RACE RECAP - Solstice Sprint 5k
A few weeks ago I signed up for the Solstice Sprint 5k in West Hartford, CT! I was excited about this race for a couple of reasons. First, it would be my first “nighttime” race - starting at 6:30pm! I would also hopefully get to meet one of my Oiselle Teammates, and director of the Solstice Sprint 5k, Kelly!
Solstice Sprint 5k was held in West Hartford, CT. At the MDC reservoir as a matter of fact. All proceeds from this race will benefit the Farmington Village Green and Library Association. For more information and to see the race’s website, click HERE.
Packet pickup started at 5pm, and the race started at 6:30pm. I left work Wednesday afternoon about 10 minutes early and headed South to CT! Hoping I didn’t hit any traffic, or worse, get lost.
I made good time and arrived at the MDC Reservoir about an hour and fifteen minutes after I left. Not difficult to find either. I checked out the parking lot scene, and since I had time, figured I would go find somewhere to change into my race gear. I backtracked a little back to a Stop and Shop I passed on my way to the reservoir. I found the bathroom in Stop and Shop, and changed out of my work clothes, and into my race gear there. I then drove back to the reservoir and stretched for a little bit in the parking lot. It was now after 5pm, and the cars were starting to roll in. I applied sunblock, and followed the path to pick up my race bib.
From a distance, I immediately spotted someone wearing Oiselle’s new Jailbird Tee, and assumed (and hoped) it was Kelly. I was right! We greeted each other and talked about the race. One of the things I like about Oiselle and running is that it brings people together. Although I've never met Kelly before, we were both a part of something meaningful to us (a TEAM..... Oiselle Team!) and it felt like I've known her for years. Kelly was super nice, enthusiastic and encouraging. While hanging around chatting, I also recognized another friendly face, a customer from the brewery! We chatted for a while. He was there because he works for Dog Star Rescue, a company that rescues and shelters dogs. Dog Star Rescue was there at the race with some furry friends, providing information about fostering dogs and helping dogs in need.
I eventually picked up my race bib after hanging out for a while, and walked back to my car to apply some bug spray and put my race singlet on. The parking lot was quickly filling up with cars and antsy runners. I stretched for a little more, hydrated, and made my way to the line for the porta-potty.
After using the bathrooms, I hung out around the finish line waiting for the race to start with other runners. I warmed up, stretched, and put my water bottle down next to the tree where I could find it later. Walking back onto the path I noticed a four leaf clover in the ground! Today might just be my lucky day!
I stuffed the 4 leaf clover into my pocket, and started walking to wear the race would start, a couple of feet from the finish line. It was hot out!
There was a good turnout for the race! The course was absolutely perfect, and beautiful! If you ever are in the area of West Hartford, I highly recommend visiting the MDI reservoir. We actually ran on the Red Road Loop, a well-paved 3 miles of rolling hills, peaceful settings, and beautiful water. Kelly warned me of the rolling hills, but it was pretty hot out so that took my mind off of the course! The hills were mostly in the beginning, and the course ended with a downhill and some flat ground too. I focused on my breathing a lot during the race, and wished I had hydrated more thought the week before.
I ran in a gun time of 26:45, averaging a 8:36 pace per mile. Not my best, and not my worst, so I was pretty happy! It was a beautiful day, and I was running! Platt Systems was there running the electronic bibs and timers, and had the results posted in a matter of minutes after you crossed the finish line. Of course, after the race I made my way to the delicious spread of food that was offered to the racers. I helped myself to some slices of watermelon, water, and grabbed a granola bar for the ride back home. I also walked back to the finish line and cheered for the other runners who were finishing up.
There was such a cool and relaxed vibe after the race, so I decided to hang around for the raffle. Plus, the weather was absolutely perfect. For the raffle, Kelly was randomly calling out bib numbers, which was a great idea. Whoever had the closest bib number to the number they would call out, or that exact same bib number, that person would get a raffle prize.
A woman standing near me got her number called, and came back with some Oiselle gloves ! I immediately commented on them, and what a great choice she had made for picking her prize. I also told her that she was going to love them!
Maybe that four leaf clover did have something to do with it, or maybe not, but my bib number was called for a raffle prize too! There wasn't much left when I got up to the table, but without hesitation I grabbed a nice pair of new socks from Sock Guy! I mean, who doesn't love a new pair of socks?!!
After the raffle they started calling top three in each age group. The four leaf clover and my 26:45 were good enough for 3rd/19 in my age group! What a wonderful surprise!!! I received a yummy strawberry cookie and strawberry marshmellows as rewards!
I headed out and back home to Massachusetts after the awards ceremony and thanked Kelly. It was great to meet her and the race that she put on was fantastic. The course was challenging, fast, and wonderful. It being my first "night time race" I was really impressed with the turnout and the energy. I could get used to racing these 6:30pm runs in the summer! The race was super fun, filled with wonderful people and was extremely organized. I’m already looking forward to next year’s!
Here’s to running free, making new friends, exploring new places, and hoping theres a little more luck underneath my wings!
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