So I did a thing last weekend.
But first, a little story. Back in 1998, when I was fairly new to racing, the La Quinta Gem of the Desert 10k, which had been my first race ever, added on a 5k. They designed it with enough time in between so that runners could do both races if they chose to. I chose to.
I was given the advice to go out and run the 5k (which was first) like it was the only race I was going to run that day. Don’t hold back and “save” myself for the 10k. So I did and ended up running my PR and one of only two times I’d ever run under 20 minutes. Oh, and I was first overall female!
I didn’t really have high hopes for the 10k. I really did feel like I’d given it my all. Instead, I went out and ran another PR and again I was the first woman to finish. My final times for each race were 42:47 for the 10k and 19:52 for the 5k.
Flash forward 25 years.
Last week, Alan got a last-minute gig announcing the 5k and 10k at the Palm Springs Health Run. I usually go along with him, especially for close-by events, but, as I told him, I really needed to get in a 10 mile run. I’m two weeks out from my half marathon and after coddling my cold for three weeks, really needed that distance.
“Do both races,” he said. So I did.
My times are a lot slower these days, and my goals for these races were quite different, but it still feels like a challenge to sign up for two races. I definitely wasn’t trying for a PR (no hope there), and I wanted to stay strong for the entire 9.3 miles. So I kept my pace easy, resisted the impulse to try to race, and just planned to have a good time. I did not plan to use this race as a speed workout. I just wanted to finish.
There are advantages to using a race as a training event. Yes, you can add in a little speed workout if you like, but I did not. A race keeps you moving (I just walked through the water stations). Plus you get a lot of kudos from the volunteers that recognize you as you go by again on the run.
The Palm Springs Health Run 5k
The Palm Springs Health Run 5k started at 8:30, a little later than I usually like but it did give the weather a chance to warm up. It was about 50 degrees at race time and the sun was bright and warm. And Alan was announcing which always gives me an extra boost.
The race itself is basically a large rectangle around Ruth Hardy Park, where the start and finish lines are located. It takes place in a section of Palm Springs called the Movie Colony, where many movie stars had vacation homes back in the day. There are still many beautiful estates, but most are surrounded by walls and I’m pretty sure the movie stars don’t live there anymore.
After the race started I quickly fell into this middle zone, where the racers moved ahead and the walkers were behind. Ironic in a way, since I’d thought of doing a race as a long run would give me company on the run. I kept my pace slow but steady, walking only through each water station (there were two).
A delightful part about running slow during a race is that you have the energy to socialize! I spoke to and thanked all the volunteers and police on the course, thanking them for helping, wishing them a great day, etc. There were many volunteers out there, both at the water stations and at every turn.
The race went by quickly (in my mind anyway, my actual time was over 35 minutes), and soon I was hearing the words I love to hear from my husband, “here comes my favorite person in the whole wide world!” I picked up my finishers’ medal, grabbed some water, and tried to keep moving for the next 20 minutes. Soon enough we were called to the start line.
As I started the 10k, I was feeling great. My legs were fresh, I was having fun, and I still was socializing with the volunteers and spectators. The 10k course was two loops of the 5k, so I was recognized by a few people, which was kind of fun. I still intended to walk only through the water stations, a commitment I was able to keep (though at the last one, I actually stopped to chat for a moment).
This photo makes me laugh because as I finished the 10k, Alan wasn’t there! I’m so used to hearing him bring me in, my expression looks like I’m thinking, “where the hell are you?” He had actually been pulled away to start the award ceremony for the 5k.
One thing I discovered. On a route I’ve run many times (it’s been a part of a lot of races in Palm Springs) half of it definitely felt uphill! You’d never know to look at it but I’m sure that heading north during both loops felt harder than heading south. Of course, I didn’t even feel the slight downhill in the other direction.
While I ran both races as training runs, I did have a nice surprise after the 10k. I won second in my division! Definitely a benefit of a small race but fun no matter what.
This was such a fun race! Without any expectations and no time goals, I just got to enjoy a great run. It was very organized, had a great expo, and included a health fair, with many booths, speakers, and even a luncheon and awards ceremony. I’d love to see it grow. This was the first race since Covid so I know they will have a chance now to rebuild.
My suggestion to the race director: Get better shirts! Plain cotton white t-shirts with nothing but the race name and sponsors listed on the back are so 1998. A medal upgrade would be a good idea too.
In case you missed it, here are my Reels from the Race!
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Congrats on doing these races to get in your long run! I bet its fun to have Alan announcing as you are finishing. Thats pretty cool that you won both distances on the same day when you were younger!
Thanks! It’s a fun way to get the long run done.
Nice job! I love doing races as training runs.
Your times for this race 25 years ago were amazing! I struggle to get a sub-21 for a 5k. How old were you at the time, if I may ask?
Thank you. I was a little fast back then. I was 41 I believe, which is pretty much the age I ran most of my PRs. It was downhill after that! (Actually, I injured my knee (not running) around then and it changed everything.)
Congrats to yo. I would so would have run BOTH races.
I actually ran this race twice several years ago. It was a 10 mile race then. I even met the mayor and Suzanne Sommers.
It was beautiful course.
Running in Palm Springs is a lot of fun. Nothing like warm weather, palm trees, and the snow up there on the mountain (where it belongs!).
I love to do a race as a long training run as well. I bet it felt great to get back out there. Congrats on a strong race
Thanks! I certainly wasn’t fast but felt good throughout and got the long run done.
This sounds like so much fun!
Congratulations to you on your 2nd place! That’s awesome!
And I’m laughing at that finish line photo! You definitely look like you’re looking for someone!
That photo cracks me up. I didn’t realize my race face was so expressive!