Race: Freedom Run 5K
Runner: Eddie Grier
Race Date: 07/04/2022
Location: Junction City, Kansas
Results: 2nd Overall in the 5k race, 18:08 (there was also a 10K as well)
Strava Activity Link: https://www.strava.com/athletes/eddiegrier
3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?
- Flat course & fast a course I ran last year
- It’s been really 2 months since my last race so I want to test out my 5k speed. I have been doing a lot of base/speed work since I hired my coach a month ago! (Team RunRun Coach)
- Always enjoy competing with friends
Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you
- I think the #1 one factor in this race was the heat & humidity. Glad I didn’t signup for the 10k, lol
- Might have started out too fast but it was still a very solid time with the heat and all.
Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?
Haha, nothing really happened weird in this one.
Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?
Probably the 1st mile nearly put down a sub 5:00 minute mile.
Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner
Theme of the race save your energy until late in the race that is usually my race strategy. I understand is a quick race so you need to put yourself in the right position to make a run in the last mile.
Lessons you learned that will help you next time around
Not to go out that fast in the 1st mile. Usually I don’t out like a rocket ship but I was feeling good so I gave it a shot.
Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race
Like said about the 5K and 10K course it pretty much a flat course.
Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?
Haha, not really. It’s like your normal small town race.
Difficulty – Is it a tough course?
It is not a tough course at all.
Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?
Manhattan Running Company puts together well organized running events each year they do a terrific job. Bill Snyder Half Marathon which is my favorite half the race before this one is very well put together with it finishing on the football at Bill Snyder Family Stadium (Manhattan, KS)
Competition – Is there a strong field?
Not a strong field. But over a 100+ ran the 5K race on the 4th (Monday
Logistics – Does it require a special handshake, registration a year in advance, hotels all booked? Give us the low down on the nuts and bolts of making the race happen.
You can register for this race at any time, especially since this race sits around the 4th of July weekend.
Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?
Standard.
Weather and typical race conditions
As stated multiple times in this race recap very hot, sunny, & humid.
Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next runner?
Nothing special need at this race in Junction City, Kansas
How’s the Swag?
It’s only a finisher shirt. Not that impressive, lol
The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?
3 stars
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