Quick race recap from Sunday…This was my first 10 miler. I was a little nervous because it was my longest run since May, and I my longest training run going in was 7.3 miles.
Despite getting 6 inches of snow the night before the race, the roads were clear and pretty much dry by race time (late start of 10:50).
I ran the first 3 miles, and then settled into intervals. I recently switched from 4:00/0::30 to 2:30/0:30 intervals. Defying logic, the shorter interval actually made my pace faster! I think it is mostly mental (I feel like I can hold race pace for 2:30, but back off that pace when faced with a 4:00 interval).
The course was VERY hilly, but I really worked to maintain my pace on the hills. I think the shorter intervals helped with the hills too. I tried using a mantra to counter self-doubt, and it really helped - “don’t think, just run” -- and occasionally “the faster you run, the faster you are done” and “it’s painful fast or slow, so might as well get it over with faster.”
I had thrown out a goal time of 1:40. My actual time was 1:36:36. I also had a 10K PR of 59:12 per my Garmin (I’ve been trying to break 1 hr!!). I was thrilled with this time - but more so, how good I felt, and how quickly I recovered.
The race overall was great. It’s put on by a running club, and is in its 23rd year - well organized, and well supported. They had someone calling splits at each mile marker (shout out to the guy at mile marker 5 who said “great work, you are smoking!” when I ran by, and it was such a huge boost). Despite being hilly, the course went down some of my favorite streets (in the town I grew up in), and had a great view of Gillette Stadium at mile 5-6. Great medals….I won a raffle prize….and, the post race refreshments were delish (baked mac and cheese!) - just wish there was a cold beer ;-)
So, all in all, a great race! And a great confidence boost heading into my HM training!!
But I am looking forward to more outdoor runs and more daylight!
