Freeze Your Thorns Off 5k Virtual Race Report

On Saturday, the Green Girl participated in her very first virtual race, the Freeze Your Thorns Off 5k (FYTO5K) Virtual Race, hosted by Adam from I am Boring.

The fun thing about virtual races is that participants have the freedom to choose how they complete the given distance. Some choose to get the mileage on a treadmill while others will venture outdoors.

Freeze Your Thorns Off 5k Course

Since I was in Las Vegas for the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), the course route was along The Strip.

According to the weather report, the temperature was 36° but it felt like 30°.

While not technically 'Freezing Your Thorns Off' weather, in my defense, all the other runners I saw out on The Strip were bundled up. (Admittedly, I was dressed in my usual Sole Runners t-shirt.)

Freeze Your Thorns Off 5k Starting Line - Las Vegas Blvd Right of Way Strip Marker

The Starting Line was marked by a Las Vegas Blvd Right of Way Las Vegas Strip Benchmark embedded in the sidewalk.

I liked the concept of having the 'right of way' during my virtual 5k race.

I followed the course north along The Strip.

The Venetian

I reveled in the peaceful stillness of the early morning Strip.

Some vendors were setting up their displays for the day.

As I ran, I admired the gondola replicas in the water outside The Venetian.

Overpass at Mile 1

At Mile 1, there was an overpass.

I jogged up the stairs, crossed over, and walked back down.

I could feel the tension throughout my body as I ran down The Strip. I tried to take in a few deep breaths and let them out slowly but it didn't seem to make a difference. I shook out my shoulders and attempted to relax but to no avail.

Since there were no porta potty accommodations on the Freeze Your Thorns Off course, I made a pit stop at The Palazzo.

Siren’s Cove at Treasure Island

I crossed over to the opposite side of The Strip near the entrance of Circus Circus.

It wasn't until Mile 2 that I started to get into that running groove. I happily picked up my pace and told myself to relax.

On the way back, I ran up the wooden bridge alongside the Siren’s Cove at Treasure Island.

Mirage Hotel Finish Line

The Finish Line was the grand gateway to the Mirage Hotel.

My Official Finish Time was 42:35:33.

My average pace was 13:45 - it would have been much slower had I not picked up the speed the last mile.

Official Time 42:35:33

Thank you, Adam from I am Boring, for organizing the Freeze Your Thorns Off 5k!

If you'd like to view all the virtual runners and see how much work Adam put into this race, you can visit the official Freeze Your Thorns Off 5k Participants! list.