It was really awesome. It was my first race of this distance, and only my second organized race (the first being a 5K). It had lots and lots of people, around 7000 did the timed race where you get a special chip to get your exact time, and there were probably more than 5,000 others doing the "fun run".
I had spent Saturday carbo-loading including plenty of energy bars and a dinner at Olive Garden. This was too make sure I didn't have any sort of blood sugar drop during the race since I usually am not at my best in the mornings.
Overall, I felt great the whole race. It's sort of hard having to work through the crowds at first, and there are a fair number of hills. Of course, I never walked, being that I don't suck. I did have to stop and tie my shoe once though .
It was rainy which made it feel pretty cool, but increased the likeliness of slipping for novices.
Overall, I am fairly proud of my performance. I had plenty of fuel in my tank at the finish, and the last mile was definitely my fastest as I started passing people like crazy.
I came in 1,250th place overall, which is pretty good considering the amount of participants. Way better than average. Clocked in at a 8:17 per mile pace. Check it out.
I spent some time Saturday preparing a song list for my iPod that would inspire me during the race. Me and my bff went down there to park, and I realized I left my iPod at home. I just said F it and ran without it. I couldn't do that at a track, but in this race there are plenty of distractions and whatnot so I knew I wouldn't get bored.
However, had I brought my iPod, I would have had this playlist.
Oh well, I guess I'll save it for the next one. Or amend it enough for a half-marathon, which is my next goal.
All in all, a classic day and one that will, in all seriousness, go down as a benchmark in my life.
Tomorrow starts phase II of this year for me. Now that the 10K is done, I'm actually going to step it up a bit, albeit differently, workout style. It's almost the summer months meaning I have to be in prime bathing suit shape, so although more aesthetic than concrete, I've got some things to accomplish towards that. Step one - starting off everyday with a pre-breakfast 3 mile run. I don't know if it makes any sense to others, but I've come to realize something:
I've got motivation, I'm just looking for inspiration.
One final thought. I absolutely LOVE this New Balance commercial that has been running recently. It is oh so true, and I attest for it as an aspiring, albeit recent runner.
Some advertising major really kicked some ass on this one. I'll definitely check out New Balance when I'm buying my next pair of running shoes.
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Comments (6)
congrats on finishing the 10k at such a great time! you're amazing!
I totally forgot my iPod shuffle as well, but when the rain started coming, I was sort of glad I didn't have any electronics.
NB aren't the best running shoe--well I suppose every foot is different, eh? But the new ads are slick.
Happy April Fools' Day!
Annika