Carlsbad 5k, May 22, 2022

I chopped down a new personal record and had a glorious time with family and friends at my first time running the Carlsbad 5k.

I went in optimistic but totally unsure of what I could bring to go-time, especially with a somewhat bothersome left knee, which seems to be making up for the right after the beating it took at Born to Run.

One of the best runners I know put it perfectly in a convo a second ago when he said the running journey is not linear. But I really wanted a personal win after DNFing my last race.

As always, staying loose in the clutch, doling out effort with strategy, and trusting in my training gave me plenty, as did being surrounded by friends, family, new friends, and no shortage of healthy competition.

I’m extra proud of kicking it at the end, I was firing on all cylinders as the final countdown to meet my goal of beating 18 minutes glared ahead at the finish, and I was happy to meet it well.

Huge thanks and hugs to my cousin Lisa, Jacob (1st road race was a pleasure to share with you, my friend!), Bradon, Jack, and Annie, Omar and everyone HOKA and Chaski, Kris, and the my friends at Drymax, GU Energy Labs, Cal Coast Track Club, and the whole team behind the Carlsbad 5k race for all the incredible work and generosity, this was a Sunday I’ll never forget.

Extra shoutout and gratitude to Renee and Jessica for one of my favorite cool-down runs ever, the views and vibes were a perfect book end to my trip before heading home, and I can’t get back to San Diego soon enough!