APGO 5K SUDS RUN & WALK 2015
January 11, 2015, PALM SPRINGS, CA.
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One of the best parts of the Association of Professors of Gynecology and Obstetrics (APGO) Faculty Development Seminar is the 5K Suds Run and Walk. This year's fundraiser race lived up to my expectations, and was an absolute blast. I think that the final head count was 68 racers, and I believe that makes an all-time high for the event.
Receiving the final instructions just before the start. Notice all the runners wearing their 'I love OB/GYN' yellow wristbands.
The race this year was on a beautiful, slightly overcast day. We had had some rain earlier in the morning, but that had passed. The temperature was a perfect 72 degrees. The course itself was an out-and-back from the hotel grounds, down the main strip and just past the Town Hall before turning back around. The run was completely flat and fast.
Men's and women's top three finishers. Way to be!
For me the race was great. I put in a good pace, and was able to keep it up throughout. As I neared the finish line I was able to kick it into a good finishing sprint, overtaking one of my competitors. As I crossed the finish line I was read my time of 20:37. I asked the race official, "Twenty what?"- certainly never having run a 5K anywhere near twenty minutes. He said that was it, "20:37." It was right about then that I knew the race was a little bit shorter than 3.1 miles...
Let's not forget one of the best reasons to compete in the APGO 5K Suds Run & Walk - networking at the beer garden following the race!
A quick check of the GPS confirmed a 2.7 mile race for this year. And I can tell you this - not a one of us was upset to have gotten to the beer garden waiting for us at the finish line 0.4 miles sooner! While the top finisher put up an impressive 16 minute run, for the most part this race is all about the fun, raising a little bit of money, and having a beer with your colleagues once it's all over.
I feel like the Suds Run really sets the tone for the rest of the conference. Once you get to see all those professors huffing and puffing through 'til the finish, and after sharing a sweaty beer with half the conference goers - you really can't help but feel a relaxing comradery settle in for the rest of the conference. I've made some good relationships over the past few years before, during and after these 5 kilometers, and it's a great way to motivate for the race season coming up for the next year. Thanks again, APGO!
CMM - The Running Obstetrician, January 2015