Life On Rocky Top: Law Enforcement 5k

I went to Nashville this weekend to run a 5k with my friend, Kendall. It was her first race, so I went for support & because I haven't run a 5k in awhile I ran it also. Kendall works for a Law Enforcement agency, so it was sponsored by her work. All of the different crime scene trucks & different agencies were there. They had a lot of swag for a 5k- which is one of the only good things I can say about this race (sorry, Kendall).

The race was at the Tennessee Highway Patrol Training Center & thank goodness I was with Kendall or I wouldn't have found it. There were no signs anywhere directing us towards the location of the race once we got to the THP & nothing telling us where to park. We got there about 40 minutes before it was scheduled to start & there was already a pretty long slow-moving line for packet pick up. I stood in line for 25 minutes to pick up my bib & swag bag. At that time, it was close to 7:50 & there was still a long line of people waiting to get their bibs. ALSO- they didn't have any safety pins. Who puts on a race & doesn't have safety pins?! We found some, but they were hard to come by.

Finally, around 8:20, 20 minutes after the race was supposed to start, they called everyone over for the prayer & national anthem. Not only did they do those things, but several people from different agencies spoke. When the race is running 20 minutes behind, this should be done after. We were all sent over to the starting line around 8:30am & finally started running. I had no idea what the course would be like, but I was not expecting hills. This was like running in Knoxville. It was also HOT! I run so early when I run outside that I am still not used to the heat- which is why I signed up for a winter marathon. This was the first race in awhile that I was actually running with people I knew, so it was fun to see them along the course. I was hoping for under 30 minutes, but my time was 30:27, according to Riggs. Riggs also said the distance was 3.05 miles instead of 3.10 miles, sooo who knows. I don't know if there is an official website with results, but I'd like to find it.

Overall, it just wasn't organized very well. This is the second year, so you would think they would have the kinks worked out by now. An optional packet pick up before would have helped with the extremely long lines which delayed the race. The swag was really good, possibly better than most of the things I got from the half marathons. We even got a little medallion. The race proceeds went to surviving families of officers killed in the line of duty, so it was good cause. I doubt that I will do this race again. I really don't like the 5k distance because you have no time to warm up, it's just go go go. I think I'll stick with the long(er) distances- who am I?

Also, my dad surprised us at the race! I was definitely not expecting any of my family to come because it was just a 5k & about an hour from home. He stood at the finish & got all of our pictures. He also brought me a piece of red velvet cake (tradition) & 2 bottles of wine that night. How sweet!