I know, I know, I said it already in the past; yes, every year, I have mentioned that the Cisco 5k was my 1st official running event. Also, it was the official event that hooked me into running, eventually marking the beginning of an exciting road toward ultra-running events.

This year, after cancellations and switching virtual events due to COVID restrictions and concerns, Cisco and the Cisco Life Connection team decided to hold the event in person.

So many friends and co-workers joined to have fun during the event. InsaneRunning group had a great turnout, as well as a few additional runners from the 100-mile challenge group. Since this was the 1st time in person after a few years of virtual cancellations, I did not have my hopes too high about the overall attendance or my performance. But I was pleasantly surprised to see so many eager runners were ready to toe the line today.

The warmup: At the InsaneRunning chat space, there was a lot of talk about making this 5k into a double-day run, given that we always meet on Wednesday after work for an easy run with friends. Someone mentioned why stop there and make it a triple run day. So, I thought, hmmm, ok, “Challenge accepted!” So I came a little bit earlier to the event to do a 3-mile warm-up run. Felt a little bit tight during that 1st mile, but quickly was able to warm up a loosen up a bit by the end of the run.

Mile 1-2: Very uneventful miles. Pressing the pace from the beginning, given that the long warm-up run really helped. Now I am smiling, seeing so many great runners pushing the pace. Some going smoothly, some heavy breathing, all part of a symphony of effort and adrenaline. At mile 1, there is a water station, but I do not take advantage of it and keep pressing the pace. Around halfway through mile two, I notice my friend Michael near me. Holding an easy, great pace.

Mile 3-Finish: Last mile, and all is going well. Michael just got next to me and passed with ease I encouraged him to press the pace and finish strong. I continued close behind but still lost some ground, and that was ok. Still felt great; I couldn’t believe I was hitting these fast splits. A little bit slower than the 1st two miles but fast compared to many runs this year. Definitely very happy and finishing very strong and with a smile.

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-22	Cisco 5k virtual	NC	5k	24:43

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 virtual route.

Expo: No Expo

Weather: Overcast, low 40º with low humidity.

T1D: Sugars within running range at start. Remained steady and trended all the way.

Fueling:

Pre-Race: Latte early morning.

Race: No water or fuel

Post: Normal lunch – Food Truck Korean BBQ

Learning Points:

• Keeping the tradition going, great to see so many friends and coworkers.