Flirt with Dirt 5K 2023 Review

 The night before the race, I had an okay sleep, but unfortunately, my hip was bothering me a bit. Despite this minor setback, I was determined to give it my all and conquer the upcoming challenge.

On race morning, I woke up with a noticeable tightness in my hip and glute muscles, along with a stiff ankle. Although the short drive to the event wasn't too bad, the early morning hours seemed daunting, filled with anticipation and nerves.

During my warm-up routine, the heat and humidity were already intense, even before the race began. I tried my best to shake off the soreness that had settled in, experimenting with a massage gun and applying icy hot to soothe any discomfort. Despite my efforts, the lingering tightness persisted.

I must commend the incredible team at Running Fit for their impeccable event-planning skills. The entire race setup and location were top-notch, providing an excellent platform for runners to showcase their abilities. The route itself was well-designed, offering a diverse mix of single-track trails and some stretches of pavement, adding an extra element of excitement to the race.

As the race started, I made a conscious decision to join the slow party pack, deliberately positioning myself among other runners who shared a similar pace perception. This allowed me to stay focused on my own performance while soaking in the collective energy and enthusiasm of the participants.

The course took us through a captivating journey, mainly consisting of winding single-track trails that offered an immersive experience in nature's embrace. Along the way, we encountered a strategically placed aid station, thoughtfully designed to be cupless, minimizing environmental impact. The presence of challenging hills sprinkled throughout the course added an extra layer of difficulty, testing both physical endurance and mental resilience.

In the first mile, I noticed that my watch seemed to be slightly ahead of the mile markers. Despite this minor discrepancy, I consciously adjusted my pace to navigate through the occasional clusters of walkers, ensuring a smooth and continuous flow.

Approaching mile 2, I found my stride and settled into a comfortable rhythm. The initial tightness and discomfort gradually subsided, replaced by a sense of exhilaration as everything started to fall into place. While I chose to walk up some of the steeper hills to preserve energy, I maintained a consistent and determined pace, propelled by the encouraging energy of fellow runners.

As I hit mile 3, a wave of satisfaction washed over me. Despite the accumulating fatigue and the weightiness in my legs, I pushed through with unwavering determination. The realization that I had more left in the tank spurred me on, motivating me to give it my all until the very end.

Reflecting on the overall experience, I can't help but express my profound love for running in a trail race atmosphere. It had been nearly a year since my last race, and the Flirt with Dirt 5K proved to be a memorable milestone in my journey. Surpassing my predicted pace brought an indescribable sense of accomplishment and joy, reaffirming my commitment to growth and progress as a runner.

The support and dedication of the race crews and volunteers were truly commendable. Their unwavering enthusiasm and tireless efforts played an integral role in creating an inclusive and memorable event. However, I must admit that the medal, though symbolic of my achievement, fell short of my expectations. A thin wooden print failed to capture the essence and significance of the race. Nevertheless, this minor setback couldn't overshadow the sense of fulfillment that filled my heart as I crossed the finish line.