After having completed my first (unofficial) 5k run, along with some slightly longer subsequent runs, I just signed up for my first 5k race. The race will be on Monday (Memorial Day) morning at 8AM, and I’ll be running it with my 12 year old son.
We’ve both been running regularly, though we’ve only run together once or twice due to our somewhat incompatible schedules. As far as time/pace goals go, I’m really not sure what I’m shooting for. I guess it depends in part on the layout of the course.
I haven’t seen the map yet, but… Based on what I know about the area in which we’ll be running, it could go either way (hilly or flat). Not surprisingly, I’m hoping for a relatively flat course.
Another factor is whether I decide to run with my son or push it for a better time. I’m currently leaning toward the former. After all, no matter how fast (or slow) I go, I’m guaranteed a personal record so long as I finish. 
In the end, I’m fairly confident that we can both break 34 minutes, which works out to just under 11:00/mile. I’d love to go faster, but I’m not really sure what’s realistic. 33 minutes is roughly 10:30/mile. 31 minutes is an excellent 10:00/mile. And 30 minutes is just a very nice, round number.
I’ll guess we’ll just have to wait and see, but I’m predicting something in the 33-34 minute range.
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The slower you go, the easier it is for you to beat your time later
Good luck on Monday…have fun!
Can’t wait to hear. Let me know how it goes so I can give you a shout out.