4th of July
by
Mark Jimenez
I started timing races back in 2022. Race timing seemed like a natural progression of our business at the time. There is a lot that goes into race timing, you have to buy the equipment, you have to get the permits, you have to mark the course. The list goes on and on. I'm still learning every time I put on a race, but I get better and better at it. At Red Rock Running Company, we absolutely love hosting small 5k and 10k events. We actually did a half marathon for Thanksgiving last year as well, our longest race to date.
The downside to race timing is that I don't get to run in the races. Paul (my business partner on the timing side of things) and I spend race day making sure people don't get lost and making sure the times are posting accurately. We have to set up the course, set up the equipment, monitor the race, take down the course, and take down the equipment. It makes for an exhausting day.
Last year we put on a race for the 4th of July, and I decided, "Dang it, I'm going to run in this 10k!"
I must not have communicated that decision very well to Paul, because I'll never forget the look on his face after I gave race instructions with my super cool megaphone and then handed it to him and went to line up with the rest of the runners. It wasn't my finest moment and I do feel pretty bad about it. But dang it, I wanted to run!
Let me tell you, I paid for that choice.
I suffered the whole race.
A lot.
Running a 5k is hard.
Running a 10k is harder.
I don't know what I was thinking.
I'd rather run a marathon. Honestly. My favorite distance is the half marathon, give me one of those! I'd rather run 13.1 miles or 26.2 miles than 6.2! I always taste blood after I run a 5k or a 10k. My lungs are wondering what they did to deserve this punishment. I wasn't remotely close to being in 10k shape last year, and I'm only in slightly better shape this year.
So of course I'm going to do it again.
Also, I opened my big mouth and challenged RRRC Inventory Manager Holly to a race. What was I thinking? I gave myself about 5 weeks to get ready for this 10k. I probably needed at least 12 weeks. Holly is just beginning to scratch the surface of how fast she can run. I am just beginning to scratch the surface of wearing diapers again. I'm not throwing in the towel. I'll give it the old college try, but the smart money is on Holly. We'll race again at the Vegas Marathon in November. I'm better at 26.2. Maybe there's a chance. I mean, there's always a chance...
So in less than a week I'll lace up my shoes and see if my body can handle pushing pace for another 10k. I'm looking forward to breathing heavy, tasting blood, and seeing if I can at least finish in around 40-42 minutes. I've never gone under 40 minutes in a 10k, and it's one of my running goals to achieve before I turn 50 (which is happening pretty darn soon). That being said, I need to be smart about it. It's going to be hot and I'm not properly trained. So I'm setting a realistic goal.
Also, I'll probably fake an injury when Holly destroys me. hehehe
This year's race is at James Regional Soccer Park in the Southwest. It should be a fast and flat course. I hope you'll come out and take part in the fun. Running a 5k or a 10k is always rewarding, and we love doing things like this for our community. Every run is a good run, so why not run with us on the 4th of July. It's a great way to start your day and get some exercise in before the day gets too hot and too busy!
You can sign up for this year's event at the link below.
https://www.athlinks.com/event/4th-of-july-5k10k-385873
See you out there!
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Every Run is a Good Run
