the perfect opportunity to ease back into running with a summer 5k. Then I received a 2021 Honolulu Marathon email and, of course, I was super tempted to sign up. I reached out to my current coach, Natalie Mitchell, to get her thoughts on whether I had time to safely build back up to marathon distance. She was confident we could do it if we did it right! Natalie suggested I find a couple of fall races to help my body get used to the race day experiences. The Running of the Elk 5k was the perfect race for that!

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The Running of the Elk 5k

Running of the Elk takes place in Elk Grove, CA; an easy Sunday morning drive from the Davis area. Over 300 people registered for the race and about 250 were present on race day. Packet pick-up was at the Elk Grove Fleet Feet store. This was perfect so I could pick up Maurten running gels and drink packs.

Race Day

The race started at 8 am, which is the perfect starting time for an easy morning. The race was full of families running together – I love seeing the little kids run! There was a small pre & post-race area with race day goodies, pre-race breakfast, post-race pizza, vendors, and live music. It felt great to be in a smaller crowd since COVID concerns are still around. Also, the race included a 10k and usually a half-marathon, but the half did not happen this year. The course did not have supporters along the route; luckily, 3.1 miles are easy to get done without the motivation of a crowd.

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The Running of the Elk 5k was a portion of my 10 long miles for the day. I got up extra early, organized my fuel and water, and drove to Elk Grove in time for two easy warm-up miles before the race. My coach planned: 2 easy warm-up miles, the 5k w/ time goals (3.1 miles), and 5 easy miles to round out 10 miles for the day. I’m not going to lie, I didn’t have much faith in the plan:

• I worried that my 5k time wouldn’t be as great as it could be after two warm-up miles. I don’t know why.
• The stop and go between the three running segments worried me, thinking it would cause my legs to cramp up.
• I definitely didn’t think I would have 5 additional miles in me after putting it all out there for the 5k!

My 5k Plan

I finished my warm-up just in time to take off my warm layers and get to the starting line. Per the plan, the first .25 mile was focused on getting into pace and not going out too fast (super easy to get caught up in race-day excitement and sprint out). From .25 to 2.5 miles, my focus was on reaching a, possibly uncomfortable, but manageable pace – somewhere between 9:00-9:15/mile. The last .6 mile was focused on being “quick and strong”, leaving it all out there!

I REALLY had my doubts about holding the 9-9:15 pace. I had an easy week leading into the Running of the Elk 5k. Yet, that pace had been hard during my training runs. When I crossed the start, my mind switched gears, my legs turned over, and it ended up feeling incredibly easy! I had to be very mindful about sticking to the plan and not getting caught up in anyone else’s pace. It was a cool, cloudy morning in the 50s, perfect running conditions for a great race. The weather was perfect for a pair of my Nike running shorts and a light, long-sleeve Lululemon top.

My whole day execution went:

• 2 miles at 10:55/mile.
• Running of the Elk 5k at 8:51/mile, faster than expected with miles clocked at 9:02, 8:55, & 8:41!
• 5.3 miles at 11:04/mile.

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It was a great race day, perfectly executed. I even finished the day winning 3rd overall in my age group! The race host didn’t have medals or finisher awards due to shipping issues, but they will get them in next month to pick up!

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Race Day & Training Lessons

I’ve been comparing my current fitness level to my 2019 fitness level when I ran Mountains to Beach. I’m a bit slower than I was in 2019! In fact, the pace goal for the Running of the Elk 5k was my pace for my last marathon! When I finished this race, my first thought was, “how on Earth did I do this for 26.2 miles? Do I really want to run marathons again?!”

Nevertheless, the Running of the Elk 5k reminded me how much I enjoy running, challenging myself, the race day experience, seeing families being active, and seeing kids running! All in all, I am enjoying the rebuild back to marathon-level fitness. The folks at the Running of the Elk put on a great race day, and I am hopeful to make it one of my California staple races; maybe next year I can run the 10k or half-marathon!