Year number 4 for this event and year number 3 at the 10k distance.
In 2013, this was one of the 1st 10k races that if ever done. I remember being nervous about the distance. Additionally, this is an incredibly hilly course, which can lead to slower times and tougher runs than events that are held on the trinity trails.
I have not run this distance since June, and, as a result, had a little trouble targeting a desired pace for this run. I've PR'd at multiple distances over the past 2 months, including 5k, 15k and 13.1. I was curious as if that trend would continue. Going into the race, my 10k PR was 56:04, or, 9:01 a mile. I set that PR in April of 2014. I typically have completed 10k's in the 56:30 to 59 range. It was my hope to run this race in the 8's and PR once again.
As per usual, I helped with packet pick up, set up, etc on Wednesday before the race. 12 hours on my feet, moving boxes etc, took its toll, as I was tired and achy when I got home Wednesday night. I was hopeful that a good nights sleep would help.
I awoke today still feeling tired and heavy legged after yesterday. Not a good way to go into a race.
We arrived early, got great parking, and, Griffin ran the Gobbler Trot. Next year, 5k for him.
I headed to the 10k start line, and, positioned myself toward the front. I was likely a little too far up in the corral, but, better that than having to dodge walkers and dogs for 6 miles. It was a humid, sticky day. Tough conditions.
My plan was to run my 1st 3 miles in the upper 8's, with hopes of speeding up towards the end, when the course flattens out a bit. That idea flew out the window when the horn sounded. I got out to a fast start...too fast. I ran my 1st mile in 8:08. About that time, a guy that I know from the running community caught up to me. We ran together for a bit and visited. I ran with him until the 3 mile mark and told him to go on...I was going to scale back, as mile 2 was 8:18. Still too fast.
I slowed down to 8:52 for mile 3. That should have been my pace for mile 1. I had completely mismanaged the race. The next couple of miles sucked. I actually walked water stops, and ran miles 4 and 5 in 9:38 and 9:21, respectively. In watching my total time, I did know that a PR was still in play.
I sped up to 9:06 for the 6th mile, and kicked down the stretch to a 55:16. A PR, but, ugly. 28 of 52 in my AG and 298 of 740 overall.
Hard to feel good about this one. I'll look forward to running another 10k soon, with hopes of better managing the race.
I am, however, Improving on this course. Hopefully that will be true for 2016 as well.
#uglyPRisstillPR
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