This race was hilarious. It seemed that the organizers had never run a race in their lives and they just thought it would be a good idea to put one on. First off it started super early while it was still dark. No idea why. I went out for a warm up to see how my legs would feel. After a half mile I could feel some burning in the legs. They were definitely not recovered from the race.
The race started with a safety brief that told us about the course. There were two different courses. One was for walkers and one for the 5k. That also didn't really make sense to me. I still took a wrong turn at the beginning and had to turn around. After that I was in front and didn't turn when I was supposed to. I went for about a tenth of a mile when I looked back and realized that there was no one behind me. I turned around and saw a truck at the turn with a lady directing everyone that had been behind me. I said, "So the course isn't marked then?" To which she responded, "It is. You just went the wrong way." Definitely the quote of the week. Come to find out, this lady was attempting to direct the entire course from her truck. She would drive ahead and point the right direction. This was very effective.
After about 2 miles, I came to an aid station with a lady sitting down. I asked her if I was supposed to make the turn or keep going straight to which she responded that she didn't know. Another genius. I decided to turn which was a good decision. I then ran back up the hill toward where we came from. I saw another woman who had been directing on the way out and I asked if I we just were supposed to go back the way we came to which she responded, "I don't know! I wasn't briefed on the last half!" Good thing you're a course director! The next director said that I was going the right way so that was encouraging. The race ended up being like 3.4. Half the runners finished from one direction and the other half finished from the other.
Definitely best race of the year XLer of the week quality. I can't complain since it was free but I will say that if you're going to put on a 5K, at least talk to some people who know a little bit about races so it isn't a complete disaster. Needless to say it was a good memory. Rebecca came walking toward the start line afterward with Naomi who had decided to sleep in. I decided that I was done running for the day. My legs were quite sore.
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