I woke up early this morning. Race morning! I had lots of energy. Even though the race only started at 11:00, I couldn’t sleep. Instead, I took my time getting into my finest Irish attire.
And hydrating, of course! I ate my bagel and geared up slowly, but I was still ready at 9:30. Rather than waiting around, I decided to get the party started and headed to the race.
What can I say? I like to beat the rush. Plenty of porta-potties – no lines, no waiting! It was really windy while I waited and I got a little anxious, but as the crowd thickened and the fun began, I stopped caring about that.
Getting to the race early had it’s perks. I felt like the official people greeter. I saw so many people I knew! Cousins,
crazies,
My brother is the character on the right...sweet pigtails, Gregg.
family,
My aunt and uncle.
friends,
Bekah and EC.
friends,
Alaina - The Jogging Concierge.
and more friends!
My {ontherun} cheerleader!
In a sea of 4,000 people, I was surrounded many of my favorite running buddies.
We were packed in like sardines, which made things pretty hectic at the start. It took a few minutes to get across the starting line – a little warm-up of sorts. Then it was race time!
For the first time in a long time, I didn’t go out too fast! I kept a steady 8:00/mi pace for the first mile. I wanted to run hard, but I had a nagging voice in my head that said, “You’re running a marathon in ONE WEEK. Back off!” I wasn’t the best listener and continued to run hard, but not my hardest. I try to compromise with the voices inside my head. 
The course was a flat out-and-back. I ran this race last year, so I knew what to expect and it was just as I remembered. I love knowing what to expect. I also love a steady downhill to the finish!
The official results are in: 25:12. I tied my 5K PR. Tied! In fact, the times of my most recent 5K’s are all within 5 seconds of each other. I’m nothing if not consistent…and happy!
Spreading {ontherun} love through the streets of Providence. It was a great time. Everyone ran well and finished strong. I know you’re wondering about this guy…
Little bro brought his A game today. With Guinness oozing from his pores and pigtails flying, he crossed the line in 23:49. What?! I’m eating my words, Gregg. You did it! Bloody feet and calves as tight as a drum, but you did it. I think we have an {ontherun} epidemic on our hands. Race fever is spreading like wildfire!
And if running isn’t your thing…
Take some time to enjoy the puppies. Apparently, that’s what goes down while I’m huffing and puffing on the course. Good times were had by all! Good times.
Are you a fan of your local race circuit? I always choose races over solo runs, especially when they are local. I love being surrounded by friends and family. It makes the whole experience more special.
Yay! Congrats on a great race. Love your outfit & everyone’s enthusiasm. Theme races are the best.
One week until DC! So excited!
Amazing job! And it looks like so much fun
Awesome job Becky!!! Honestly you will kill that PR this summer but you are so smart not to go out too hard 1 week before the marathon. And 8 min pace is still sickeningly fast!!! We will go after that PR in May!!!
I think this race is PROOF that you have it in you to go faster!! You were trying to hold back today and yet tied your PR. Next time it’s you and me and 24:xx
Great job today!! I loved being able to cheer you on….and hang out with puppies….
That’s so cool you had so many friends and family members there!! That totally makes a race. I agree with Lauren’s comment – you definitely do have it in you to go faster! But good job holding back today since it’s 1 week till your marathon
I really need to do more local races, I’m sure there are tons around here!
Great run Becky…..I still can’t believe your brother’s time, amazing!
I do enjoy the collective energy of races especially these themed runs that bring out the fun side of the entire crowd.
Looks like an awesome day and lots of fun!!
Great race with lots of friends and family 
[...] to go pick up my bib I noticed the wind. Holy wind = very chilly waiting time. So thankful that BeckOnTheRun mom and Lauren were cheering us on to hold onto jackets. I was not ready to shed my layers until [...]
Oooooh….boy did I look cold. But it was a great run! Easily one of my favorite courses. It was so great getting to meet up with you!!
Great job to both you and your brother. It looks like a very fun race!
Congrats on tying your PR! That’s awesome. I ran the St. Pat’s race last year and had a great time. I agree – running locally with friends/family around is motivating and exciting. Glad you had a good time!
[...] the morning but as soon as we got going, my legs warmed up and it was a fun run. I also got to see Becky! She ran about 4 minutes faster than me, but it was nice to chat with her before and after the [...]
Go you, and go Gregg! Those are two great times — and congrats on equalling your PR. If that’s you holding back a bit, then you’ve got some record breaking 5ks in your post-marathon future I think!
Love he shorts btw
Great job – I love all the pics!
congrats on the tie! i tied my 5k pr so many times it got obscenely ridic. I’m all about local races. I will absolutely run them for training fun instead of hitting the road by myself that day. LOVE the race atmosphere even when I’m not actually “racing”
I like getting to races early too. There is nothing worse for me then feeling rushed on race morning. I need time to relax before the gun goes off.
woo hoo way to go, you are so speedy!