The elusive midnight 5K — caught

• Jessica Gower / runner extraordinaire
• posted: 25 Sept. 2007
• scrollsports@byui.edu

I was a junior in high school the first time I came to visit BYU-Idaho. While other kids went to Florida or Mexico for spring break, I went to Rexburg.

I wanted nothing more than to visit two of my older brothers at BYU-I. They were going to show me the allure of attending the university.

My brother Scotty told me about the Midnight 5K that was going on while I was there. Having been an avid runner since sixth grade, I was ready to run this race. At least, I thought I was ready.

By the time midnight rolled around, I was cold and tired. Instead of running the race, I offered to hold the jackets. Ever since then, I’ve wanted to run the Midnight 5K.

This is my third year at BYU-I. I have run plenty of races through track and cross-country programs. However, I still had not run the elusive Midnight 5K. Until Sept. 28, 2007.

I thought about the race all day, wondering what the course was, how cold was it going to be, and if my legs would hold up for the late-night race. 11:30 p.m. rolled around, and I was out the door on my way to the race.

As we lined up on the track for the start the race, I knew I was now joining the ranks of crazies that wanted to run a race at midnight.

The race had perfect running weather, cool with a slight breeze. I went into the race thinking I would be plodding along. Instead, I felt like I was light of foot.

The worst part of the race was also my favorite part.

I do not like going uphill, but try finding a place in Rexburg with no uphill. However, this hill had a gorgeous view of the temple, so it was well worth the trod.

After reaching the temple, the rest of the race was downhill. This race got better by the minute.

I now set my sights on a girl wearing a yellow Dole shirt. We had pushed each other up the hill, but now she was getting much farther ahead on the downhill.

I finally reached her when we were heading into the track for the finish. I picked up my pace and passed the yellow-shirted girl.

I crossed the finish line in 21 minutes and 43 seconds. Not my best 5K time, but certainly not my worst.

I’m glad I finally got to run the Midnight 5K. I felt great while I was running it and even better after I finished. I wish I could have run that well at my cross-country race on Saturday.