I won’t keep you in suspense for the results: today sucked nuts. No PR. In fact, there were several times during the race that I was worried about a DNF – ack! I’m throwing myself a little Pity Party this afternoon and hey, you’re invited!
When I got up this morning at 5:30, it was already 63 degrees and I sort of knew I was doomed. I really, really don’t run well in the heat and to me, anything over 60 degrees is “heat.” By the time the race started at 8:30, we were in the 70s and I was mentally readjusting my goals. My new #1 goal was not dying, so – w00t! – totally aced that one.
The 10K course was two loops of the 5K course, so my plan was to start off somewhat conservatively (near- or sub-8 pace) for the first loop, then let ‘er rip for the second one if I still had something to rip. The plan fell to shreds when I hit Mile 1 at 7:24 – Hello? Go out too fast much?? I attempted to reign it in for Miles 2 and 3 (7:45 and 7:48), but by then the damage was done. I was reduced to a walk just after passing the 5K finish, then two or three more times before I even made it to Mile 4 (9:15). I cursed myself for not bringing my own water, even for “just” a 10K, because I was so hot and thirsty. I grabbed two cups at the aid station, drank one and threw the other one at myself in an attempt to cool off, which helped a little. Mile 5 was 8:46 and Mile 6 I managed to whip up a 7:58. I totally forgot to turn off my Garmin until after I meandered away from the finish line, so I’m not sure what the .2 pace was; it could have been a crawl, could have been a sprint. Hard to say. Final time was 50:47, an 8:11 pace. Waaaah!
Yes, I realize this is still a perfectly respectable pace and in fact, was fast enough to earn me 4th in my AG (The Hubs and I joke that I am the Queen of 4th Place – seriously, it doesn’t matter if my day is awesome or crappy, I seem to come in 4th every single time). Okay, I’m getting over myself. Right now. Here I am, getting over myself. *sigh*
Speaking of The Hubs, have I mentioned how awesome he is and how much I love him? When I was all bummed at the finish, he assured me that I had done great, blah blah blah, and then asked, “Did you learn anything from this race?” Who else but another runner would understand that that was EXACTLY what I needed to hear to turn this experience around? Love him.
So, what did I learn?
- If I even suspect that I’ll need water, I should bring water. Carrying 16 extra ounces of weight isn’t going to slow me down as much as being hot and thirsty slowed me down.
- I need to eat before I run. It may surprise you to know that I always run on an empty stomach, even long runs of 20 miles or more. Today’s total bonk at Mile 4 suggests that I should change that habit.
- I can’t expect to run fast if I haven’t trained for it. I knew that whole lack-of-speedwork thing would bite me in the butt, I just didn’t know how much it would hurt. Ouch!
- Not every race is going to be a PR. Trust me, this is a lesson I’ve learned many, many times, but it still bears repeating. I will live to race another day. Um, next Saturday to be exact!
In spite of today’s less-than-stellar performance, I’m keeping my eyes on the prize; next week’s TRI is my “real” race. BONUS: it’s a distance I’ve never raced before, so it’ll be a guaranteed PR. Yay!
Awesome job on your 10K! Congrats on your 4th age group placement too! You know, I can’t even tell you how many races ended like that for me last year:) I think I took fourth for my age group at least three to four times! It was annoying as hell! I always look back and wish I would of gone just a little faster at certain parts of the race:) I hope that you are enjoying the weekend!
Still an awesome time, even with your troubles. I hate 10k’s – I always seems to have the same problem – go out fast and then suffer miserably for the last half.
I hope that I will run the same or similar distance soon to redeem myself. That doesn’t work for the marathon for me as I only do one a year. I am also not good about eating before I run and wonder when that is the problem. I do tend to eat if I am running 10 miles or more. I hope you feel better about your tri. I would feel great about your times but we are all so different.
Don’t feel too bad, 50-something really is quite good! That’s what I am telling myself! 🙂 I did my July 4 10K today, hoping to break 50 (or really, 49), but for various reasons, came out with a 50:25 and I’m not too unhappy, even if not too thrilled! Happy 4th!
Yup, you’re not average. You kick ass. Sorry to break it to ya. 🙂
It was a brutal day for running here too, (I carried my own water bottle at a race, which I NEVER do)… oh well. Like you said, we’ll live to race another day. 🙂
Happy 4th!
Congrats on finishing a tough run in a still very good time. The water carry lesson is a good one to learn. Carrying my own water saved me many times before.
I always look to find some positive in any race. Sometimes it might just be finishing another race at a specific distance. It’s still one more in the bag, never mind the slow time or feeling bad. I finished another race. Usually there is something more to learn.
I see every race as an opportunity for lessons learned. Whether they be good or bad. it sounds like you learned some awesome things from this race that you can take to the next one. I can’t wait to hear about your T]ri, you are going to rock!!!!
Sorry about the typos!
congrats on 4th place! it’s an awesome accomplishment and would do anything to just place! that was very nice of your husband and what great things you learned! those are the very same things i need to learn to do…but won’t! 🙂
i eat ice cream!
Hey Average Runner – I often come in 4th in my AG too…! Nice 10k time nevertheless, especially with heat. I do NOT do well in heat at all. Misery.
Congrats from another average runner 🙂