Spring into Shape 5K a success
Molly Forkrud
Issue date: 4/28/10 Section: Variety
This year's Spring into Shape 5K was a huge success with more than 150 runners, a participation record that considerably bypassed previous UMD races.
The race started in Bagley Nature Area, looped once through campus, and finished back in Bagley (the giant hill included). The top male overall was David Hygoponen with an impressive time of 17:48, and the top female overall was Alyssa Salava with a time of 20:38.
For many runners, this was their first ever competitive road race. Kara Ward, UMD administrative specialist, successfully finished her first 5K in 30 minutes.
"My goal for running this race was to finish under 35 minutes and I beat that by 5 minutes," Ward said.
"I was happy with my time but I do wish I would've pushed myself a little harder on the hills."
Ward didn't specifically train for the race, but she does attend fitness classes at UMD four days per week. Along with that, she tries to get a 3.5 mile run in on Saturdays.
"My Saturday run does not always happen due to the four children I have and their events."
What was the least enjoyable part of the race?
"The big hill," Ward said, "but a challenge is always good."
Unlike many of the first-time racers, Ethan Richards trains six to seven days per week. Ethan placed second overall, with a time of 18:32.
"I try to do some kind of interval training once per week and one faster-paced, tempo run," Richards said. "I also do a fair amount of strength training and stretching for injury prevention."
Like Ward, Richards agrees on the worst part of the race,
"Running down Rock Hill to the finish was a high point, but running up it was probably the worst part."
If you're still considering running spring and summer road races, there's no better time than the present.
"You only need two things," Richards said. "Some basic knowledge about how to train and the will to stick with it."
"Set a goal, do your best to achieve it, and remember to have fun," Ward said.
Awards were given to the top three places in each male and female age divisions. Prizes were raffled off to all participants, and runners received a commemorate Spring into Shape 5K T-shirt.
The race started in Bagley Nature Area, looped once through campus, and finished back in Bagley (the giant hill included). The top male overall was David Hygoponen with an impressive time of 17:48, and the top female overall was Alyssa Salava with a time of 20:38.
For many runners, this was their first ever competitive road race. Kara Ward, UMD administrative specialist, successfully finished her first 5K in 30 minutes.
"My goal for running this race was to finish under 35 minutes and I beat that by 5 minutes," Ward said.
"I was happy with my time but I do wish I would've pushed myself a little harder on the hills."
Ward didn't specifically train for the race, but she does attend fitness classes at UMD four days per week. Along with that, she tries to get a 3.5 mile run in on Saturdays.
"My Saturday run does not always happen due to the four children I have and their events."
What was the least enjoyable part of the race?
"The big hill," Ward said, "but a challenge is always good."
Unlike many of the first-time racers, Ethan Richards trains six to seven days per week. Ethan placed second overall, with a time of 18:32.
"I try to do some kind of interval training once per week and one faster-paced, tempo run," Richards said. "I also do a fair amount of strength training and stretching for injury prevention."
Like Ward, Richards agrees on the worst part of the race,
"Running down Rock Hill to the finish was a high point, but running up it was probably the worst part."
If you're still considering running spring and summer road races, there's no better time than the present.
"You only need two things," Richards said. "Some basic knowledge about how to train and the will to stick with it."
"Set a goal, do your best to achieve it, and remember to have fun," Ward said.
Awards were given to the top three places in each male and female age divisions. Prizes were raffled off to all participants, and runners received a commemorate Spring into Shape 5K T-shirt.
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