Race Recap – Spirit of Gettysburg 5K

About a month ago, I started searching for some local races to add to my upcoming marathon training schedule.  I was also hoping to convince my husband, JP, to join me for at least one race.  He was open to running a 5K, so that’s where I started looking, and I found the perfect race for my history loving husband – the 26th annual Spirit of Gettysburg 5K!

Before we knew it, a month flew by, and it was time for our first race weekend in over a year!  

We decided to drive up to Gettysburg on Friday night to pick up our race packets early at the local YWCA.  We were greeted by two very friendly volunteers who walked us through a few changes in this year’s race.  When they learned we’ve run other distances, and that JP is a history teacher, they quickly transitioned into promoting the Gettysburg Battlefield Marathon.  To my surprise, JP seemed intrigued, and I watched them start reeling him in.  But, as soon as they mentioned that the race goes through both Little and Big Round Top, and JP started envisioning the hilly course, he was out.  He was quick to point them in my direction, saying, “I’m not really the marathon runner, but she’s run a lot of marathons, how many Boston’s is it now, Kristin?”  Fortunately for me I already have another marathon scheduled for November 6th, so we were able to make our escape. 

After checking into a local hotel, we stopped off for dinner, and then did some sightseeing.  JP took me to the Confederate Avenue Observation Tower.  Climbing up all those stairs was tough, but a good way to work off our dinner, and the view was stunning!

On our way back to the hotel, we made last minute plans to meet up with another runner, Jackie, the next morning before the race.  Jackie is a close family friend.  JP considers her a sister, and we were both excited she was going to join us for the race!

On Saturday, we woke up to a beautiful morning around 6am, got dressed, grabbed a light breakfast, and headed over to the starting line.  After parking, we walked over to meet Jackie, and on our way made friends with a local reenactment soldier.  JP was in his element!

We had a few minutes to catch up with Jackie.  She told us of a few races she has lined up over the next few months, and also planted a seed in my head about a boot camp class she’s been taking on Tuesday nights at Clarksburg high school right by our townhouse. 

We were so busy chatting, I almost forgot we were there to run until the starting gun went off, and the three of us took off.  As we made our way though the historic battlefield, JP was our tour guide, sharing the story of Sallie, a puppy that became the mascot of the 11th PA Volunteer Infantry Regiment.  He took us on a little detour around a monument dedicated to the regiment, and on the base of the statue is a bronze likeness of Sallie. 

My overall goal for the race was to access my fitness level.  I haven’t been consistently running in several months, and I wanted to see what my starting point is as I start marathon training.  Fortunately, there were no surprise aches or pains, but I do have my work cut-out for me.   In a race, I usually like to conserve a little energy for that last sprint to the finish line.  But on this day, as we reached the home stretch, I had nothing left in reserve for that last push.  I could say it was the heat or the hills, but if I’m honest, I know that I’m just not in the same shape I was a few years ago.  The path ahead is not going to be easy, but I know if I remain disciplined I will be ready to tackle the NYC Marathon in November!

After crossing the finish line, we walked over to the refreshments and I grabbed some water and a few orange slices.  We found a shady spot to stand and catch our breath.   We decided to part ways with Jackie, so we could all shower and change, and met up with her again for lunch at the newly opened Appalachian Brewing Company. 

The food was great as was the company.  I refueled after my first summer race with a refreshing salad, a few delicious fries, and a celebratory beer – it was a great day had by all and we plan on making the Gettysburg 5K a new summer tradition!