In case you missed it, my race recap is here. This one is cuter. So yesterday, the Dude ran his first ever 5k. His first proper race, the Ironkid, was about a kilometer, so I was a little concerned that he’d bitten off more than he could chew. However it was his own idea, he was very excited about the whole thing and we were just proud he was even doing it.
Being a total sucker of a parent, I took him to buy a new outfit the day before. Sounds a little extravagant but he didn’t have anything he could really run 5k in without the danger of chafing. That was my justification anyway. He chose a blue Nike top and some New Balance running tights. He thought he looked the bees’ knees!
New running clothes, an Ironman cap and his Dad’s spare sunglasses.
I mentioned a little about his performance yesterday. He ran it in a time of 38.04 and came third in his AG after 2 9-year olds. There were 15 kids in his age-group and only one of them was younger than he was. (I know, I know, I’m sorry, I am so horribly proud of him). I managed to get a few moments with the athlete himself and he graciously granted me an interview, in between rounds of Clash of Clans.
Additional Info supplied by his pacer, as some answers were slightly monosyllabic.
So, Dude. Why did you want to do the 5k?
Because Mummy and Daddy were doing it.
Were you worried it was a little far?
At the beginning of the race, I was.
What was the weather like on race day?
Chilly chilly chilly
How did you feel at the start line?
Excited. I think no-one else was in my age-group.
Just before the race began. Can’t see any nerves, can you?
What were your race goals?
I wanted to beat David
* David is our lovely friend who ran the 5k.
How was the race itself?
Good. 
Pacer, can you expand?
He ran the whole first mile. David shot off, but the Dude didn’t – he knows the story of the hare and the tortoise. We passed David at about half a mile and the Dude’s running was steady after that. He did keep stopping to look back and check that David wasn’t catching him and he took walking breaks as needed. The other runners were very surprised when he passed them but they were very encouraging, and the lady who went on to win the 5k yelled encouragement as he passed!
Did you fuel at all?
I had one gel. Not the whole thing. I liked the taste and I think it gave me energy. I drank apple juice too. I picked up some water (at the aid station) with my hand when I was running. I managed to drink it because I walked for a bit.
How did you feel when you saw the finish line?
Excited. I couldn’t hold myself back.
Sprinting to the finish line
How did you feel at the end?
‘Woooaaaahhhh!’ and then ‘makes panting sounds’.
Were you happy with your race? Yes
How did you feel when you heard your name and realized you’d come third in your AG?
Woooaaaahhh! (Clearly the word of the day)
Third third, flew like a bird
Would you like to do another 5k?
Yes
My Heart’s Content blog would like to thank Mr Ramsden for his time and congratulate him on his splendid inaugural 5k. He clearly has excellent parents.
