5Ks are my fun races.  I normally don’t pay attention to my time or pace.  I run with Jared or with other friends and just enjoy the 3.1 miles course.

Jared wanted us to have goals for the BAA 5K.  We decided we were going to try to run 3.1 miles in under 26 minutes.  With a heavy mist at the Starting Line, the weather wasn’t too bad.

The street was extremely crowded.  The BAA 5K was a big race!

Clouds and fog at the top of the Hancock Building.

Runners, runners everywhere!

Since our apartment is only 6 blocks from the Starting Line, Jared and I didn’t arrive until 10 minutes before the beginning of the race.  I was happy that we didn’t have to spend much time standing around in the rain.

At the sound of the gun, the elite runners took off and the rest of us began to slowly push forward.

We’re off!  Down a Boylston Street that was jam packed with runners and by the Public Gardens.

The course turned onto Tremont Street and we passed by the Boston Common.  It was SO crowded.  Jared and I were dodging people.  I got flattened by a spectator who attempted to cross the street despite the mob of runners.  I was pretty pissed off but didn’t lose focus.

Continuing up Tremont Street.

Running like the wind!

Jared and his cute runner’s bum.

After climbing a small hill, we turned onto Beacon Street and passed the State House.

Cruising down Beacon Street, I was thrilled that the crowds were finally starting to thin out and I could go at a comfortable pace.

Beacon Street was a slight downhill so I shook out my legs after the the Tremont Street climb.

All smiles during the BAA 5K!

Running down the 1st section of Comm Ave.

A little bit of a tease, we turned onto Boylston Street and caught a glimpse of the back side of the Finish Line.

Back onto Comm Ave…wow, I couldn’t believe the 5K was nearly over.

I spied the turn from Comm Ave to Hereford Street.

Just like the marathoners will do on Monday, we ran one block up Hereford and made the final turn onto Boylston Street.

Go Jared go!  Cue the Chariots of Fire music.

There it was, the famous Finish Line!

I completed the BAA 5K with an official time of 25:36 and an average pace of 8:15 per mile. 

Jared and I got separated after the race.  He finished in 25:44 and headed to the opposite side of the water tent.  It was a challenge to find him in the post-race crowd but eventually I spotted his handsome face and we wandered home after a successful morning run.

I’m SO excited to celebrate Marathon Monday and cheer on the amazing athletes participating in the Boston Marathon.  Go runners!