Groves Knights of Columbus 5k Race Recap

I planned this race as a substitute for a tempo run. It was cheap and only about ten minutes away, so I couldn't pass up the opportunity to run with the energy of other people carrying me instead of on my own in the same route in my neighborhood where people STILL look at me like I'm crazy after being on those streets almost every day for a year.
I had been doing weekly 20 minute tempos for about a month at this point and was finally feeling better about my endurance. The week before I ran a very hot 5k in 22:18-good for 4th overall and 1st female being that it was a tiny race. I had no time goal for this one.
I woke up and prepared my usual; toast, peanut butter, and banana and coffee. It was blustery and cold and my sleeping family made it very difficult to pry myself off the couch and head outside. Due to the early hour, I got to the race in about 8 minutes and had an hour to warm up, sit in the car, try not to look too awkward by myself, and pee about 4 times. The small group of runners finally lined up at 8. We all took off into a decent headwind. This particular race was offering a free pair of shoes to the overall male and female winners. I didn't recognize anyone so I thought I had a good shot. However, at the start I saw one young girl dart about 100 feet ahead of me.
I figured she would slow down at the first mile, but she never did. I accepted that I would have to chase her down. A new tactic for me. I am unfamiliar with the art of racing, but that is why I am going to jump into as many local races as I can. Around the 2.5 mark, I catch up to her. Foolishly, I try to pass her there. I am not sure where the finish line is, but I figure it can't be much longer. So, I surge, she surges, I surge. Then finally I let her go. I am tired now, and still can't see the finish. I see the girl take off again, and then the finish comes into view. A group of guys pass me and I kick (slowly) to the finish, leaving them close behind.

                           (My lovely post-run gag face)

2nd overall female 1st age group

I was excited to see the clock was at 21:00 when it came into view. I ended up with a finish of 21:28-a new pr. I hope to cut that down further this winter and spring, but I was delighted that it came more easily than I expected. I was focused on racing, not the time. It's a fun way to run.
I stuck around for the awards and tried not to feel awkward since this was my first time to be at a race solo. Our local running community is so warm and friendly that I ended up chatting most of the time.
I headed home, excited to tell my husband about my tiny experience with 'racing', and to get ready for a fun day in Houston with our family BFF's Shanna, Jeremy, and Jody.
We spend a couple hours holed up in the Black Lab drinking pints, eating English comfort foods, and telling stories. It was one of the best days I had in a while.