Race Recap: Kansas Relays 5K – Round Two Felt Better

This race started early—7 AM—and with a 30-minute drive ahead of me, the 5 AM wake-up call after a sleepless night wasn’t exactly ideal. But I answered it anyway, and honestly? I’m so glad I did.

The Kansas Relays 5K did not disappoint. I was a little worried the morning clouds would turn to rain, but somehow the cool, overcast conditions held steady—no rain, just perfect running weather.

The venue was incredible. Rock Chalk Park was buzzing, and with KU being my alma mater, I proudly sported my bright yellow race shirt, complete with a cheerful little Jayhawk on the front. It felt good to run alongside fellow Jayhawkers, all of us sharing that same school spirit.

Going into it, I didn’t expect much improvement from last week’s 5K. But as I settled into the run, I was surprised by how much better it felt. I wasn’t as winded. I could run for longer stretches without stopping. My pace felt smoother, my energy more steady. As the finish line got closer, I found myself thinking—maybe I actually can beat last week’s time.

That thought alone felt like a win. Especially considering how rough that last run was—sore knees, total exhaustion, and the nagging feeling that it hadn’t been worth it. This one? This one reminded me why I show up.

Then….I hit the hills.

Not just any hills—inclines that felt like 90-degree angles. My legs were burning, my breath turned sharp, and just as I adjusted to the climb, the course veered off pavement and onto gravel. The once-smooth road gave way to loose, uneven trail that made every step feel like twice the effort.

Still, I kept going.

I ended up finishing around the same time as my last race, but here’s the kicker—I dropped 20 seconds off my second mile split. That alone made the whole run feel like a personal win. It wasn’t just about the clock; it was about how I felt—stronger, more in control, more capable.

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5 Things I Learned from This Race:

1. Under-Riding Up is Real—Fix It with Pacing.
I went out too slow, thinking I was saving energy for later. But I realized that sometimes, underestimating yourself can hold you back more than fatigue ever could. I’m learning to trust my training, find a sustainable rhythm early, and let my body do what it knows how to do.

2. Hills Hurt, but They Build Grit.
Every incline tested me mentally and physically. But I kept reminding myself: hills teach perseverance. They hurt in the moment, but they make you stronger. Lean forward, shorten your stride, and know that every step is progress—even when it doesn’t feel like it.

3. Trail Running is a Different Beast.
The shift from pavement to gravel threw me off more than I expected. I had to slow down and watch my footing, but it reminded me to stay adaptable. Not every course will be smooth—and neither will life.

4. Show Up, Even When It’s Hard.
A sleepless night, an early alarm, sore legs from the week before—none of it mattered once I crossed that start line. The hardest part is getting there. But if you can push through the resistance and just show up, you’ll rarely regret it.

5. Progress Doesn’t Always Look Like a PR.
Even though my finish time was nearly the same, this race felt entirely different. I ran smarter, felt stronger, and recovered faster. That’s progress—and sometimes, it’s the kind that matters most.

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Each race teaches you something if you’re willing to listen. This one reminded me that I’m not just running for the numbers—I’m running for growth, grit, and that sweet feeling of surprising yourself.

Bring on the next one.