Run Day Energy!
[5K Training Series | Day 33]
Green Bowie Veterans 5K
Date: 11/8/25
Let’s go!!!
Thoughts During the Run
This is it! We're here! Today was the 7th annual Green Bowie Veterans 5k, and my effort was a full 10/10. I genuinely feel very proud of myself. My goal was a simple one: maintain a steady pace. No pushing, no getting excited because of what anyone else was doing, just rhythm and riding. Although I wasn't truly paying attention to anyone else, the energy from the other runners pushed me in ways I didn't realize. There is indeed something to be said about the motivating power of a crowd.
I realized quickly that all the stress I was carrying leading up to the race didn't matter. I had been questioning whether I had trained enough. It really didn't matter at that point. I didn't need to beat myself up over missed workouts or training dates. I could stop punishing myself mentally. All I had to do was relax, enjoy the moment, and do my best. 🙏🏾
During the run, random songs popped into my head. Maybe it wasn't so random. Perhaps the little soundtrack that was building in my head was inspired by all the things I notice around me — trees, other runners, cheering, a few angry commuters, a clear path. To clarify, I was singing out loud, but my mind was like a mini Jukebox. By the last mile, one song was on a singular loop, and it was pushing me through. It was exactly what I needed for the final stretch. It was Black Star's Respiration...
So much on my mind that I can't recline
Blastin' holes in the night till she bled sunshine
Breathe in, inhale vapors from bright stars that shine
Breathe out, weed smoke retrace the skyline
Heard the bass ride out like an ancient mating call
I can't take it y'all, I can feel the city breathin'
Chest heavin', against the flesh of the evening
Sigh before we die like the last train leaving
You know who, knows.
Letting Go Before the Starting Line
Leading up to race day, I was genuinely worried. (Excessive worry is something I have been actively working on.) I missed several training days as part of a training schedule that I created. I didn't feel as prepared as I wanted to be. But three days before the race, something clicked:
The best thing I could do was accept that I didn't hit the schedule perfectly – and let it go.
(However, through a lot of recent self-reflection, I've come to realize how important it is for me to take action even before I'm 100% ready.)
Once I made peace with that, everything shifted. My only job became staying relaxed, trusting my body, and honoring what work I did put in. And honestly, it went better than I expected.
Where will the road lead?
What Comes Next ( A New Goal Begins)
When I first started training for this 5K, I always knew it was about more than just this particular race. Yes, I wanted to run more — a lot more, and eventually run a marathon. But I especially wanted to get back to moving more and have a better relationship with my body.
There are several races that I dream of running all around the world:
Tokyo. Paris. Kingston.
But the number one marathon on my heart and mind is the New York City Marathon.
That's the big one.
So from here on out, I'm leveling up my training — structure and more intention, but also more rest and recuperation, too. It will be as mentally and emotionally uplifting as it is physical
I'm expanding checkpoints and activities to reconnect with some old loves and incorporating some new ones
Better nutrition (especially nutrition)
Yoga
Weight training
Basketball
Swimming
More consistent running
This race was a milestone — but it's also the starting line of something new — a more in-tune, aligned version of myself.
So let's make it official! If you can't tell, I enjoy a big announcement...
This marks my official training journey for the New York City Marathon.
🏃🏾♂️ Daily / Race Recap
Avg Pace: 12’37”
Time: 39:18
Elevation Gain: 112 ft
Cadence: 161
Splits:
Mile 1: 13’21”
Mile 2: 12’36”
Mile 3: 12’04”