Last year was my first time running the Bark & Brew 5K, a race to benefit Leader Dogs For the Blind. I had done a triathlon the day before so it was a last-minute decision as I signed up the night before. It was such a fun experience that I knew I should try to do it whenever my schedule allows. I’m glad I signed up over a month early this time because it sold out with a record number 1,200 registrants.

Because it was a last-minute decision last year, I collected my packet at the race site the morning of the race. This time I had the opportunity to go to the expo at Leader Dogs facility. I was hoping they’d have some dogs we could visit with and they did not disappoint!

I made sure to ask if it was okay to pet them first because I know that you’re not supposed to do that when they’re “working.” Thankfully it was okay in this situation since those puppies were irresistible!

In addition to puppies, there was a variety of booths from places including Premier Pet Supplies, Jersey Mike’s, and Rochester Mills Beer Company, where I got a sample cup of mac and cheese.

Since I collected my shirt and other stuff a couple days before the race, I didn’t have to think about carrying anything extra on race day. That made it easy for me to leave the car at home and just run straight to the race. I love living in Rochester Hills where I can take Paint Creek Trail right into downtown Rochester. I did a two-mile warm up with a stop a mile in at the park to hit the restroom, knowing that would be easier than waiting in line at the race site.

The race was staged behind Rochester Mills Beer Company and I got there about 20 minutes before the start. It was easy to find my “bee” friends from Infinite Multisport Triathlon Club with their yellow tanks/visors.

We chatted for a few minutes before I got anxious to head to the starting line. With over 1,000 people and plans to be fairly speedy, I knew I better start near the front so I didn’t get caught up in any congestion from the crowd.

No problem with that – everyone up front was ready to run fast. The beginning of the course is tough though because there’s a good climb through a neighborhood during the first mile. When I looked at my watch as I neared the end of the mile, I was kind of bummed to see that I was around a 7:25 pace. I had run a 7:15 final mile at the Dexter-Ann Arbor half marathon a week earlier. Why can’t I go faster during 5Ks?? I went easier on myself later when I thought about the hill and how it was actually fast for me on a climb like that. There was the benefit of going back downhill at the start of the second mile and that momentum helped me drop my pace pretty good.

Although I’ve only run the race once, I run the area so often that it was fun to know the course so well. I knew exactly where every turn was coming and what to expect. It didn’t make it any easier trying to run hard but at least I could embrace that familiarity.

We had a nice segment through Rochester Municipal Park and came out on a sidewalk right where the pavement begins and the crushed rock surface of Paint Creek Trail ends, so the whole run was paved.

Then it was under a bridge and a quick climb back up, around the back of the library, and along the river walk to get us back to Rochester Mills. There’s one more little climb there and after that, the girl in the photo behind me took off!

We finished with a quick downhill and then a turn to the finish.

The results seem to fluctuate for a couple days as things get sorted out. I moved up a slot by the day after the race!

I knew I was one of the earlier finishers and took advantage of that by going straight to the food while there was no line. We got coupons for one food item and one drink. I didn’t really want coffee or beer and opted to use my food coupon for a donut from Knapp’s.

Once I got my treat and took a couple photos, I went back to the finish line to watch for friends and family. I caught each of my Infinite friends as they finished.

I knew that family members Bob and Cheryl were walking and would take a little longer, so I enjoyed watching all of the dogs in the meantime.

I saw Bob and Cheryl coming into the finish line and greeted them after they crossed so we could enjoy the post-race party together.

Cheryl knew someone who didn’t need their food coupon so I took advantage of it and got a Jersey Mike’s sandwich too!

It was nice to catch up for a bit, although we were sitting right by the stage and it was pretty loud. We heard announcements about how this was Leader Dog’s largest race and also the biggest one for the city of Rochester!

After chatting a bit more during the walk through town to Bob and Cheryl’s car, I took off for a two-mile jog back home. After so much downtime plus a donut and sandwich, it was quite a bit slower than my warm up and race paces! Still, I loved that it was so easy for me to head back home without having to drive at all.

We had a great day for the race and it was a fun experience benefiting a great cause. It’s always a bonus when I get to share it with family and friends. My time was a minute faster this year so I was happy about that too. I had raced a triathlon the day before last year, and ran 18 miles the day before this year. I wasn’t exactly well-rested either time but glad my legs could still find some speed. I know I have yet to find my true potential in the 5K but I never seem to concentrate on it – there’s always a marathon or something else on the horizon and I squeeze 5Ks in here and there. Still, this was a pretty good race for me so I’ll take it!

– Janet

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