If you want to find a way straight to my heart – or just get me to run a race with you – say the word “downhill” and you’ll have me wrapped around your little finger. Living in a city where I can’t run more than a half-mile without climbing up a hill of some sort, declines are my BFFs. Although some runners love the thrill of choosing the hilliest, most challenging races and routes, I happily admit that I adore flat races. Throw in some downhills … and I’m pretty much in heaven. On Saturday, I ran a race called the Vinings Downhill 5K – Atlanta’s so-called fastest 3.1-mile race. It lived up to its promise.

Mr. rUnladylike set a goal at the beginning of the year to run a 5K in less than 20 minutes. I created a 9-week training plan for him and chose a race that – despite being in the middle of the sweltering summer – would provide an optimal course for a PR (personal record). Although Mr. rUnladylike already had a strong running base and strength trains 4 times per week, he hadn’t been doing any dedicated speed work, tempo runs or varied paces that would help him reach that goal. With him executing his plan and me with 11 weeks of Chicago Marathon training under my belt, we arrived on race day with anticipation of what we might be able to do.

So how did it go? These pictures are a good indication of our effort and inner drive. Can you tell we both wanted to run a personal best???

Thankfully, these intense race photos weren’t for nothing. We both ran a 5K PR!

Despite the name of the race – the Vinings Downhill 5K – there were 3 hills to climb throughout the race – at the half-mile mark, during the second mile and during the last half-mile. There were also 3 really amazing downhill sections that made up for every minute of those climbs. I felt like I was absolutely flying during those portions of the race.

I finished in 20:33, running a nearly 1-minute PR.

I placed 6^th in my age group (it was a really fast field with the winning female running 17:23 and the winning male running 15:03). I was the 20^th woman overall out of 729 women and 121^st out of the total 1,365 runners. My Garmin read 3.15 miles, putting my average pace at 6:32 per mile, although the final time works out to be 6:37 due to the 0.05 overage.

Here’s what my mile splits looked like:

Mile 1: 6:38

Mile 2: 6:42

Mile 3: 6:17

Last 0.15: 6:18

6:17 is the fastest mile I have ever run during a race that was longer than 1 mile. I am excited that came at the end of the race, and it was a huge confidence booster with 8 weeks to go until the Chicago Marathon.

Mr. rUnladylike achieved his goal, running 19:50. I’m so proud of him! Thank goodness he had such a good coach! *wink*

A big shout out to my friend and coaching client Amy who had a great race as well and was spotted on the course wearing her rUnladylike visor! I love it!

I give the Vinings Downhill 5K 5 stars (out of 5). Here were a few things I really enjoyed.

• The race was well organized and executed — it started promptly at 8:00 a.m.
• All professional photographs were free thanks to True Speed Photo (most amazing race perk!)
• The post-race party was top-notch for a local race, including tons of vendors, free samples, food, coffee, water and Gatorade and excellent goodie bags with a comfortable and well-fitting race shirt.

• There were lots of activities for families, including a 1-mile race for the kids and a 1-mile race and costume contest for dogs and their owners.
• The race winners and age group winners received medals and bouquets of flowers, which was a thoughtful touch.
• Although the start and finish were not in the same area, the race provided buses back to the parking area, which was completely seamless.
• And of course, I really like the downhill segments of the race. I was able to push hard up the hills knowing a downhill section would be coming.

Do you prefer flat races or hilly races? Why? What was the most enjoyable 5K you’ve ever run?