Back again top the original event, different route, but original event. Cisco’s 5k was my 1st official running event, the one that hooked me into running, eventually marking the beginning of an exciting road toward ultra-running events.

Once again, it was great to see and run with many friends and co-workers. Another year for the InsaneRunning group to be present. Blaine, Jaime, Panos, and many others were ready to run. Even Linnea, Alex girlfriend, joined us today to participate in today’s event.

The warmup: Like last year, I just did about a mile warm-up. Chirag joined me this year; easy warm-up to start getting loose before the start of the event. We talked about the target time; I mentioned that perhaps 28:00 was possible.

Mile 1-2: Very uneventful miles. Not pressing much the pace, smiling, and seeing so many great runners pushing their limits. Some were going smoothly, some heavy breathing, all part of a symphony of 5k effort. Around mile 1, there is a water station, but I did not grab water. The route is slightly different again this year. A few additional loops in and out of the parking lot, given the new start area. Alex was running strong, Walter, who started with us, started to press the pace, and Chirag and I held steady at a 28:00 goal pace.

Mile 3-Finish: Last mile, and all is going well. Still feeling good, tad warm with the sun out now. Definitely very happy with the result, solid and with a smile.

Cool Down: Easy, uneventful 1-mile cool down. I got the chance to meet and talk to other runners at the end of the cool-down.

I am very thankful for the opportunity to run in events, to meet others, to have great friends in the running community, and to be able to help others, even if it is just listening to their life issues, things that they are proud of, their viewpoints and perspectives and most inspiring their stories of achievement.

Month/Year	Event	Location	Type	Time
Oct-24	Cisco 5k virtual	NC	5k	27:53

Event Highlight:

Course: The route has a very ample parking lot and then quickly turns into a narrow paved path and a few small hills.

Venue: The start/finish line, great music and food.

Expo: No Expo

Weather: Overcast, low 60º with medium humidity.

T1D: Sugars within running range at start. It remained steady and trended well all the way.

Fueling:

Pre-Race: Latte early morning.

Race: No water or fuel

Post: Normal lunch

Learning Points:

• Keeping the tradition going, great to see so many friends and coworkers.
• Great to do another 5k and somewhat press the pace.
• Also, able to sustain a target pace based on the starting race target, off by a few seconds, not too shabby