For whatever reason, I changed my mentality from racing to organized running. I know in my mind I am not going to win, but I get myself worked up over racing. I get to the starting line, and I start comparing myself to the other runners. Do I look right? Am I prepared enough? I cause myself a panic attack every time. My last “race” was in January. My dad watched me work myself into a frenzy. As my dad watched my demeanor change, he took me to the side to talk to me. He reminded me of my preparation and hard work. He also reminded me I am not going to win. I needed to go out there and run my race. This conversation between my dad and I resonated with me. When I registered for the Folsom Firecracker 5k, I didn’t consider it a race. My mentality changed. I kept calling it an organized run. I also decided this run would be a fun one. I would enjoy the run.
When Jeremy and I got up, we started joking around. Jeremy and Conner were going to run together, so I was on my own.
My dad picked us up because he was going to watch Brodie while we ran. We chattered all the way to the run site.
My dad looks so happy to be up and taking pictures. Brodie wasn’t quite sure what was going on, but he knew we were running. Later in the morning, he asked if he could start running with mommy, daddy, and Conner.
Not only does this picture make me smile, it makes me laugh because my dad did not know how to take pictures on the iPhone.
When we arrived at Lake Natoma area, we were greeted by a sad sign.
Who steals from an organized run? It doesn’t make sense. The money goes to charities/organizations. Lame!! Despite the bummer beginning, the organizers kept the race very professional and motivating. Everyone was supportive, positive, and encouraging. I was in heaven!

I was impressed with the turn out for the 3rd Annual Folsom Firecracker 5k/10k. As the group took off running, I set into a pace comfortable for me. For the first .10, I walked/jogged with Jeremy and Conner. Unfortunately, the pace was uncomfortable for me. Jeremy was trying to keep Conner at an even pace because he tends to take off too fast. Jeremy and Conner started talking about Pokemon, so I knew they were ok. I settled into a pace which was comfortable. I continued to run with ease. During the first walk break, Kei$ha’s /Blow was on my iPod. I love this song, so I kept running through my first walk break. The pace continued to feel great, but I wanted to keep with my plan. I didn’t want to get caught up in the hype of the race and tire out too early. I was unsure of the rolling hills, or what the course would bring to me. When RunKeeper signed for the next walk break, I took it. I am really glad I did. It kept me going strong throughout the whole course. My training in Citrus Heights and Roseville on rolling hills paid off. Those people who started out too quickly were fading. I began passing people on the hills, and I was feeling great. During my walk breaks, I kept a good pace. I power walked to keep at least a 14-15 minute mile. I wanted to keep my overall time in check. I am proud of my finish!
195 | Erin Muse | Citrus Heights CA | 910 | 31 | F | 36:22.99 | 36:56.96 | 11:44 |
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Jeremy and Conner did an amazing job as well. After I crossed the finish line, I went back to run with Conner and Jeremy for a bit. I am sure this is probably unacceptable in turns of organized runs, but I was really proud of Conner. He kicked in the afterburners on his way to the finish line, and I could not keep up.
The Folsom Firecracker 5k was an amazing race!! I enjoyed every moment of it!
Thanks to Jeremy's comment, I have a little more information about Conner's run.
I held Conner back for 3 of the miles. The boy just wanted to take off, and he probably would have been fine, just needed a few more breaks.
He would walk for about 30 seconds each time and then take off. He impressed everybody he passed. Then, in the final 0.1 of the run, I told him to take off, and he did running a 6.02 min/mile pace. It was awesome. Couldn't have been prouder of the little guy.
Again, a great family fun run!