My Ringing in the Spring 5K race recap — how I ran a 29:42 on a hilly, rainy course at NWI’s largest springtime race. A strong effort the day before a 10-mile long run, and proof that the fitness is building.
NWI’s biggest spring race, a downpour at the start line, hills throughout, and a finish time I am genuinely proud of — the day before a 10-mile long run.
Coming in strong. The rain stopped just in time.
This was not a PR race. I knew going in that the hills and the back-to-back long run the next morning meant my job was to run smart, not all-out. But smart still looked like a 29:42 on a hilly course in the rain, and I am taking that.
About the race
The Ringing in the Spring 5K has been a NWI tradition for over 30 years. It is the largest springtime race in the area, and even with a rainy morning keeping some people home, there was still a huge crowd. The energy at the start was exactly what you want at a local race. Familiar faces, nervous excitement, and the kind of collective anticipation that reminds you why racing is so fun.
Race day gear
Same setup as last race, the Brooks Hyperion Max 3. At this point I trust them completely in race conditions, and running in them again felt like second nature. A plated shoe on a hilly course is not always the obvious choice, but I was glad to have them.
Brooks Hyperion Max 3
My go-to race shoe. Lightweight, responsive, and the plate makes a difference — even on a hilly course like this one.
Shop on Amazon → Affiliate link — I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only share products I personally use and trust. 🤍How the race went
The hills are real on this course — real for the Midwest, anyway. They are not mountains, but they are enough to break up your rhythm and make you work for every split. I went into the race knowing I was not chasing a PR. I had a 10-mile long run the next morning and the smart move was to push myself without blowing up.
And then the adrenaline kicked in.
It is genuinely hard to hold back in a race environment. The crowd, the energy, the fact that you trained for this — it all makes you want to go. I pushed harder than I probably should have, but I kept it controlled enough to feel strong at the finish line.
“Knowing when not to PR is just as important as knowing when to go for it.”
The results
Race Stats
A 9:41 average pace on a hilly course, in the rain, the day before a 10-mile long run. I will absolutely take it. This was not a race where the goal was to chase a number, it was a race where the goal was to compete well without leaving nothing in the tank. I think I did that.
Post-race breakfast
Honestly one of my favorite parts of race morning. You earn that meal.
Post-race breakfast. Well earned.
What is next
The Chicago Spring Half Marathon is on May 17th, and every run between now and then is building toward that. This race was a great confidence check. The fitness is there, the legs are responding, and I am feeling ready. You can follow my weekly training recaps on the Training & Progress page.
Hills, rain, and still under 30. I will call that a win. 🩷
